1. FC2 is a strong, soft, nitrile sheath or pouch 17 cm (6.5 inches-the same as the male condom) in length. Nitrile polymer (non-latex), is thin and strong, and warms to body temperature.
  2. FC2 is made of a nitrile sheath and outer ring, and a polyurethane inner ring.
  3. FC2 is worn by the woman during sex.
  4. FC2 contains a silicone-based lubricant but additional lubrication can be used. FC2 can be used with oil- and water-based lubricants. FC2 does not contain spermicidal additives, preservatives, paraben and is gluten free.
  5. The FC2 Female Condom is a proven non-hormonal, latex-free contraception device that offers dual protection.
  6. FC2 is a Class III Medical Device.
  7. FC2 is indicated for prevention of both unintended pregnancy and STIs (including HIV).
  8. The FC2 Female Condom is non-allergenic and contains no latex.

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.

Click Here for a FC2 Instructional Video

Yes, FC2 Female Condom is latex-free and made of nitrile.  Nitrile is thinner, but stronger, than latex.

No studies have been conducted to demonstrate if a spermicide is compatible with FC2 material or if using a spermicide increases the FC2’s effectiveness.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (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.

  • The FC2 Female Condom is a non-hormonal, latex-free device that offers dual protection against STIs and unplanned pregnancy.
  • FC2 contains a silicone-based lubricant but additional lubrication can be used. FC2 does not contain spermicidal additives, preservatives, paraben and is gluten free.
  • FC2 can increase a woman’s sense of empowerment as she is taking the initiative to protect herself and her partner.
  • FC2 is a great choice for people with sensitivities to latex.
  • FC2 is an option for women who have difficulty or discomfort negotiating condom use.
  • Men do not need to have/maintain an erection to use FC2.
  • FC2 is 100% reimbursable as a contraceptive method, per The Affordable Care Act (ACA).
  • FC2 can be inserted in advance.
  • Can be a source of pleasure for both partners.
  • FC2 be used with both water and oil based lubricants.
  • 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.
  • FC2 is not tight or constricting around the penis.
  • 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.
  • FC2 is a strong, soft, nitrile sheath or pouch 17 cm (6.5 inches-the same as the male condom) in length. Nitrile polymer (non-latex), is thin and strong, and warms to body temperature.
  • FC2 is made of a nitrile sheath and outer ring, and a polyurethane inner ring.
  • FC2 contains a silicone-based lubricant but additional lubrication can be used. FC2 can be used with oil- and water-based lubricants. FC2 does not contain spermicidal additives, preservatives, paraben and is gluten free.

Over 20 years of studies have shown the female condom is an effective barrier against many common STIs, including HIV. In FDA safety & efficacy studies FC2 was found 95% effective as a barrier contraceptive.  With over 20 years of independent safety, effectiveness, and acceptability research other data is available demonstrating an efficacy as high as 98%.*

* G Farr, H Gabelnick, K Sturgen, and L Dorflinger.  Contraceptive efficacy and acceptability of the female condom. American Journal of Public Health December 1994: Vol. 84, No. 12, pp. 1960-1964.

doi: 10.2105/AJPH.84.12.1960

People who want to protect themselves and their partners from unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. While anyone can use FC2, some people who are drawn to FC2 Female Condoms include:

  • People whose partners cannot or will not use the male condom.
  • Women who are menstruating.
  • Women who like to feel in control of the barrier method being used.
  • Men who have a hard time maintaining an erection with a male condom on.
  • Men and women who prefer the feel of nitrile, which is thinner but stronger than latex.
  • Men and women who want to try a new barrier method.
  • People who are allergic or sensitive to latex.
  • People who are HIV+ or have HIV+ partners.
  • Women who are pregnant.
  • Women who have just given birth.
  • Women who have had hysterectomies.
  • And the list goes on…

Ask your healthcare provider if you feel you have a condition that would prohibit you from using FC2 Female Condom.

Visit our "How to Get" page on this site to learn more!

FC2 Female Condom® can be inserted in advance of sexual intercourse and does not need to be taken out immediately after intercourse. While most women insert FC2 between 2 and 20 minutes in advance, the FC2 Female Condom can actually be inserted up to 2 hours in advance.

FC2 Female Condom® is similar in length to a male condom. However, it is wider than a male condom and therefore not constricting on the penis, which many men find pleasurable.  Once inserted, it lines the walls of the vagina and allows for movement of the penis inside the sheath.

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. If the FC2 gets pushed all the way into the vagina, just relax, insert your finger into the vaginal opening, locate the ring, and pull the FC2 out.  Throw out the FC2 that was pushed inside the vagina, open a new FC2, and try again.  The FC2 remains in the vagina during use.

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

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

No: FC2 cannot be used with the diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, or NuvaRing® as the inner ring of FC2 fits into the same place at the cervix.

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 passed.

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.

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.

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

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.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is approved for vaginal sex. The use of FC2 for anal or oral sex would be off label use.

No. However, if you experience noise during sex and it bothers you, you can add extra lubricant.

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 of 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.
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