condoms
Double up on birth control: to be sure you don't get pregnant or get STDs/HIV, use condoms with another form of birth control.
BUT...never use the female condom at the same time as the male condom. The friction can make them break.
The condom broke?
Something went wrong?
Emergency contraception (EC) is birth control that can prevent pregnancy after you've had unprotected sex.
The sooner you take EC, the more likely it is to work.
You can take EC up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
And talk to a doctor/health care provider about STDs and HIV.
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Female Condoms
 How to Use a Female Condom
What's a female condom? A female condom is a polyurethane pouch with flexible rings at both ends. It fits inside the vagina to help prevent pregnancy and to protect against STDs and HIV.
Of course, the only way to be 100% safe from STDs and HIV is not to have sex - vaginal, oral or anal. If you're going to have sex, female condoms can help keep you protected.
Use either a female condom OR a male condom for protection - but not at the same time. Friction between two condoms can make them break.
- Think ahead: You can insert the female condom any time up to 8 hours before sex.
- Keep it fresh: Check the expiration date on the wrapper - use the condom before that date; don't use it after the date, and don't use a condom that looks dried out or beat up.
- Open with care: Don't open it with your teeth. Be careful not to tear the condom with your fingernails.
- Get it slick! Female condoms come pre-lubricated. For extra moisture and comfort, use a water or silicone-based lubricant (like K-Y®, Astroglide®, Glide ID®, or Wet®).
- What's your position? Find the easiest position for you to insert it: squatting, sitting on the edge of a chair or bed, standing with one foot on a chair, or lying down.
- Hold me: Hold the female condom with the open end hanging down.
- Squeeze me: Holding the outside of the condom, squeeze the smaller ring with your thumb and middle finger.
- Little ring in, big ring out: Insert the smaller ring into the vagina, then put your finger inside the condom and push the smaller ring up as high as it will go. The inner (smaller) ring tucks in above the pubic bone to hold the condom in place. The outer (larger) ring should be outside the vagina.
- Come on in - and stay in! Guide the penis inside the female condom and make sure it stays inside the female condom during sex.
- Thank you, condom. Goodbye now! After sex, just twist the outer ring to keep ejaculate (cum) inside the condom, and pull the condom out gently. Throw it away in the trash - don't flush it. Always use a new condom every time you have sex.
Although female condoms cost more than male condoms, some organizations (community organizations, family planning sites and health clinics) may offer free female condoms.
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