I’ve never used female condoms and was wondering how well they work. Have you had any experience with them? How effective — and fun — are they?

Thank you for asking this question! I’d never even thought of trying female condoms, which is odd because I’m pretty experimental!

Female condoms are made out of synthetic nytril (like medical gloves) and are larger than traditional (i.e., male-use) condoms. They have a ring at each end: one end is open and has a larger ring; the other, smaller end is closed. The open end stays outside the vagina and holds the condom in place. According to Planned Parenthood, female condoms are 95% effective when used perfectly and 79% effective with typical use.

Tracking down a female condom proved to be quite the task. I checked my three local drug stores here in Los Angeles — Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid — and while they stocked a huge selection of traditional condoms, a surprising variety of quality lubes, a few vibrators and even a lone kegel exerciser, there wasn’t a single female condom to be found.

To get female condoms I had to go to my local high-end sex shop, The Pleasure Chest (I also recommend Babeland and Good Vibrations in other cities to purchase female condoms). They were expensive — a single condom cost $2.99 plus tax and a pack of three cost $8.99 plus tax — which is significantly more than standard condoms.

After all that, I was really looking forward to trying these suckers out. Sadly my partner had epic strep throat and was unable to provide the type of road testing I normally require, but a triple-digit temperature does put a damper on sexual activities. I experimented with it using some of my sex toys and the results were inconclusive.

I do like the fact that, because the female condom is made out of synthetic nytril I can use all kinds of lube: water, silicone and even oil-based, which is good because the design of the condom pretty much dictates that your partner will need lube. It is, however, a little unusual to look down at your vagina and see a ring and a plastic baggie sticking out. It reminded me of filling a pastry bag. 

With my partner contagious and out of commission I took to the internet and did a lot of research and found that, as with lots of things on the internet, the camps are deeply divided on female condoms. There are passionate, “will never use anything else” fans and well as plenty of people who say, “Never again.”

One of the great things about the female condom is that you can insert it ahead of time like a diaphragm so there’s no need to stop to put a standard condom on. However your partner will definitely notice that you’re wearing one because the larger ring is visible outside your body.

This column doesn’t constitute medical or professional advice. Always consult a qualified health care professional for your medical, psychological, or relationship problems.