Female condom: complete guide to get rid of taboos and prevent yourself

Developed in the late 1990s, the female condom is as effective against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or unwanted pregnancies as the male condom. Despite this, many women are still unaware of or have doubts about its use, thus creating an atmosphere of confusion when we talk about this contraceptive method.

Sold in pharmacies and distributed by the Unified Health System (SUS), the female condom is about 15 centimeters long and consists of two rings of different sizes, which are joined together as a kind of protective tube. Learn more about its protective power and understand why we should increasingly encourage its use.

Why use female condom?

According to Jairo Iavelberg, gynecologist at Dom Alvarenga Hospital, the use of female condoms is very important. Mainly because it serves as a barrier against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In addition, it also works like all other condoms, with the difference that its use is internal. Discover its main advantages below:

1. As it is made of polyurethane, it is more resistant;
2. Offers more lubrication, since it comes with lubricant;
3. Acts as a physical barrier without hormonal action;
4. It does not interfere with the menstrual cycle, therefore, no side effects;
5. As well as the male condom, it is also available at health clinics for free.

Thus, the female condom also collaborates with the woman’s self-knowledge, who sometimes fails to feel or know her own body. The act of putting on the female condom can stimulate and make them observe with more curiosity and attention this very intimate and important region, which also deserves attention.

How to use

Because it stays inside the vaginal canal, the use of female condoms is still a reason for doubts among women. In this way, many wonder how their introduction should be made, as well as what are the best positions to place it correctly. Therefore, see the guidelines of gynecologist Jairo Iavelberg to avoid possible discomfort:

1. Find a comfortable position – which can be sitting with your knees apart, squatting or even lying down.
2. Open the package and identify the closed side of the condom – it looks like a plastic bag.
3. With the help of the index and middle fingers, gently push the female condom into the vagina – with the open part facing out.
4. When removing, give the tip of the condom several turns to prevent the secretion from escaping.

Although it is easy to identify the opening side of the female condom, many women get confused and insert the condom backwards. Therefore, watch carefully to avoid unnecessary mistakes, and during penetration, guide the penis to the center of the outer ring.

care

According to gynecologist Jairo Iavelberg, one of the main precautions that women need to take is with the manipulation of condoms at the time of insertion and removal. “All this to avoid the leakage of sperm secretion, compromising the main function of the condom, which is protection”, adds the specialist. In addition, you also need to consider:

1. Put the condom on before starting intercourse, protecting against STDs.
2. Always check the packaging for possible damage and perforations.
3. Leave a piece of the condom out of the vagina to prevent it from moving or the penis from coming into contact with the outside.

In summary, these are necessary guidelines so that the effectiveness of the female condom is not compromised. Also, check its expiration date and avoid using scissors, teeth or other sharp objects to open the package, as they can damage the product.

Common questions

1. Is the female condom as effective as the male condom?

Yup. That’s because in addition to being made of a more resistant material than the latex of the male condom, it provides greater protection of the vulva. “The female condom covers a large part of the external genitalia and gives women more autonomy”, adds Jairo Iavelberg.

2. How long is it possible to keep the female condom inside the vagina?

The female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse. However, according to the expert, the ideal is to remove it soon after its completion.

3. Is there a risk that the female condom will enter the vagina entirely? What to do if it happens?

Yup. According to the gynecologist, when it is not placed with the edges exteriorized, it can fully enter the vagina and fail to protect. In these cases, use your fingers to carefully remove the condom and if ejaculation has already occurred, seek the advice of a specialist.

4. Is there any risk regarding use?

Just like the male condom, it can also break or cause allergies due to its synthetic material.

5. Can female condoms only be used by HIV positive patients?

No, “it can be used by any patient who has already had their first sexual intercourse”, adds Jairo Iavelberg.

6. Does she take pleasure from the relationship?

Neither. According to the gynecologist, sexual activity does not suffer any kind of loss of sensitivity or pleasure with its use.

Remembering that: twisting the female condom ring after using it prevents contamination of both the garbage and the people who will be able to handle it in the future. And if you have any doubts, consult a gynecologist, he is a professional who will certainly be able to help you, offering the best information.