Exploring the Benefits of Female Condoms and How to Use Them

Female condom is just like a normal condom, which provides you sexual protection. Though they are not very popular yet, female condoms are slowly gaining acceptance among Indian women.

Female condoms are an alternative to regular condoms, which provide almost equal protection against pregnancy and STDs. The difference between regular condoms and female condoms is that instead of being worn on the penis, this condom is inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy and protect against STDs. Female condoms are also called internal condoms.

Using a female condom requires a little practice. Only the correct use of female condoms during sex can help you get the most out of it. Due to the limited demand for this product, it is not easy for Indian women to buy female condoms. Only a handful of manufacturers make this product and its distribution is also not as mainstream as male condoms. Statistics are a proof of this fact, the annual production volume of male condoms is 500 times more than that of female condoms.

(Read more - When to use a condom?)

The following are some brands that manufacture and sell female condoms in India:-

• Velvet
• Confidome
• Cupid
• VA W.O.W.
• OrMELLE

This condom used by a woman is also known as an "internal condom". This female condom made of soft plastic is inserted inside the vagina. The female condom covers the inner part of the vagina and prevents the male sperm from reaching the eggs formed inside the woman. You do not get pregnant due to the sperm not being able to reach the eggs. Along with this, the female condom also protects you from many types of sexually transmitted diseases.

(Read more -Which are the best condoms, names, and price)

Let us tell you that female condom is not only a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but its use also reduces the chances of you getting sexually transmitted disease i.e. STD to a great extent. Female condoms protect you from STD by covering the vagina, external part of the vagina and the anus. It reduces the chances of spreading STD disease caused by skin, sperms and other reasons during sexual intercourse.

(Read more - Is it possible to get pregnant while using condoms?)

Female condoms have many benefits. Preventing pregnancy and providing protection from STDs is considered to be the biggest benefit of female condoms. Female condoms are made of a soft plastic material called nitrile, due to which they are considered completely hypoallergenic (not causing allergies). Female condoms do not cause any kind of problem on the sensitive skin of the genitals. Its other benefits are explained in detail below.

• Female condom is safe and comfortable.
• It is controlled by the woman. 
• Can also be used during periods.
• You can also use it with spermicide (a contraceptive substance that destroys sperm).
• You can insert the female condom in the vagina 8 hours before sex or even during foreplay. 
• You can use a female condom even if your skin is allergic to latex rubber.
• You can use it with lubricants containing water and silicone.
• Its use does not affect women's hormones.
• There is no need for stimulation of the penis of men to apply it at the right place.
• Female condom covers more area than the male condom. It also protects against diseases related to labia (labia: inner part of the vagina), perineum (the part between vagina and anus) and the lower part of the penis.
• Female condoms reduce the risk of HPV infection and herpes.
• The outer part of the female condom can stimulate the woman's vagina. The extra stimulation caused by this can increase the orgasm of both of you.

(Read more -Why do condoms have flavors?)

The size of a female condom is larger than that of a male condom, but its size should not worry you. When used correctly, it is not uncomfortable. If you know how to use a tampon, you can easily use a female condom as well. Using a female condom is very easy once you practice. Further, you are being given information about how to use and remove a female condom.

How to insert a female condom into the vagina:-

• First of all, check its expiry date on the packet and then open it carefully.
• The female condom already comes with lubricant, but if you want, you can apply more lubricant in it.
• Before applying it, you should come into a comfortable position, such as standing with one leg on a chair, lying down or sitting, etc. 
• Insert the closed end of the condom inside your vagina like a tampon by shrinking it.
• Insert the condom inside the vagina, up to your cervix, as far as possible with the help of your finger. Make sure that it should not be bent anywhere.
• After this, take out your finger and let the outer part of the condom hang out about an inch. Now you are ready to start sexual activity. 
• Help your partner insert the penis into the mouth of the condom. Also make sure that the condom does not slip inside your vagina. 
• If you like to have anal sex and want to use a female condom for this, then remove the closed part of the condom and insert the condom in your anus with the help of your finger. After this, leave the other end of the condom hanging outside. 

(Read more - Does condom size matter?)

How to remove female condom from the vagina:

• After sex, fold the outer part of the condom (the part that is hanging) and hold it, so that the semen remains inside the condom. 
• Now slowly pull the condom out of your vagina or anus, take care that the semen does not spill or fall. 
• Throw it in the dustbin. Never flush the condom, as it can block your toilet.
• A female condom used once should not be used again. Use a new condom every time you have sex. 
• It is completely normal for the female condom to move around a little during sex, but the penis should be completely covered by the condom. If the penis slips out of the condom in your vagina or the outer part of the condom goes inside the vagina, then stop your partner immediately. If your partner has not ejaculated inside the condom, then carefully remove the condom and put it again properly.
• If your partner has ejaculated outside the condom, near the vulva or inside your vagina during sex, you can still prevent pregnancy with emergency contraception. Some emergency contraceptives can prevent pregnancy for up to five days after unprotected sex.
• The good thing about the female condom is that you can put it in the vagina some time before starting foreplay or sex. While putting it on, there is no hindrance in your sexual activity. Your partner can also help in putting on the condom.

(Read more - Side effects of using expired condom)

You may also have some disadvantages by using a female condom. The disadvantages caused by it are explained in detail below.

• There may be irritation in the vagina, external part of the vagina, anus and penis. 
• Risk of allergy.
• Feeling discomfort in the vagina. 

Other problems caused by female condom

(Read more - How to have safe sex)

• Female condoms can go inside the vagina or anus during sex.
• Female condoms can reduce sexual sensation. 
• Using it instead of other contraceptive options can be a little difficult. 
• It is more expensive than male condoms.​

Female condoms, specially designed for women, are an important contraceptive measure that also provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). It comes in the form of a soft, flexible pouch that is inserted inside the vagina and blocks sperm during sexual contact. Female condoms are easy to use and give women more control over sexual health. It can be a good option for women who do not want to depend on male condoms or who do not want to use hormonal contraception. Correct and regular use of female condoms provides effective protection and can also be purchased without a doctor's prescription.