Mixed picutes

My emotional and physical journey of exploring my sexually started during puberty. School programs teach the basics about sexual orientation but they never explain how to handle things when your not completely heterosexual. This is what I'm experiencing.

Guys rarely interest me in a sexual manner. When I'm around a girl I automatically feel that sexual energy flow through me. The feeling of your heart beating, nervousness, the tingling feeling you get down there, etc. These feelings thrill me and just the thought of doing something with a girl excites me. All these emotions mixed together give off a wonderful vibe. It feels like your on a cloud, so amazing and wonderful when felt but to actually explain your orientation to someone else is terrifying.























Overall, my feelings towards girls have intensified 10X in the last year and guys are in all truthfulness out of the picture. I'm just afraid to label myself. When I come out to people I don't like to brand myself a certain orientation. I want my freedom to learn, to grow, and to experiment.

I find that coming out to someone that I truly care about and love is the hardest. The first family member I have come out to is my cousin. I wrote an email to her one day ago explaining my feelings. I hope to god she loves me for being myself.

My advice to anyone else. Discovering your true orientation is not easy but having the freedom to experiment is a gift. Being 15 this is the age where I slowly want to try new things and to find out who I want and what I want. To anyone I come out to I'm willing to give them the time to adjust. Give them the same freedom. I wouldn't trade these feelings for anything else in the world. The excitement is actually not knowing and just learning is a big thrill and through experimentation you can learn alot about yourself.

Mixed picutes

My emotional and physical journey of exploring my sexually started during puberty. School programs teach the basics about sexual orientation but they never explain how to handle things when your not completely heterosexual. This is what I'm experiencing.

Guys rarely interest me in a sexual manner. When I'm around a girl I automatically feel that sexual energy flow through me. The feeling of your heart beating, nervousness, the tingling feeling you get down there, etc. These feelings thrill me and just the thought of doing something with a girl excites me. All these emotions mixed together give off a wonderful vibe. It feels like your on a cloud, so amazing and wonderful when felt but to actually explain your orientation to someone else is terrifying.























Overall, my feelings towards girls have intensified 10X in the last year and guys are in all truthfulness out of the picture. I'm just afraid to label myself. When I come out to people I don't like to brand myself a certain orientation. I want my freedom to learn, to grow, and to experiment.

I find that coming out to someone that I truly care about and love is the hardest. The first family member I have come out to is my cousin. I wrote an email to her one day ago explaining my feelings. I hope to god she loves me for being myself.

My advice to anyone else. Discovering your true orientation is not easy but having the freedom to experiment is a gift. Being 15 this is the age where I slowly want to try new things and to find out who I want and what I want. To anyone I come out to I'm willing to give them the time to adjust. Give them the same freedom. I wouldn't trade these feelings for anything else in the world. The excitement is actually not knowing and just learning is a big thrill and through experimentation you can learn alot about yourself.

Pregnant questions and Answers

How does a woman become pregnant?

A woman usually becomes pregnant after having sexual intercourse. This is where a man puts his erect penis inside a woman's vagina. The friction caused by moving his penis in and out of her vagina will cause him to get increasingly excited until eventually he ejaculates (or 'comes') and releases a sticky white substance called semen. This semen contains millions of tiny sperm cells, which then swim up the woman's vagina, into her uterus (womb) and then into her fallopian tubes where they may join with the tiny egg that she releases from one of her ovaries every month. If this 'joining' (also known as fertilization or conception) occurs, then she will become pregnant. For more information about reproduction and fertilization, please visit our puberty, pregnancy and sex page.

How can I prevent pregnancy?

If you don't want to become pregnant, you will need to use contraception. There are lots of different forms of contraception available. The most well known are the contraceptive pill and the condom. To find out more about how these and other contraceptive methods work, please visit our contraception FAQ or birth control pages.
Is there a "safe time" to have sexual intercourse?

Pregnancy can only occur in the few days following ovulation (the release of an egg). This usually takes place at some point in the middle of a woman's menstrual cycle, between her periods. Unfortunately, women have no definite way of knowing exactly when they are ovulating, so there is no guaranteed "safe" time to have unprotected sex.

