Condoms are still the most popular form of contraception in Indonesia. Apart from the ease of use, this type of contraceptive can prevent pregnancy up to 98% as long as it is used correctly and does not leak. Condoms were also chosen because condoms are the only contraception that can prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
So far, condoms have always been identical to men, even though women can also use condoms, ladies! The female condom is a barrier method of contraception used inside the vagina to prevent pregnancy by stopping the sperm from meeting the egg.
The female condom can be a good choice when your partner is not willing to use a condom. So that both of them still have control over safe sexual relations.
Here are things you should know about female condoms before using them.
How to Use the Female Condom
- Open the package and take out the female condom, be careful not to tear it. Avoid opening the package using your teeth.
- Use the thick, closed inner ring to be inserted into the vagina, and the thin outer ring should be placed outside the body for easy removal. Make sure the large ring on the open end of the condom covers the area around the vaginal opening.
- Lie down comfortably. Then hold the outside of the condom by the closed end and pinch the side of the inner ring with your thumb. This method is similar to using tampons.
- Use your fingers to slide the inner ring as far as it will go until it touches the cervix. The condom will expand naturally in the vagina.
- Make sure the penis is inserted into the female condom, not between the condom and the side of the vagina.
- After sex, immediately remove the female condom by gently pulling it out. You can turn the big ring to prevent semen from leaking out.
- Remember! No condom can be used more than once. Dispose of used condoms in the trash, not the toilet.
- Using lubricant. Usually, the female condom is pre-lubricated to make it easier to use, but sometimes additional lube is needed.
- If a man already uses a condom, then a woman doesn't need to use one—Vice versa.
Advantages of the Female Condom
The female condom helps protect both partners from STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), including HIV. When used correctly, it is a reliable method of preventing pregnancy. Just like the male condom, the female condom has no serious side effects. Its use is also easy. Just use it before sexual intercourse.
Don't worry about sexual satisfaction. Research results from PATH and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Female Condom: A Powerful Tool for Protection, claim that the use of female condoms can increase sexual satisfaction compared to male condoms.
The disadvantage of Female Condoms
Some couples find that inserting a condom can interfere with sex, and some complain of decreased desire. To get around this, insert it first or try doing it as part of foreplay. The female condom is made of very strong material but can break or tear if not used properly. Female condoms are not as popular as male condoms, so sometimes, the market availability is less than male condoms and tends to be more expensive.
Things That Can Reduce the Effectiveness of the Female Condom
There is still a possibility of sperm entering the vagina during sexual intercourse while using a female condom. This could happen if,
- the penis touches the area around the vagina before the female condom is inserted
- the female condom is pushed too far into the vagina
- the penis accidentally enters between the side of the vagina and the condom
- the condom is damaged by a fingernail or other sharp object
If you feel that sperm has entered the vagina during sexual intercourse, this is where emergency contraception is needed. The morning pill is often chosen as emergency contraception.
How about you, ladies? Are you interested in trying to use a female condom?
By: Fitie Pen pal, Yulias Triana