Barrier contraceptive
The female condom - known as Femidom ® - is on the list of barrier (non-hormonal) contraceptives. By preventing contact between sperm and egg cell, the female condom protects against unwanted and unexpected pregnancies. Furthermore, when used correctly, this contraceptive tool protects both lovers from the transmission of venereal diseases.
To understand...
How is the female condom made?
The female condom consists of two flexible rings placed at the ends of a soft synthetic nitrile, polyurethane or latex sheath, as long as a male condom.
- The inner ring (hermetically closed) must be pushed deeply into the vagina: this will naturally position itself behind the pubic bone
- The outer ring - at the opposite end - remains open outside the vagina, partially covering the genitals. In this way, the man can introduce the erect penis into the vagina from this opening.
The correct application of the female condom was illustrated in the previous article.
Indications
Ideally, the female condom is suitable for all sexually active women. In case of latex allergy, it is recommended not to use the models formulated with the aforementioned natural rubber, and rather prefer the variants in nitrile or polyurethane.
The female condom is also suitable for casual intercourse, since - when used correctly - it offers good protection from sexually transmitted diseases.
Women who have given birth vaginally can also use this barrier method. However, some women need larger female condoms (> 17cm in length).
Furthermore, the female condom is indicated for women who are allergic to spermicides or who cannot take hormonal contraceptives.
Lubrication
It is possible to lubricate the genitals with specific water-based and oily substances.
Female latex condoms must NOT be combined with oil-based lubricants: such behavior can damage the contraceptive, increasing the risk of method failure.
In contrast, female condoms made of nitrile or polyurethane tolerate both aqueous and oily lubricants.
Benefits
In addition to offering valid protection from unwanted pregnancies and venereal diseases (79-95%), the female condom offers multiple, numerous, advantages:
- Unlike the male condom, the female condom can be inserted into the vagina a few hours before intercourse. This feature gives a greater spontaneity to the relationship
- There are different sizes of the female condom; therefore, the woman can choose the most suitable variant for the anatomy of her genitals
- Unlike hormonal contraceptives, female condoms do not require a prescription
- It is possible to increase the lubrication during intercourse by applying oil-based or water-based lubricants. The only precaution is not to use oily substances in case you choose female latex condoms
- Compared to the male condom, the female variant ensures greater sensitivity to the man during intercourse
- Relatively low cost (slightly higher than the male condom)
- Easy storage: female condoms, especially of nitrile or polyurethane, are quite resistant to heat and humidity; therefore, they do not tend to deteriorate with high temperatures
- Hypoallergenic (except for female latex condoms: in this case, women allergic to latex should prefer other models)
- It does not have the typical side effects of hormonal contraceptives
- Particularly suitable for occasional sexual intercourse
- For some couples, the use of a female condom increases sexual pleasure thanks to the presence of the inner ring, which stimulates the genitals of both partners.
- The female condom can be used during pregnancy and after childbirth
- The female condom can be used by the woman during the menstrual cycle
The most recent female condoms are composed of synthetic nitrile, a material more accepted by the couple because, during intercourse, the typical rustle derived from the friction between the skin and the sheath is less perceptible. Female nitrile condoms are cheaper than those of polyurethane.
Risks and disadvantages
Correct application, as well as regular use of the female condom in all intercourse, minimizes the risk of contraceptive method failure.
However, like all contraceptive instruments, even the female condom has some limitations or disadvantages:
- During intercourse, the friction triggered by the contact between the condom and the skin causes a "buzz" or a "rustle" not always appreciated by the couple
- The lubricant that the female condom is coated with is sticky and can adhere to the skin of the fingers during insertion.
- For proper application, the female condom may require some practice from the woman
- Do not use the female latex condom if you have an allergy to natural rubber
- The latex female condom cannot be used in conjunction with oil-based lubricants
- Cannot be reused
- Sometimes, the view of the condom on the external female genitalia can reduce libido (on the part of the man)
- The friction of the female condom on the vaginal walls can reduce the natural female lubrication
- Direct contact between the penis and the vagina is denied
- If positioned incorrectly, the female condom can cause discomfort to the woman
- If the penis is not inserted correctly inside the female condom (for example, it is inserted laterally, between the vaginal wall and the sheath, and not inside it) the contraceptive efficacy of the method is null.
Insertion
The female condom, unlike the male condom, can be inserted into the vagina up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse. This peculiarity is perceived as an absolutely positive aspect of the contraceptive method, since it allows a greater spontaneity of the relationship.
In any case, the woman can decide to apply the female condom until a moment before the beginning of the intercourse.
Post-ejaculation removal
A "further difference with the male condom is that the female variant can be removed from the vagina even a few hours after the end of intercourse. However, to prevent sperm from spilling, it is recommended to remove the female condom before the woman gets up. feet.
Female condom and contraceptive diaphragm
Often times, the female condom and the contraceptive diaphragm are mistaken for synonyms. In fact, the two methods of contraception are quite different: the only affinity is that both are considered barrier contraceptives.
The diaphragm is a small soft dome of rubber, mounted on a flexible and malleable ring, which the woman introduces near the neck of the uterus (transvaginally) a few moments before sexual intercourse. The diaphragm, therefore, does not unroll as it is. a female condom and does not protrude from the external genitalia. Furthermore, the diaphragm has little protection from unwanted pregnancy (risk of failure of the method: approx. 20%); therefore, to increase its contraceptive efficacy, it is necessary to use the aid of spermicides (chemical contraceptives) Again, the diaphragm does not effectively protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Breaking the female condom
Remember once again that, except for total abstinence, no barrier, hormonal or implantable contraceptive ensures complete coverage from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
However, the female condom is considered not only a valid contraceptive method to avoid unexpected pregnancies, but also an effective barrier against venereal diseases.
In a small percentage of the users, the female condom fails in case of breakage, puncture (s "inserts with the tip of the finger) or incorrect positioning. In such circumstances, after a complete sexual intercourse, it is conceivable that the sperm has fertilized the egg cell. The woman can then prevent a possible pregnancy in several ways:
- Taking the morning-after pill (not to be confused with the abortion pill) no later than 72 hours after unsafe intercourse
- Insertion of the IUD copper IUD, a contraceptive method that can be implanted in the uterus that ensures an excellent contraceptive action if applied within 5 days of unsafe intercourse
In case of rupture of the female condom, a transmission of venereal diseases is also conceivable. In such situations, it is strongly recommended that you contact your doctor for further investigations.
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