Condoms

Female Condoms

Female condoms are long polyurethane tubes (with a ring at each end) that are inserted into the vagina. When they are inserted, one ring is placed inside the vagina and anchors the condom in position and the other covers some of the outer area surrounding the entrance. Like the male condom it also can only be used one time. They are less likely to break because polyurethane is stronger than latex. They are effective in preventing pregnancy and the spread of HIV/STDs mostly because they cover more of the female genital area (less skin contact) and polyurethane doesn’t allow virus transmission. Female condoms are more expensive. They also need to be used from the beginning.

Female condoms can be purchased at many retail stores, including grocery and drug stores.