How to use the female condom? - Sexual health

Female condoms have been on the market for more than three decades, but compared to their male counterparts, they have often gone unnoticed or been the subject of misunderstanding. However, these products offer a unique sexual protection and empowerment option that deserves renewed attention.

History of Female Condoms

Female condoms, also known as internal condoms, have come a long way since their introduction in the 1980s. The first female condom, known as the "Femidom", was launched on the market in 1992 in the United Kingdom. Since then, they have evolved significantly in terms of design, material and availability.

Initially, female condoms were seen as an alternative to male condoms, offering women greater control over their own protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies. Over the years, their design has improved to make them more comfortable, effective and easier to use.

Design and Use of Female Condoms

Female condoms are polyurethane or nitrile barriers that are inserted into the vagina before intercourse. Unlike male condoms, which fit over the penis, female condoms adapt to a woman's body. They have two rings, one at each end: an inner ring that sits at the bottom of the vagina and an outer ring that sits outside the vulva. This design allows for effective protection by covering both the vagina and vulva, and their open design makes them suitable for a wide range of body sizes and anatomies.

Applying a female condom may seem complicated at first, but with practice it becomes easier. Below is a step-by-step guide to using a female condom:

• Wash your hands: Before handling the female condom, make sure your hands are clean to avoid contamination.
• Open the package: Remove the condom from its foil wrapper carefully to avoid tearing it.
• Find the inner ring: Locate the inner ring and hold it between your fingers. It should be on the closed end of the condom.
• Adopt a comfortable position : Sit, stand or adopt the position that is most comfortable for you.
• Insert the condom: Insert the inner ring into your vagina, pushing it in as deep as you can.
• Secure the condom: Make sure the inner ring stays in place, and the outer ring should protrude slightly from your body.
• Ready for action: The condom is now in place and ready to be used during sex.

When sexual activity is finished, it is important to remove the condom carefully to avoid fluid spillage. Simply twist the outer ring and remove it from the vagina. Then dispose of it properly.

Effectiveness of Female Condoms

The effectiveness of female condoms in preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancies is comparable to that of male condoms when used appropriately and consistently. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), female condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and other STDs when used correctly.

The effectiveness of female condoms has also been confirmed in clinical studies. Plus, their larger, lube-coated design provides extra protection, making them suitable for a wide range of sexual situations. Additionally, by not relying on a man's erection, female condoms offer a more reliable protection option in certain situations.

Advantages of Female Condoms

Female condoms offer several important advantages for both women and their sexual partners. Some of the most notable advantages include:

1. Greater Control
Female condoms give women more control over their sexual protection. They can be inserted in advance and do not depend on the cooperation of the male partner. This means that a woman can make decisions about her own sexual health without having to rely exclusively on her partner.

2. Greater Feeling of Comfort
Many women find that female condoms offer a superior comfortable feel compared to male condoms. This may be due to the lack of restrictions on the penis and more complete coverage of the vulva.

3. Protection against STDs
Female condoms provide effective protection against a wide range of STDs, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. This is essential to maintain sexual health and prevent the transmission of infections.

4. Prevention of Unwanted Pregnancies
In addition to protection against STDs, female condoms also help prevent unwanted pregnancies. They are an effective contraceptive option that does not depend on male control.

5. Fewer allergic reactions
Some people may be allergic to latex, which is the material commonly used in male condoms. Female condoms are made from polyurethane or nitrile, making them a latex-free alternative.

6. Longer Duration
Female condoms are less likely to break compared to male condoms, providing greater safety during sex.

7. Noise Reduction
For some people, female condoms also offer the advantage of being less noisy during sex compared to male condoms.

8. Additional Protection
Due to their design, female condoms offer additional coverage in the genital area, which can provide an extra layer of protection against certain infections.

Challenges of Female Condoms

Despite the numerous advantages that female condoms offer, they still face some challenges in terms of acceptance, availability and affordability. Some of these challenges include:

Lack of knowledge
One of the main obstacles to the adoption of female condoms is the lack of public knowledge and awareness. Many people, both women and men, are not familiar with these products or do not understand how to use them properly.

Cost
Female condoms tend to be more expensive than male condoms. This can be a barrier to regular use, especially in low-income communities.

Limited Availability
Despite their effectiveness, female condoms are not always readily available in all areas. This can make it difficult for people to access these products.

Stigma and Taboos
Stigma and taboos around sexuality still exist in many cultures, which can make it difficult for people to talk openly about or access female condoms.

Insufficient Sexual Education
Lack of adequate sexuality education is a major problem in many parts of the world. Lack of information about female condoms can make people reluctant to try them.

Promotion of Gender Equality and Sexual Autonomy

Female condoms play a critical role in promoting gender equality and sexual autonomy. By giving women greater control over their sexual and reproductive health, these products empower women to make informed decisions about their sex lives.

The use of female condoms can also help reduce the burden of contraceptive care that traditionally falls on women. This allows couples to share responsibility for sexual protection while promoting more equitable relationships.

Gender equality and sexual autonomy are fundamental to women's health and well-being. Female condoms contribute to this goal by providing a protection option that is independent of the cooperation of the male partner. Additionally, they encourage open communication and joint decision-making about sexual and reproductive health.

Promoting female condoms not only involves raising public awareness, but also addressing taboos around sexuality and ensuring their availability and affordability. Additionally, female condoms play an important role in promoting gender equality and sexual autonomy by empowering women to make informed decisions about their sexual health.