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How to Use an Internal Condom

What to know

  • An internal condom (sometimes called a "female" condom) can be used by all genders before sex for birth control and protection against sexually transmitted infections. It works like other condoms, except that it's worn on the inside.
  • This page contains sexually graphic images and may not be suitable for some audiences.

Female (internal) condom dos and don'ts

DOs

  • DO use a female (internal) condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal sex.*
  • DO read the condom package insert and check the expiration date.
  • DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
  • DO use lubricant to help prevent the condom from slipping and tearing.
  • DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.

DON'Ts

  • DON'T use a male (external) condom with a female (internal) condom, as this can cause tearing.
  • DON'T reuse a condom.
  • DON'T flush condoms, as they may clog the toilet.

*Female (internal) condoms can also be used for anal sex and follow the same general guidelines as those for vaginal sex outlined below.

How to insert and remove a female (internal) condom

An opened condom wrapper and condom. Before sex - Carefully open and remove the condom from package to prevent tearing.
Before sex - Carefully open and remove the condom from package to prevent tearing.
Hands holding female condom at the thick, inner ring. Before sex - The thick, inner ring with closed end is used for placing in the vagina and holds condom in place. The thin, outer ring remains outside of body, covering vaginal opening.
Before sex - The thick, inner ring with closed end is used for placing in the vagina and holds condom in place. The thin, outer ring remains outside of body, covering vaginal opening.
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Fingers squeezing thick, inner ring of female condom to prepare to insert it. Before sex - Find a comfortable position. While holding outside of condom at closed end, squeeze sides of inner ring together with your thumb and forefinger and insert into vagina.
Before sex - Find a comfortable position. While holding outside of condom at closed end, squeeze sides of inner ring together with your thumb and forefinger and insert into vagina.
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Finger inserting female condom into vagina. Before sex - Using your finger, push inner ring as far up as it will go until it rests against cervix. The condom will expand naturally, and you may not feel it.
Before sex - Using your finger, push inner ring as far up as it will go until it rests against cervix.
Hands positioning female condom in place to cover vulva. Before sex - Be sure condom is not twisted. The thin, outer ring should remain outside vagina.
Before sex - Be sure condom is not twisted.
Female condom in place with penis inserted into vagina. During sex - Guide partner's penis into opening of the condom. Stop intercourse if you feel penis slip between condom and walls of vagina or if outer ring is pushed into vagina.
During sex - Guide partner's penis into opening of the condom.
Hand removing female condom. After sex - To remove, gently twist outer ring and pull condom out of vagina.
After sex - To remove, gently twist outer ring and pull condom out of vagina.
Hand throwing away used female condom in trash. After sex - Throw away the condom in trash after using it one time. Do not reuse.
After sex - Throw away the condom in trash after using it one time.

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Content Source:
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention