I understand why female condoms are popular: they provide a latex-free barrier and offer a change from regular old male condoms. However, sometimes you can't improve on a classic, and this is one of those times. This is especially true now, when male condoms of all shapes, sizes, colors, flavors, and materials are widely available.

The packaging of the female condom is significantly bigger than the average male condom, about 5x3 inches, or 13x8 centimeters. For reference, the average male condom wrapper is about 2x2 inches, 5x5 centimeters. So, the female condom wrapper is almost twice as big, not exactly something you can fit in a tiny clutch bag or wallet. Once out of the package, the difference is less significant. The female condom is about twice as wide as the male condom, but the condoms are about equal in length. The female condom has no discernible smell but the lube is somewhat bitter to the taste. It is also somewhat sparsely lubricated, so I would recommend using more lube. The polyurethane is very thick and quite unstretchy. There are two plastic rings, a small one at the base and a larger one at the opening. The wrapper includes a guide complete with illustrations on how to properly insert the female condom, but it is still difficult and uncomfortable.

Male condoms already lessen sensation and take away some of the intimacy of sex. Female condoms do the same, only much more so. The polyurethane is way thicker than even the thickest male condom, which severely limits the sensation and pleasure you get from sex. The female condom is also very loose fitting, and it made my partner feel like he was "having sex with a Ziploc bag." He did, however, enjoy the sensation of the plastic ring at the top of the condom against his penis. A word of warning: unless properly inserted (which, I assure you, is a feat worthy of Hercules himself), the female condom begins to slip out, making it easy to miss the condom entirely and slip in to the vagina unprotected. This exposes both partners to any STDs they might have and carries a risk of pregnancy, making the female condom less safe than the male alternative.

Female condoms are also significantly less available and far more expensive than male condoms. On EdenFantasys, a three pack of female condoms goes for $22.99 USD, and is the most expensive item in the condom section. In contrast, the next most expensive pack of condoms available on the site is a twelve pack of Trojan Her Pleasure for $19.99 USD.

Despite all this, I have found that female condoms are more useful than male condoms for double penetration and anal play. If you have one female condom in your vagina and one in your ass, you can switch back and forth between the two without having to worry about changing condoms. Additionally, if you like to switch between anal toys or are sharing them with someone else, the female condom offers a more convenient barrier than the male condom because you don't have to change the condom every time you switch toys. However, this only works for plugs and dildos; anal beads cannot be covered. As always, make sure to use plenty of lube, especially for anal play.