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Female Condoms Are Not Just Ew!

Female condoms: whether you love ‘em, hate ‘em, or have never tried ‘em, we can all agree the world is a better place because of ‘em.  Female condoms (also known as internal condoms) work pretty much the same way as regular ol’ condoms, but rather than going over the penis, they go inside of the vagina (or anus) to help prevent pregnancy and the spread of STDs.

So we were bummed to see Jezebel bash the humble female condom. Sure, plenty of folks have plenty of reasons for not using or liking female condoms. But some people really like female condoms — after all, they can stay in place regardless of whether the penis is erect, and the external ring can stimulate the clitoris. And like “regular” condoms, they can reduce the risk of STDs.

Female condoms aren’t for everyone — but that doesn’t mean they’re for no one. And they’re still plenty important and useful for lots and lots of people, including sex workers and individuals whose partners refuse to wear regular condoms. When it comes to birth control, we say the more options the better. Learn more about female condoms on our website.

- Alex at Planned Parenthood

Tagged: female condomsafer sexjezebelcondoms

Condom options for people with latex allergies


Someone asked us:

Q. Can you make a post about alternative forms of birth control? Every time you mention condoms it’s always LATEX, and a lot of people have latex or other allergies. It would be nice to see an inclusive discussion on the subject, especially for someone like me who feels hopeless at times because of the limitations my body puts on what type of birth control I am able to comfortably use.

Sure thing! About six out of 100 people have latex allergies. For folks who are allergic or sensitive to latex, there are a few options. You can use a polyurethane or polyisoprene condom. These condoms also prevent  pregnancy and the spread of STDs.

The second option is the female condom. The female (FYI, anyone—not just females — can use this condom for anal sex) condom is made out of a synthetic rubber that doesn’t contain latex, so it’s fine for people with latex allergies. And it can be used for vaginal or anal sex.

Everybody is different, which is why choosing a birth control method is such a personal decision. When it comes to finding a birth control option that works for your body — whether it’s the right kind of condom, the right kind of pill, or the right kind of IUD — a health care provider can help you figure it out.

-Alex at PPFA

Tagged: condomfemale condomlatex allergyQuestionsside effects

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