Male condoms are a highly effective option for people looking to reduce the probability of pregnancy and the risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases during sexual intercourse. However, there are many other contraceptive alternatives that can offer a similar protective guarantee this time targeted to women. Common female choices include the birth control pill or copper intrauterine devices (IUD). Not only are there male condoms but female condoms can also offer significant protection during sexual intercourse.
In this oneHOWTO article we share the differences between a male and female condom.
Male condom
Male condoms must be worn on the penis in order to stop the sperm from reaching the female’s genitals. It is made from a rubber material, usually latex, polyisoprene or polyurethane.
They can be bought at several medical institution including clinics, pharmacies and even 24-hour stores.
Female condom
Female condoms are placed inside the woman’s vagina to create a physical barrier that stops the sperm from reaching an egg. There is a protective ring outside the condom that remains out of the vagina to help remove the condom after sexual intercourse. It is often made of polyurethane or very thin latex.
Female condoms are sold at health clinics, pharmacies and GP clinics and are prized very similarly to male condoms. In some locations, it is possible that female condoms are more expensive due to the fact it is a much newer product. Take a look at our article on how to use a female condom if you're not sure how to use it.
Differences between a male and female condom
Male and female condoms are often recommended by medical professionals for their high effectiveness in offering sex protection.
- Male condoms tend to have a 98% score and female condoms a 95% score of avoiding pregnancy. This variation has been explained by the fact that the population may be more familiar with using male condoms rather than female condoms.
- Most male condoms are placed when the penis is erect while female condoms are usually installed before sexual intercourse. This may be an advantage since a female condom can be placed as early as 8 hours before sex. It is argued that male condoms take less time to place and require less anticipation.
- However, since female condoms are a much more recent creation, users have appraised the fact that most female condoms avoid latex ingredients. Latex is responsible for many allergies and many male condoms still are made with latex.
- Given the fact that polyurethane is used to make most female condoms this means that both water and oil based lubricants can be employed with the female version. Differently, latex condoms are only compatible with water based lubricants.
- Finally, there are different male condom sizes in order to ensure comfort and ease during sex. Users have stated that female condoms are often too small or too large, they move during sexual intercourse and may make noise if not properly lubricated.
Male and female condoms offer very similar protective qualities. The main differences include the material used to make the male and female versions, the dexterity in installing each condom and the comfort experienced using each alternative.
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