Condoms for Women

What are condoms for women called?

Condoms for women are called female condoms or internal condoms. They are essentially pouches designed to go inside the vagina, where they act like a barrier between your skin and your partner’s penis. Most condoms for women are made of polyurethane, although there are also natural rubber latex and polyisoprene options.

How are the female condoms different than male condoms?

The main difference between male and female condoms is the size. Female condoms are much larger than a male condom. They are designed to coat the vagina and the external part extends over the vulva to minimise the skin-on-skin contact.

Like male condoms, female condoms have a top, or closed end, and an open end. A difference between the two types of condoms is that internal condoms don’t have a teat end to gather semen. Instead, the closed end has a sort of cap consisting of a piece of synthetic latex and a flexible rubber or silicone ring.

This cap is designed to fit over the cervix, enhancing the condom strength and preventing the semen from entering the womb.

The open end also finished with a ring, but this ring is larger and its role is only structural. The larger ring and a portion of the condom should protect your vulva from coming in contact with your partner’s penis. In this way, the condom protects you against sexually transmitted infections.

How reliable are female condoms? Do they protect against STIs?

Female condoms are almost as reliable as male condoms – they’re 95% effective against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

How do internal condoms feel?

Unlike male condoms, that fit snugly on the penis, female condoms are not tight at all. They don’t inhibit blood flow or the movement, nor do they provide the dull sensation many external condoms provide. Thus, it is believed that female condoms feel more natural than male condoms.

Most female condoms are made of polyurethane – there are some exceptions, but you can expect most options to be latex-free.

In other words, everyone can use female condoms without worrying about latex allergies or sensitivity.

Polyurethane is a type of plastic similar to cling wrap. Male condoms made of polyurethane often feel too synthetic, but in the case of female condoms, the material is a much better choice than natural rubber latex or polyisoprene.

Polyurethane’s main advantage is that it conducts heat better. This characteristic will help you increase the sense of intimacy between you and your partner.

Because female condoms are silky smooth and lubricated, and because polyurethane is thinner than polyisoprene and latex, many people using female condoms compare the sensation with bare skin sex. The main reason why female condoms are not as popular as male condoms is because they’re slightly trickier to use – although the advantages they bring might outweigh the downsides.

What advantages do the condoms for women have?

Female condoms come with a plethora of advantages.

• They give you the possibility to plan ahead: Unlike male condoms that can only be put on when the penis is erect, you can insert and position the female condom way before getting down to business. Most female condoms can be placed inside the vagina up to 8 hours before intercourse. Whilst you’ll unlikely place them so many hours in advance, you can insert them whilst getting ready for sex so that you can enjoy the moment without unnecessary interruptions.
• Female condoms can enhance intimacy: Giving up condoms isn’t a decision to take lightly. Even when you’ve become serious with your partner, you can’t stop using condoms before both of you got tested. However, if you want to increase intimacy, you can use condoms for women. Since your partner won’t have to put on a condom and female condoms heighten the sensations, you might both feel like you’re having a skin on skin contact.
• Female condoms might empower you: Don’t you hate it when your partner is the only one to take care and control protection? A condom for women gives you the freedom to protect yourself even when your partner doesn’t want to roll on an external condom. Using a combination of external and internal condoms (obviously, not at the same time) can also bring balance in your relationship, showing your partner that you’re not afraid of assuming responsibility.
• You can use external condoms in all situations: Female condoms are very soft and, when you add a few drops of lube, they will not irritate your delicate lady parts. Thus, you can use female condoms when you feel a bit under the weather, when you’re on your period, after a miscarriage or after a recent childbirth, during pregnancy, and even as you’re struggling with pre-menopause or menopause vaginal dryness.
• Female condoms may enhance clitoral stimulation: We have already mentioned that the external ring covers your vulva. In many cases, the ring goes right over the clit and might provide additional stimulation during intercourse. The opposite might also be true – as with textured condoms, you might like or dislike the sensations, but the only way to tell is trying.
• You can use female condoms successfully for anal and oral sex: Whilst female condoms are designed with vaginal sex in mind, you can also use them for anal sex successfully. Remember, however, that placing them inside your rectum could be trickier. When it comes to safe oral sex, if you don’t have any male condoms available, you can place an internal condom over your partner’s penis and protect yourself during oral sex.

Are there any disadvantages?

Like everything else, female condoms are not perfect. One of the main downside condoms for women might have is an annoying sound during intercourse. These noises are created by the polyurethane sheath hitting against your wet vaginal walls, but they do not reduce the condom effectiveness. Nevertheless, they could be distracting.

