by Sawsan Elzayyat

Created on: January 18, 2009   Last Updated: June 11, 2009

With correct and consistent use, female condoms are as effective a contraceptive device as most other barrier methods (diaphragms, cervical caps and male condoms) and are up to 95% effective in the prevention of unintended pregnancies.There is little published data about the effectiveness of female condoms for STD protection, but small-scale studies have shown them to be at least as effective as male condoms in preventing the transmission of Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis and Chlamydia.

The Female Condom (FC) has been available in Europe since 1992 and the FDA approved it for use inside the U.S. in 1993. It is the only woman-controlled FDA-approved prophylactic that protects against STDs and unintended pregnancies.

The FC is a thin polyurethane pouch, about 6.5 inches long, with a flexible ring at each end (one end is closed). The flexible ring at the closed end of the FC is inserted into the vagina and helps to keep the condom in place during intercourse. The open end, which remains outside the vulva, is used to guide the penis during penetration.

The makers of the original Female Condom developed a newer version made of nitrile, in 2005. Known as the FC2, it has been produced on a large-scale since 2007.

The latex 'VA Condom Feminine' is a third type of Female Condom. It is only 3.5 inches long, but very elastic. Rather than a ring, a rounded triangular form at the open end and a sponge inside the closed end help to anchor the condom inside the vagina. The VA Condom Feminine has gained the "CE Mark" for European marketing, and it is expected to obtain FDA approval shortly.

All three types of female condoms cover the inside of the vagina and physically block ejaculated semen from entering a woman's vagina (the man's ejaculate is collected inside the pouch).

Female condoms may be inserted up to eight hours prior to intercourse. Using a male and female condom at the same time is not recommended because the resulting friction could easily cause the condoms to break.

Enough lubricant should be used to ensure that the female condom stays in place during intercourse. Although female condoms do not have to be removed immediately after intercourse, it is essential to remove the condom while the woman is still lying down, to avoid sperm spilling out. When removing the condom, it is important to keep the sperm inside the pouch.

The chief benefits of female condoms are:

- They are a female-controlled contraceptive method that does not affect a woman's future fertility

- They cover more skin than male condoms and are more effective at preventing certain skin-to-skin contracted infections such as Herpes.

- Polyurethane and nitrile are thin materials that conduct heat well, preserving sensation.

- Erection isn't necessary to put the condom in place

- The condom may be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse

Some of the disadvantages associated with Female Condoms are:

- Because the outer ring is visible outside the vagina, many women feel self-consciousness about using female condoms

- Expense - a female condom costs three times more than a male condom

- Female condoms do not contain spermicide

- The FC and FC2 condoms can be noisy during intercourse

- Female condoms may cause skin irritations

About ninety countries use female condoms in public health programs. They can be bought directly by consumers in about ten countries, including the United States. The price of one condom in the U.S. is between $2.50 and $5, and they are sold over the counter in drugstores and supermarkets, as well as on the Internet.

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