Sharp jagged teeth designed to clench the penis and cause immense pain and discomfort is the design of a South African female condom for the prevention of rape. This device can be inserted similar to that of a tampon and can be worn for extended periods of time, as long as twenty four hours even. While seeming a bit medieval, this device would surely make a rapist think twice before acting. Once this female condom is penetrated by a male it latches onto his penis and can only be removed surgically, leaving tiny scares behind to remind the attacker of his encounter. No real physical harm is done and no blood is drawn. The condom is still in the testing stages but could soon be a reality.

South Africa has the highest rape occurrences in the world with 28% of men surveyed admitting to sexually assaulting a woman. This has inspired Dr. Sonnet Ehlers, a South African physician, to spend more than 40 years researching and developing such an invention to aid in the prevention of sexual assaults against women. Could this be the next phase in crime fighting here in the United States? Although female condoms are available in the US, there has been no talk of any such device finding its way to our shelves any time soon.

Birth control and the fight against STD’s and HIV are the primary goal of female condoms in the US. Female condoms are less effective than a male condom, and are only estimated to be 75% to 82% effective. Having all the same problems as male condoms which can cause failure they are not as popular as the traditional male condom. Female condoms are fairly inexpensive although more expensive than male condoms, and can be easily found at most drug stores and clinics, and with no need for a prescription.

Not as effective may be one reason most women still are not using these. Others may also be related to some of the disadvantages of using a female condom. Reduced stimulation of the clitoris and increased friction can tend make the experience less than enjoyable and even uncomfortable. Using extra lubricant can help with this to an extent, but the over all feel can seem somewhat awkward. As well, there is no direct contact between the penis and the vagina while using this type of condom, and an unusual noise may occur during intercourse. Again using extra lubricant can help with this somewhat. Side affects can include irritation and in some women an allergic reaction may occur.

Trying to evaluate the pros and cons of female condoms may be a lengthy process to say the least. Using them will help prevent pregnancy as long as it is inserted soon enough. This has always been the down fall to any condoms. While a female condom can be inserted up to eight hours prior to intercourse, and knowing that some men fail to remember to wear a condom, it may be the right choice for some. The question is will it affect the overall experience of your love making?

The term sex doll comes to mind when thinking about the problems with noise, friction and the lack of stimulation, wetness and warmth. While this may be a way to help prevent STD’s and pregnancy, it just may not be the most pleasurable option for a woman or her male partner. After researching the topic it seems to be split between good and bad as to whether a female condom is better than a male condom. Some men reported it being nice to not have to worry about putting a condom on before getting down to business, while others related the experience to having sex with a plastic bag. Losing the feel of warmth was a common concern as well as the feel of wetness that is lost when using a female condom.

Lubrication is a must when using female condoms. So if you plan to give them a try, be sure to pick up plenty of lubricant, as well. A warming lube may be a good choice since female condoms seem to mask the warmth of the vagina for the man. Warming lubes also can help to make the clitoris more sensitive, and this may also be desirable. A combination of both warming and regular water based lubes may be a great option.

It seems to be all about personal preference and what kind of contraceptive you are accustomed to using. Both the male and female condoms have their drawbacks when it comes to how much sensation is felt by either the male or the female. Safety is always a must when it comes to sex, how much sensation you are willing to give up for that safety is the question. Possibly in the near future, as a result of studies and research, female condoms will become more sensitive, as male condoms have, and a better material can be found to give a more appealing sensation for both the male and female.