Female condom

What is it? A thin polyurethane sheath placed inside the vagina to create a barrier to stop sperm from entering the uterus.

Advantages:
• Protects against sexually transmitted infections 
• There are no side effects 
• Stronger than the male condom 
• May be put in any time before sex 
• Not affected by any other medicines 
• There are no hormones involved so will not effect levels of fertility

Considerations:
• May reduce the spontaneity of sex 
• Need to be sure that the penis enters the condom and is not between the condom and vagina wall 
• The condom may get pushed into the vagina 
• May be expensive to buy

Available from: Medical professionals (may be free from family planning clinics) and pharmacies

Effectiveness: When used correctly it is 95% effective