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Ever heard of a female condom? I didn’t think so. The female condom is a thin, soft, loose-fitting plastic pouch with a flexible ring at each end. The inner ring at the closed end of the pouch is used to insert the condom inside the vagina and to hold it in place during intercourse. The outer ring at the open end remains outside the vagina and covers part of the external genitalia.
Since female condoms first became available in the U.S. in 1993, they received mixed reviews. Somewhat larger than a male condom, the product was target of jokes and embarrassed laughter. Because male condoms are cheap and readily accessible, many people didn’t see the need for a female version. In the U.S. and Western Europe, female condoms became the unicorns of safer sex — a mythical creature most humans never see.
But then a funny thing happened: Women discovered the advantages of female condoms. First of all, it’s a female-controlled method. For women who have male partners resistant to using condoms, the woman can take care of the situation herself and does not need to rely on her partner’s efforts.
The design of the female condom held a further unexpected thrill discovered by amateur researchers engaged in field testing — the inner plastic ring rubs against the tip of the penis during intercourse intensifying orgasm for some men. Similarly, some women find the flexible outer ring rubs against the clitoris. Because the female condom does not fit tight around the penis, many men find it has a more “natural” feel.
That’s the fun side of female condoms, but there’s a practical side too. Because they cover a bit of the external genitals, they can offer a bit more protection against sexually transmitted infections transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes. Effectiveness for pregnancy protection is comparable to male condoms.
As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. A woman may feel more comfortable using a female condom during intercourse if she’s had a little solo experience inserting and removing it. These condoms can also be used for anal intercourse.
Tracking down the elusive and mysterious female condom can take some effort, but offers a rich reward.
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