Female Condoms

Description: The female condom fits into the vagina preventing semen from entering and is made of polyurethane. There is an inner ring which helps to insert the condom and an outer ring which remains outside the vagina, pushed against the vaginal lips.

Effectiveness: A female condom is 95% effective a little lower then a male condom, the main risk in both male and female condoms, is using the condom incorrectly.

How to use a female condom:
1. Gently open the packet
2. Grasp the inner ring between your thumb and middle finger firmly
3. Squeeze the ring together
4. Slide the ring into your vagina, as far as you would for a tampon, there should be no discomfort
5. Check that the outer ring is outside your vagina
6. To remove, twist the outer ring and pull gently making sure the semen is kept inside
7. Wrap the condom and throw it in the bin

Advantages:
*Reduces STI’s
*Offers an alternative for women
*Are better for sensitivity, compared to male condoms
*Can be bought without prescription
*If wanted, can be inserted a while before sex
*Suitable for people allergic to latex
*Don’t require withdrawal immediately after climax

Disadvantages:
*The penis may slip between the condom and the vaginal wall
*The cost of a female condom is higher then that of a male condom

Note: If condom has failed after sex (e.g. broken) emergency contraception can be used and bought over the counter at most pharmacies.
The sooner you take it the better!

Male condoms

Description: The male condom is designed to collect semen and stop it from entering the vagina. It’s currently the only form of contraception available for men in Australia. The male condom is made of rubber or polyurethane.

Effectiveness: A male condom is up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. The reason that it is not 100% effective is that some people use it incorrectly, for example; they do not take the correct procedures to putting it on or they may use one with holes and tears.

How to use a male condom:
1. Carefully open the packet and slide the condom out, (be sure not to tear it with your teeth as it can damage the condom).
2. Squeeze the tip of the condom and unroll the condom down the penis.
3. During sex, occasionally check that the condom is still on.
4. After sex, hold onto the condom at the base of the penis, pull it off slowly so that no semen leaks out, while the penis is still erect.
5. Wrap the condom up and throw it in the bin

Advantages:
*Reduces STI’s
*They have no health risks
*They’re widely available from pharmacies, supermarkets and vending machines, at a low cost.

Disadvantages:
*To be effective it must be put on before any sort of genital contact
*Some people are allergic to lubricant
*Can reduce sensitivity for some people

Diaphragms

Description: The diaphragm is placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix; it is a soft latex dome with a flexible rim. It prevents sperm from entering the cervix and is held in place by the pelvic muscle. To allow all sperm to become inactive it must be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse.

Effectiveness: Effectiveness varies from 80-94%, as the effectiveness of the diaphragm is affected by many examples, including the age, fertility of the woman and how often she has sex. Also how diligent she is in using her diaphragm can affect the outcome.

Types: In Australia there are two types of diaphragms, they come in different sizes but must be fitted by a doctor or nurse. The two types of diaphragm are; the coil spring and all-flex diaphragm.

Price: the prices of diaphragms range for the different types, but the average cost is $60-70.

How to use a diaphragm? To actually receive your diaphragm it must be fitted by a doctor or nurse, while you’re there you will receive instructions on how to insert it, how to check the correct positioning and how to remove it.

Instructions:
1. The diaphragm should be inserted at any time before intercourse.
2. If you’re using lubricant, be sure to only use water-based products such as KY or Wetstuff.
3. The diaphragm must be left in position for at least 6 hours after intercourse, if you wish it may be left longer, but no longer then 24 hours where at that time it must be cleaned.
4. If you have your period while you’re wearing the diaphragm the blood will build up behind the diaphragm causing it to overflow. The diaphragm should be removed after 6 hours as there is a small chance of infection occurring during your period.

Caring for your diaphragm:
1. Wash you’re diaphragm with warm water, and mild soap if you wish.
2. Rinse and dry it well, then store it in the plastic box provided.
3. To aid drying, the diaphragm may be sprinkled with cornflour.
4. Check for holes- (hold the diaphragm up to the light and stretch it gently between your fingers).



Advantages:

* The diaphragm doesn’t interfere with hormone levels.
* It can be inserted at any time.
* Some women use the diaphragm during their period so that they’re able to have intercourse.

Disadvantages:
* To learn to put the diaphragm in, takes time.
* A few people can be allergic to latex or spermicide.
* The risk of pregnancy is higher than other types of contraception.
* Not all women are comfortable inserting the diaphragm.


Note: If you wish to wear your diaphragm a lot then it is recommended to buy two and rotate between them both.

Spermicides

Information: Spermicides can be used alone, but can also be used with diaphragms and caps. Spermicides are available in many types, such as foams, gels and creams. When foam is used on it’s own it is known to be more effective than gel. Compared to other types of contraception, spermicides are not very effective at preventing pregnancy. It's therefore highly recommended that spermicide is to be used with another type of contraception.

Where can it be purchased? Spermicides can be purchased over the counter from pharmacies for around $15.

Note: There is some evidence that regular use of spermicides can cause damage to the vaginal skin thereby increasing the possible risk of contracting STIs and HIV.