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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
The female condom is a birth control (contraceptive) device that acts as a barrier to keep sperm from entering the uterus. The female condom is a soft, loosefitting pouch with a ring on each end. One ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. The ring at the open end of the condom remains outside the vagina.
Only two female condoms — the FC1 female condom and its replacement the FC2 female condom — have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the U.S. The FC1 female condom, which is made of plastic (polyurethane), is no longer being produced. The FC2 female condom is made of synthetic latex and is pre-lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant.
- Hoke TH, et al. Female condoms. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
- Female Health Company. http://www.femalehealth.com. Accessed Nov 11, 2011.
- Summary of safety and effectiveness data. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf8/P080002b.pdf. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
- Comparison of FC female condoms to a male condom. Female Health Company. http://www.femalehealth.com/theproduct.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
- Female-controlled barrier methods. In: Zieman M, et al. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, Ga.: Bridging the Gap Communications; 2010:63.
- Medical devices: FC2 female condom. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DeviceApprovalsandClearances/Recently-ApprovedDevices/ucm133900.htm. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
- Cates W, et al. Vaginal barriers and spermicides. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media, Inc.; 2011.
- FC2 female condom patient leaflet. Female Health Company. http://www.femalehealth.com/theproduct.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
- Do's and don'ts of condom use. American Social Health Association. http://www.ashastd.org/condom/condom_overview.cfm. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
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