Female Condoms are More Effective

The female condom looks like a think plastic pouch that fits upside down.

MADURAI: There are no less than 16 different methods of contraception available, which means consumers should definitely be able to find the right one for themselves.

In the second decade of the 21st century, the best available figures suggest that the condom remains as one of the widely used methods as it not only prevents unplanned pregnancies but also prevents sexually transmitted infections. The benefits and advantages offered by female condoms make it one of the most effective and attractive choices.

A female condom is a device that is used during sexual intercourse as a barrier contraceptive to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV) and unintended pregnancy. The female condom is like a thin plastic pouch that fits upside down in the vagina. The closed end is held inside by a flexible ring attached to the condom, and a larger ring holds the open end outside the vagina. The pouch collects semen and prevents it from entering the vagina. Invented by Danish MD Lasse Hessel, it is worn internally by the female partner and provides a physical barrier to prevent exposure to ejaculated semen or other body fluids. The first female condom was first put to use in 1980.

Some of the important benefits of using female condoms are listed below:

- They allow women to share the responsibility of preventing STIs

- They are readily available and can be purchased in drugstores, some supermarkets and online

- They can be used with both water-based lubricants and with silicon oil-based lubricants

- They have no effect on a woman's natural hormone levels

- They may enhance sex and sexual play for both partners - the condom's external ring may stimulate the clitoris and/or penis during vaginal intercourse

- They are not dependent on a male partner to maintain his erection in order to stay in place

- One size fits all and it is not dependent on the size of the male sex organ. This implies that the male shouldn't worry about his size (unlike male condoms)

- Can be used during menstruation or after recent childbirth

There are two types of female condoms that are available in the market. One made from nitrile polymer and the other from natural rubber latex. The female condom brands that are available in the market are Ormelle, Velvet, Cupid and FC 2 (nitrile polymer).

The condom has to be used correctly every time, no matter what, in order for it to be effective. If the male partner won't wear a condom, but still wants protection against STIs and unwanted pregnancies, the female condom is the way to go.

Important tips:

• Be careful not to tear the condom with sharp fingernails or jewelry
• Make sure the condom is properly placed inside the vagina
• Do not use a female condom and a male condom at the same time; friction between them can cause them to bunch up or tear
•  Do not use a petroleum-based substance such as Vaseline as a lubricant; these substances break down latex
• If a condom tears or breaks, the outer ring is pushed up inside the vagina, or the condom bunches up inside the vagina during intercourse, remove it and insert another condom the right away
• Make sure you get access to the condoms. This will help avoid the temptation of not using a condom during sex Remove tampons before inserting the condom
• If you have an IUD inserted into the vagina consult the doctor before using the female condom
• Use each condom only once Disposing of female condoms:
• You should always throw condoms in the trash. Do not flush a female condom down the toilet. It is likely to clog the plumbing.