NM Department of Health Family Planning Program

Condoms - Male and Female

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What is the Female Condom?
What types of condoms are there for Men?

What is the Female Condom?

Reality female condoms are made of a thin plastic called polyurethane. This is NOT latex or rubber. The condom is placed into the woman’s vagina. It is open at one end and closed at the other. Both ends have a flexible ring used to keep the condom in the vagina. The female condom comes in only one size: 15 centimeters in length and 7 centimeters wide. The flexible and removable inner ring at the closed end is inserted into the vagina as far as possible; the inner ring may be removed or left in place in vagina; the larger outer ring remains outside the vagina. Among typical couples who initiate use of Reality condoms, about 21% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If these condoms are used consistently and correctly, about 5% will become pregnant. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or from the package insert.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

Female condoms give women a new option in preventing both infection (especially against herpes and HIV, since it covers more of the external genitalia) and pregnancy.
Female condoms give women more contraceptive control and a sense of freedom. The female condom is an option to a woman who cannot get a man to use a condom.
Women don’t need to see a clinician to get it. No prescription or fitting is needed.
The female condom can be put in up to 8 hours in advance.
It is safe and fairly effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection.
Your partner can insert it and make it part of lovemaking.
Any lubricant may be used with the female condom including oil-based lubricants since this condom is NOT made of latex. It does come with its own lubricant.
Polyurethane transmits heat well. This may make sex more fun.
The female condom can be used if either partner is allergic to latex.
The female condom is a good option during breastfeeding.
Breakage is rare.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

The female condom is large and some feel it is unattractive or odd-looking. Although it looks different and may appear unusual at first, its size and shape allow it to protect a greater area. Many of the couples who have used it like the way it feels.
Some women do not like the idea of putting fingers or a foreign object into their vagina. It can be large, bulky, and can be difficult for some women to place into vagina.
It will not work if the man’s penis enters the vagina outside of the female condom. The penis must be directed into the condom.
It can make rustling noises prior to or during intercourse. A lubricant may decrease noises.
The female condom is not available in as many stores as the male condom. It may be hard to find, so call the store in advance.
Female condoms are about three times more expensive than male condoms. They cost about $3 or more per condom.
The inner ring may cause discomfort; if it does, it should be removed.
The female condom is clearly less effective than latex male condoms in preventing both pregnancy and STIs.

WHERE DO I GET CONDOMS?

Female condoms are sold at most drugstores and at some supermarkets. Female condoms are also available at some health departments and family planning clinics. Call in advance to be sure. They are sold in packs of three or six and cost $2 to $3 per condom. The package comes with a leaflet that explains how to use the condom. To learn more about the Reality female condom, call your clinician or call 1-800-274-6601.

WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?

Did you know that for 120 hours after sex, you could take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. Also, see the ECPS page.

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What Types of Condoms are there for Men?

Condoms are made of latex (often called “rubbers”), polyurethane (plastic), or natural membranes (often called "skins" and made from the intestine of sheep). Polyurethane condoms may be used by couples when either partner is allergic to latex. Condoms look like long thin balloons before they are blown up. Condoms act as a mechanical barrier; they prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from going into the vagina. The condom is put onto the penis before the penis comes into contact with the vagina. Among typical couples who initiate use of latex condoms for men, about 14% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If condoms are used consistently and correctly, about 3% will become pregnant. Condoms become more effective in subsequent years of use (after the first year). Whether condoms lubricated with spermicides are more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs has not been determined. Complete information about condoms is available from your clinician or from the package insert.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

Condoms are safe and effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection when they are used during each act of sex. Sexual intercourse may be enjoyed more because there is less fear of STIs, HIV, and pregnancy.
Men “last longer” when they use condoms. Prolonging sex may make sex more fun.
Condoms come in many colors, sizes and with or without ribbing. Variety is exciting!
Condoms make sex less messy by catching the semen.
If the woman puts the condom on the man, it can be fun for both partners!
Remember, penises and condoms come in different sizes! Find a condom that fits!
If you use a water based lubricant such as Astroglide, Aqua Lube or KY Jelly, you may decrease the chance that your condom will break.
To decrease the chance of the condom slipping down the penis or falling off in the vagina, pull the penis out of the vagina right after ejaculation. Don’t continue thrusting until the penis becomes soft.
Practice putting a condom onto a banana! This will make it easier to use condoms during sex.
With condoms, the risk of infertility for partners is decreased.
Condoms may reduce the risk of cervical cancer because there's less risk of HPV infection.
There's no visit to a clinic or doctor's office required to start using condoms.
Condoms are fairly easy to get and usually do not cost a lot.
Condoms are a good contraceptive option during breast-feeding or with other methods as a backup.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

Unless the woman puts it on as a part of foreplay, the condom may interrupt sex.
Condoms require some practice to learn how to use.
When putting the condom on the penis you must avoid tearing the condom or putting a hole in it with finger nails, a ring or anything sharp. This includes your teeth!
YOU CAN’T USE OIL BASED LUBRICANTS such as Vaseline, sun tan oil, whipped cream, or Crisco with latex condoms! These products can put a hole in a latex condom in a matter of seconds.
Some men cannot maintain an erection with a condom on.
The man must pull out soon after ejaculation. If he becomes soft, the condom can fall off and be left in the vagina without the couple knowing that this has happened.
Some people are sensitive (or allergic) to latex or find the smell very unpleasant. Natural membrane condoms (skins) are slightly less effective and more expensive than latex condoms. However, they may help if either the man or woman is sensitive to latex. Polyurethane (plastic) condoms, which include the Reality female condom and some types of male condoms, are another option if either partner is allergic to latex.
Buying, negotiating use, putting on, and getting rid of condoms may be embarrassing for some people.
Condoms create decreased enjoyment of sex for some couples by causing decreased sensation for either partner.
Condoms may not be available when a couple needs one.

WHERE DO I GET CONDOMS?
Condoms can be purchased at any drugstore and many supermarkets and gas stations. Some health departments and family planning clinics give away condoms.

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