Female condoms in India

Team Udayavani, Jan 19, 2021, 5:50 PM IST

Source: Unsplash

Male condoms are the most popular and accessible type of condom but today we talk about female condoms.

Many people don’t know about the existence of female condoms. They are placed inside the vagina. It stops bodily fluids from passing between partners during sexual activity.

They can be inserted into the vagina up to eight hours before having sex.  They have an internal ring to hold the condom inside the vagina, and an external ring to prevent the condom from being pushed up into the vagina.

Female condoms are normally made of polyurethane or nitrile, as it is safe to use for people allergic to latex. They can be used with all types of lubricants.

Some of the advantages of female condoms are that the external parts of female genitals (labia) are covered by the female condom, thus reducing the risk of herpes and genital warts. Female condoms are easy to carry as they are small and very convenient as male genital erection isn’t required. Female condoms fit everyone and can also be used during periods.

There are downsides to female condoms. They require practice to properly insert. Noise can be an issue as these condoms can sometimes make unexpected sounds during sex. Extra use of lubricants could solve this issue.

Availability of female condoms 

Pee Safe, an intimate hygiene brand recently forayed into the female condom segment with Domina. Despite the market being on an upward trajectory, the unavailability, high cost and the lack of how-to-insert knowledge and awareness can be major causes for lack of such contraceptives’ use.

Studies state that female condoms have received positive user experience and acceptance, yet they have remained out of government programs.