What does a female condom look like? Here's a step-by-step guide to using it

Out of self-protection considerations, in 1984, the United Kingdom proposed that a contraceptive device should be designed that women can completely control themselves, so that they can use it independently when they do not want to get pregnant accidentally or be infected by bacteria. After more than a decade of research, the first female condom was developed.

Two rings, big and small, to protect against external threats and ensure internal security

Female condoms (also called vaginal condoms, as shown in the picture) are sheath-like condoms made of polyurethane or latex. They are soft, transparent, strong and wear-resistant. The sleeve is 15 to 17 cm long, with one end closed in a bag shape and the other end open and fused to the outer ring. The outer ring is 7 cm in diameter, and the inner ring is free and 5 to 6 cm in diameter. The large ring is placed on the female labia to prevent the condom from slipping into the vagina during intercourse. The small ring is used to press against the cervix to fix the position of the condom. Put the condom into the vagina to collect male semen during sexual intercourse and prevent semen from flowing into the uterus, thus achieving the purpose of contraception.

Women take the initiative, which is safer

As a "flower protector" designed specifically for women, female condoms are used by women under their control, allowing women to more proactively avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. According to relevant statistics from abroad, the failure rate of male condoms is 2% to 15%, while the failure rate of female condoms is only 2.6%.

Because the outer ring of the female condom covers the female vulva, on the one hand, it can reduce the chance of semen leakage after sexual intercourse, and on the other hand, it can prevent body fluid exchange to the greatest extent. Its disease prevention function is better than that of male condoms and provides more comprehensive protection.

The female condom can be inserted several hours before sex or used immediately. Unlike male condoms, it does not require an erect penis as an aid, making it easier to insert the condom without causing pauses or interruptions during sexual intercourse. This alleviates men's previous resistance to wearing condoms, and men will not be affected by wearing condoms while maintaining an erection.

Female condoms are made very thin and are coated with a lubricant that has no killing effect on sperm (with dimethylpolysiloxane as the main raw material). During intercourse, the male penis can move freely in the condom, and both sexual partners can achieve maximum sensitivity and thus get the greatest feeling of pleasure.

Whether it is suitable or not, you still need to pay attention

Female condoms can be used by all women of childbearing age who have an urgent need for contraception. It is also a boon for women who are past their childbearing age. A British study shows that female condoms can be of great help to women who experience vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse (especially those who have reached menopause).

For severe vaginal dryness, inability of the penis to enter and exit freely, and noises during intercourse, additional lubricant may be needed. But you should choose water-soluble lubricants and avoid using oily lubricants such as Vaseline, baby oil, massage oil, butter, etc.

Condoms must be used every time you have sexual intercourse. Although the possibility of the outer ring of a female condom slipping off and being brought into the vagina is small, it is not 100% impossible, so you still need to be careful during use.

In addition, people who are allergic to polyurethane materials, have acute genital tract inflammation, and other people who are not suitable for sexual life should not use female condoms.

We need to remind everyone that although female condoms give women greater initiative and better protection, condoms alone are not enough to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The key lies in keeping oneself clean. Only in this way can we better enjoy high-quality sex life.

How to use a female condom

① Use your thumb, index finger and middle finger to pinch the inner ring of the condom and flatten it. The outer ring will hang down naturally and be inserted into the vagina along the posterior wall of the vagina.

② After insertion, insert your index finger into the condom, push the inner ring upward to the posterior fornix of the vagina, and push the front edge of the ring to the upper and posterior part of the pubic bone. Prevents the condom from twisting in the vagina.

③ Place the outer ring evenly outside the vaginal opening and have sexual intercourse inside the condom.

④ After sexual intercourse, rotate the outer ring of the condom one circle, then slowly pull it downward and backward to remove it to prevent the liquid in the condom from spilling.