How to Use a "Female Condom" aka an Internal Condom

September 16 is Global Female Condom Day, a day to educate and empower women to take control of their sexual and reproductive health.

Originally known as female condoms they are now more commonly referred to as internal condoms, because they prevent STIs and pregnancy during vaginal sex but can also be used to put inside the anus to protect from STIs. They may be less common than their condom counterparts but they are no less useful. Internal condoms can be used by any gender. Never tried one? Here’s what you need to know:

What is a female condom / internal condom?

Internal condoms are small soft plastic pouches that you place inside your vagina creating a barrier between the penis or strap on penetrating and the vagina. In penis/vagina sex that can be used as a protective barrier to reduce the risk of pregnancy and they are also very effective at protecting from STIs.

They have a flexible ring on both ends, one holds the condom up inside the vagina, and the other sits just outside the vagina and covers part of the vulva. Although not as common, internal condoms can also be used for anal sex to protect from STIs.

What are the benefits of using an internal condom?

Internal condoms allow the person being penetrated to take control of their own protection, as opposed to relying on the person penetrating to protect you. Taking control of your own protection can make sex more pleasurable!

They can be inserted up to eight hours before sex and they don't require an erection to put on so you can avoid the hassle of finding, opening, and putting on a condom during foreplay/sex.

They are usually made of polyurethane or nitrile which is safe to use for people with latex allergies and can be used with all kinds of lubricants, plus it's less likely to cause irritation.

When used correctly, internal condoms are 95% effective! (NHS UK)

How do you use a female condom?

If you've never used one before it's best to practice inserting a couple times to get comfortable with it. After removing the it from it's wrapper, unroll the condom and pinch the inner closed ring together. Insert the ring as high as possible into your vaginal canal, past the pubic bone. It's a bit like inserting a menstrual cup or tampon. Use your finger to ensure that the condom is deep inside of your vagina. The rim of the condom opening should rest just outside of the vaginal opening and cover part of your vulva.

What does an internal condom feel like?

The internal condom is lubricated on the inside and outside and it is not tight on the penetrator, which makes sex feel more natural. Those who've used them say it does not inhibit or dull the sensation as an external condom would. Also, since you don't need to remove it immediately after sex it can increase closeness and intimacy by allowing you to stay in the moment.