Dear Yung_Buck,

It is very likely that the female condom may not be the best method for safer sex or birth control for a virgin. The female condom is a thin sheath of polyurethane, which is very flexible. There is a ring on the end of the female condom that is also flexible and easy to insert.

However, if a woman's hymen has not been stretched open, she may feel some discomfort trying to insert the female condom. Some young women who feel they are ready to have vaginal intercourse find it helpful to insert a clean finger — or to ask their partner to insert a finger — into the vaginal opening and move it slightly from side to side, slowly, to stretch the hymen a bit, before having vaginal intercourse. It may take more than one time to stretch open the hymen, depending on how much tissue there is.

It is easier to insert a female condom when a woman is relaxed. And remember, vaginal insertion is easiest and most comfortable when there is lubrication in the vagina.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.