Internal Condoms

Ahoy Sailors! Today we are going to discuss another popular barrier method. The Female Condom (FC2).

What is a Female Condom? It is an insertable barrier pouch with flexible rings at each end designed to have the closed ring inserted into an orifice (a vagina or anus) with the open ring covering the exterior and allowing protected entry to the orifice. FC2s not only protect the area it covers but also collect any ejaculate in the pouch. I prefer to call them “Internal Condoms” because not all Females have vaginas and not all condoms are used on females or even in vaginas.

There is currently only one style/brand/type of Female Condom on the market. This Female Condom has just been updated, it is now called the “FC2”. The FC2 Female Condom uses the same design and instructions for use as the FC1 female condom. FC2 is made from a synthetic nitrile, classified as non-latex condoms, which is great news for latex-sensitive people! Studies have shown that having the FC2 Female Condom available allows women and men another Birth Control Option, resulting in an increase in protected sex acts and a decrease in STIs, including HIV/AIDS.

Often Lubricant can can help when applying a condom and during intercourse with a condom. Condom Compatible Lubes are Water-Based & Silicone-Based. All oils leave micro-perforations in latex, which will make the condom less effective. Even though FC2s are latex-free, when using a female condom I suggest avoiding Massage Oils and Oil-Based Lubricants (including natural oils like Coconut and Olive Oil). Also avoid any lubes with Spermicide (Nonoxynol-9, or N-9)? Public health officials now know that it can actually increase a person's HIV risk and effect latex strength. Spermicide also irritates the cells that line the vagina and the rectum, making them more vulnerable to attack by Viruses and bacteria.

How effective are Female Condoms?

According to Planned Parenthood: “If women always use the female condom correctly, 5 out of 100 will become pregnant each year. If women don't always use the female condom correctly, 21 out of 100 will become pregnant each year. Effectiveness is also a concern when it comes to safer sex. The female condom also reduces the risk of many sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.”

Although it can be tempting to store condoms in your wallet or purse, these places are NOT the safest condom storage options. Condoms need to be stored in a container out of direct sunlight, away from moisture and extreme temperatures. There are many fun and fancy options (but when in doubt a DVD case or Sunglasses case, it works great to store 2-5 Condoms). Just make sure your condom storage works for your lifestyle .Do you need it to be Mobile? Discreet? Accessible? Just find what works best for you.

How do I use a Female Condom?

How to Open A Condom:

1. You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Never use the same condom twice.

2. Don't “Double Bag” condoms! Use one condom per orifice!

3. Check the Packaging: Make sure the packet and condom appear to be in good condition, and check that the expiration date has not passed.

4. Only insert a condom when aroused with natural lubrication or with sufficient additional lubrication.

5. Open the condom packet at one corner (or the opening tab - if present) being careful not to tear the condom with your fingernails, your teeth, or by being too rough.

How to Put on a Condom:

1. Squeeze together the sides of the inner ring at the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina (or anus) like a tampon.

2. Push the inner ring into the orifice as far as it can go (In a vagina you can push until it reaches the cervix.)

3. Pull out your finger and let the outer ring hang about an inch outside the orifice. (A tip to keep the barrier snug to your body is to use additional barrier-safe lubricant to stick the barrier to your skin.)

4. Stop intercourse if the penis slips between the condom and the walls of the vagina or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina. If your partner has ejaculated outside the female condom into your vagina, you may want to consider using emergency contraception

How to Remove a Condom:

1. Stop activities immediately after ejaculation. Before withdrawing, grasp the exterior ring and hold it flush to your body. You can now remove any shafts.

2. To remove the condom from the orifice, gently pull the exterior ring and barrier materials until the interior ring is free of the orifice. Be careful not to tear the condom.

3. Be sure to be standing and facing away from your partner. You don’t want to fling any of the contents because: 1. That is Rude and 2. Semen, even if it on the body externally, can still infect or impregnate if it touches a vulva. And vaginal fluids can still infect if STIs are present in them.

4. A handy trick it to tie the condom in a knot before placing it in the trash

Talking Condoms

Sometimes it can feel awkward to discuss contraception with a partner. However, if someone if ready to take on the responsibility of sex they must consider what level of risk they are taking on and how to reduce risk. It is important to discuss risk-reduction options BEFORE a sexual act. Remember: Practice makes perfect! Think about different way to approach the subject? Consider what you are going to do if your partner is hesitant to use condoms? How can you assert yourself?

One way to do this is to get condoms with the person(s) you are planning on using them with. You may be asking yourself: “How Do I Get Female Condoms? How Much Do Female Condoms Cost?”. I will admit FC2s can be more challenge to purchase than external condoms. Sometimes you can get internal condoms for free from your school, local health provider, or Planned Parenthood. Or you can get affordable condoms at many Drug Stores (like CVS or Walgreen’s), Grocery Stores, sex shops, or even Target. Just look in the “Family Planning” section or aisle. If you are in doubt that they carry FC2s, just call ahead to confirm (can can even ask what isel they are on to make your trip supper efficient). When in doubt you can always order them online. Nationwide and online, a female condom costs about $2-4 (But costs may vary).

External Condoms are an affordable and easy way to reduce risk and avoid fluid exchange. It is important to be prepared, so practice using and discussing risk reduction tools before you participate in sexual activities. FC2s are available in single condoms as well as packs. FC2s may also be a bit non-intuitive when you first try them, so practice alone before you need to use one in a risk-reduction situation.

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