Female Condom

The facts: The female condom is a polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at each end. The closed end fits inside the vagina, against the cervix, and the open end remains outside the vagina, providing coverage to the labia (vaginal lips). The female condom is the only female-controlled barrier method that protects against pregnancy and STDs.

How well it works: While as much as 95 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used perfectly, typical use is 79 percent effective.

Pros:
• The female condom is a nonhormonal method with few health risks or side effects.
• It provides some protection against HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.
• It is available without a prescription in most drug stores.
• Because the female condom is not made with latex or nonoxynol-9, it causes few allergic reactions.
• It requires no health care service to fit, prescribe, refill, insert or remove.
• The female condom's polyurethane material makes it less likely to break than the male condom, and it is unaffected by water- or oil-based lubricants.

Cons:
• Medical problems are not common with the female condom.
• Some women have difficulty inserting the female condom, so they should experiment with the condom a few times before using it during sex.
• Some women have reported a reduction in sexual pleasure while using the female condom, but loss of sensation or stimulation was reported less than with use of the male condom.

Where to get it: Available in one size and can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription at many drug stores.

Cost: Approximately $1 to $2 each; usually sold in packages of five.