Female Condom?

Hi there!
I'm sure these questions must have been asked and answered before, but after a search I couldn't find it... so:

1) What's the effectiveness of the female condom?

I don't know where this came from, but somewhere in my head I have this notion stuck that female condoms would be less reliable than male condoms. Since I always want to be clear on things, I've looked it up. Now I've read on a Dutch website that compares and describes practically all means of birthcontrol that the percentage of pregnancies resulting from the use of the male condom is theoretically: 2%, practically: up to 28%. The female condom would theoretically be: 3% and practically: 10%. They say this is because the male condom is more often improperly used and/or doesn't fit well, than the female condom. Which makes a female condom actually more reliable in practice. I've looked through some random search-results, which suggests both condoms are equally or the female condom slightly more reliable in practice. Is this correct?

2) If I'd use a contraceptive gel together with a female condom, does this mean I could apply it on both the outside and the inside?

I've learned using any types of gels/lubes inside a male condom can only be in very tiny amounts or the glide may contribute to it sliding off. But it seems to me that shouldn't be an issue with the female condom. Since using a water-based lube is possible according to the instructions, I'd think I could use a lube with spermicidal attributes that's safe with latex. Paralyzing the little sperms on the spot. And should the female condom break/tear and the tiny army left would make it inside my vagina alive, they'd still have to pass another chemical barrier before they reach my cervix. Making it like a triple safety-net. But that's just my theory :) Better be safe than sorry and thus ask (especially when the goal was to be more safe ;))

3) I've read you can insert it (long) prior to intercourse, but how long is that?

The instructions fail to mention this. Btw, I do realize that combined with a contraceptive gel, that one should take into account the time the gel lasts as well :) and thus whatever amount of time is the smallest determines the use.

4) It is mentioned -though not specified- that not all sex-positions are possible when using a female condom. Now I don't know what to make of that exactly... You?

I don't know if it matters to any of the answers, but specifically this would concern the Cupid female condom; which is latex and has a sponge instead of a smaller ring at the end. I believe they call this a 2nd generation female condom, designed to be more flexible, less noisy, even more easy and pleasurable to use than the originals.

5) Anyone care to share their experiences? That's always interesting to hear :)

Thank you very much for your responses!

RedRoses