Embrace the F word

The female condom exists, yet sexual autonomy for women in India doesn’t. Sumona Bose ponders why

- Sumona Bose

Utter ‘Female condom’ at a brunch table and you will be met with blank expressions, regardless of the demographic of the party. A female, or internal, condom is a long plastic pouch that is interred inside the vagina before sex. Much like you would insert a menstrual cup, except, the condom consists of flexible rings at both ends to hold it in place. It works by lining the vaginal wall to collect semen on ejaculation. According to Dr Divya Vora, obstetrician and gynaecologist, “Female condoms are 95 per cent effective in preventing pregnancies and STIs when used correctly.” While male condoms are 98 per cent effective, the favourable odds of female condoms should lend them attention. Yet, it remains as elusive as the female orgasm.