WOMEN’S BODIES: USING CONDOMS
Condoms for women
These have been developed during the past decade in response to a perceived need for better protection for women against sexually transmissible diseases, especially AIDS. By partly or completely covering the external genitals, female condoms could offer protection against transfer of genital skin infections such as herpes and warts. When these devices become available, women can take total responsibility for their protection if their partners are reluctant to use penile condoms. And, of course, any barrier that prevents genital transfer of bacteria and viruses will also pork as a contraceptive by preventing sperm from entering the cervix. A device called the Femidom is a transparent plastic pouch with a flexible ring inside the upper, closed end and a larger 5 at the open bottom end. You insert nth your fingers, pushing the upper ring behind the pubic bone. During intercourse, the device is kept in place by the outer ring, which tucks around (and covers) the vulva. The manufacturers report that in four years of testing on 1700 en in the USA, Femidom has proved resistant to slipping, tearing or penetration by bacteria, and its pregnancy-prevention rate is comparable to that of the diaphragm. Some unexpected comments during the North American trials include complaints about noise from the crackling of the plastic during use, and praise for increased sexual pleasure from stimulation of the clitoris by the outer ring. The Femidom isn’t yet available in Australia.
Also being tested is the ‘woman’s choice female condomme’ (a blatant tautology!) – a latex vaginal pouch inserted with an applicator – and what may possibly be the ultimate in contraception and disease prevention, the unisex condom garment’ – latex pants with attached crotch sheath that becomes a vaginal pouch or penis cover, depending on who wears it!
How to use condoms
Most condom packs include a sheet of instructions on ‘How to use’. However, because the instructions are in the outer box and not with the individual condom, and because the time of immediate need may not be ideal for going through a list of instructions, it may be useful to repeat the main points here.
• Remove the wrapping carefully, avoiding contact with sharp fingernails.
• Don’t unroll or test the condom before putting it on.
• Press the air out of the teat (or 1 cm at the tip if there is no teat) to make room for the semen.
• Roll the condom onto the erect penis before any genital contact.
• After intercourse withdraw the penis before it becomes too soft, holding the condom around its base so that it doesn’t slip off and so that the semen doesn’t spill.
• If you need additional lubricant, don’t use petroleum jelly (Vaseline), baby oil or any oil-based substance (which might affect the latex and increase risk of breaking): use a water-based lubricant or spermicidal jelly.
• If the condom breaks or comes off during use, consult a doctor or family planning clinic within 48 hours to see if ‘morning-after’ contraception would be advisable.
• Use condoms once only.
• Keep stored condoms in a cool place and check the expiry date before using.
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