MODEL RELEASED. Female condom in its packaging held in a woman's hands as she reads the instructions. Resembling the male condom or sheath in some resepects, this rubber device is used for female contraception. It has an open end and a closed end. It is inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse, to prevent sperm entering the womb to cause pregnancy. Sperm is trapped in the female condom, which is removed after intercourse. Like male condoms, this condom also acts as a prophylactic against sexually- transmitted diseases including HIV, the virus causing AIDS. The use of condoms constitutes one of the practices of safe sex" to prevent AIDS."