What is it?
A woman can get pregnant if a man’s sperm reaches one of her eggs (ova). Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart or by stopping egg production. One method of contraception is the female condom.
Female condoms are made from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane (some male condoms are made from this too). Female condoms are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb.
When used correctly during vaginal sex, they help to protect against pregnancy and STIs. Condoms are the only contraception that protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
If used correctly and consistently, female condoms are 95% effective. This means that five out of 100 women using female condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year.
To compare contraception methods and what will work best for you, use the Contraception Choices Tool
Most people can use a condom safely; however it may not be the best options for those who are not comfortable touching their genitals
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They protect against STI’s
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They are 95% effective at preventing pregnancy
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There are typically no medical side effects
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No advanced preparation before engaging in sex
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Female condoms are not as widely accessible as male condoms
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Condoms are strong but they might split or tear if not used properly.
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Some couples find that putting in a condom interrupts sex.
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The female condom may become less effective if it gets pushed too far into the vagina, the penis enters the vagina outside the female condom by mistake or the condom gets damaged by sharp fingernails or jewellery.
Make an appointment at one of our clinics to speak with a nurse or clinician to talk through your options and best suitable method of contraception for you.