Sperm can survive inside the body for several days while they wait for an egg to be released, and the egg takes several days to travel to the uterus, meaning a woman can potentially become pregnant over quite a long period of time. This is why even unprotected sex during a woman's period can sometimes result in pregnancy. If she has irregular periods (as many girls do in the first few years of menstruation), "safe" days can be particularly difficult to predict. Some couples do use the so-called 'rhythm' method as a form of contraception (i.e. only having sex on certain days), but the success rate is not high, and it also offers no protection from STDs such as HIV.

What are the chances of becoming pregnant from a single act of sex?

The likelihood of becoming pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex (for example, from a one night stand) varies from person to person, and also depends on the stage of a woman's menstrual cycle. The probability is highest around the time of ovulation (when the egg is released), when, on average, up to one third of women will become pregnant from having sex once.

What is the best way to get pregnant?

Many women spend much of their life trying not to get pregnant, and then find that when they actually try to have a baby, it takes longer than they had hoped. If you are trying for a baby and don't get pregnant the first time you try, it is important not to panic. Many perfectly healthy women can take up to a year or more to become pregnant. Though pregnancy is a theoretical possibility any time you have sex, your best chance of getting pregnant will be if you have frequent sex around the time of ovulation. For women with a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, this will be approximately 14 days after the start of their last period, although it can vary from woman to woman. In some countries it may be possible to buy an ovulation testing kit from a chemist to help you work out when you're most fertile.

If you continue to have problems, you should contact your doctor for advice. They will be able to refer you for tests to ensure that there are no physical problems that are preventing you from conceiving.

If a man pulls his penis out before he comes or doesn't put it in all the way, can a woman still get pregnant?

Unfortunately even if a man doesn't insert his penis all the way, or withdraws his penis before ejaculation, a woman can still become pregnant. This is because 'pre-come' (the lubricating fluid that leaks out of a man's penis before and during sex) can contain sperm. If this fluid gets in or around a woman's vagina, it can find its way inside, and she can become pregnant.
Can a woman become pregnant as a result of anal sex?

A woman cannot become pregnant as a result of anal sex directly, although if any sperm leaks from the anus and enters the vagina, pregnancy could occur. Anal sex is therefore not the best way of avoiding pregnancy on a long term basis. It is better to use regular contraception such as the birth control pill or condoms.

Anyone wanting to try anal intercourse should be 100% that their partner willing too, as the idea of anal sex makes many people very uncomfortable. It also carries a higher risk of transmission for HIV and other infections, so it is a good idea to use a condom if you do decide to try it.

Can a woman become pregnant through oral sex if she swallows sperm?

No, a woman cannot become pregnant as a result of oral sex even if she swallows. A woman can only become pregnant if sperm get inside her vagina.

Can sperm pass through clothes?

No, generally clothing acts as a barrier against sperm.

Are there any ways to tell if you are pregnant without using a pregnancy test?

The first sign of pregnancy is usually the absence of a period. Other symptoms of pregnancy can include tender breasts, nausea and tiredness but not everybody experiences these. If you suspect you are pregnant you should take a pregnancy test. This can be done at a clinic, or you can buy a home testing kit from most major supermarkets and pharmacies. If you use a home test kit it is important to get the result confirmed by your doctor or healthcare professional at a local clinic.

How long should I wait before carrying out a pregnancy test?

It depends on the type of test you buy. Most tests recommend testing on the day your period is due, although you can buy some that can detect the pregnancy hormone in your urine up to four or five days before this. Make sure you read the instructions thoroughly to find out how long you should wait. If you are not sure when your period is due, the best idea is to wait for at least a 10 days after having had unprotected sex before testing (although it is worth remembering that it can take up to nineteen days or more to show a positive result). If you get a negative result but your period still doesn't arrive, you should test again at three-day intervals, until your period starts or you get a positive result. The sooner you find out you are pregnant, the sooner you can start thinking about what to do next.

The test result was negative, but my period still hasn't arrived. Could I still be pregnant?

If you have tested too soon (see above), then yes, you might still be pregnant. However if you are sure you haven't tested too soon, and then it may well be stress that has delayed your period. Worrying about pregnancy (or anything else) can drive your stress hormones up, and this can in turn interfere with your menstrual cycle. If you have lost or gained a lot of weight recently, have undertaken lots of vigorous exercise or you have irregular periods generally, these could also be to blame. Girls who have only recently started their periods often experience very irregular cycles too, so if you've only been menstruating for a couple of years or less, try not to panic! If your period is more than a week or two late when you're normally regular however, you should probably think about seeing your doctor.
I'm pregnant! What can I do?

