The Hush-Hush Podcast

"The Hush-Hush Podcast"

The Female condom has been around for over two decades, yet many women are still unaware of its existence and benefits. I host a podcast that tackles hush-hush topics—things people usually don’t feel comfortable discussing in the open. It’s anonymous, which has made it popular among listeners. People share their best and worst experiences, ask for advice, and discuss contraceptives without fear of judgment.

It was 11 a.m., and we started the show like we do every other day. The first few questions were about having sex for the first time, and things were going smoothly. Then, a young woman got her turn to speak, and her question left me momentarily stunned:

"Do female condoms get inside the vagina?"

There was an awkward pause. To break the silence, I jumped in and explained, "Hi there! Female condoms are just as safe as male condoms. No, a female condom doesn’t enter your vagina like you’re thinking. It acts as a barrier between male semen and the female egg, preventing contact. Think of your vagina as a container, and the condom as a protective layer inside. The sheet covers the inner surface but doesn’t ‘get inside’ the container's walls. Similarly, female condoms don’t enter the lining of the vagina. They also protect against STIs and unintended pregnancies."

She thanked me, and we wrapped up the episode, but her question stayed with me. It was a reminder that, even today, there’s still a significant lack of awareness about basic contraceptive options in many parts of the country.