Condoms

Female condoms are made from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane (some male condoms are made from this too). Female condoms are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb.

When used correctly during vaginal sex, they help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the only contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs. Currently, there is only one brand of female condom available in the UK, called Femidom.

• If used correctly and consistently, female condoms are 95% effective.This means that five out of 100 women using female condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year.
• Using female condoms protects against both pregnancy and STIs.
• A female condom needs to be placed inside the vagina before there is any contact between the vagina and the penis.
• Female condoms need to be stored in places that aren’t too hot or too cold, and away from sharp or rough surfaces that could tear them or wear them away.
• Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means they’ve been tested to European safety standards. Condoms that don’t have the CE mark won’t meet these standards, so don’t use them.
• A female condom can get pushed too far into the vagina, but it’s easy to remove it yourself.
• Female condoms may not be suitable for women who are not comfortable touching their genital area.
• Do not use a female condom more than once. If you have sex again, use a new female condom.