What is the female condom?

The first female condom (Femidom®) was introduced in 1992. It is made of a soft plastic material. It fits into the vagina and lines the inside walls. It therefore forms a barrier between the man's sperm and the woman's womb.

How effective is the female condom?

It is thought to be 95% effective if used correctly. This means that about 5 women in 100 using the female condom correctly will become pregnant each year. This is a little less effective than the male condom. When no contraception is used, more than 80 out of 100 sexually active women will become pregnant within one year.

Correct use means using the condom every time you have sex. It is very important to avoid any contact between the penis and the vaginal area before the condom is inserted.

How do I use a female condom?

You should read the instructions that come with the packet. The following is a general guide:

• Check the condom is within its 'use by' date.
• Use each condom only once.
• Insert the closed end of the condom into the vagina. Do this by holding the inner ring between your finger and thumb and placing it as far in the vagina as possible. Then put one or two fingers inside the condom, up to the inner ring. Then push it in the vagina as far as it will go. The outer ring should then lie against the outside of the vagina.
• Unlike the male condom, it is loose-fitting and will move during sex. If the outer ring gets pushed inside the vagina then stop and put it back in the right place.
• Make sure the penis enters the condom during sex and does not go between the condom and the wall of the vagina.
• After sex, a slight twist and pull will remove the condom. Take care not to spill any semen on to the vagina. Don't flush it down the toilet. Wrap it up and put it in a bin.

What are the advantages of the female condom?

It is easy to obtain and to use. It helps to protect against sexually transmitted infections. It may help to protect against cancer of the cervix (neck of the womb). It is less likely to split than the male condom.

What are the disadvantages of the female condom?

It is more expensive than the male condom. The outer ring may be pushed into the vagina during sex. It then becomes less effective.

Common errors when using a female condom

• The penis may leak sperm before the man ejaculates ('comes'). If there is any contact with the vaginal area before the condom is inserted, the woman may become pregnant.
• The penis may go between the condom and the wall of the vagina. If the man ejaculates whilst the penis is there, the woman may become pregnant.
• If you have already had sex, there may be sperm still on the man's penis. If there is any contact with the vagina before a new condom is inserted, the woman may become pregnant.
• Damage to the condom may cause the condom to split - for example, when handled by women with sharp fingernails.

Note: if any of the above happens then you should obtain emergency contraception within 72 hours. It is more effective the sooner it is taken after sexual intercourse.

See separate leaflet called Emergency Contraception for further details.