Female condom

A barrier contraceptive worn inside the vagina during sex. It reduces the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections by blocking contact with semen and genital fluids.

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Internal condom: A contraceptive sheath worn inside the vagina or anus to reduce pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection risks. Female condoms are the vaginal type of internal condom.
Contraception: Methods used to prevent pregnancy. The female condom is a reversible, user-controlled barrier method of contraception.
External condom: A sheath worn over the penis during sex to reduce pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection risks. It fits over the penis rather than lining the vagina, and the two types should not be used together.
Contraceptive prevalence: The proportion of people or couples using a contraceptive method at a given time. Low uptake can limit the method’s population-level contribution despite its potential benefits.
Nitrile: A synthetic rubber used to make durable, latex-free products, including some internal condoms. Many female condoms use nitrile, which is less sensitive to oil-based lubricants than latex.
Barrier contraception: Pregnancy-prevention methods that physically impede sperm from reaching an egg. The female condom prevents sperm from entering the reproductive tract by covering the vaginal canal.
Polyurethane: A polymer used to make thin, flexible products, including some condoms. Polyurethane is an alternative material used in some female condoms and differs from nitrile in feel and heat transfer.
Dual protection: The use of strategies that reduce both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection risk. Female condoms can provide both forms of protection in one method.
Vaginal anatomy: The structure and tissues of the vagina and surrounding reproductive organs. The outer ring rests outside the vaginal opening while the inner ring helps hold the condom in place.
Sexually transmitted infection prevention: Practices and interventions that reduce the chance of acquiring or transmitting sexually transmitted infections. The condom can reduce exposure to infected genital fluids and covered tissues, though it does not eliminate risk.