If you were planning to get pregnant, then finding out you're expecting a baby can be a wonderful surprise. However, if you weren't, it is more likely to be a big shock. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and you do have more than one option. The first thing you should do is go to your doctor or your local sexual health or family planning clinic. They will be able to discuss your options with you and help you to decide what to do next. Whether you decide to keep the baby, put it up for adoption or have an abortion (in places where it's legal), it's essential that you do what's right for you and don't feel pressurized into making a decision. Our help and advice page can provide you with some links to services and sources of information that may be of use.

Pregnant questions and Answers

How does a woman become pregnant?

A woman usually becomes pregnant after having sexual intercourse. This is where a man puts his erect penis inside a woman's vagina. The friction caused by moving his penis in and out of her vagina will cause him to get increasingly excited until eventually he ejaculates (or 'comes') and releases a sticky white substance called semen. This semen contains millions of tiny sperm cells, which then swim up the woman's vagina, into her uterus (womb) and then into her fallopian tubes where they may join with the tiny egg that she releases from one of her ovaries every month. If this 'joining' (also known as fertilization or conception) occurs, then she will become pregnant. For more information about reproduction and fertilization, please visit our puberty, pregnancy and sex page.

How can I prevent pregnancy?

If you don't want to become pregnant, you will need to use contraception. There are lots of different forms of contraception available. The most well known are the contraceptive pill and the condom. To find out more about how these and other contraceptive methods work, please visit our contraception FAQ or birth control pages.
Is there a "safe time" to have sexual intercourse?

Pregnancy can only occur in the few days following ovulation (the release of an egg). This usually takes place at some point in the middle of a woman's menstrual cycle, between her periods. Unfortunately, women have no definite way of knowing exactly when they are ovulating, so there is no guaranteed "safe" time to have unprotected sex.

Sperm can survive inside the body for several days while they wait for an egg to be released, and the egg takes several days to travel to the uterus, meaning a woman can potentially become pregnant over quite a long period of time. This is why even unprotected sex during a woman's period can sometimes result in pregnancy. If she has irregular periods (as many girls do in the first few years of menstruation), "safe" days can be particularly difficult to predict. Some couples do use the so-called 'rhythm' method as a form of contraception (i.e. only having sex on certain days), but the success rate is not high, and it also offers no protection from STDs such as HIV.

What are the chances of becoming pregnant from a single act of sex?

The likelihood of becoming pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex (for example, from a one night stand) varies from person to person, and also depends on the stage of a woman's menstrual cycle. The probability is highest around the time of ovulation (when the egg is released), when, on average, up to one third of women will become pregnant from having sex once.

What is the best way to get pregnant?

Many women spend much of their life trying not to get pregnant, and then find that when they actually try to have a baby, it takes longer than they had hoped. If you are trying for a baby and don't get pregnant the first time you try, it is important not to panic. Many perfectly healthy women can take up to a year or more to become pregnant. Though pregnancy is a theoretical possibility any time you have sex, your best chance of getting pregnant will be if you have frequent sex around the time of ovulation. For women with a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, this will be approximately 14 days after the start of their last period, although it can vary from woman to woman. In some countries it may be possible to buy an ovulation testing kit from a chemist to help you work out when you're most fertile.

If you continue to have problems, you should contact your doctor for advice. They will be able to refer you for tests to ensure that there are no physical problems that are preventing you from conceiving.

If a man pulls his penis out before he comes or doesn't put it in all the way, can a woman still get pregnant?

Unfortunately even if a man doesn't insert his penis all the way, or withdraws his penis before ejaculation, a woman can still become pregnant. This is because 'pre-come' (the lubricating fluid that leaks out of a man's penis before and during sex) can contain sperm. If this fluid gets in or around a woman's vagina, it can find its way inside, and she can become pregnant.
Can a woman become pregnant as a result of anal sex?

A woman cannot become pregnant as a result of anal sex directly, although if any sperm leaks from the anus and enters the vagina, pregnancy could occur. Anal sex is therefore not the best way of avoiding pregnancy on a long term basis. It is better to use regular contraception such as the birth control pill or condoms.

Anyone wanting to try anal intercourse should be 100% that their partner willing too, as the idea of anal sex makes many people very uncomfortable. It also carries a higher risk of transmission for HIV and other infections, so it is a good idea to use a condom if you do decide to try it.

