Female condom
Providing both pregnancy and STI prevention.
A short-acting method of contraception.
The female condom is a barrier contraception method for preventing pregnancy and STIs.
When used correctly, condoms are highly effective. Condoms are also the only contraceptive method that protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis.
Effectiveness
98% when used correctly – Not using the condom correctly can increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy and STIs.
Availability
Female condoms are available at all our centres, as well as pharmacies across Zimbabwe.
Pricing
Please contact our team for more information about pricing.
If you’re starting to use contraception for the first time, or thinking about using a new method, it’s a good idea to have a full consultation.
Call us toll-free for a confidential chat
0808 00 19/20
Find our locations that offer contraception and family planning services.
Advantages of a female condom
The female condom can offer several advantages as a method of contraception.
- You only need to use them during sex
- They help to protect both partners from some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
- There are no serious side-effects from using condoms
- Female condoms are easily available.
Things to consider
When deciding if the female condom is right for you, here are a few quick facts you should consider:
- Female condoms can sometimes get pushed completely inside during sex or come out, which is why they are not always as good as some other forms of contraception and may require some practice to use correctly
- If the condom breaks or tears, pushes inside or falls off then you may need to use an emergency contraception immediately afterwards.
Other contraceptive methods at a glance
How a female condom works
The female condom is a thin plastic and loose fitting sheath that the woman places into and around the entrance of her vagina.
To be effective it is very important that condoms are used correctly. They need to be used properly every time a couple has sex. This means wearing it throughout the entire sex act, and using a new one every time.
Using a female condom properly
Make sure you and your partner follow these steps when using condoms.
The female condom is larger than a male condom and is designed to be loose fitting in the vagina.
How to insert a female condom
- Check the expiration date on the package, and then open it carefully
- Generally, female condoms are lubricated, but you can add more lube if you want. You can also add spermicide
- It’s recommended you either stand with one foot on a chair, lie down or squat to insert a female condom (a similar position to inserting a tampon)
- Squeeze together the sides of the inner ring at the closed end of the condom and slide it into your vagina like a tampon
- Push the inner ring into your vagina as far as it can go, up to your cervix and ensure the condom is not twisted
Pull out your finger and let the outer ring hang about an inch outside the vagina - Guide your partner’s penis into the opening of the condom, making sure it doesn’t slip to the side between the condom and your vaginal walls.
How to remove a female condom
- After sex, twist the outer ring (the part that’s hanging out) to keep semen inside the pouch
- Gently pull the condom out of your vagina, being careful not to spill any semen
- Dispose of the female condom in the trash
- Female condoms are not reusable – use a new one every time you have sex.
Find your best fit
If you’re unsure what method is best for you, take our online contraception quiz.
