An internal condom, sometimes referred to as a female condom or a femidom, is a kind of contraception used while having vaginal sex to lessen the likelihood of fertilization or an STD (sexually transmitted disease). It was created by Danish doctor Lasse Hessel as a replacement for the male condom for engaging in sexual activities. It is placed inside the vagina of the woman during penetrative intercourse to shield her from contact with seminal or other bodily fluids. However, it must not be used with a male condom because they could stick to each other, rip, or move about (1).
Femidoms are constructed of chemically synthesized latex, which is a soft and thin material.
Often online pharmacies will offer you a condom along with buying Viagra online.
An elastic circle or foam disc is attached to the fixed side of the femidom, which is made of a thin, smooth, loose sheath. Usually, they are available in a variety of size ranges. A medium-sized condom will work for the majority of vaginas; postnatal women should start with a bigger size. The femidom is inserted within the vaginal and held securely during sex with the help of the inner ring or foam disc at the fixed part of the sheath. The sheath’s free end has a poly frame or rolled outer ring that partially encloses the vulva and stays out of the vagina.
The FC1 and FC2 kinds of femidoms are the only ones to have received FDA approval in the United States of America. Plastic polyurethane was used to make the femidom FC1, which is currently not manufactured. For individuals who are intolerant to natural rubber latex, there is an alternative for FC1, that is, FC2. It is safe because it is constructed of artificial latex. It is pre-lubricated with a lube made of silicone (2).
F2 condoms
Nitrile is used to make the 6.7 inches (17cm) long FC2 femidom. A stretchable ring is present at both ends. The elastic ring that holds the femidom in position is put into the vaginal cavity at the fixed side of the sheath. The opposite side of the sheath is left at the vaginal opening, just outside the external genitalia. This ring serves as a guide while penetrating and prevents sheath movement throughout sexual activity. A lube made out of silicone is already present within the femidom, however, you can put more if you desire. However, spermicide is not present in this contraceptive.
FC2 can be placed any time prior to sexual activity. The placement of femidoms does not demand an erection, nor do they need to be removed right after following ejaculation. FC2 is also not constricted or firm. Being heavily lubricated, FC2 becomes the same temperature as the body (2).
How Female contraceptives Work
Female condoms are an intravaginal protective technique of birth control. They block the sperm from contacting the ovum, preventing conception.
You can insert a femidom inside the vagina prior to having intercourse, but ensure the penis doesn’t touch the vagina first because even prior to ejaculation, a man’s penis could secrete sperm.
The only type of birth control that offers protection from conception, as well as STDs, is the condom, if utilised properly (3).
How to use a female condom
Without tearing it, unwrap the package and take out the condom. Avoid using your teeth to tear the package.
Insert the femidom into the genital area by squeezing the little hoop at the fixed side.
Ensure that the condom’s wide ring, located at the free side, completely encircles the vaginal entrance.
Ensure that the penis is placed inside the condom, instead of the space between it and the vaginal canal.
The condom should be removed right away after intercourse by lightly sliding it out. To stop seminal fluid from spilling out, you could rotate the big ring.
Condoms should be disposed of in trash cans, not toilets (4).
Using Lubricant
Although female condoms already have lubricant, you might choose to apply more lubricant to ease the process. The appropriate lubrication is listed on the packaging.
Benefits and challenges of using female condoms
Benefits:
- Femidoms have the benefit of preventing STDs, even HIV, for both partners.
- These are effective ways to avoid getting pregnant if used properly.
- It is a method of birth control that is only necessary during sexual activity.
- No harmful health risks are present.
- Some people have found that inserting a femidom prevents them from having intercourse. This can be avoided by inserting it beforehand or by attempting to incorporate it into foreplay.
- Although these condoms are quite sturdy, improper use can cause them to break or rip.
- In addition to possibly being more costly, they are not as extensively distributed as male condoms (2).
Challenges:
Where to get female condoms?
Regardless of whether you are 16 years of age or not, you could get femidoms for no charge from:
The majority of contraceptive centers;
majority of genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health centers;
certain GP offices;
various facilities for youth.
You might want to double-check first because not all sexual health and contraceptive centers offer female condoms.
Femidoms are also available from drug stores, convenience stores, and online stores.<.p>
Ensure the packaging of any femidom you purchase has the UKCA or the European CE symbol on its packaging. This indicates that they have passed the necessary safety standards-based testing (5).
The female condom is a method of birth control that creates an obstruction to prevent sperm from entering your cervix. This could aid in preventing both unwanted pregnancies and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Femidoms must be worn internally as a protective means of birth control. They serve as the vaginal wall’s lining and serve to accumulate seminal fluids. They are safe for the majority of females to utilise as contraception. The FC2 femidoms have received FDA approval and are readily accessible in the United States.
References:
- 1 – www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/female-condoms/
- 2 – www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/internal-condom-use.html
- 3 – National Health Service (United Kingdom), “What if my partner won’t use condoms?”, July 16, 2014, http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/partner-wont-use-condoms.aspx
- 4 – Geter, Angelica; Crosby, Richard (2014). “Condom Refusal and Young Black Men: the Influence of Pleasure, Sexual Partners, and Friends”. Journal of Urban Health. 91 (3): 541 – 546. doi:10.1007/s11524-014-9869-4
- 5 – Gallo, MF; Kilbourne-Brook, M; Coffey, PS (March 2012). “A review of the effectiveness and acceptability of the female condom for dual protection”. Sexual Health. 9 (1): 18 – 26.
