Female (Internal) Condom Use
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The Right Way To Use A Female (Internal) Condom
Female (Internal) Condom Use Fact Sheet
Female (Internal) Condom Dos and Don’ts
- 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.
*Female (Internal) condoms can also be used for anal sex and follow the same general guidelines as those for vaginal sex outlined below.
- DON’T use a male (external) condom with an female (internal) condom, as this can cause tearing.
- DON’T reuse a condom.
- DON’T flush condoms as they may clog the toilet.
How To Insert and Remove a Female (Internal) Condom
Carefully open and remove the condom from package to prevent tearing.
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.
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. It is similar to inserting a tampon.
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.
Be sure condom is not twisted. The thin, outer ring should remain outside vagina.
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.
To remove, gently twist outer ring and pull condom out of vagina.
Throw away the condom in trash after using it one time. Do not reuse.
Page last reviewed: February 10, 2022