What is the female condom?
The Reality vaginal pouch is a soft, loose-fitting polyurethane sheath inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse, and held in place with two flexible polyurethane rings. One of the rings lies inside at the closed end of the sheath and serves as an insertion mechanism and internal anchor. The other ring forms the external edge of the sheath and remains outside the vagina after insertion. The labia and the base of the penis are covered during intercourse. Reality is pre-lubricated and is intended for one-time use. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse allowing for more spontaneity. The female condom should not be used with a male condom.
How do you use a female condom?
For information on how to use a female condom, visit FC Female Condom.
How effective is the female condom?
The theoretical effectiveness rate of the female condom is 95%. This rate is based on studies that have been done to determine how effective a method itself can be, apart from user behaviors. The actual effectiveness rate is 79% which reflects what happens to the pregnancy rate in a group of people who do not use this method correctly some of the time and who do not use this method every time they have intercourse.What are the advantages of the female condom?
- polyurethane membrane is 40% stronger than latex and is resistant to oils
- controlled by the woman
- can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to initiating intercourse
- covers more of the genitals of both the man and the woman
- protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- does not require fitting by a health care provider
- does not require precise placement over the cervix by the user
- does not contain hormones
- creates opportunity for user to become comfortable with own body
What are the disadvantages of the female condom?
- costs more than male condoms
- may be messy and inconvenient
- may slip around
- may be difficult to insert
- outer ring may be cumbersome