Female Condom

Reliability
95% effective.
Five woman in 100 will get pregnant a year.

How it works
It is a sheath of polyurethane, which is put into the vagina and has a rim, which lies outside the vagina. It stops sperm from entering the vagina.

Possible Side Effects

• May interfere with intercourse
• May slip
• The mans penis may enter the vagina between the condom and the vagina, instead of inside the condom.
• Sensation is reduced

Advantages / Benefits

• available to anyone
• protects against sexually transmitted infections
• no side effects or medical risks
• no need to see a doctor
• reliable if used carefully
• oil-based products can be used
• can be put in anytime before sex.

Suitability

• for anyone
• better used with another method if the couple are young.

Who can provide it?

• free from Family Planning Services.
• available through youth workers (C card)
• can be bought at chemists and supermarkets.

Comments

• must be used carefully to be effective
• use only once
• check expiry date
• check for CE mark
• expensive