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Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers

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Family Planning

A GLOBAL HANDBOOK FOR PROVIDERS

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CHAPTER 14
Female Condoms

This chapter describes plastic (synthetic) female condoms.

Key Points for Providers and Clients
  • Female condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that can protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
  • Require correct use with every act of sex for greatest effectiveness.
  • A woman can initiate female condom use, but the method requires her partner's cooperation.
  • May require some practice. Inserting and removing the female condom from the vagina becomes easier with experience.
 

What Are Female Condoms?

  • Sheaths, or linings, that fit loosely inside a woman's vagina, made of thin, transparent, soft plastic film.
    • Have flexible rings at both ends
    • One ring at the closed end helps to insert the condom
    • The ring at the open end holds part of the condom outside the vagina
  • Different brand names include Care, Dominique, FC Female Condom, Femidom, Femy, Myfemy, Protectiv', and Reality.
  • Lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant on the inside and outside.
  • Latex female condoms may be available in some countries.
  • Work by forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy. Also keep infections in semen, on the penis, or in the vagina from infecting the other partner.

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