HIV Basics

Female Condom Use

The Right Way To Use A Female Condom

DO...

  • DO use a female condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal sex. (Female condoms can also be used for anal sex)
  • DO read the condom package insert and check the expiration date.
  • DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
  • DO use lubricant to help prevent the condom from slipping and tearing.
  • DO store female condoms in a cool, dry place.

DON'T...

  • DON’T use a male condom with a female condom, as this can cause tearing.
  • DON’T reuse a female condom.
  • DON’T flush female condoms as they may clog the toilet.

How To Insert and Remove a Female Condom

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Carefully open and remove female condom from package to prevent tearing.
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The thick, inner ring with closed end is used for placing in the vagina and holds condom in place. The thin, outer ring remains outside of body, covering vaginal opening.
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Find a comfortable position. While holding outside of condom at closed end, squeeze sides of inner ring together with your thumb and forefinger and insert into vagina. It is similar to inserting a tampon.
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Using your finger, push inner ring as far up as it will go until it rests against cervix. The condom will expand naturally and you may not feel it.
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Be sure condom is not twisted. The thin, outer ring should remain outside vagina.
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Guide partner’s penis into opening of female condom. Stop intercourse if you feel penis slip between condom and walls of vagina or if outer ring is pushed into vagina.
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To remove, gently twist outer ring and pull female condom out of vagina.
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Throw away female condom in trash after using it one time. Do not reuse.
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About HIV

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About HIV

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HIV Transmission

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HIV Transmission

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HIV Prevention

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HIV Prevention

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PrEP

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PrEP

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PEP

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PEP

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HIV Stigma

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HIV Stigma

Information contained in this section is a reproduction for New Zealand of content published on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Website
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