Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
only search www.healthunit.org
Topics
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Adult / Seniors
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Alcohol / Drugs
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Babies / Children
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Beauty & Body Art
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Cancer
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Dental Services / Oral Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Emergencies / Disasters
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Environmental Health Issues
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Food Safety
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Handwashing
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Harm Reduction
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Heart Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Immunization / Vaccines
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Infectious Diseases /
Prevention / Control
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Injury Prevention
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Lyme Disease
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Nutrition
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Physical Activity
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Pregnancy
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Rabies
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sexual Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sun Safety
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Smoking / Tobacco
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Value Every Kid
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Weather
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Workplace Health


  Services
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Clinics
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit District Health Profile
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Health Care Professionals
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Reports & Newsletters
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit School
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sewage / Land Control
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Water / Small Drinking
Water Systems
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Home About Us Board of Health Careers Contact Us Media Search
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

Birth Control Options

 

Female Condom

What is it?

The female condom is a soft, disposable, polyurethane sheath that is placed inside the vagina before sex. It is the only female-controlled barrier method that helps prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.



How does it work?

  • It is placed inside a woman's vagina before sex
  • The condom lines the vagina completely, preventing direct contact between the penis and the vagina and the exchange of body fluids
  • Sperm are trapped in the condom which is removed and thrown away after sex
  • A new condom must be used every time you have sex
  • A female condom should never be used with a male condom

Go here to view step-by-step instructions on how to properly insert and remove the female condom.



How effective is it?

The female condom is 79 - 95% effective. Effectiveness increases with use of a spermicide.



What are the Advantages?

  • It is the only contraceptive controlled by women that protects against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy
  • Latex free and hypo-allergenic (reduces risk of allergy)
  • Reduces friction and irritation of vaginal lining (helpful for women post-partum, breast-feeding or at menopause, when dryness can be a problem)
  • Polyurethane is stronger than latex
  • Can be used for anal sex
  • Any type of lubricant can be used
  • Can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex
  • Widely available in stores without a prescription
  • Does not cause any hormonal changes




What are the disadvantages?

  • The outer ring hangs about 2.5cm outside the vagina, which some people may find unappealing
  • During sex there may be a "rustling" noise caused by friction. (Adding lubricant to inside of condom may minimize this problem)
  • May be difficult to insert correctly. (Practice inserting the condom ahead of time)
  • It is possible for the penis to enter the vagina "beside" the condom
  • Condom may slip out or break (See Emergency Contraception)
  • More expensive than male condoms ($3 - $5 each) and may not be available in all stores
  • Flexible inner ring may cause discomfort for some



Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Quick Links



Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Copyright © 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
In Case of Public Health Emergency Please Call
613-345-5685
An Accredited Health Unit Since 1990
Any questions or concerns with the website, please contact
Webmaster
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit