Are Female Condoms Effective?

Female condoms are thin pouches that act similar to male condoms. They are inserted in the vaginal opening prior to sexual intercourse where they form a protective barrier against sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy.

Here, we will take a close look at the female condoms, including covering the question: Are female condoms effective?

Female Condoms: A Close Look

Female condoms are generally made of a compound known as nitrile polymer. This is the same material used in making medical gloves. Non-latex female condoms can be used by women who are allergic to the common latex condoms. These condoms can be used as a standalone prevention method or alongside male condoms or spermicide for added protection.

Is Female Condoms Effective in Preventing STDs?

Female condoms are reported to be about 95 percent effective in preventing STDs. However, the condom should be used following the instructions otherwise it will not result in proper protection against STDs. Here are some of the dos and don'ts regarding the use of female condoms.

Dos	Don'ts
Do use the condom before the start of the sexual foreplay.	Don’t reuse condoms.
Do make sure to read the instructions before using the condom.	Don’t use oil based lubricants.
Do read about the expiration date.	Don’t flush condoms down the toilet.
Do use the condom from start to finish of sexual intercourse.	Don’t remove the condom during any part of intercourse.
Do make sure that the condom is fully intact and has no holes or rips.

Conclusion

Female condoms can be used by women to reduce the risk of STDs. They are also effective in preventing pregnancies. Having said that, you should still get regular STD testing such as hepatitis c testing, gonorrhea testing, and others to ensure complete protection against sexual diseases.

Even though we have covered that female condoms are effective, regular STD testing is still important if you are sexually active. Using female condoms can greatly reduce the risk of getting infected with an STD.