How to use a female condom properly to prevent pregnancy? Women’s health across much of South Asia, and in Bengali society, often falls by the wayside. When you mention female condoms, people become embarrassed, shy or do not even want to talk about them. How to use a female condom properly to prevent pregnancy?
But the truth is female condoms are a strong weapon that can protect women from both unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and empower them with control over their reproductive health.
Even though you could easily draw snakes to their doom, only a very small percentage of women know how to wield them. This piece will clear up all those basic questions about female condoms.
We’ll cover step-by-step instructions, along with the pros and cons, the science of operation (if you’re interested), the scientific evidence of its effectiveness, and even prices and availability in India and Bangladesh.
By the time you finish this guide, you’ll understand everything there is to know about female condoms, how they work, and if they might be the choice for you.
Table of Contents
How to use a female condom properly to prevent pregnancy?
A female condom (also known as an internal condom) is a squishy pouch made of polyurethane or nitrile. It has two rings:
An outer ring that helps to push it into the vagina.
An outer ring that remains outside to cover the opening of the vagina.
Here’s how to use it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open the packet carefully
- No use of scissors, teeth, or sharp instruments.
- Check the expiry date.
- Hold the inner ring
- Pinch it between your thumb and forefinger until it grows thin and long.
- Find a comfortable position
- You could squat, lie down, or prop leg on chair/toilet seat.
- Insert the inner ring
- Push the squeezed ring as far up into the vagina as it will go.
- Ensure that the pouch does not rotate.
- Check the outer ring
- The greater outer ring should remain outside, on the vaginal opening.
- Guide your partner during penetration
- Make sure the penis enters the condom pouch, not next to it.
- During sex
If the condom falls out, pause and correct it.
- After sex Screw the outer ring to hold the sperm secure.
- Gently pull out.
- Seal in tissue or disposable bag and dispose of in the trash (not the toilet).
- One-time use only
- Never reuse a condom.
Quick Tip
Experiment with inserting a condom once or twice prior to having sex. Like anything, the more you practice, the more comfortable it becomes.
Female condoms disadvantages
No contraceptive method is perfect. There are also some disadvantages to female condoms:
Decreased sensitivity: The extra layer leaves some partners feeling less pleasure.
Ruins spontaneity: It has to be inserted before sex.
Slippery risk: Can slip if not inserted the right way, so all you need to do is give it a gentle push back up your vagina!
Cost: Female condoms are more costly than male condoms.
Scarce availability: More difficult to locate in local stores than male condoms.
Allergic response: A small number of women or men will experience some irritant response.
Practice needed: May be a little hard to place correctly for first-time users.
Female condoms advantages
Although there are a few drawbacks, women find several advantages to using female condoms:
Prevention of both pregnancy and STIs
It is a physical barrier that keeps both sperm and infections from the vagina beyond 6-8 hours.
Gives women control
The report in the BMJ said that, “because it is women who use them, they can be used independently of the partner.”
Effective even when the male partner loses his erection
Unlike a male condom who won’t fall off if the penis goes soft.
Can be inserted before sex
As many as 8 hours ahead of time so it won’t be there to spoil the moment.
No hormonal side effects
Safe for women who can’t use hormonal pills, shots or IUDs.
Latex-free
Ideal for individuals with a latex allergy.
Dual protection with male condom
Are stackable IF you can stack easily enough!!! (not always easy to do as they like to stick together from friction).
What is the shape of a female condom, and how does it work?
Shape & Size: Larger than men’s sheaths, at approximately 17 cm long with two flexible rings.
Material: Polyurethane or nitrile, strong but thin.
Mechanism: The condom sits on the lining of the vagina to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix.
STI Preventaton: Avoids direct skin contact thereby reducing risk of HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, etc.
Example: In a study, the W.H.O. found that female condoms are 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly and 79 percent effective when used typically.
Female condom price & availability
Female condoms are not as widely available at the pharmacy as male condoms.
Price in India: Approx ₹100–₹200 per piece (depends on the brand).
In The Box: One pair of earphone, ear gels and ear clip, user manual and warranty card.Price: 250-400 (prices may vary) in the retail market across Dhaka City.
Brands: FC2 (Nitrile Female Condom) is the best known brand in the world.
Availability:
E-pharmacies (Netmeds, 1mg, Amazon, Flipkart).
They are occasionally made available free of charge by NGOs and health clinics.
DICLAIMER
This article is educational only and not offering medical advice. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. In case of health problems or allergies, or if you experience frequent irritation when using a condom, talk to a competent doctor or gynecologist.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
The female condom is a safe, and effective method and women can feel empowered to use it.
When used properly, they guard against both pregnancy and STIs.
Read more It’s a little tricky to get it in at the beginning, but not hard when you get used to it.
More expensive and less accessible, they make sexual health for women more autonomous.
Ideal for women looking for a non-hormonal reversible form of birth control.
Remember: The biggest thing is correct and consistent use.
Hello everyone, I am Md Habibullah Sheikh a registered Pharmacist with 6 years of experience in Clinical, Community, and corporate pharmacy. I have worked for HLFPPT, Gauripur Hospital, Reliance Retail Pharma (Netmeds) as well and Now working for Zota Health Care as a Senior Pharmacist. We, In Health Easy Fitness, share trustable health education, tips & awareness to help people find the best health choice. Always talk to a doctor before taking any kind of Health issue Decision.
