What is a female condom?
A female condom is a soft pouch made of nitrile and polyurethane. It has flexible rings at each end, and one end is closed. It is inserted into the vagina or anus before having sex.
How effective are female condoms?
If used correctly, every time you have sex, female condoms are 95 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy. Given mistakes might happen, such as incorrect use or slippage, it might only be 79 per cent effective.
What stops female condoms from working?
Female condoms might not work if they are:
- used incorrectly
- past their use-by date
- torn when opening the packet.
How do I use a female condom?
Always check the use-by date first. If the condom is within the use-by period, squeeze the closed-end of the condom and insert the condom into the vagina. The opening of the condom spreads outside the vagina.
There are instructions on each pack. You can use female condoms with water, oil or silicone-based lubricants (lube). Lube is a jelly- or liquid-like material.
Guide the penis inside the condom as it can sometimes slip under the condom. If the penis slips under the condom, there is no protection from pregnancy or STIs. If the condom slips or bunches up when the penis goes inside, use more lubricant.
Only use a condom once and throw it away into a bin (not down the toilet). To avoid pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections, put the condom on before the penis touches the vagina or anus.
How does a female condom work?
The condom works by preventing ejaculate (cum) from entering the vagina or anus. It can prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The condom also protects the penis from STIs. Use a new condom every time you have sex.
Where can I get female condoms?
Female condoms can be difficult to get and are expensive. They may be available at family planning clinics, sex shops, some pharmacies and online.
What is good about female condoms?
Female condoms:
- protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
- are easy to use
- have little or no side effects
- can be bought without a script
- can be used with any type of lubrication
- can be inserted hours before having sex.
Are there any side effects from using female condoms?
They can occasionally cause irritation of the vagina, penis or anus.
Can female condoms cause any serious health problems?
There are no known serious health risks from using female condoms.
When are female condoms not a good option?
Female condoms might not be a good option if cost is an issue (they are around $3 each).
What if I forget to use a female condom?
You may need emergency contraception if you forget to use a condom or other contraception. (Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).
What happens if I get pregnant while I’m using female condoms?
If you get pregnant while using female condoms, it is safe to continue the pregnancy or to have an abortion.
Can I use female condoms after I’ve had a baby?
You can use condoms any time after giving birth.
What else should I know about female condoms?
After using a female condom, wrap the used condom in tissue and put it in the bin. Do not flush condoms down the toilet.
Where to get help
Content Partner
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Family Planning Victoria
Last updated:
November 2019
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health & Human Services shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.