Here’s how it works: You squeeze the smaller ring into a half-moon shape, insert the condom into your vagina (taking care to keep the sheath from twisting too much) and position the inner ring against your cervix. The larger open ring hangs below your vulva. Your partner slides his penis into the sheath, and you’re all good to go. Some men report enjoying the female condom more than traditional condoms because their penis isn’t as constricted.

Is it safe? Sure, provided you use it correctly. The most common problem, given the baggy nature of this device, is making sure your partner’s penis is inserted into the condom rather than between the condom and your vaginal wall.

Upsides:
  • You can insert it for up to 8 hours before intercourse.
  • Because the outer ring and some of the sheath hang outside the vaginal opening, the female condom provides better protection than traditional condoms against STIs that are transmitted from skin-to-skin contact, such as genital herpes and genital warts.
  • Unlike latex condoms, female condoms can be used with oil-based lubricants (oils destroy latex).