Condoms for him are not uncommon, but condoms for her may yet be like unchartered territories for the many females who prefer to take pills and other more popular methods of contraception. Yes, condoms for her do really exist. Read on to get some fast facts about them and how these condoms for her relate to sexual health.

• HOW A FEMALE CONDOM DIFFERS FROM A MALE CONDOM. There are a number of obvious differences between a condom for her and a condom for him.

o The first difference is the gender of the wearer. Differences in anatomy calls for differently styled condoms, although regardless of style, the function of the condom remains: to protect the couple from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

o The second difference is the manner with which the condoms are worn. While condoms for him are placed over the male genitalia, condoms for her are inserted into the female genitalia. When inserted, the closed portion of the condom stays inside the female body, while the open and ringed portion stays outside to facilitate more convenient pulling and disposal. The routine of wearing condoms may not be any big deal anymore for the experienced male; however, the case may be different for the female wearer. Many women associate the insertion of the female condom with pain and inconvenience. Some squatting, raising of one leg or mimicking a split may be required to correctly insert the device into the female genitalia.

o The third difference is the time frame for the usage of the condoms. While condoms for him are only worn at a specific moment of the intercourse, condoms for her may be worn hours before any bodily contact occurs. In this manner, the couple enjoys fewer interruptions if the female wears the condom.

o The fourth difference is the accessibility to condom providers. Condoms for him are sold virtually everywhere and over the counter: supermarkets, pharmacies and sexual health clinics. However, condoms for her are available in just two known sites: a clinic or a pharmacy.

• WHAT FEMALE CONDOMS ARE MADE OF. Just like condoms for him, condoms for her can also be made of either plastic (polyurethane) or rubber (latex). The first variant of female condoms is made of plastic and these condoms are also simply known as FC (female condom) or FC2. The contemporary variant is made of latex and is known also as the VA (vaginal anchor), now sporting a triangular frame and sponge to help anchor the condom in place inside the female genitalia during intercourse. Regardless of their make, both variants of female condoms are lined with lubricants to make intercourse smoother and less painful.

• HOW FEMALE CONDOMS RELATE TO SEXUAL HEALTH. A female condom may not spice up intercourse and may not be able to max out pleasurable sensations as a male condom can. Despite the absence of the fun factor, the female condom – if worn properly – can make sex safer for active couples.