Easy Reminders about the FC2

• Don’t use a male condom with the FC2.
• Throw out the female condom and start over with a new one if the outer ring slips inside the vagina, if the penis goes outside of FC2, or if the FC2 breaks.
• You can put in the FC2 up to 2 hours before you have sex.
• Unlike the male condom, which needs to be removed immediately after sex and before the penis gets soft, there is no rush to remove the FC2. Simply remove it when you are ready. Remember to always use a new FC2 each time you have sex.
• FC2 is not latex, so no allergy problems.
• Use a new FC2 each time you have sex.
• More lubricant can give you more pleasure – lube should ONLY be put “inside” the FC2.

What is FC2 and why do we need it?

FC2 is the new and improved female condom. It is a thin, soft, loose-fitting sheath made from synthetic rubber (non-latex) inserted into the vagina before sex. There are flexible rings on both ends – the inner ring at the closed end is used to insert the condom inside the vagina and hold it in place during intercourse. The rolled outer ring at the open end stays outside the vagina and covers part of the external genitalia.

It gives women and men the additional choice to protect themselves from HIV, STDs and unintended pregnancies. It doesn’t replace the male condom and should never be used with a male condom. The friction from both condoms being used can cause tearing.

It can also be used for anal sex. It is best to remove the inner ring before using.

Is FC2 easy to use?

There are many positions you can try to insert the FC2 including standing, sitting, squatting and lying down. Practice inserting the FC2 a few times when you first start using it – that way you will feel comfortable and confident with it. Discard the FC2 after each use – a new FC2 should be used every time you have sex.

Can the FC2 get stuck inside my body?

No, it covers the cervix. The opening to the cervix is between 1mm to 3mm. This makes it impossible for the FC2 to disappear inside your body.  The opening to the anus is also too small for the FC2 to get stuck.

However, if the outer ring slips inside the vagina during sex, you must remove the FC2 and insert a new one so that there’s no risk of contact of fluids inside.

What’s the difference between a male and female condom?

Here is a side by side comparison between the male and FC2 female condom:

Comparison Between a Male and FC2 Female Condom
Male Condom	Female Condom
Rolled on the men's penis	Inserted into the woman's vagina or anus
Made from latex	Made from synthetic rubber (non-latex)
Fits on the penis	Loosely lines the vagina or anus
Can only be put on an erect penis.	Can be inserted prior to intercourse, not dependent on an erection.
Must be removed immediately after ejaculation.	Covers both the woman’s internal and part of the external genitalia and the base of the penis, thus provides broader protection; also provides broader protection between penis and anus
Little Lubrication	Highly lubricated, helps in insertion and intercourse

This table was written by the Female Health Company, manufacturer of the FC2. All these questions and many more are detailed in the FC2 Frequently Asked Questions Guide here at http://www.fc2.us.com/faqs.html