FC2 FAQ’s

FC2 Female Condom® is a thin, soft, loose-fitting sheath made from synthetic rubber (non-latex) which is worn inside the vagina. There is a flexible ring at each end. The inner ring at the closed end of the sheath is used to insert the condom inside the vagina and to hold it in place during intercourse. The rolled outer ring at the open end of the sheath remains outside the vagina and covers part of the external genitalia. FC2 Female Condom® is inserted into the vagina before sex. It holds the man’s sperm after ejaculation thus helping prevent unintended pregnancy. It also acts as a barrier to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Yes, FC2 Female Condom is latex-free and made of a synthetic rubber called nitrile which makes the FC2 one of the most allergy friendly condoms on the market.

The FC2 Female Condom is a soft, transparent non latex sheath made of nitrile polymer. It is 17 centimetres long (about the same length as a male condom) with a flexible ring at each end.

FC2 can be an exciting and sexually satisfying alternative for couples. Below is a list of promotional messages.

• FC2 can increase a woman’s sense of empowerment as she is taking the initiative to protect herself and her partner.
• FC2 Increases sexual stimulation because the material adjusts to body temperature and stays warm.
• External ring rubs against clitoris and increases pleasure for many women.
• Men do not have to have/ maintain an erection to use FC2. FC2 is a good option for men who are unable to maintain an erection with the male condom.
• Men do not have to withdraw right after ejaculation, which may lead to more intimacy when using FC2.
• FC2 can be inserted ahead of time so there are no interruptions to “spoil the mood”.
• Insertion of FC2 can be incorporated into sexual play, the partner can watch as it is put in place OR can help insert it.
• FC2 is a great choice for people with sensitivities to latex.
• FC2 can be used with any kind of lubricant (water or oil-based lubricants).
• FC2 provides an option for those times when a couple does not want to use the male condom (NOTE: Clients should never use a male condom and FC2 at the same time).
• FC2 is not tight or constricting around the penis; some men prefer FC2 to the male condom.
• The inner ring of FC2 can stimulate the tip of the penis during intercourse.
• The man does not have to worry about wearing a condom.
• FC2 provides effective dual protection, reducing the worry during sex about pregnancy and STIs/HIV.
• Increased sensation compared to latex male condom because nitrile is very thin.

Women and men can initiate the use of FC2, so it provides them with an additional choice to protect themselves from STIs, HIV and unintended pregnancies. It is not intended as a replacement for the male condom but rather as an additional option for both women and men.

New prototypes of female condoms are being developed but are still undergoing clinical trials and regulatory approvals. FC2 Female Condom®, manufactured by The Female Health Company (FHC), was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) in March 2009. In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) judged FC2 acceptable for procurement by United Nations agencies. FC2 Female Condom® also has other significant registrations including the CE mark in Europe.

FC2 Female Condom® is similar in length to a male condom. However, it is wider than a male condom as, once inserted, it lines the walls of the vagina and allows for movement of the penis inside the sheath. It also provides extra protection by covering part of the external female genitalia and the base of the penis.

Yes. FC2 Female Condom® does not interfere with menstruation and can therefore be used. However, FC2 should be inserted just before intercourse and removed soon after.

Yes, you can use FC2 Female Condom® when you are pregnant since the condom doesn’t move beyond the cervix. You can also use FC2 Female Condom® after recently giving birth.

Yes. FC2 lines the vagina and takes its natural shape

FC2 is available in selected Pharmacies & Chemists around the New Zealand and online at most adult stores.

• If you local Pharmacy or Chemist does not yet stock FC2 Female Condom, simply ask them to get them.
• If your are a Pharmacy or Chemist looking to stock FC2, simply order through normal processes quoting P.Code 2457644

FC2 is also available for retail purchase in New Zealand on-line from the following websites:

• GLYDE Healthcare NZ
• Adult Toy Mega Store
• D.vice

Many Health Clinics and Planned Parenthood locations in your area may also offer FC2 Female Condoms:

• Family Planning NZ
• Positive Women Inc.
• NZ Prostitutes Collective (Nationwide)

In any sexual relationship there should be communication about the prevention of STIs, HIV and unintended pregnancy. In relationships where sexual issues are not discussed or are difficult to discuss, the person who wants to initiate a discussion on prevention needs to consider where and when to do it. Each person needs to find his or her moment when they feel comfortable to discuss the issue of prevention. There are five questions to consider before discussing the use of condoms, both male and female, with your partner. These questions are:

1. What do you want to discuss/negotiate? The discussion could be either the prevention of STIs, including HIV, or the prevention of unintended pregnancy.
2. Who do you want to discuss/negotiate with? Condom use can be discussed with a spouse or any sexual partners that you may have.
3. Why do you want to discuss/negotiate? People discuss the use of condoms to protect themselves and their partners from the transmission of STIs including HIV. Some couples feel that it is important to plan and space the birth of their children.
4. When do you want to discuss /negotiate? You have to decide when the best time is to bring up the subject of protection. Will you do it the moment you see your partner again or wait till you are both relaxed and open to the discussion? Ideally you should do it before the next sex act.
5. How will I discuss/negotiate? Below are a few helpful tips on discussing FC2 Female Condom® use with your partner:

• If you sense that your partner is reluctant to use a condom (male or female), perhaps begin by telling him about the possible risks involved in having sex without a condom.
• You might need to tell him a little about STIs, HIV and how these are transmitted.
• Some women convince their partner to use FC2 Female Condom® by saying it enhances pleasure during intercourse.
• Others mention that FC2 Female Condom® is an imported and a special condom, and use this as a negotiation technique.
• Some women involve their partner in inserting the condom in their vagina. This can make sex fun and more erotic.
• Some women refuse to have sex without condoms.
• Some women use FC2 Female Condom® without informing their partner.
• Some women tell their partners that they do not need to wear a male condom as FC2 allows couples to share responsibility for protecting themselves.
• Some women use information on condoms that they receive from health care providers to help them negotiate condom use.

