Family Planning

Characteristic Male Condoms Female CondomsNoise during sexLubricants to useBreakage orslippageWhen to removeWhat it protectsHow to storeMay make a rubbing noiseduring sex.Users can add lubricants:óóWater-based orsilicone-based only.Applied to outsideof condom.Tend to break more oftenthan female condoms.Require withdrawing fromthe vagina before theerection subsides.Cover and protect mostof the penis, protect thewoman’s internal genitalia.Store away from heat,light, and dampness.May rustle or squeak duringsex.Users can add lubricants:óóóWater-based, siliconebased,or oil-based.Before insertion, appliedto outside of condom.After insertion, applied toinside of condom or tothe penis.Tend to slip more often thanmale condoms.Can remain in vagina aftererection subsides. Requiresremoval before womanstands.Cover both the woman’sinternal and externalgenitalia and the base of thepenis.Plastic condoms are notharmed by heat, light ordampness.Reuse Cannot be reused. Reuse not recommended(see Female Condoms,Question 5, p. 220).Cost andavailabilityGenerally low cost andwidely available.Usually more expensive andless widely available thanmale condoms (see FemaleCondoms, Question 10,p. 220).Comparing Condoms361Job Aids/Tools