Contraception
Contraceptive Methods
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Female Condom
The female condom is a polyurethane sheath in the shape of a round, upside-down baggie inserted into the vagina before sex. The baggie holds in the sperm, preventing it from entering the vagina.
Benefits
It's the only contraceptive controlled by girls that protects them against pregnancy and STIs. Used perfectly, the female condom has a failure rate of 5%.
Disadvantages
Some girls may have trouble inserting it correctly, and it may make a "rustling" sound during sex. They can also be expensive.around $3 each.
Where to find it
You can pick one up at a drugstore or at a family planning clinic.
Troubleshooting
If the female condom makes a rustling sound during sex, try changing your position. Otherwise, add some lubricant inside, which may calm the sound and stop it from disturbing you.
Putting on a Female Condom
Female condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex. You can insert it either standing with a foot on a chair, or sitting or lying with your legs apart.
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Carefully remove the condom from its package. |
One end of the condom will have an opening for the penis to enter. This end will remain outside the vagina. | Squeeze the flexible inner ring at the closed end of the condom. |
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Some women find it comfortable to insert the condom while standing with one leg raised, |
or you may find it more comfortable to insert the female condom while squatting or lying down. |
While squeezing the ring, insert the closed end of the condom into your vagina. |
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Placing your index finger inside of the condom, gently push the inner ring into your vagina as far as it will go. Be careful not to twist the condom. |
The outer ring of the condom should remain outside of the vagina. Placing lubrication inside of the condom may help keep it in place during sex. |
Make sure his penis enters inside the female condom, not to one side. The female condom should not be used with a male condom. |
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When removing the condom after sex, twist the outer ring so that no semen leaks out during removal. |
Throw the used female condom into the garbage. Do not flush it down the toilet. Do not reuse the condom. |
Last Modified: November 13, 2006
