How effective are female condoms?

The female condom is a plastic pouch that is used during intercourse to prevent pregnancy by covering the inside of the vagina. The condom collects pre-ejaculate and semen when a man ejaculates to keeps sperm from entering the vagina. This reduces the risk of pregnancy and reduces the risk of many sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Used as the only method of birth control the female condom is 80% to 95% effect in preventing pregnancy. You can improve the effectiveness by using a spermicidal jelly or hormonal contraceptives.