The Female Condom - Nov 2004
The Female Condom is a revolution in safe sex. Allowing women to take the lead, it can be inserted into the vagina up to an hour or more before sex starts (no more interruptions!)
So is the female condom better that conventional condoms? Heres what our testers made of them...
The Female Condom Reviewed by Happycouple04
What was your first impression of the item sent to you? - the look and feel of it and your assumptions of how it was going to perform?
At first I was amused. I had never actually seen one of these, even though I knew of their existence. Being open minded as we are, my husband and I had a good laugh and pondered over the use. The instructions were very specific with step-by-step pictures. Well… as for the feel of it, we will get to that in a moment - Just read on.
What was the item like in action?
The hardest part is getting down to action. When we eventually did get the condom inserted, (After 3 attempts and 10 minutes later) it became really hard work. I had to assist my husband, who has never had a problem in this department, with the initial penetration. This was because you have to hold the outer ring with your one hand and guide the penis with your other hand. And go figure – We still didn’t get it right because it was bunching on the one side, which was a little uncomfortable at first. However after some minutes the action seemed to manoeuvre the condom into place. The real trick was to keep it there. Every time we decided to change position we found the condom came out.
Did the item make you feel sexy?
No, not really. We are more for the spontaneity of sex. Unfortunately we found this item to be a real mood killer. Aside from the fact that it looks and feels like a plastic bag, it really didn’t contribute to any enhanced sensation on my part.
What reaction did the item acheive - personally to you or with other parties?
I personally did not achieve orgasm whilst using it. Neither did my husband. Because of the bigger outer ring, the clitoris is partly covered, restricting the friction between the wearer and partner. After several failed attempts to keep it in place we decided to lose it and carry on in the conventional way.
Any other comments?
From the female point of view. If you are used to using a diaphragm, you would probably be able to use this product with no problem. The inner ring fits pretty much the same. Big plus – this condom means the woman can take control if the man comes un-prepared.
From the male point of view. If you can get past the look of it and get on with the job (shouldn’t be a problem for most guys), then this is the best condom available as far as sensitivity goes. It is extremely thin and does not inhibit sensation for the male partner. In fact, if you really hate wearing condoms then this is a ‘Must try’
How could this item be improved upon?
A washable, re-usable version with a built in vibrator for the woman’s pleasure is an idea. Perhaps later models hey?
Would you recomend this item to a friend?
Not to a friend, but definitely any woman or sexually active teenage girl who wants to be sure that protection is in their hands
Do you have any hot tips for useage with this item?
Yes, don’t bring it out during foreplay or try to use it as part of foreplay. Learn to use it beforehand. Then when the mood heats up, slip out to the bathroom and insert it quickly. Then return to the room with the lights off. On the other hand, if you don’t anticipate any foreplay, or want to be prepared for that sneaky quickie, it can be inserted well before sex and worn under your clothes without anyone even knowing.
How would you rate this item out of 5?3 out of five, just because it really is a good idea!
The Female Condom Reviewed by Sistine
What was your first impression of the item sent to you? - the look and feel of it and your assumptions of how it was going to perform?
Basic Packaging with instructions on the back of the Condom, not terribly
inspiring I have to say ... but willing to give anything a go at least
once.... doesn't look much of a turn on though. Taking it out of the
packaging it looked even less inspiring and I couldn't imagine getting it
into position quickly at the height of passion, the instructions certainly
don't make it sound easy to use, hubby just laughed at it :op .. In fact it
reminded us of a collapsible tunnel for a hamster to run through ... and
you can really smell the rubber and lubricant ... not a great turn on at
all ... well time to put it too the test :o)
What was the item like in action?
Hmmmm what can I say, firstly it was difficult to insert.. it says squeeze
the ring and insert and then push up without twisting, well it is hard work
getting the ring in anyway and it does feel slightly uncomfortable, and
looks very silly on the outside too ... the male needs to be well
lubricated in order to slide in smoothly and to be honest sensations we're
truly dulled for me, it took ALOT of clitoral stimulation to get me back in
the mood again once I'd spend 10 minutes trying to get the condom in and
during the act of love making. The smell and noise of the condom is truly
off putting, as is the feel of the ring inside you and also outside moving
around.
Did the item make you feel sexy?
No Not At All .... What a passion killer
What reaction did the item acheive - personally to you or with other parties?
It was Off Putting, made us laugh when we first got it out of the
packaging, but there were certainly no laughs when using it :o(
Any other comments?
Hated it ... with a passion!! I am not a condom fan full stop, but give me
a durex any day to this passion killer. It's uncomfortable, unsightly and
smells awful ... plus points?? Well you definitely won't get pregnant,
don't think anyone would want to come near you wearing one of these.
I am sure a woman can't have created this condom, a woman would have more
sense than to have something so uncomfortable and difficult to use in the
bedroom.
How could this item be improved upon?
It needs scrapping and starting from scratch.. the rings are way to hard,
there is too much lubricant to allow you to hold it properly, and the smell
is disgusting.
Would you recomend this item to a friend?
No
Do you have any hot tips for useage with this item?
My best hot tip for this item is to run as fast as you can in the other
direction of it.
How would you rate this item out of 5?1