The Female Condom empowers women.  But all too few women over 50 even know it exists.  So, for anyone not in a long-term monogamous relationship, ladies, here’s an alternative that puts you in control.  The amazing secret is that although it is widely used in Europe and has been approved by the FDA in the US since 1993, very few women or even health care professionals know of it much less use it.  If you are sexually active (and I hope you are, if appropriate) and not in a monogamous relationship, this may be a valuable alternative for you.  While not every woman may feel comfortable using this contraption, (what sexual individual of either sex likes using all that greasy kid stuff?), it has one additional advantage to the fact that you are in control.  In case your partner is of an age where he is prone to a mopey dick and at times can’t get his condom to stay put, you can still have intercourse, without the fear of disease.  It’s a nice gift to be able to give to yourself and to your frustrated partner.

The condom itself is a thin sheath or pouch worn by a woman during sex.  It entirely lines the vagina and helps to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV.  It is marketed under various brand names: Reality, Femidom, Dominique, Femy, Myfemy, Protectiv’ and Care.

At each end there is a flexible ring.  At the closed end of the sheath, the flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. At the other open end of the sheath, the ring stays outside the vulva at the entrance to the vagina. This ring acts as a guide during penetration and it also stops the sheath bunching up inside the vagina. There is silicone-based lubricant on the inside of the condom, but additional lubrication can be used. The condom does not contain spermicide and if needed an extra lubricant can be used.

The advantages are many:

• It offers the opportunity for you to take charge of your own body or share the responsibility for your own sexual health with your partner(s).  A woman may be able to use the female condom if her partner refuses to use the male condom.
• It can avoid last minute muss and fuss as it can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so no one has to stop at precisely the point you don’t want to.

Of course there are disadvantages as well. That’s always the downs and ups of life.

• The outer ring or frame is visible outside the vagina, which can make some women feel self-conscious
• The condoms can make a sort of squishy noise during intercourse, which might make some people embarrassed, though others might just giggle.  Hint: adding more lubricant can lessen this occurrence.
• Some women find the female condom hard to insert and to remove.
• It can be pricey.

Just imagine being able to pick one up in your local vending machine, perhaps even a color of your choice, once manufacturers get that creative.  It’s an interesting option worth pursuing.  Would you consider using a female condom?  Why or why not?  If you use one, what has been your experience?  The more knowledge we all have the better healthy sex forever can be.