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Guide to Birth Control and Safe Water Sex

By Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com

Updated: June 23, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Birth Control Methods Safe For Water Sex : Female Condoms

Female Condoms and Under Water Sex Photo

Keith Brofsky/Getty Images
What do you do if you really want to have water sex and want protection from pregnancy and infections?

The solution: Use a female condom. They are a dependable contraceptive for water sex because:

  • of its design. Since it is made to be inserted into the female body, less water will affect it, so its less likely to slide out.

  • they're made of polyurethane and not latex. This makes them a safer and stronger option because oil-based lubricants or substances in the water will not cause them to break. This does NOT mean male condoms made of polyurethane are just as reliable in the water. Research shows that polyurethane male condoms have a higher breakage rate than latex ones. The advantage of the female condom is its placement (inside the vagina, so it’s less likely to slip out).

  • Reality female condoms are also lubricated inside and out.
To increase the effectiveness, a woman should insert the female condom before going into the water. This way, the lubrication that is already inside the condom is less likely to wash off. Additionally, because a woman can put on a female condom before getting into the pool, Jacuzzi, or hot tub, it is considered a more discreet contraceptive method.

Make it your goal to be careful and safe. You will need to use some form of birth control to prevent pregnancy; it is always wiser to use some type of method than none. Finally, don’t ignore the increased risks for infection. That being said, sex under water can be enjoyed effectively, just make sure to plan ahead for this exotic way to add some spice to your love life.

Sources:

Durex. Can I use condoms in water or a shower? Accessed June 19, 2007.

Hermann, L. (2006). Just keep swimming…The Cavalier Daily.

Planned Parenthood. (2003). Ask Beth.

University of California, Santa Barbara. (2007). The Hidden Dangers of Hot Tubbing.

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