Can a woman become pregnant through oral sex if she swallows sperm?

No, a woman cannot become pregnant as a result of oral sex even if she swallows. A woman can only become pregnant if sperm get inside her vagina.

Can sperm pass through clothes?

No, generally clothing acts as a barrier against sperm.

Are there any ways to tell if you are pregnant without using a pregnancy test?

The first sign of pregnancy is usually the absence of a period. Other symptoms of pregnancy can include tender breasts, nausea and tiredness but not everybody experiences these. If you suspect you are pregnant you should take a pregnancy test. This can be done at a clinic, or you can buy a home testing kit from most major supermarkets and pharmacies. If you use a home test kit it is important to get the result confirmed by your doctor or healthcare professional at a local clinic.

How long should I wait before carrying out a pregnancy test?

It depends on the type of test you buy. Most tests recommend testing on the day your period is due, although you can buy some that can detect the pregnancy hormone in your urine up to four or five days before this. Make sure you read the instructions thoroughly to find out how long you should wait. If you are not sure when your period is due, the best idea is to wait for at least a 10 days after having had unprotected sex before testing (although it is worth remembering that it can take up to nineteen days or more to show a positive result). If you get a negative result but your period still doesn't arrive, you should test again at three-day intervals, until your period starts or you get a positive result. The sooner you find out you are pregnant, the sooner you can start thinking about what to do next.

The test result was negative, but my period still hasn't arrived. Could I still be pregnant?

If you have tested too soon (see above), then yes, you might still be pregnant. However if you are sure you haven't tested too soon, and then it may well be stress that has delayed your period. Worrying about pregnancy (or anything else) can drive your stress hormones up, and this can in turn interfere with your menstrual cycle. If you have lost or gained a lot of weight recently, have undertaken lots of vigorous exercise or you have irregular periods generally, these could also be to blame. Girls who have only recently started their periods often experience very irregular cycles too, so if you've only been menstruating for a couple of years or less, try not to panic! If your period is more than a week or two late when you're normally regular however, you should probably think about seeing your doctor.
I'm pregnant! What can I do?

If you were planning to get pregnant, then finding out you're expecting a baby can be a wonderful surprise. However, if you weren't, it is more likely to be a big shock. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and you do have more than one option. The first thing you should do is go to your doctor or your local sexual health or family planning clinic. They will be able to discuss your options with you and help you to decide what to do next. Whether you decide to keep the baby, put it up for adoption or have an abortion (in places where it's legal), it's essential that you do what's right for you and don't feel pressurized into making a decision. Our help and advice page can provide you with some links to services and sources of information that may be of use.

I never know, women condom....Click to read more

What is the female condom?
The female condom is a thin sheath or pouch worn by a woman during sex. It entirely lines the vagina and helps to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV. Two types of female condom are available.
The FC / FC2 female condom
The FC female condom has been available in Europe since 1992 and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. It is available in many countries, at least in limited quantities, throughout the world. This female condom carries various brand names in different countries including Reality, Femidom, Dominique, Femy, Myfemy, Protective’ and Care.
female condom
An FC female condom
The FC female condom is a polyurethane sheath or pouch about 17 cm (6.5 inches) in length. At each end there is a flexible ring. At the closed end of the sheath, the flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. At the other open end of the sheath, the ring stays outside the vulva at the entrance to the vagina. This ring acts as a guide during penetration and it also stops the sheath bunching up inside the vagina.
There is silicone-based lubricant on the inside of the condom, but additional lubrication can be used. The condom does not contain spermicide.
In 2005 the makers of the FC female condom announced a new product called FC2. This has the same design as the original version but is made of nitrile, which may make it cheaper to produce. The FC2 began large-scale production in 2007. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is already procuring the FC2. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to switch to the new product if it gains FDA approval.
The VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine
female condom
A VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine

The VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine (or VA for short) has been distributed as part of HIV prevention efforts in South Africa since 2004. More recently it has become available in Brazil, Indonesia and through government clinics in Portugal. Having gained the “CE mark” for European marketing, its manufacturer plans to expand its availability in European shops and clinics. One more trial is needed before the product can gain FDA approval for sale in the USA.
Like most male condoms, the VA is made of latex. When not stretched it is much shorter than the FC – around 9 cm (3.5 inches) – though it is highly elastic. It has a rounded triangular frame at the open end and a sponge inside the closed end, which helps to anchor it inside the vagina.
The VA is lubricated and does not contain spermicide. Oil-based lubricants should not be used with this female condom as they can damage latex.
How do you use the female condom?
Open the package carefully. Choose a position that is comfortable for insertion - squat, raise one leg, sit or lie down. Make sure the condom is lubricated enough.
If you are using the FC or FC2 female condom, make sure the inner ring is at the closed end of the sheath, and hold the sheath with the open end hanging down. Squeeze the inner ring with thumb and middle finger (so it becomes long and narrow), and then insert the inner ring and sheath into the vaginal opening. Gently insert the inner ring into the vagina and feel it go up. Place the index finger inside the condom and push the inner ring as far as it will go. Make sure the condom is inserted straight, and is not twisted inside the vagina. The outer ring should remain on the outside of the vagina.
female condom packet
To begin inserting the VA, hold the sponge and frame close together and place the closed end in front of the vagina. Use two fingers to push the closed end containing the sponge inside the vagina as far as it will go. Make sure the sponge is opened up flat once it has been inserted. The frame should remain on the outside of the vagina.
The penis should be guided into the condom in order to ensure that the penis does not slip into the vagina outside the condom. Use enough lubricant so that the condom stays in place during sex. The female condom should not be used at the same time as a male condom because the friction between the two condoms may cause the condoms to break.
If the condom slips during intercourse, or if it enters the vagina, then you should stop immediately and take the female condom out. Then insert a new one and add extra lubricant to the opening of the sheath or on the penis.
To remove the condom, twist the outer ring or frame gently and then pull the condom out keeping the sperm inside. Wrap the condom in the package or in tissue and throw it away. Do not put it into the toilet. It is generally recommended that the female condom should not be reused.

The female condom may feel unfamiliar at first. The female condom may feel different and some people find it difficult to insert. Some women find that with time and practice using the female condom becomes easier and easier.
What are the benefits?
* Opportunity for women to share the responsibility for the condoms with their partners
* A woman may be able to use the female condom if her partner refuses to use the male condom
* The female condom will protect against most STDs and pregnancy if used correctly
* The FC or FC2 female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so as not to interfere with the moment
* The FC and FC2 female condoms are made of polyurethane and nitrite, which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than latex. These materials can be used with oil-based as well as water-based lubricants. No special storage requirements are needed because polyurethane and nitrile are not affected by changes in temperature and dampness. In addition, these materials are thin and conduct heat well, so sensation is preserved.
What are the disadvantages?
* The outer ring or frame is visible outside the vagina, which can make some women feel self-conscious
* The FC and FC2 female condoms can make noises during intercourse (adding more lubricant can lessen this problem)
* Some women find the female condom hard to insert and to remove
* It has a higher failure rate in preventing pregnancy than non-barrier methods such as the pill
* It is relatively expensive and relatively limited in availability in some countries
* It is recommended that the female condom be used only once
Can I reuse the female condom?
It is believed that limited availability and high cost have led some women to reuse female condoms in some countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends use of a new male or female condom for every act of intercourse for those people who use condoms for pregnancy prevention and/or STD/HIV prevention.

WHO does not recommend or promote reuse of female condoms but has released a document together with guidelines and advice for programmers managers who may consider reuse of FC female condoms in local settings.1 there are no guidelines for reusing VA and FC2 female condoms.
Using the female condom for anal sex
Some people use the female condom for anal sex. Although it can work effectively, it is difficult to use and can be painful. There is also the risk of rectal bleeding which increases the risk of contracting HIV. So it’s better to use the male condom for anal sex with plenty of lubricant NOT containing Nonoxynol 9.
Support for the female condom
WHO and UNAIDS are encouraging wider access to the female condom as a method of preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Many governments and non-governmental organisations provide female condoms for free or at subsidized prices as part of their HIV prevention and family planning programmers.
Worldwide use and availability
The female condom is used in public health programmers in more than 90 countries and is commercially marketed directly to consumers in ten countries.2 It is quite widely used in some places where it is actively promoted, such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Brazil. However in many parts of the world it is hardly available at all.
In 2007, the makers of the FC female condom sold around 25.9 million units worldwide, up from 14 million in 2005.3 Many of these condoms were purchased by donor agencies such as USAID and UNFPA. The VA currently sells in much smaller quantities. Altogether, female condoms account for only around 0.2% of global condom use.
In 2005, nearly two thirds of all female condoms were used in Africa, while the next largest shares went to North America and Europe. Asia accounted for less than 1% of the global total in 2005, though figures for later years may be higher due to growth in India.4
Future of the female condom
Vending machines for both male and female condoms in France
Vending machines for both male and female condoms in France
The two female condom manufacturers hope that demand for their products will grow substantially in the near future. However both are small companies with limited promotional resources, and it remains to be seen whether FC2 or VA will prove much more popular than the original female condom – even if they are cheaper.

