Johannesburg - Now more than ever, it is a critical moment to join individuals and organisations from around the world to raise our collective voices and affirm our commitment to sexual and reproductive health and choice for all.
The female (internal) condom is the only female-initiated contraceptive method that helps to prevent unintended pregnancies AND also sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
It's easy to have sex safely without sacrificing a good time. Here are our tips for staying healthy while having fun.
General Guidelines:
- Use condoms for intercourse (vaginal and anal).
- Use a latex barrier during all types of oral sex
– Use latex gloves or finger cots for hand or finger penetration of the vagina or anus.
– Use condoms on sex toys used by more than one person for any type of penetration (change the condom for each person) or on toys that go from anus to vagina.
– Use only water-based lubricants with latex products. Oil of any kind. Vaseline and hand lotion included, destroys latex. Steer clear of so-called "water-soluble" lubes, which frequently contain oil. Store Latex products in a cool, dry place.
– Never re-use latex products and avoid using them after the expiration date.
The Female Condom
The Female Condom is cylindrical with a soft ring at each end and is worn by the receptive partner for vaginal or anal intercourse.
It is polyurethane, so oil-based lubricants can be used.
The Female Condom is a loose-fitting polyurethane sheath with a soft ring at each end. Although it was designed for women to wear during vaginal intercourse, it can also be worn by the receptive partner for anal intercourse.
It should be used once only (like traditional male condoms) and should not be used in conjunction with male condoms or a diaphragm. We hope this design won't be the last word in female prophylactics, but until the next development, here's some information about the Female condom.
General Information
The condom takes some practice to insert and use properly; we recommend a slow and careful approach the first few times.
A woman can take responsibility for its use—especially good for those whose partners resist using male condoms or for couples who want to share equally in safer sex responsibilities.
It can be inserted up to eight hours before a sexual encounter.
Part of the condom rests outside the vagina or anus and may help protect external genitalia from sexually transmitted conditions.
The penetrating partner may find the loose fit of the female condom provides increased sensation.
It is not made of latex, so it can be used by those with Latex sensitivities or by couples who wish to use oil-based lubricants.
Some women may like the feeling of the outer ring rubbing against the clitoris and/or labia. Others may find it irritating or may not notice it at all.
It may require more Lubrication for successful use (if the condom isn't Lubricated sufficiently it can cling to the penis or dildo, twisting or even turning inside out).It may be noisy (the material is plastic and you may be able to hear it scrunching).
The penetrating partner must take care not to insert the penis or dildo between the condom and vaginal or rectal wall.
The outer ring may need to be held in place to keep the condom from slipping into the vagina or anus.
The inner ring is "one size fits most" and may cause discomfort for some people.
Female condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place; avoid using them after their expiration dates.
Instructions for intercourse
Make sure that the outside of the condom is sufficiently lubricated. You may choose to add some lubricant both to the outside and the inside of the condom for your and your partner's comfort.
Hold the inner ring (at the closed end) and squeeze it, forming an hourglass shape.
For vaginal intercourse, lead with the closed end and insert the sheath into the vagina as far as it can go. The inner ring should fit behind the pubic bone and should surround the cervix, similar to a diaphragm (it does not have to fit as snugly as a diaphragm would fit). For anal intercourse, lead with the closed end and insert the sheath into the rectum, pushing the inner ring past the sphincter muscle with your index finger.
Make sure the condom sheath is not twisted.
The outer ring (at the open end of the condom) should remain outside the vagina or anus at all times (before and during intercourse).
The penetrating partner's penis or dildo should be inserted into the open end of the condom.
During anal intercourse, the penetrating partner may have to keep thrusts shallow since the condom isn't as long as the rectum. Thrusting too deeply will stress the condom (possibly resulting in breakage) or push it into the rectum.
When removing the condom, twist the outer ring before pulling the condom out to avoid spilling the contents.
Unfortunately, female condoms are not as freely available as the male version but the more attention we give them the more we can influence demand. Let me know if you use female condoms and what your experience is – [email protected]
We’re counting down to the Sex Expo coming up on 13 to 16 October in Menlyn Pretoria. We hope to see you there!