Birth Control Options for Women - Spermicidal and Barrier Contraception

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The insertion process may seem difficult at first but becomes much easier with practice:

• The female condom is inserted by hand into the vagina up to 8 hours before intercourse. (It should never be used in combination with a male condom.)
• Although the female condom is prelubricated, extra lubricant is sometimes needed while inserting the device or during intercourse. (It is not made of latex, so oil lubricants will not harm it.)
• During intercourse, the woman checks to be sure that the outer ring is lying flat against her labia and then guides her partner's penis into the ring.

The female condom should be removed in the following circumstances:

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• If it tears during insertion or use
• If the outer ring is pushed inside
• If it bunches up inside the vagina

Advantages of the Female Condom. The female condom is an effective barrier to viruses, including HIV, and other sexually transmitted organisms, particularly since it covers a large area, including external genitals. However, it does not completely protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

• The standard female condom is made of polyurethane, which is thin and soft but at the same time stronger than the latex male condoms. Polyurethane is not damaged by lubricating oils, as latex is and is also less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It transmits body heat better than latex, providing a more "natural" sensation.
• The man does not have to withdraw his penis immediately after ejaculation, as is the case with the male condom, but can, if he wishes, withdraw after he has lost his erection.

Disadvantages and Complications of the Female Condom. Compliance rates are low for many reasons. About 25% of women have difficulty on the first attempt at self-insertion. The inner ring may be uncomfortable for some women (in which case it can be removed). Some couples complain that the female condom is unpleasant to look at and can be noisy during intercourse. Without sufficient lubrication, it can also be pushed out of place by the penis. Using more lubricant can help keep the female condom in place and reduce the noise. Female condoms are also expensive, and some women wash them out and reuse them to save money. (In such cases, they should be disinfected first and then washed carefully.) Repeated washings can increase the risk for damage and holes.