The Female Condom: Frequently Asked Questions

I. Safety and efficacy

Question: How effective is the female condom as a contraceptive?

Answer: Its ability to prevent pregnancy is similar to other barrier methods, such as the diaphragm and latex male condom (88 percent contraceptive effectiveness over six months for the female condom in the United States). If used correctly and consistently every time, the female condom is 95 percent effective.

As a group, the barrier methods are less effective than sterilization, injectables such as DMPA, and the subdermal implant Norplant, all of which are close to perfect in terms of preventing pregnancy. Oral contraceptives (the pill) also provide more effective contraception than the female condom.

Question: How effective is the female condom at preventing sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV?

Answer: The ability of the female condom to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexual diseases is speculative, but promising. Laboratory studies have found that the female condom is impermeable to various STD organisms, including HIV.

Only one study involving human use has been done to evaluate its STD prevention properties. Among 20 women with recurrent vaginal trichomoniasis, none of them experienced reinfections while using the device consistently and correctly.

Question: Is it safe to use?

Answer: Like most barrier methods of contraception, the female condom is safe to use. According to the manufacturer, no allergic reactions have been reported. The female condom is a good option for the small number of people who are allergic to latex, the material used in most male condoms.

Questions: What are the contraindications for use?

Answer: The female condom should not be used by people who are sensitive to polyurethane or silicone.

II. The materials involved 

Question: What is the female condom made of?

Answer: The device is made of a thin, soft polyurethane sheath and two flexible polyurethane rings. The inner ring is closed and helps with insertion and placement. The outer ring and about an inch of the sheath remain outside the vagina during use. Each condom is prelubricated with silicone, and a container of water-based lubricant is supplied for those who prefer more lubrication.

Question: Does the female condom come in different sizes? Does a woman need to be "fitted"?

Answer: There is one size only, no fitting is required. The female condom is designed to fit most women.

Question: How long can this device be stored and still be used effectively?

Answer: In the United States, the female condom called Reality is dated to expire two years after manufacturing. However, its "shelf life" (how long it can be stored and still be safe and effective during use) is believed to be longer. The two-year expiration date may be extended if studies indicate a longer shelf life is warranted.

Question: Is the female condom affected by heat, cold, air pressure or humidity?

Answer: No. Unlike latex male condoms, the female condom is generally unaffected by atmospheric conditions, including altitude, humidity or the normal temperature ranges found in storage. However, the device should not be exposed to extreme heat or cold.

Question: Can this device rip or tear during use?

Answer: Any sharp object, including fingernails, rings or other jewelry, can rip or tear the female condom. The rip and tear rate in one study, however, was less than 1 percent of the female condoms used.

III. Programmatic concerns 

Question: Can the female condom be used simultaneously with other contraceptives?

Answer: It may be used with any nonbarrier contraceptive (such as oral contraceptives) and with spermicidal cream or gel. However, it is not recommended for use with a male latex condom, since friction between the two devices may displace them or cause breakage.

Question: Can the female condom be used by women who have recently given birth or undergone a pregnancy termination?

Answer: Yes, it may be used when contraception or STD protection is needed any time following delivery.

Question: Can this device be used if a woman has a tampon inserted?

Answer: No.

Question: Can it be used by pregnant or menstruating women?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Is this an appropriate method for young women (under 20 years old)?

Answer: This method is safe and effective for any woman of any age, provided she understands how to insert it correctly and how to avoid tearing or ripping the device.

Question: Can the female condom be inserted hours before use?

Answer: Yes, although it may not be very comfortable to do so. It may be worn under clothing for several hours prior to use. If this is done, re-lubrication will be necessary for correct and comfortable use.

Question: Do people like to use the female condom?

Answer: In studies over six years among diverse populations, many women reported that they liked the device and would recommend it to others. There were few complaints about insertion, although some women said it took more than one attempt to get used to inserting the condom. The most frequent complaints were not liking the inner ring and movement of the device during use.