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Female
Condom
Like male condoms, female condoms also act as barrier methods
for sperm into vagina. Female condoms are made of polyurethane, a sheath with
two soft, flexible rings at either end. One ring covers the cervix and acts as
an anchor for the condom whereas the second ring is the larger remains outside
the body and covers the part of the perineum and labia during intercourse. It
is worn by women internally before sex. It must be used only once during each
sexual activity. It can be inserted as much as eight hours prior to sexual activity
but it should be removed immediately after sex occurs. Female condoms should not
be used with male condoms because both the condoms can stick together and chances
are that they may tear. If condom to be used anyway during sexual activity, it
is much advisable for male partner to use latex condoms, which will be more protective
and safer than female condoms.
Female condoms found to be having
few disadvantages compared to male condoms. The main problem faced is the placement
of using it as it is found to be difficult inserting it, it may shift or slip
into vagina during sex. Some have reported irritation whereas outer ring in the
female condom makes sex less comfortable. It may produce unpleasant noise during
the intercourse due to less lubricant. Therefore, new female condoms are available
with sufficient lubricants with silicon and additional packets of lubricants.
Moreover, it is costlier than male condom.
Its biggest advantage is that
it covers the larger part of the vagina and part of the body thus protecting women
from STDs and HIV though it is yet to be established. Due to this fact, female
condom is widely used in some part of the African subcontinent.
Female
condom was first approved by FDA in 1993. Its effectiveness is estimated to be
79% compared to upto 90% from male condoms.
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