Back to the Basics: Female Condoms and Global Female Condom Day

With Global Female Condom Day right around the corner it’s time we get back to basics. Nationwide one in six people have herpes and over 19 million will contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year. 

This means when it comes to contraception, people need different methods at different times in their lives that protect against both unintended pregnancy and STIs. For safer sex, Planned Parenthood thinks the more options, the better.

Why internal condoms?

Internal condoms, or female condoms (FCs), are the only contraceptive barrier method where the receptive partner is in control. This means you can feel empowered to take back control of your sex life and your health! Also, internal condoms are prescription free, hormone free and latex free option for both anal and vaginal sex.

What we love about FCs

No interruptions please: FCs can be inserted hours before vaginal sex so nothing will interrupt the heat of the moment! Unlike male condoms, FCs don’t require an erect penis which means your partner doesn’t have to pull out right away which often allows men to feel less constricted during sex.

Hot, hot, hot: Made of nitrile, FCs adjust to your body temperature so you and your partner can feel the heat! Plus, during vaginal sex the internal ring can stimulate the head of a penis and the outer ring can stimulate the clitoris for double the pleasure.

Top Tips

Remember being nervous the first time you tried something new? Internal condoms are the same way, but practice makes perfect! Here are some recommendations when first trying FCs:

-Use lots of lube to ensure that sex goes smoothly and the condom doesn’t move.

-Try inserting a FC several times, alone or before any sex act, to feel comfortable with the product. Third times a charm!

-Never use a male and female condom at the same time. It actually increases the likelihood of breakage and always be sure to check the expiration date before use.

Get Involved

Find a Planned Parenthood health center near you to pick up your own to try or visit www.ringonit.org to learn more about staying safe. Take the pledge to join us in advocating for FCs in your own community and join us as we celebrate Global Female Condom Day with radio personality Loni Swain!

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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

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