Female condoms are soft, transparent tubular sheaths that are inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse and provide protection against both pregnancy and STDs, including HIV/AIDS. The inner right at the closed end of the condom aids in insertion and secures the device in place during intercourse, while the softer ring remains outside the vagina. They can not be reused. Here are step by step instructions on using the female condom.
Here’s How:
- Check the expiry date on the package.
- Open the package and find the closed end of the condom. Hold the inner ring at the closed end of the condom, and squeeze it together in the middle, forming a figure eight with the ring.
- Find a comfortable position to insert the ring. Most women will do it lying on their back, squatting, or standing with one foot on a chair.
- With your free hand, spread open the outer vaginal lips.
- Holding the inner ring, push the ring up into the vagina as far as possible, past the pubic bone and covering the cervix.
- Insert index or middle finger into FC, to ensure it is in place. About one inch of the condom, including the outer ring will remain outside your body.
- Once the penis enters the vagina this slack will decrease. However the outer ring should remain outside the vagina protecting the external genitalia.
- Be careful not to let the penis push the outer ring into the vagina. Also be sure that the penis enters the vagina in the condom and not on the side between the condom and the vaginal wall. If either of these happens, stop sex play immediately and readjust the ring.
- To take out the female condom, hold the outer ring and twist before you pull out. This will keep any fluid (semen) inside the ring.
- Gently remove the ring and throw it out. If you want to be extra considerate, tie a knot in the top of the female condom so the semen doesn’t leak out in the garbage.
