Female Condoms
Female condoms are sheaths, or linings, that fit loosely inside a woman's vagina, made of thin, transparent, soft plastic film. They create a barrier that keeps semen and other body fluids out of the vagina.
Synopsis
Female condoms are sheaths, or linings, that fit loosely inside a woman's vagina. They have flexible rings at both ends: one ring at the closed end helps to insert the condom, while the ring at the open end holds part of the condom outside the vagina. Female condoms are made of various materials, such as latex, polyurethane, and nitrile. They work by forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy. They also help to keep infections in semen, on the penis, or in the vagina from infecting the other partner.
Female condoms are sheaths, or linings, that fit loosely inside a woman's vagina. They have flexible rings at both ends: one ring at the closed end helps to insert the condom, while the ring at the open end holds part of the condom outside the vagina. Female condoms are made of various materials, such as latex, polyurethane, and nitrile. They work by forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy. They also help to keep infections in semen, on the penis, or in the vagina from infecting the other partner.
Key Points
- Female condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that can protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
- Female condoms require correct use with every act of sex for greatest effectiveness.
- A woman can initiate female condom use, but the method requires her partner's cooperation.
- Female condoms may require some practice, but inserting and removing the female condom from the vagina becomes easier with experience.
Effectiveness
Risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is greatest when female condoms are not used with every act of sex. Few pregnancies or infections occur due to incorrect use, slips, or breaks.
Protection against pregnancy:
Risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is greatest when female condoms are not used with every act of sex. Few pregnancies or infections occur due to incorrect use, slips, or breaks.
Protection against pregnancy:
- As commonly used, about 21 pregnancies per 100 women (21%) using female condoms over the first year. This means that 79 of every 100 women (79%) using female condoms will not become pregnant.
- When used correctly with every act of sex, about 5 pregnancies per 100 women (5%) using female condoms over the first year.
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