These are some of the strategies women have used to negotiate FC2 Female Condom® use but we believe that all women, including you, have their own unique skills to ensure protection for themselves and their partner.

Yes. You can try several positions to insert FC2 and decide which one works best for you. Try inserting FC2 while standing, sitting, squatting or lying down. Some women also involve their partners in insertion and find this is enjoyable for both of them. Most women find FC2 easier to insert with practice. Research has shown that new users who try it three to five times become confident using it. Inconsistent users may take longer to master FC2 use.

FC2 Female Condom® can be inserted in advance of sexual intercourse and does not need to be taken out immediately after intercourse

FC2 Female Condom® is inserted correctly when the inner ring is pushed past the pubic bone. The outer ring and part of the condom is flat around the opening of the vagina, covering the external genitalia. You can check that the condom is in place by inserting your index or middle finger into the vagina past the pubic bone. You can feel your pubic bone by curving your index or middle finger when it is a couple of inches inside your vagina. You should be able to feel that the inner ring is past the pubic bone on the front wall of the vagina.

STOP. Remove FC2. Insert a new female condom according to the directions.

It is important that the penis is guided into the center of FC2 and not between the vaginal wall and the outer side of FC2. If the penis does enter incorrectly STOP and start over, with additional lubrication, if necessary

No. FC2 covers the cervix. The diameter of the opening to the cervix is 1 mm to 3 mm so it is impossible for FC2 Female Condom® to disappear inside your body.

Many men and women feel closer with FC2 Female Condom® than with a male condom due to the fact that FC2 is made from a material that conducts heat and makes sex feel natural. FC2 may provide clitoral stimulation during use as the outer ring sometimes rubs against the clitoris.

Many women and men report that the inner ring enhances pleasure for them during intercourse. If the inner ring is causing discomfort, try repositioning or reinserting FC2 Female Condom®.

FC2 can be used in any sexual position. Some women may feel more comfortable learning to use FC2 in the missionary position, and then adding other positions after that.

The U.S. FDA has not approved FC2 for anal sex, however many users report extremely positive comments.

FC2 Female Condom® comes pre-lubricated with a non-spermicidal, silicone based lubricant. Since FC2 is latex free, oil-based or water-based lubricants can be added on the inside and outside of FC2 Female Condom® or on the penis.

There may be a little noise particularly if the condom is not properly lubricated. If you experience noise during sex and it bothers you, you can add extra lubricant. Inserting FC2 Female Condom® a few minutes before intercourse also helps to reduce noise. Some women have found FC2 Female Condom® quieter than the first generation FC Female Condom (FC1).

US FDA has indicated that the FC2 Female Condom is effective in preventing pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). FC2 Female Condom covers the vagina, cervix and part of the external genitalia offering partners a barrier protection against bacteria and viruses that cause STIs, including HIV, as well as unintended pregnancy.

No barrier method is 100% effective

Yes. Testing has shown that the FC2 Female Condom® is a safe and effective method for preventing unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV.

The FC2 Female Condom meets or exceeds all NZ, AU, EU & International Standards.

• NZ Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act 1977
• ISO 25841:2011 Requirements and test methods.
• ISO 9000:2008 Design and manufacturing
• ISO 13485:2003 Design and manufacturing

Yes. FC2 Female Condom® can be used with the pill, injections, IUD contraceptives, post sterilization and post vasectomy to protect against STIs, including HIV.

FC2 cannot be used with male condoms, the diaphragm, cervical cap or NuvaRing® as the inner ring of FC2 fits into the same place by the cervix.

Since a part of the condom stays outside the vagina, it’s visible and might be difficult to use without your partner’s knowledge. Partners should discuss and agree on FC2 use in advance of sexual intercourse.

Dates are stamped in the seam of the FC2 package; one will be the manufacturing date, and the other is the expiration date. Do not use FC2 if the expiration date has past.

No, as the friction caused by the two condoms can lead to tearing of either one or both the condoms. Also, using one condom (male or female) provides equal protection to both partners.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have approved FC2 for a 5 year shelf life from the date of manufacture. Due to the properties of nitrite, FC2 is not affected by differences in temperature and/or humidity, so no special storage conditions are required.

No. Reuse of any condom is not recommended – male or female. A new condom should be used every time you have intercourse.

FC2 should be disposed in the trash bin; not down the toilet. FC2 does not have to be removed immediately after a man ejaculates, unlike the male condom, but should be removed prior to standing to avoid the contents from spilling out.

1. Twist the outer ring to seal the condom to prevent the contents from spilling out.
2. FC2 may be pulled out and wrapped in the package it came in and/or in tissue.
3. FC2 should be disposed of in waste containers; not in the toilet.

Women dispose of sanitary napkins in a clean and private way; the same procedures should be used for the disposal of FC2.