New female condoms are being developed by the non-governmental organization PATH and by a Belgian company called MEDITEAM. These are still a long way from becoming widely available and their future prospects are uncertain.5
The benefits of expanding female condom use could be very great. A study in 2006 found that countrywide distribution (equivalent to 10% of condom sales) of the FC2 female condom in Brazil and South Africa would be “useful and cost-effective” for preventing HIV. The cost savings could be greatly increased if 300 million FC2s were acquired through a global purchasing mechanism, which would cut the price per condom by two thirds.6
Wider use of the female condom in developing countries depends on the commitment of governments and other major donors. To achieve its full potential, much greater efforts need to be made worldwide to promote the female condom, to make it more accessible and acceptable.

I never know, women condom....Click to read more

What is the female condom?
The female condom is a thin sheath or pouch worn by a woman during sex. It entirely lines the vagina and helps to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV. Two types of female condom are available.
The FC / FC2 female condom
The FC female condom has been available in Europe since 1992 and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. It is available in many countries, at least in limited quantities, throughout the world. This female condom carries various brand names in different countries including Reality, Femidom, Dominique, Femy, Myfemy, Protective’ and Care.
female condom
An FC female condom
The FC female condom is a polyurethane sheath or pouch about 17 cm (6.5 inches) in length. At each end there is a flexible ring. At the closed end of the sheath, the flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. At the other open end of the sheath, the ring stays outside the vulva at the entrance to the vagina. This ring acts as a guide during penetration and it also stops the sheath bunching up inside the vagina.
There is silicone-based lubricant on the inside of the condom, but additional lubrication can be used. The condom does not contain spermicide.
In 2005 the makers of the FC female condom announced a new product called FC2. This has the same design as the original version but is made of nitrile, which may make it cheaper to produce. The FC2 began large-scale production in 2007. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is already procuring the FC2. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to switch to the new product if it gains FDA approval.
The VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine
female condom
A VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine

The VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine (or VA for short) has been distributed as part of HIV prevention efforts in South Africa since 2004. More recently it has become available in Brazil, Indonesia and through government clinics in Portugal. Having gained the “CE mark” for European marketing, its manufacturer plans to expand its availability in European shops and clinics. One more trial is needed before the product can gain FDA approval for sale in the USA.
Like most male condoms, the VA is made of latex. When not stretched it is much shorter than the FC – around 9 cm (3.5 inches) – though it is highly elastic. It has a rounded triangular frame at the open end and a sponge inside the closed end, which helps to anchor it inside the vagina.
The VA is lubricated and does not contain spermicide. Oil-based lubricants should not be used with this female condom as they can damage latex.
How do you use the female condom?
Open the package carefully. Choose a position that is comfortable for insertion - squat, raise one leg, sit or lie down. Make sure the condom is lubricated enough.
If you are using the FC or FC2 female condom, make sure the inner ring is at the closed end of the sheath, and hold the sheath with the open end hanging down. Squeeze the inner ring with thumb and middle finger (so it becomes long and narrow), and then insert the inner ring and sheath into the vaginal opening. Gently insert the inner ring into the vagina and feel it go up. Place the index finger inside the condom and push the inner ring as far as it will go. Make sure the condom is inserted straight, and is not twisted inside the vagina. The outer ring should remain on the outside of the vagina.
female condom packet
To begin inserting the VA, hold the sponge and frame close together and place the closed end in front of the vagina. Use two fingers to push the closed end containing the sponge inside the vagina as far as it will go. Make sure the sponge is opened up flat once it has been inserted. The frame should remain on the outside of the vagina.
The penis should be guided into the condom in order to ensure that the penis does not slip into the vagina outside the condom. Use enough lubricant so that the condom stays in place during sex. The female condom should not be used at the same time as a male condom because the friction between the two condoms may cause the condoms to break.
If the condom slips during intercourse, or if it enters the vagina, then you should stop immediately and take the female condom out. Then insert a new one and add extra lubricant to the opening of the sheath or on the penis.
To remove the condom, twist the outer ring or frame gently and then pull the condom out keeping the sperm inside. Wrap the condom in the package or in tissue and throw it away. Do not put it into the toilet. It is generally recommended that the female condom should not be reused.

