Correct Answer: A. Female condom
The female condom (FC2 or Reality condom) is a barrier contraceptive consisting of a polyurethane or nitrile sheath with two flexible rings—one at the closed end that anchors inside the vagina and one at the open end that remains outside the introitus. The distinguishing feature is the presence of these two rings at opposite ends, creating a pouch that lines the entire vaginal canal. This design allows the female condom to be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse, provides protection against both pregnancy (95% efficacy with perfect use, ~79% with typical use) and STIs including HIV, and does not require fitting by a healthcare provider. The outer ring remains visible at the introitus during intercourse, which is pathognomonic for the female condom. It is particularly valuable in Indian clinical practice for women who wish to maintain contraceptive control without partner cooperation, aligns with WHO recommendations for dual protection, and is increasingly promoted by NACO (National AIDS Control Organization) as part of comprehensive sexual health programs. The female condom is non-hormonal, latex-free, and can be used with any lubricant, making it suitable for women with latex allergy.
Why the other options are wrong
B. Male condom — The male condom is a single-layer sheath that covers only the penis and lacks the characteristic dual-ring design of the female condom. It does not have an inner anchoring ring or an outer ring visible at the introitus. Male condoms are applied by the male partner and require his cooperation, whereas the female condom is woman-controlled. The image would show a cylindrical structure without the distinctive pouch and bilateral rings that define the female condom. C. Diaphragm — A diaphragm is a shallow dome-shaped latex or silicone cup with a flexible rim that covers only the cervix and requires fitting by a healthcare provider based on cervical size. It lacks any rings or pouches and is inserted differently—placed high in the vagina to cover the cervix. Diaphragms must always be used with spermicide, require proper insertion technique, and offer no protection against STIs. The image would not show the characteristic pouch and dual-ring system of the female condom. D. Cervical cap — A cervical cap is a small, thimble-shaped device that fits snugly over the cervix alone and requires professional fitting. It is much smaller than a diaphragm, lacks any rings or pouches, and must be used with spermicide. Cervical caps are rarely available in India and offer no STI protection. The image would show a small cup-shaped structure, not the large pouch with bilateral rings characteristic of the female condom.
High-Yield Facts
- Female condom efficacy: 95% with perfect use, ~79% with typical use; provides dual protection against pregnancy and STIs including HIV.
- Dual-ring design: Inner ring anchors in the vagina, outer ring remains at introitus—this is the pathognomonic feature distinguishing it from male condoms.
- Woman-controlled contraception: Can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse without partner knowledge or cooperation; aligns with reproductive autonomy in Indian clinical practice.
- Non-hormonal and latex-free: Suitable for women with latex allergy; compatible with any lubricant (water-based, oil-based, or silicone).
- NACO recommendation: Promoted as part of comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention programs in India; particularly valuable in high-risk populations.
- No provider fitting required: Unlike diaphragm or cervical cap, female condom requires no professional sizing or fitting; available over-the-counter.
Mnemonics
FC2 = Female Condom with 2 Rings FC2 (the brand name) reminds you: Female Condom with 2 rings (inner + outer). The two rings are the key discriminator. WOMAN-CONTROLLED: Woman Owns, Manages, Anchors, Needs No fitting Female condom is woman-controlled (she inserts it), requires no fitting, and has an anchoring inner ring. Male condom requires male cooperation.
NBE Trap
NBE may pair the female condom with male condom as visually similar barrier methods to trap students who confuse the two. The key discriminator is the dual-ring design and woman-controlled insertion of the female condom versus the single-layer, male-applied male condom. Students may also conflate all barrier methods (diaphragm, cervical cap, female condom) without recognizing the unique pouch-and-ring architecture of the female condom.</trap> <parameter name="textbookRef">DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics (Contraception chapter); WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use; NACO Guidelines on Dual Protection
Clinical Pearl
In Indian clinical practice, the female condom is increasingly offered to women in urban and semi-urban settings as a woman-controlled dual-protection method, particularly in HIV-positive couples or those at high risk. Its non-hormonal nature and independence from male cooperation make it valuable in settings where women's reproductive autonomy is a priority, though cost and availability remain barriers in resource-limited areas.