The choices Female condom

Female condom

What is it?

The female condom is made of a lubricated polyurethane or latex sheath that lines the vagina. The closed end has a flexible ring that you insert into the vagina with the open-end left on the outside. It is available free from family planning clinics. You can also buy them at pharmacies or by mail order. They are not as widely available as male condoms.

How does it work?

The female condom works by:

• Preventing semen from getting into the vagina

How effective is it?

The female condom, like the male condom, is intended for one time use only. Used correctly it is 95% effective. Some women may experience insertion difficulties, so it may be appropriate to practice this before having sexual intercourse. Also, female condoms can split.

What are the benefits?

• Only need to be used when you have sex
• Help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV
• Don't need a prescription
• Can be put in at any time before sex

Who may not be able to / may not want to use it?

Women / men who:

• Are sensitive to the chemicals in latex condoms
• Are not comfortable touching their genital area
• Have developed allergies to latex condoms. However, non-latex polyurethane condoms are available

Possible side-effects?

Not all women / men will experience side-effects

There are no physical side-effects, although some people may experience insertion difficulties, and it can be pushed aside during sexual intercourse.

What if:

I want to become pregnant?

If you want to start trying for a baby, you can stop using condoms at any time. Ideally you should wait for one period before trying to get pregnant. Waiting means the pregnancy can be dated more accurately and you can start pre-pregnancy care, such as taking folic acid and stopping smoking.

Remember: Contact your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns or are worried / unsure about anything to do with your contraception.