Female Condom

How effective?

The female condom is 95% effective if taken according to instructions. Five woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

How it works

A soft polyurethane sheath lines the vagina and the area just outside and stops sperm from entering the vagina.

Advantages

The female condom can be put in any time before sex. It may protect both partners from some sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Oil based lubricants be can used with female condoms.

Disadvantages

Putting it in can interrupt sex. Need to ensure man’s penis enters the condom and not between the vagina and condom. May get pushed too far into the vagina. Expensive to buy.

Comments

Use a new condom each time and follow the instructions carefully. Sold widely and available free from some family planning clinics and sexual health clinics but not in Blackpool.