Female condoms, also known as internal condoms, are latex pouches you insert into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. They work by blocking sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse. They also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Female condoms, also known as internal condoms, have many of the same qualities and advantages as male condoms, also known as external condoms.

Internal and external condoms help prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse. They also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV and viral hepatitis.

Internal condoms are latex pouches that you insert into the vagina. They have flexible rubber rings at each end. One end holds the condom in the vagina like an anchor, and the other end stays outside the vagina during sex.

The only FDA approved female condom is the FC2. It’s made of nitrile (a synthetic latex) and polyurethane, a type of plastic material.

To use an internal condom:

  1. Gently remove the condom from its wrapper by tearing it by its notch. Do not use a sharp object or your teeth so you don’t accidentally tear it.
  2. The condom has two ends: the closed inner end and the open outer end. In between the two ends is a sleeve that lines the vagina. Use your thumb and index finger to squeeze the ring at the closed end and put it into the vagina, like you would a tampon or menstrual cup.
  3. Push the ring at the closed end up the vaginal wall until it sits comfortably near the pubic bone.
  4. Make sure the open outer ring stays outside the vagina.
  5. When you’re ready for penetrative sex, you or a partner can insert a penis or dildo in the outer end of the condom.
  6. After sex, use your finger to twist the outer end together and gently pull it out of your vagina to avoid semen spillage.

The manufacturers of FC2 say that using the internal condom for anal or oral sex would be “off-label use.”

What is barrier birth control?

Barrier methods of birth control prevent pregnancy by actively blocking sperm. Other forms include diaphragms, cervical caps, and the contraceptive sponge, which contains spermicide, a chemical that blocks the entrance to the cervix and kills sperm.

The internal condom is intended for single-time use, which means you should use a new one each time you have intercourse.

You should also never use more than one condom at a time. Using more than one may cause friction between both condoms and could cause them to tear and fail.

Read the instructions on the package before use to ensure you don’t miss out on any critical details on how to use it.

Thoroughly check the condom for any wear or tear. Do not use it if you notice any defects. You can use the condom up to 2 hours before penetrative sex.

Although you do not have to remove the female condom immediately after a man ejaculates, FC2 manufacturers recommend that you remove it before you stand up so the semen does not spill out.

Although the condom comes pre-lubricated with a non-spermicidal, silicone-based lubricant, you can also use any type of lube with it to improve comfort.

Make sure to dispose of the condom after use. Don’t flush it down the toilet because it may block it.

Internal condoms are slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy than external condoms.

Experts measure the effectiveness of birth control based on typical use and perfect use. Typical use implies that the person doesn’t always use it correctly and consistently. Perfect use means that the person thoroughly follows the instructions and consistently uses it.

Generally, the effectiveness of internal condoms at preventing pregnancy is 79% for typical use and 95% for perfect use. Meanwhile, external condoms have an 87% success rate for typical use and 98% for perfect use.

When used correctly, internal condoms can also help prevent STI transmission.

Optum Now is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Internal condoms offer many of the same benefits as external condoms. Some of their unique benefits include:

  • Increased sexual pleasure. The internal condom is made of polyurethane, which transmits heat and stays warm, making sex feel more natural. Also, the external ring may stimulate the clitoris, while the internal ring may stimulate the tip of the penis.
  • Does not contain latex. While some external condoms are made of latex, the internal condom is made of nitrile and polyurethane, making it suitable for people with latex allergies.
  • Protection against unintended pregnancy and STIs. The internal condom offers protection against STIs and unintended pregnancy because it covers the internal and part of the external genital from your partner’s body fluid.
  • Can be used with oil-based and water-based lubricants. Unlike the external condom, you can use the internal condom with oil-based and water-based lubricant without the condom becoming less effective.
  • Longer shelf-life. The internal condom doesn’t need special conditions for storage because temperature and humidity don’t affect it. Also, it can last for up to 5 years.
  • You can insert the condom 2 hours before penetrative sex. This allows you to prepare for intercourse ahead of time.

Internal condoms are simple to use. Still, some people find them bothersome or uncomfortable to insert and wear during sex.

With a bit of practice and experience, you may find them more comfortable to use. Like external condoms, you need to use them properly and consistently to prevent unintentional pregnancy and STIs.

However, they’re not as readily available as external condoms. The FC2 is the only brand of internal condoms approved by the FDA.

You can purchase the internal condom directly from the FC2 website or a local pharmacy or store, like Walmart or Target. You may also be able to get them free from non-profit organizations.

Internal condoms cost an average of $3 each, making them a bit more expensive than external condoms.

The internal condom may also cause irritation in some people.

Internal condoms offer an allergy-free way to help prevent unwanted pregnancy. You can also use them with water- or oil-based lubricants without reducing their effectiveness.

When used correctly, they can also help prevent the spread of STIs. Make sure to follow the package directions to insert and remove them properly.