Female condoms (FCs) help prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. They are a great safer sex option that can be used by both women and men for vaginal and anal sex. In terms of effectiveness, female and male condoms are equally effective, when used consistently and correctly. FCs are unique because they are the only barrier method that can be initiated by the receptive partner, which helps women and men take control of their own health.
Just like male condoms, FCs are shaped like an open-ended tube. The main difference is that female condoms have two rings, instead of just one! There’s a removable inner ring and an attached outer ring. Theinner ring must be kept in during vaginal sex, but for anal sex, keeping it in is a matter of taste. The outer ring helps protect against STIs that are spread by skin-to-skin contact, like herpes, because it covers more surface area around the vaginal or anal opening, depending on what type of sex you’re having.
Another bonus is that the FC is made out of a synthetic rubber called nitrile, which is hypo-allergenic. This makes FCs a great option for people with latex allergies. Nitrile can also be used with any kind of lubricant. This is different from male latex condoms, which can only be used with water-based lubricant.
The picture on the left is of the first generation female condom (FC1) and the picture on the right is of the second generation female condom (FC2). The FC1 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. It is no longer in production, because in March 2009, the FDA approved the FC2, the new and improved edition!
There are different positions you can use to insert the FC. For example, you can squat, lie down, or support your body on your hands and knees.
 |  | Squeeze the inner ring between your thumb and middle finger. |
 |  Insert the inner ring into the anal opening, using your index finger to guide it. | |
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Once the ring is part way in, put your finger inside the condom and gently push it into the anal cavity. The inner ring should be inserted past the sphincter; however some people chose to remove the inner ring once the condom has been inserted. It’s just a matter of taste.
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Make sure the FC is not twisted and that the outer ring is outside of and covering the anal opening.
Another method for anal use is to remove the inner ring, put the FC over and erect penis or a dildo, and then enter the anus. As always, you should use a lot of lube and enter the anus slowly.
After the condom is inserted, more lubricant can be added to the inside of the condom and to your partner’s penis. When you and your partner are ready for insertion, hold the outer ring in place as you guide your partner’s penis into the FC.
To remove the condom, twist the outer ring to keep the semen inside, gently pull it out, and throw it away.
Why condoms are important
Using condoms every time you have sex is the most effective way to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and unintended pregnancy. If you are sexually active, or think that you may become sexually active, be sure that you always have condoms on hand. Although talking about condoms can be uncomfortable, open communication is very important. It only takes one unprotected sexual encounter to contract HIV or another STI. Respect your body and your partner’s body and use a condom every time you have sex.
How to talk to your partner about using condoms
When you talk to your partner about condoms, you should be firm and make your expectations clear. If possible, have this discussion ahead of time, rather than in the heat of the moment. If your partner doesn’t want to use a male condom or is allergic to latex, you can suggest the female condom (FC). Check out our feel-good reasons to use FCs and share them with your partner. (Link to feel-good section.)
Sometimes one partner can pressure the other to have unprotected sex. Here are a few things that someone who does not want to use a condom might say, and some suggestions for how to respond.
 Your partner says: Sex doesn’t feel as good when I’m using a condom.You can say: If we use a condom, I’ll feel more comfortable, which will make the sex better for both of us. Plus, you’ll last longer if we use one.
Your partner says: I thought you trusted me.
You can say: It’s not a matter of trust. People can have STIs and not know.
Your partner says: I promise I’ll pull out.
You can say: Pulling out won’t protect either of us from STIs. Plus, condoms are much better at preventing pregnancy.
Your partner says: Condoms aren’t sexy.
You can say: I think that protecting each other’s bodies while we make love is much sexier than getting chlamydia or HIV.
Your partner says: But I love you.
You can say: Then you’ll help me protect myself.
Your partner says: But we’ve never used a condom before.
You can say: I’m not going to take any more risks.
Your partner says: No way.
You say: Then no sex.
See the demo video on YOUTUBE (embedding disabled so you have to go directly to view)
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