Female Condom, General Contraception Information

Very thin, soft tubing made of polyurethane that is inserted into and loosely lines the vagina.

It acts as a barrier between the penis and vagina so sperm doesn’t enter the vagina and reach the egg.

Quite effective. 5 out of 100 women using them will get pregnant each year. If not used properly more women will become pregnant (21 in 100).
nyone can buy them in a store – does not need a prescription
Does not contain hormones so no side effects and periods are not affected.
Just use it when you have sex. Can be put in any time before sex so as to not interrupt it.
Protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Can use it with any lubricant – not affected by oil based lubricants.

It is less effective than most methods but better than using nothing.
It can fail because: penis enters you between the condom and the vagina, not inside the condom; condom can be pushed too far into the vagina – the open end should always be outside the vagina; it slips out
Needs to be used every time you have sex.
Can “interrupt the mood” during sex if not inserted beforehand.
Can cause vaginal/penile irritation.
More expensive than a male condom.
Can make sex noisy, but adding extra lubricant can help.