Protected sex: Expert advice on using female condoms correctly

While male condoms are the most common form of contraception, female condoms are now finding their way to the beds of most couples. The awareness around it, however, remains limited. To clear doubts, an expert explains the right ways to use them

Besides protection from pregnancy, both, male as well as female condoms ensure we stay safe from Sexually Transmitted Infections or STIs. Having safe and protected sex thus, is paramount. Yet many choose otherwise. More often than not, women are made to pop morning-after pills due to the ‘unwillingness’ of their partners to use condoms. 

“Morning-after pills are not meant to be taken as a regular form of contraception. It's an emergency contraceptive option, a backup plan for times when condoms happen to either tear or slip out. It's there to provide a safety net, a second chance to prevent an unwanted pregnancy,” says Niyatii N Shah, intimacy coach, founder and president, Averti Education and council of sex educators for social change. 

Condoms are 98 per cent effective when used correctly. They are designed to create a barrier that stops the exchange of bodily fluids during penetrative sex. They're made from strong materials that undergo thorough testing to ensure they work well and provide protection. 

The same is with female condoms. Shah says, “They are unique in that they're designed to be worn inside the vagina, creating a protective barrier during intercourse. They're made from soft, thin materials like polyurethane or nitrile, and they have flexible rings at each end to hold them in place.” 

Female condoms offer 95 per cent protection from pregnancy and also help steer clear of Sexually Transmitted Infections. They prevent bodily fluids and microorganisms from passing between partners. While no contraceptive method guarantees 100 per cent efficacy, when used correctly, female condoms do offer a high level of protection.
 
What is the correct way to use them? 
Though using a female condom is as easy as using a male condom, Shah lists down a step-by-step guide to using the condom correctly for new users 

1. First, make sure your hands are clean and dry. 

2. Then, carefully remove the female condom from its packaging, being mindful not to tear it. Squeeze the inner ring together and insert it into the vagina, much like you would with a tampon. 

3. The outer ring should remain outside the vagina, covering the opening. It's important to ensure that the condom is properly positioned and not twisted. 

4. After intercourse, hold the outer ring and gently twist it to trap the semen inside. 

5. Slowly, pull it out of the vagina. Be cautious not to spill any fluids. 

6. Dispose of the used condom properly, as per the instructions provided. 

Does using a female condom do away with the need to use a male condom? 
“Yes. Even though female condoms are 95 per cent effective compared to male condoms that are 98 per cent effective, a woman can take full control of her safety,” the intimacy coach confirms. 

While it is normal to feel paranoid after sex and think, “Did it work” or “Am I safe”, it is not advisable to use both male and female condoms together. Shah adds, “Remember, the male and female condoms should not be used at the same time because friction can cause both condoms to break, make them stick together, or make one or the other slip out of place during intercourse. If a condom breaks or slips, semen can get through, making the condom less likely to prevent pregnancy or STDs”. 

It is a good idea, however, to have two contraceptives, just to be safer. You can combine the use of a condom with a hormonal contraceptive method rather than popping morning-after pills. 

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