When people hear the word “condom,” typically the male condom is the first thing that comes to mind.
Vandal Health Education (VHE) is committed to giving students access to free condoms, because using condoms correctly and consistently is the most effective way to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancy.
Ashtin Mitchell
Peer health educator
The male condom isn”t the only way to protect yourself, however. Vandal Health Education also has free female condoms. The female condom is an equally effective form of protection, and we want students to know more about them.
The female condom is a nitrile (synthetic rubber) pouch with a flexible inner ring. It looks like a larger male condom with a ring in the closed end. These condoms are inserted much like a tampon, and the inner ring holds the condom against the back of the vagina for stability. The other end of the condom rests against the female”s vulva for extra skin-to-skin protection.
One thing to keep in mind is that someone needs to hold the condom down while the penis is being inserted, just to make sure that it is completely within the condom. Just like the male condom, the female condom can only be used once. Make sure to throw it away immediately after use.
Female condoms take a small amount of extra effort and commitment to learn how to use, but they have great pay-offs. When these condoms are used correctly, they are 95 percent effective for protecting against STIs and unintended pregnancy. Females should practice inserting the condom a few times before use, that way they feel comfortable using it when the time is right.
Female condoms empower women to be in charge of their sexual health. According to Bedsider, a reputable sexual health resource, some women report boosted self-esteem when they use female condoms.
Because the internal condom can be inserted eight hours before use, females can be proactive about protecting themselves before they go out. Women should wear a snug pair of underwear to keep the outer part of the condom pressed to their body for extra comfort.
Internal condoms also ensure that women are protected with partners who are reluctant to use protection. Everyone has the right to feel comfortable during sex and the right to refuse unprotected sex with a partner.
These condoms also have some sensual advantages. Some people report that the female condom increases pleasure. The outer ring of the condom rubs against the clitoris and the inner ring stimulates the head of the penis.
Because internal condoms are made of non-latex nitrile, they warm up with your body temperature and are safe for people with latex allergies. In addition to vaginal sex, they can also be used for anal sex as a great option for STI prevention. Just remove the inner ring for extra comfort and make sure to use a water-based or silicone-based lube.
For more information, talk to one of our peer health educators in the Health Education Resource Room, which is located in the Student Recreation Center. They are there to answer questions and make sure you feel comfortable with your choice of contraception. Vandal Health Education also offers various male condoms, including lubricated Lifestyles, Trojan Magnums, Trojan Enz, Trustex non-lubricated and Lifestyles non-latex for free.
Ashtin Mitchell is a peer health educator. She can be reached at [email protected]