Are Female Condoms the Right Method for Me?
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There are a number of factors you should consider before deciding whether female condoms are the right contraceptive method for you. As with any method of contraception, you may first want to talk to your provider or a counselor at your local clinic or hospital before using female condoms as a contraceptive method.

 

Female condoms may be an appropriate method for you
If any of the following is true:
 

  • You are at risk for exposure to or transmission of a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV infection. Aside from abstinence, male and female condoms offer the best protection against these infections.
     
  • You prefer to use a method that you can discontinue yourself.
     
  • You need a backup method (for example, if you forget to take oral contraceptive pills).
     
  • You have a condition considered to pose a health risk for using hormonal methods of contraception.
     
  • You are concerned about the side effects of other methods.
     
  • You have sexual intercourse only occasionally and do not need or want ongoing contraception.
     
  • You want to use a contraceptive method that also provides maximum protection against sexually transmitted infections.
     
  • You have recently delivered a baby or had an abortion.
     

Female condoms may not be an appropriate method for you
If the following is true:
 

  • You are unable to or have difficulty inserting or positioning the female condom in your vagina.
     

Female condoms are not an appropriate method for you
If any of the following is true:
 

  • You need a method that provides contraceptive protection even when user errors take place.
     
  • You dislike touching your genitals.
     
  • You cannot always insert the female condom before sexual intercourse.
     
  • Your partner finds the method unappealing.
     
  • You cannot obtain a regular supply of female condoms.
     
  • You cannot afford to buy female condoms.
     

For more information about this method, see Female Condoms: Questions & Answers.