What are the benefits?
• Opportunity for women to share the responsibility for the condoms with their partners
• A woman can use the female condom if her partner refuses to use the male condom
• The polyurethane, the material the female condom is made of, is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than a male latex condom. It is not clear whether latex or polyurethane condoms are stronger – there are studies suggesting that either is less likely to break. With both types, however, the likelihood of breakage is very small, if used correctly.
• The female condom will protect against most STDs and pregnancy if used correctly
• It can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so it does not interfere with the moment
• The polyurethane is thin and conducts heat well so sensation is preserved
• The female condom can be used with oil-based lubricants
• No special storage requirements are needed because polyurethane is not affected by changes in temperature and dampness. The expiry date for female condoms is 5 years from the date of manufacture.
What are the disadvantages?
• The outer ring is visible outside the vagina, which can make some women feel self-conscious
• The female condom can make noises during intercourse. Adding more lubricant can help this problem.
• Some women find the female condom hard to insert and to remove
• It has a higher failure rate in preventing pregnancy than non-barrier methods such as the pill
• It is relatively expensive and relatively limited in availability in some countries
• It is recommended that the female condom is only used once
Using the female condom for anal sex
Some people use the female condom for anal sex. Although it can work effectively, it is difficult to use and can be painful. There is also the risk of rectal bleeding which increases the risk of contracting HIV. So it's better to use the male condom for anal sex with plenty of lubricant NOT containing Nonoxynol 9.