Another disadvantage is that female condoms aren’t as readily available as male condoms. They don’t enjoy the same popularity, and they might be hard to find.

Last but not least, keep in mind that the condom might be pushed inside the vagina during intercourse. You should always pay attention that the external ring rests against your vulva throughout the entire performance, or the condom’s efficiency might drop.

You may be at risk of catching or transmitting infections if your partner’s bare penis comes in contact with your vulva or vagina. If the condom gets pushed all the way in, you may also be at risk of accidental pregnancy.

On a positive note, a female condom is very easy to remove from your body if it gets pushed inside. Simply insert your fingers into your vagina until you find the condom and pull it out with a gentle motion. Internal condoms are less likely to get stuck inside your body than external condoms.

How to use an internal condom?

Many people claim that internal condoms are more difficult to use than male condoms. However, all it takes is a little practice to get it right. An easy trick to aid with the placement is adding a few drops of lube to the outside of the condom before introducing it into your vagina. Here are the step to follow:

1. Unwrap the condom carefully, paying attention not to tear or damage it when you’re taking it out of the packet.
2. Inspect the condom for any tears or holes. All female condoms have to pass strict safety tests, but you can never be too careful. If you notice any damage, discard the condom and use a new one.
3. Squeeze the small ring at the closed end of the condom and introduce it inside your vagina. Use your fingers to push the condom inside.
4. Cover your vulva with the portion of condom that exits from your vagina. The larger ring should cover you.
5. Guide your partner’s penis inside the condom. Pay attention during this step to prevent guiding his penis between the side of your vagina and the condom – this would leave you exposed to sexually transmitted infections and accidental pregnancy.
6. After intercourse, twist the large ring to prevent the contents of the condom from spilling and pull the condom gently to remove it. Dispose of it in the bin – never flush the condom down the toilet.

Are female condoms right for me?

In theory, female condoms are right for everyone. However, there may be situations when you might want to steer clear.

For instance, female condoms are not suitable for women who are not comfortable touching their intimate area.

Female condoms are also contraindicated to women who have a high risk of pregnancy and that have already used a barrier contraceptive method unsuccessfully. You may be at high risk if you’re younger than 30, have sex three or more times a week, and you’re likely to use a female condom inconsistently.

If you have any type of abnormalities that could interfere with the condom’s placement, fit, or retention, you should also avoid using female condoms.

In all of the situations above, it is more indicated to use a male condom.

Which is safer male or female condoms?

Male condoms are slightly more effective than female condoms – 98% versus 95%, respectively. However, both condom types protect you from STIs.

Are there any male condoms I can use to satisfy my partner?

Not sure if you want to give female condoms a try but would like to use a special condom to satisfy her? There are plenty of options.

• Ultra thin condoms: These condoms are an excellent choice if you want the contact to be as natural as possible. You can pick from natural rubber latex, polyisoprene, or synthetic resin condoms – some of which are as thin as 15 microns.
• Textured condoms: This type of condoms are designed with her pleasure in mind. Options include ribbed condoms, dotted condoms, and ribbed and dotted condoms. The raised ridges or dots increase vaginal stimulation and may help her reach orgasm faster. Ribbed and ribbed and dotted condoms can often stimulate both partners.
• Tingling sensations condoms: This category includes warming condoms, cooling condoms, and mint flavoured condoms. The mint flavoured variety is an excellent choice for heightened sensations during intercourse, but also for more pleasurable oral sex.
• Flavoured condoms: These condoms can make oral sex more fun, but they are also a suitable choice if your partner doesn’t like the smell of latex. In addition to the sweet flavour, these condoms also have a delightful scent.
• Glow in the dark condoms: Super fun to use to spice up your sex life or relax a concerned or shy partner, these condoms will bring all the focus on your pride and joy. They also make lights-off sex much more interesting. You can find them from EXS and Pasante, and all it takes is a few seconds of exposure to light to enjoy up to half an hour of glow.

Where to buy condoms for women?

You can buy condoms for women right here at Condoms.uk. Browse our range to find the best condoms for you and your partner, then add the products to the cart and proceed to checkout.

At Condoms.uk, we only stock genuine condoms from trusted brands. All the condoms we sell come in their original, unopened packaging – check the European CE mark or the British BSI Kitemark to check the product’s safety. Both marks act as a guarantee for the quality and are only applied to products that meet or exceed rigorous safety tests.

At Condoms.uk, we offer discreet delivery on all orders, with free shipping for orders of £25 or more. Next-day delivery options are also available.