CHAPTER 14
Female Condoms

This chapter describes plastic (synthetic) female condoms.

Key Points for Providers and Clients

Female condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that can protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Require correct use with every act of sex for greatest effectiveness.
A woman can initiate female condom use, but the method requires her partner's cooperation.
May require some practice. Inserting and removing the female condom from the vagina becomes easier with experience.

What Are Female Condoms?

Sheaths, or linings, that fit loosely inside a woman's vagina, made of thin, transparent, soft plastic film.
- Have flexible rings at both ends
- One ring at the closed end helps to insert the condom
- The ring at the open end holds part of the condom outside the vagina
Different brand names include Care, Dominique, FC Female Condom, Femidom, Femy, Myfemy, Protectiv', Reality and Woman's Condom.
Lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant on the inside and outside.
Rubber female condoms are available in some countries. Different brand names include: L'amour, Reddy Female Condom, V Amour, and VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine, which are made of latex, and the FC 2 Female Condom, made of nitrile.
Work by forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy. Also keep infections in semen, on the penis, or in the vagina from infecting the other partner.