The female condom, which is also known as a femidom, is basically a thin pouch or sheath that is worn inside a woman while having sexual intercourse. It lines the entire vagina to and help protect against sexually transmitted infections and diseases and unwanted pregnancies including HIV. There are two types of female condom currently available.

The 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 has numerous brand names in different countries which include; Care, Protectiv', Myfemy, Femy, Dominique, Femidom, and Reality.

The female condom is made of polyurethane and is about 6.5 inches in length. At each end there is a flexible ring. The flexible ring is inserted in the vagina and the ring stays outside the entrance of the vagina. This ring prevents the sheath from bunching up inside the vagina and will also act as a guide during penetration.

Inside the femidom there is a silicone based lubricant, however, additional lubrication may also be used. Female condoms don't contain a spermicide.

The manufacturers of the femidom announced a new condom called the FC2 in 2005. It has nearly the same design as the original version, however, it is made of nitrile, which may make it cheaper to produce.

The VA female condom, called the VA for short, has been distributed as part of HIV prevention efforts in South Africa since 2004. More recently it has become available in Indonesia, Brazil, and through government clinics in Portugal. Since it has gained the CE mark for European marketing, its manufacturer has plans to expand its availability in European clinics and shops. As with male condoms, the VA is constructed entirely of latex. It is, however, considerably shorter than the FC, when not stretched, and is approximately 3.5 inches in length, although it is highly elastic. It contains a sponge which is located in the closed end that helps to anchor it in the vagina and has a triangular frame that is rounded at the open end.

Finding the method that is best is important to all of us who need birth control. When choosing a method, every woman has different needs.

The female condom will help protect sexual partners from sexually transmitted diseases which includes HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy. It remains only device that is controlled by the female that offers this protection. A female condom provides a barrier between partners to prevent sharing bodily fluids like saliva, blood, and semen. This helps to ensure that sexual diseases are not transmitted and that pregnancy does not happen. Femidoms are approximately 79% to 95% effective.