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The Female Condom
By Kim Draper
Published April 2001

Just another condom, think again. Now I know what most of you are thinking, what could actually be new about another condom, right now we have small, medium and large, lubricated, ribbed, extra sensitive, etc. This is the first condom to be used by women for women, the female condom. The female condom is a polyurethane (plastic) sheath with an inner ring that fits inside the vagina, around the cervix (just like a diaphragm) and an outer ring that covers the labia on the outside of the vagina. The female condom can be inserted into the vagina up to eight hours before sexual intercourse, but is for one time use only.

How to use the Female Condom:

Before sex begins, insert the female condom with your fingers, much like a tampon with no applicator. It is very important to read the instructions carefully before using, many women practice inserting the female condom once or twice, prior to having sex, so that that are familiar with how it works.

First, inspect the condom and make sure it is thoroughly lubricated on the inside and the outside. While holding the sheath at the closed end, grasp the soft, flexible inner ring and squeeze it with your thumb and middle finger so it becomes long and narrow. With the other hand, separate the outer lips of your vagina. Gently insert the inner ring into your vaginal canal. You should feel the inner ring go up and move into place. Now place your index finger on the inside of the condom, and push the inner ring up as far as it will go. Be sure the sheath is not twisted. The outer ring remains on outside of your vagina.

The sheath adheres to the vaginal wall. It lines the inner vagina, fitting on your vaginal wall like a second skin. Gently guide the penis into the sheath's opening with your hand, to ensure that it enters properly. Be sure that the penis is not entering to the side of the sheath. It is important to use enough lubricant so that the condom stays in place during sex. If the condom is pulled out or pushed in, there is not enough lubricant. Add more to either the inside of the condom or add to your partner's pleasure by stroking him with more lubricant on your fingers. To remove the condom, twist the outer ring twice and slowly pull out the condom and put in the trash.

Advantages to using the Female Condom:

• Easy to get and relatively inexpensive, approximately $ 2.50 each.
• Some women and men have an increased sensitivity and report a more "natural" feel.
• The Female Condom is hypoallergenic so it is an excellent alternative if you have a latex allergy.
• Full personal control, no need for special medical procedures or examinations.

Disadvantages to using the Female Condom:

• More expensive than the male condom.
• Insertion can be difficult, very slippery.
• Women who are uncomfortable with touching the vulva or vagina.

The Female Condom may not be for everyone, but with the risks of STD transmission and the HIV virus, this is one simple, safe, inexpensive, and even pleasurable way to enjoy your partner.

Kim Draper's website www.thehealingalternative.com features information on alternative therapies.

About Kim Draper.
I am the mother of two teenage boys and the wife of a dear and wonderful man, who has a great amount of patience with me while I write and enjoy all of my other hobbies. I am a full time Executive Secretary for the City of Cedar Hill Economic Development Department (Texas, USA)  Writing has always been a hobby of mine, I enjoy writing poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and the infamous how-to articles.  I have always felt that if you know how to do something or if you have information that would benefit other people, then write it down and pass it out.  My other hobbies include, growing my own herbs, making soap, candles, and just about anything that is all natural.  I am also a certified Aromatherapist with a background in Massage Therapy and Chinese Medicine.  My motto is: you are never to old to learn new things, so I will keep on reading and studying and hopefully supply you with answers to your unanswered questions on as many topics as I can. 

Links:
www.thehealingalternative.com

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