Can you please tell me more about female condoms? What are they and how do I use them? Are they available in India?
— Condom Crusader Charu
Dear Condom Crusader Charu,
‘Female condoms’, also known as ‘internal condoms’, are a great way to reduce risk of STI transmission and prevent pregnancy. I’ll refer to them as “internal” condoms since not everyone who uses these will identify as women, and may use them for anal intercourse as well.
Taking charge for more pleasure
Contraception is, unfortunately, a gendered endeavor in patriarchal societies like India. Men are less motivated to take the lead on contraception, and often complain about condom use being tedious or inconvenient. No option that cis women can traditionally use comes as close to the ease, simplicity and lack of hormonal side effects as regular condoms — with the dual benefit of both STI protection and pregnancy prevention.
The ‘female’ condom, however, allows cis heterosexual women to take charge of their contraception. Taking charge of contraception, especially in situations where they don’t trust cis men to, can help reduce the stress cis women associate with sex. Who would have guessed that reducing the risk of unintended pregnancy and STIs would make sex more fun for women? (I’m kidding). So even though wearing an internal condom can reduce sensation a bit in the vagina, studies show that these condoms still can increase the overall pleasure they experience during sex.
The ‘female’ condom allows cis heterosexual women to take charge of their contraception Shutterstock
Size doesn’t matter
We won’t leave penis owners out of the fun — they can also experience a little more pleasure when a couple uses internal condoms. If a penis owner typically finds external/penis condoms tight and uncomfortable, internal condoms may offer the looser fit during intercourse. External condoms don’t actually come in too many sizes in India. While XL condoms are still possible to import, it is very difficult to find condoms which are smaller than standard size. For folks who have smaller penises, internal condoms can offer a refuge. If a typical external condom is too large to put on, and tends to slip off easily, you can explore internal condoms.
Uninterrupted play
External condoms almost always need erections to stay on taut — this can be difficult to maneuver! If you’re a penis-owner who has a hard time staying erect for long periods of time, you may have noticed that external condoms can become loose or unreliable. Having to change condoms mid-session can be a bit of a buzzkill.
If a penis owner typically finds external/penis condoms tight and uncomfortable, internal condoms may offer the looser fit during intercourse
However, with an internal condom, there is less pressure to stay hard the whole time. Instead, you can take your time to get hard, take breaks, get hard again. Just make sure the internal condom stays properly inserted the whole time.
How to put on an internal condom
Internal condoms are a larger, tube-like version that looks similar to a ‘male’ or ‘external’ condom. They come with a ring on the inside that allows them to maintain their shape, and they are placed inside the vagina or anus. They are made of latex, just like external condoms.
Here are some steps to ensure proper use:
• Open the bag with your hands, or if you use scissors, ensure you move the condom aside to avoid cutting through it. Avoid using your teeth.
• Squeeze the ring at the back of the condom to make it narrower and insert it into the vaginal canal or anus.
• Once the ring is inside, push it as far back as feels comfortable and ensure the ring opens up inside.
• Ensure that the outer ring of the condom is outside the vagina/anus, and for safety, consider holding it in place as you begin penetration. This is especially important for the anus because it has no “ending” inside and things can get lost in the anus! The vagina has a cervix which ensures that things can’t travel internally beyond a certain point.
• Use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant to ease insertion of the condom, and use a lubricant inside the condom for the penetrating partner.
• After intercourse, twist and pull out the condom slowly so that it does not leak into the vagina/anus.
• Throw it out! Each condom is only designed to be used once.
Double bagging is NOT more safe
Some people have the misconception that using both an internal and external condom at the same time may mean “double the safety”, but that is actually not true for the same reason using two external condoms is not safe. The condoms are tested rigorously and have up to 95 per cent effectiveness, which is a little less than an external condom which can be up to 98 per cent effective (when used perfectly, and most of us aren’t perfect). However, when you use two condoms together, they rub against each other, which makes them more likely to break due to friction.
Indian brands to try
Unlike external condoms, internal (female) condoms are not as easily available in your corner store, and cost more than a box of external condoms. With a little planning you can order them online. Two brands manufacture female condoms in India: Domina by Peesafe and the slightly cheaper Velvet Female Condom by MOODs. I haven’t personally seen the latter, but Domina’s internal condoms come with clear instructions and a disposal pouch which can be helpful with such a large condom.
While not a mainstream choice, internal condoms can certainly offer some benefits over external condoms. If you choose to try them, I’d love to hear how your experience goes!
Best,
Karishma
