The female condom has two rings on either end connected by a condom-shaped tube that is made out of thin piece of polyurethane. One ring is inserted into the vagina, against the cervix, located at the back of the vagina. The other ring hangs outside the vaginal opening. This is where a guy�s penis is inserted during intercourse. Just like male condoms, female condoms can only be used once.  Also, never use a female and male condom together. They�ll both tear and you�ll end up with no protection.

When used perfectly, the female condom prevents pregnancy about 95 percent of the time. The �real world� rate is a lot lower -- 79 percent -- because they tend to be tough to use. But, if you can master it, female condoms also offer some protection against sexually transmitted infections

Again, like male condoms, they only prevent the spread of diseases that are passed through body fluids -- HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.

Some STIs, like herpes and genital warts, are spread through skin-to-skin contact. A female condom may not cover areas of the skin that are infected, such as the scrotum, labia, or even the inside of the thigh. So condoms -- both male and female -- can�t protect against these kinds of infections.

The good news is that there are little side effects from female condoms. Some say the female condom slips or is uncomfortable during sex, especially if the rings rub or pull against the penis or the vagina. Some women, though, say the female condom stimulates the clitoris, a sensitive spot that most women need to have touched or rubbed in order to have an orgasm. Not many people are allergic to polyurethane, but if you are, using a female condom could give you a case of itching and irritation.

The female condom is sold in drug stores and supermarkets under the name Reality without a prescription. They cost about $3 each. Visit www.femalehealth.com to learn more or purchase online.