Women's condoms are a contraceptive method, which can replace contraceptive pills to protect against unwanted pregnancies and also against sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV, syphilis or HIV.
This type of condom is sold in pharmacies or at a sexshop, and is usually more expensive than the condom for men. It can be placed up to 8 hours before any intimate contact with the mouth or penis and can be used even during menstruation.
The female condom is about 15 centimeters long and is made up of 2 rings of different sizes that are joined together to form a kind of tube. The narrower ring side of the condom is the portion that is inside the vagina, and is closed preventing the sperm from entering the uterus and the woman's contact with the male secretions.
How to put it correctly
To put it correctly and do not disturb, you should:
- Hold the condom with the opening down and squeeze in the middle of the smaller ring that is up, forming an '8' to introduce it more easily into the vagina;
- Choose a comfortable position, which can be crouched or with one of the legs bent and insert the '8' ring inside the vagina leaving about 3 cm outside;
After the sexual act, you must hold and turn the larger ring that was outside the vagina, so as not to let the secretions go out and then pull the condom out. After that, it is important to tie a knot in the middle of the condom and throw it in the trash.
However, there are other contraceptive methods, so here's how to choose the best contraceptive method for you.
5 Most Common Mistakes When Using Female Condoms
Some of the most common mistakes that decrease the effectiveness of condoms include:
1. Put on the condom after starting the relationship
Female condom can be placed up to 8 hours before intercourse, however, many women only use it after having started intimate contact, preventing only contact with sperm. However, some diseases like herpes and HPV can be transmitted through the mouth.
What to do: Place the condom before intimate contact or soon after starting the relationship, avoiding direct contact of the mouth and the penis with the vagina.
2. Do not check the packaging before opening
The packaging of any condoms should be observed before use to check for any punctures or damage that could compromise the safety of the contraceptive method. However, this is one of the most easily ignored steps during the entire placement process.
What to do: Check all packaging before opening and check expiration date.
3. Misplacing the condom
Although it is easy to identify the opening side of the condom, in some situations the woman may become confused, eventually introducing the female condom in reverse. This causes the opening to go inward and the penis can not enter. In these cases, the penis can pass between the condom and the vagina, canceling the desired effect.
What to do: properly observe the side of the condom opening and insert only the smallest ring, which is not open.
4. Do not leave a part of the condom outside
After putting on the condom it is very important to leave a piece off as this allows the condom does not move and prevents contact of the penis with the external vagina. Thus, when the condom is misplaced it can lead to the penis coming into direct contact with the vagina, increasing the risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases or getting pregnant.
What to do: After placing the condom inside the vagina, leave it 3 cm from the outside to protect the external area.
5. Do not use lubricant during the
Lubricant helps reduce friction during intimate contact, facilitating penetration. When there is not enough lubrication, the movement of the penis can create a lot of friction and can lead to tears in the condom.
What to do: It is important to use a suitable water-based lubricant.
