Contraception - female (internal) condoms

What is a female (internal) condom?#

A female (internal) condom is a soft pouch that you wear inside the vagina or anus. It can be used as an alternative to a male (external) condom. Unlike external condoms, it comes in one size.

The pouch is made of nitrile (synthetic rubber). It has a flexible ring at each end, and one end is closed. You insert it before sex, and it stops ejaculate (cum) from entering the vagina or anus.

How they work#

Internal condoms work as a barrier. They stop sperm and other body fluids from being exchanged between partners during sexual contact, which helps prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

They block the exchange of body fluids during any form of sexual contact, including anal, vaginal, some skin-to-skin contact and the sharing of sex toys. To help prevent STIs, use a new condom each time you have sex and when switching between different kinds of sex (such as from anal to vaginal).

How effective are female (internal) condoms?#

If used correctly every time you have sex, female (internal) condoms are 95% effective at preventing pregnancy.

If mistakes happen, such as the condom slipping or breaking, their effectiveness at preventing pregnancy drops to 79%.

Female (internal) condoms might not work well if they are kept in the heat for a long time. Always check the use-by date first.

They can also be used alongside other forms of contraception, such as:

• the pill or the mini pill
• intrauterine devices (IUD)
• implants
• injections
• vaginal rings

If you are not sure which method of contraception and protection is best for you, talk to your doctor or nurse.

How to use a female (internal) condom#

If you are unsure how to use the condom, follow the instructions on the packet. Put the condom in before the penis or sex toy touches the vagina or anus.

• Open the packet slowly, taking care not to tear the condom with anything sharp (such as jewellery, teeth or fingernails).
• Squeeze the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina or anus.
• The opening of the condom spreads outside the vagina or anus and over part of the surrounding skin.
• Guide the penis or sex toy into the condom, making sure it does not slip underneath it.

If the penis slips under the condom, there is no protection from pregnancy or STIs.

If the condom slips or bunches up when the penis goes inside, use more lubricant (lube). You can use water, oil or silicone-based lubricants with internal (female) condoms. Lube is a jelly or liquid-like material that reduces friction. It can stop the condom from breaking and can make sex more comfortable.

Female (internal) condoms are for single use only. Once a condom has been used, wrap it in a tissue and put it in a bin (not down the toilet).

Taking the condom out#

Gently twist the opening and slide it out of the vagina, avoiding any spillage of body fluids.

If you use lubricant with sex toys (especially any made of silicone), check the product label. Some lubes can damage sex toys and may increase your risk of STIs.

Do not use female (internal) condoms at the same time as male (external) condoms, as they can move out of place.

Advantages of female (internal) condoms#

• protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• are easy to use
• have little or no side effects
• can be bought without a prescription
• can be used with any type of lubrication
• can be inserted hours before having sex
• can be used after giving birth

Where to get them#

Female (internal) condoms can be harder to find and are more expensive than male (external) condoms. They are available at family planning clinics, sex shops, some pharmacies and online. Lubricant is widely available from supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, sexual health services, community health services and youth services.

Health risks#

There are no known serious health risks from using female (internal) condoms. In some people they may cause irritation.

Do not douche (wash out the vagina or rectal areas with water or other fluids). It may irritate delicate tissues and increase the risk of infection.

What to do if you have unsafe sex#

If you have had unprotected sex, or the condom slips or breaks, you may need emergency contraception:

• the emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the ‘morning after pill’) should be taken as soon as you can. Up to 4 days is best, but it can be taken no later than 5 days (120 hours) after sex.
• a non-hormonal (copper) IUD can be inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.

Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. See your doctor or a sexual health service and get tested for STIs.

STI checks are recommended at least once a year for anyone who is sexually active.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, see a doctor as soon as possible to find out whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This is a course of antiviral medication used to help prevent HIV, and it must be started within 72 hours (within 4 days).

Key points#

• Female (internal) condoms work as a barrier, blocking the exchange of body fluids during any form of sexual contact.
• They help protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
• There are no known serious health risks from using female (internal) condoms.
• In some people, they may cause irritation.
• Do not douche, as it may irritate delicate tissues and increase the risk of infection.

Where to get help#