The female condom may feel unfamiliar at first. The female condom may feel different and some people find it difficult to insert. Some women find that with time and practice using the female condom becomes easier and easier.
What are the benefits?
* Opportunity for women to share the responsibility for the condoms with their partners
* A woman may be able to use the female condom if her partner refuses to use the male condom
* The female condom will protect against most STDs and pregnancy if used correctly
* The FC or FC2 female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so as not to interfere with the moment
* The FC and FC2 female condoms are made of polyurethane and nitrite, which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than latex. These materials can be used with oil-based as well as water-based lubricants. No special storage requirements are needed because polyurethane and nitrile are not affected by changes in temperature and dampness. In addition, these materials are thin and conduct heat well, so sensation is preserved.
What are the disadvantages?
* The outer ring or frame is visible outside the vagina, which can make some women feel self-conscious
* The FC and FC2 female condoms can make noises during intercourse (adding more lubricant can lessen this problem)
* Some women find the female condom hard to insert and to remove
* It has a higher failure rate in preventing pregnancy than non-barrier methods such as the pill
* It is relatively expensive and relatively limited in availability in some countries
* It is recommended that the female condom be used only once
Can I reuse the female condom?
It is believed that limited availability and high cost have led some women to reuse female condoms in some countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends use of a new male or female condom for every act of intercourse for those people who use condoms for pregnancy prevention and/or STD/HIV prevention.

WHO does not recommend or promote reuse of female condoms but has released a document together with guidelines and advice for programmers managers who may consider reuse of FC female condoms in local settings.1 there are no guidelines for reusing VA and FC2 female condoms.
Using the female condom for anal sex
Some people use the female condom for anal sex. Although it can work effectively, it is difficult to use and can be painful. There is also the risk of rectal bleeding which increases the risk of contracting HIV. So it’s better to use the male condom for anal sex with plenty of lubricant NOT containing Nonoxynol 9.
Support for the female condom
WHO and UNAIDS are encouraging wider access to the female condom as a method of preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Many governments and non-governmental organisations provide female condoms for free or at subsidized prices as part of their HIV prevention and family planning programmers.
Worldwide use and availability
The female condom is used in public health programmers in more than 90 countries and is commercially marketed directly to consumers in ten countries.2 It is quite widely used in some places where it is actively promoted, such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Brazil. However in many parts of the world it is hardly available at all.
In 2007, the makers of the FC female condom sold around 25.9 million units worldwide, up from 14 million in 2005.3 Many of these condoms were purchased by donor agencies such as USAID and UNFPA. The VA currently sells in much smaller quantities. Altogether, female condoms account for only around 0.2% of global condom use.
In 2005, nearly two thirds of all female condoms were used in Africa, while the next largest shares went to North America and Europe. Asia accounted for less than 1% of the global total in 2005, though figures for later years may be higher due to growth in India.4
Future of the female condom
Vending machines for both male and female condoms in France
Vending machines for both male and female condoms in France
The two female condom manufacturers hope that demand for their products will grow substantially in the near future. However both are small companies with limited promotional resources, and it remains to be seen whether FC2 or VA will prove much more popular than the original female condom – even if they are cheaper.

New female condoms are being developed by the non-governmental organization PATH and by a Belgian company called MEDITEAM. These are still a long way from becoming widely available and their future prospects are uncertain.5
The benefits of expanding female condom use could be very great. A study in 2006 found that countrywide distribution (equivalent to 10% of condom sales) of the FC2 female condom in Brazil and South Africa would be “useful and cost-effective” for preventing HIV. The cost savings could be greatly increased if 300 million FC2s were acquired through a global purchasing mechanism, which would cut the price per condom by two thirds.6
Wider use of the female condom in developing countries depends on the commitment of governments and other major donors. To achieve its full potential, much greater efforts need to be made worldwide to promote the female condom, to make it more accessible and acceptable.