Internal condom
What is an internal condom?
An internal condom (also sometimes called a female condom), which has the brand name FC2, is a pouch you insert into your vagina. It’s not the prettiest thing in the world (it looks a bit like a floppy, clear elephant trunk), but it is a method that gives you lots of control. Internal condoms work the same way that condoms do, except that you wear one on the inside instead of sticking it on a penis. They keep sperm inside the condom and out of your vagina.
Quick Facts
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EffectivenessSo-so the way people typically use them—better when used perfectly; more effective with spermicide.
Perfect use: 95% effective
Typical use: 79% effective
What does perfect vs typical use mean?
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Side effectsUsually none, but could cause a little irritation to your or your guy’s parts.
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EffortYou have to use one EVERY time.
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Easy to getThere are three possible ways to get the internal condom. One way is to get a prescription from a health care provider (in person or online) and fill it at a pharmacy. You can also get it without a prescription on the FC2 website. The third way to get it is from nonprofit organizations, clinics, or health departments.
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CostDepending on where you get them, whether you have a prescription, and whether you have insurance, $0-$2.41 a piece.
It might be for you if…
How do you use it?
Internal condoms are really pretty easy to use, but it takes a bit of practice and getting used to. And remember, if you’re relying on internal condoms, you have to use one EVERY SINGLE TIME.
How to insert a Internal Condom
- There is already some lubricant on the internal condom, but you can add more on the outside of the closed end. You could also put some spermicide there if you wanted.
- Get comfy, like you’re going to put in a tampon.
- Squeeze the sides of the closed-end ring together and insert it like a tampon.
- Push the ring as far into your vagina as it’ll go, all the way to your cervix.
- Pull out your finger and let the outer ring hang outside your vagina. (Yes, it’ll look a little funny, but on the plus side, the outer ring helps keep the condom in place and helps protect you from STIs that are transferred through skin-to-skin contact.)
- If you want to use a internal condom for anal sex, follow the same process. But with your anus, of course.
Don’t worry if it moves side to side while you’re doing it. That’s normal. If your partner slips out of the condom and into your vagina, gently remove the internal condom and insert a new one. But if they ejaculate outside of the internal condom and into your vagina by accident, you may want to consider Emergency Contraception.
How to remove a Internal Condom
- Squeeze the outer ring and twist it closed like a baggie, so semen doesn’t spill out.
- Pull the condom out gently.
- Throw it away in a trash can (preferably one that is out of the reach of children and pets). Don’t flush it down the toilet! That’s just bad for your plumbing.
One final thing. You might think using a condom along with a internal condom doubles your protection. Not true. It’d just make both more likely to rip. So don’t do it.
How much does it cost?
What are the side effects and benefits?
There are positive and negative things to say about each and every method. And everyone’s different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.
The Positive
- Helps protect you from STIs
- The outer ring may stimulate your clit (nice!)
- No prescription necessary
- Can be used even if you’re allergic to latex
- Can be used with both oil-based and water-based lube
- Stays in place even if your partner loses their erection
The Negative
- May cause irritation
- May reduce sensitivity while you’re doing it
- The first generation internal condom (FC1) can be kinda squeaky sounding (but the newer version, FC2, shouldn’t be)
- Hard to remember to use if you’re drunk (but you can put it in up to 2 hours before having sex, if that helps)
We can help you find an in person provider or online birth control delivery service.
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