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How you prepare

By Mayo Clinic staff

Before using a female condom, read the instructions carefully. If the condom is past its expiration date or you notice any signs of damage — such as small tears or holes — discard the condom and choose another. Practice inserting the female condom before the first time you use it for sex. In addition, pay close attention when you first use the female condom to make sure it stays in place during sex.

Don't use a female condom at the same time as a male condom or for anal sex. Never reuse a female condom.

What you can expect Risks
References
  1. Hoke TH, et al. Female condoms. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
  2. Female Health Company. http://www.femalehealth.com. Accessed Nov 11, 2011.
  3. 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.
  4. Comparison of FC female condoms to a male condom. Female Health Company. http://www.femalehealth.com/theproduct.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
  5. Female-controlled barrier methods. In: Zieman M, et al. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, Ga.: Bridging the Gap Communications; 2010:63.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. FC2 female condom patient leaflet. Female Health Company. http://www.femalehealth.com/theproduct.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
  9. Do's and don'ts of condom use. American Social Health Association. http://www.ashastd.org/condom/condom_overview.cfm. Accessed Nov. 11, 2011.
MY00985 Jan. 21, 2012

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