The word ‘condom’ that had long been associated with males, now comes with a custom made design especially suited to women’s needs that keeps them from unwanted pregnancy and potentially fatal infections. Yes! the female condom or the F-condom as it is popularly known as, is here and is a great enabler for the thinking woman of today who knows what she wants and can assert her choice independently!
Female condoms have been introduced as a result of the inability of women to persuade their male partners to use condoms during intercourse. This exposes thousands of women to sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancy and HIV/AIDS every year. The female condom, a contraceptive, which is a lubricated sheath worn by the lady inside of her vagina during intercourse is safe and effective in reducing the associated risks. It is made up of polyurethane which is essentially a type of plastic. It mainly prevents the entry of sperms and many sexually transmitted diseases by completely lining the vagina.
There is a ring at each end of the condom. One ring, at the closed end of the sheath, lies inside the vagina. The other ring, at the open end of the sheath, lies outside the vagina after the female condom has been inserted.
However, while there are definite advantages associated with women using the female condom, there are equal number of risks attached to it. It is not a cent percent safe bet and the below mentioned points give a clearer picture as to the positives and negatives that one can consider:
Pros:
- Women can now take charge of their own health.
- One of the most important benefits of using the f-condom is the protection it provides you against pregnancy and STDs.
- The f-condom will benefit only when used each time a sexual intercourse takes place and if it is used absolutely as per the instructions mentioned therein. A slight mistake can lead to major problems.
- You can get the female condom without a prescription in drugstores and supermarkets.
- A woman may be able to use the female condom if her partner refuses to use the male condom
- The female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so as not to interfere with the moment
- The female condoms are made of polyurethane and nitrile, which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. These materials can be used with both, oil-based and water-based lubricants.
- There are no special storage requirements that are essential. Moreover, the sensation is preserved as the materials used are thin and heat conductors.
Cons:
- Even when all the precautions are taken and the instructions are adhered to, the F-condom may not be 100% foolproof. At least 5% risks are involved. This means that if 100 women use it all the time and always use it correctly, there are vague chances for at least 5 women to become pregnant in a year. If women use the female condom, but not perfectly, it is 79% effective.
- The female condom is relatively new and it is not been tried and tested by a larger group of people. Hence, it is not clear exactly how effective it is against sexually transmitted diseases.
- The outer ring or frame is visible outside the vagina, making one self-conscious
- There are chances that the female condom slips during the intercourse or it completely enters the vagina
- It is noisy and uncomfortable while having worn it.
- It has a higher failure rate in preventing pregnancy than the pill
- It has relatively limited availability and does not come cheap.
- It cannot be reused after the first time.
After you have weighed the situation well, always remember, it is better to have some protection where there are lesser chances of risks, than no protection at all.
