How to Use Female Condoms (FC2)

The female condoms consists of thin loose-fitting sheath or pouch with soft flexible ring at each end which is inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. This is the only form of barrier contraception available for women that provide full protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Female condoms can be used during sexual intercourse and anal intercourse.

The original version known as FC1 made from polyurethane was more expensive to manufacture had been replaced by second generation known as FC2 made from synthetic nitrile which cost less to manufacture and provide effective protection as the original version.

The FC2 came to the US market in 2009 and currently this is the only form of condoms available for women in the United States which is marketed under different brand names such as Reality, Femidom, Myfemy, Protectiv and Care.

How it Works

Female condoms are available online and in many local drugstores and supermarkets. There is a soft flexible ring at each end of the condom with one end enclosed and the other end has an opening. The enclosed ring is usually smaller than the ring with an opening.

When inserting FC2 condoms the smaller end of the enclosed ring is inserted into the vagina by squeezing the smaller ring with thumb and index finger which is than inserted into the vaginal opening. The inner ring has to be push all the way up as far as it can go with larger ring on the outside of the vagina. During the insertion you can be sitting or squatting or in a position you are comfortable with. Follow the same process if you want to use FC2 condoms for anal intercourse.

The FC2 condom does not contain spermicide and it is highly lubricated. The FC2 condoms are made of nitrile which is resistant to oil therefore it can be use with either oil-based or water-based lubricants on the inside and outside of the FC2 condoms.

Condoms made of latex should only be use with either water-based or silicone-based lubricants and it should never be use with oil-based lubricants as this can damage the latex and cause breakage.

The FC2 condoms comes pre-lubricated but you can add additional lubricants for enhance pleasure and you can also add spermicide for the extra protection. The FC2 condoms can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse but it is most effective when inserted just before intercourse.

The condom should be removed right away after intercourse and the safest way to do this is by squeezing the outer ring while you gently twist and pull the ring out slowly to avoid spilling the semen into the vagina or anus. Once the condom is removed you should throw it away instead of flushing down the toilet and it should not be reused.

Advantages

Female condoms are available in many drugstores and supermarkets without prescription. Women do not have to rely on men to use condoms because they can now take control by wearing FC2 condoms for their own protection.

The FC2 condom is the only form of barrier contraception available for women that provide full protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The FC2 condom is safe and easy to use and it can be inserted ahead of time to allow for spontaneous sexual activity.

People who are allergic to latex can switch to FC2 that comes pre-lubricated and can be used with additional oil-based or water-based lubricants. The FC2 condoms can provide enhance pleasure for both men and women with additional lubricants and it does not require erection to keep condom in place. There is no hormone related side effects and if you decide to get pregnant you simply stop using the condom.

Disadvantages

The FC2 condoms may be the only form of barrier contraception for women that provide full protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases but it doesn’t totally eliminate the risk. Some women may experience difficulty with inserting and removing the condom and it may reduce sensation for some people during sexual intercourse.

The ring on the outside is visible and it may interfere with sexual activity for some people. The FC2 condoms may also cause genital irritation for some people and it may slip or make noise during sexual activity. The FC2 condoms are more expensive than male condoms.

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