History
The female condom has been available in the United States, England and other European countries since 1993. It was just introduced to Australia in 2000 for the very first time. The female condom is made out of a transparent polyurethane sheath. this material is stronger than latex, odorless and to this day there are no known allergic reactions. The female condom does not require a prescription, intervention or assistance from a health care professional. It is marketed towards woman as to say use this product if your male partner will not use male condoms and you need a way to protect yourself.
When it comes to advertisement for the male condom it is talked about as just protecting against STD's and HIV/AIDs. When advertisement is used to talk about the female condom they include unintended pregnancies and birth control in the description. This is funny because both condoms can be used for birth control.
Retail Information
I called around to local pharmacies in Dekalb, IL to see which ones actually carry the female condom because it is advertised that you can locate it at any local drug store. Below is a list of the stores and what was they carry:
Jewel-Osco: They only have 4 boxes left because they are discontinuing selling the female condom.
Walgreen's: You can order the female condom off their website but you can not buy it in the store here in Dekalb, IL.
Wal-Mart: They do not carry the female condom.
Schnuck's: They also do not carry the female condom.
Target: Not only do they not carry the female condom but when i called to ask about if they had it in stock the pharmacist laughed at me and kept asking me to repeat what i was looking for.
Health services: The female condom is offered on campus but you have to make a doctor's appointment and have to receive a prescription to obtain it. When you should just be able to get the female condom as easily as the male condom. Also on the school's website for birth control they do not list the female condom as an option. You have to physically go in and ask for specific information on the female condom
ADVANTAGES: 1. Prevents the spread of STD's, including HIV/AIDs 2. Prevent skin to skin STI's (herpes) 3. Females can use the female condom if male partner refuses. 4. Protects against pregnancies 5. Does not reduce stimulation 6. Does not require a prescription or a fitting. 7. No hormonal side affects. 8. Does not affect future fertility 9. No erection is needed 10. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse. 11. Comes pre-lubricated and can be used with oil-bases and water-based lubricants. 12. No special storage requirements (No temperature needs) 13. Gives females more control over reproductive health | DISADVANTAGES: 1. Does not contain spermicide 2. Outer ring shows outside of vagina (some women become self conscious) 3. The female condom can make noise during sex. 4. It can break or leak. 5. Can cause irritation of the vagina, vulva, or penis. 6. Can slip into the vagina 7. Cost more than the male condom. 8. Need partner's invlovement. |
Above is a detailed demonstration on how you properly use a female condom for those of you who are more interested in the prosess.
