According to Medline/ The National Institute of Health:
"HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
The female condom is about 75% - 82% effective with normal use. When used correctly all of the time, female condoms are 95% effective.
Female condoms can fail for the same reasons as male condoms, including:
There is a tear in a condom. (This can occur before or during intercourse.)
The condom is not put in place before the penis touches the vagina.
Not using a condom each time you have intercourse.
There are manufacturing defects in the condom (rare).
The contents of the condom are spilled as it is being removed."
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004002.htm Most of the references I have seen say latex male condoms are 98% effective.
Lambskin, I have been told, are better for sensation, but they are worthless for anything but birth control.
I have had personal experience with ultra thin ones breaking (a long time and several tests ago). No thank you.
Posted By: Pdel
I have never been a big fan of condoms but certainly understand the imperative on safety. Lately, (over this past year) once the condom is placed I do my "best" to continue but the lack of any feeling ultimately leads me to a flaccid state. I've had one experience with the "female condom" and this was MUCH better than the male condom; however; it's not widely utilized. How come more ladies don't offer this as an option? Is it less "effective"? Is it cumbersome to insert? Also are there any male condoms which would produce a better "feeling"? Thanks!