The female condom: expanding contraceptive options
Mishra, S.
Manushi 26(99): 37-38
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0091-3995 PMID: 12348109 Document Number: 269737
The female condom offers several advantages over the male condom. It can be inserted into the vagina hours before intercourse. Since polyurethane is stronger than latex and not as affected by heat and humidity, the female condom has a longer shelf life than the male condom. Moreover, the female condom provides enhanced protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases because it covers the cervix, vagina, and vulva. It does not irritate the vagina and has no known harmful side effects. Finally, the female condom provides women with a contraceptive method under their control when men are out of condoms, too drunk to get them on, or refuse their use. Disadvantages of this method include its high cost (about US$3) and the potential for the penis to enter the vagina outside the female condom or push the whole condom into the vagina.