What Are Female Condoms?
A clear UK guide to female or internal condoms, how to use one, how they compare to external condoms and the pros and cons of each.
The female or internal condom is a less familiar but valuable form of protection. This guide explains what it is, how to use one, how it compares to the external condom and who might choose it, so you know all your options.
What Are Female Condoms?
A female condom, also called an internal condom, is a soft pouch worn inside the vagina or anus to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Unlike the external condom worn over the penis, the internal condom lines the inside of the body, held in place by a soft ring at each end. It gives the receptive partner control over protection and can be put in before sex begins. It works on the same barrier principle, catching semen and blocking fluid contact and it is a valuable option for anyone who cannot or prefers not to use an external condom.
This guide explains what internal condoms are, how to use one and their pros and cons. For the external condom, see our guide on What Is a Condom.
Internal and External Condoms Compared
The two types share a purpose but differ in how they are worn. The table below compares them.
| Feature | Internal (female) | External (male) |
|---|---|---|
| Worn | Inside the vagina or anus | Over the penis |
| Who controls it | The receptive partner | The wearer |
| When inserted | Up to a while before sex | Just before sex |
| Material | Often nitrile, latex-free | Latex or synthetic |
Both give dual protection, so the choice comes down to preference and circumstance. Our guide on What Are Non-Latex Condoms covers the latex-free materials internal condoms often use.
How to Use an Internal Condom
Using an internal condom is straightforward with a little practice. Squeeze the inner ring at the closed end and insert it into the vagina like a tampon without an applicator, pushing it up as far as it will comfortably go, while the outer ring stays outside. During sex, guide the penis into the pouch rather than beside it. Afterwards, twist the outer ring to seal in the contents and gently pull it out, then bin it. Use a new one each time. It can be inserted a little while before sex, which some people find convenient.
Protection you control
Ava Noir stocks internal condoms that put protection in the receptive partner's hands, with honest guidance and plain, discreet packaging on every UK order.
Shop CondomsThe Pros and Cons
Internal condoms have real advantages and a few trade-offs. On the plus side, they let the receptive partner take charge of protection, they can be inserted ahead of time, they are often latex-free and they do not rely on the wearer maintaining an erection. On the other hand, they take a little practice to insert, can be noticeable during sex and are less widely stocked than external condoms. For many people the control they offer outweighs these points. Our guide on Can You Be Allergic to Condoms covers why their latex-free material suits some users well.
Getting Comfortable With Them
Like anything new, internal condoms take a little getting used to and there is no harm in practising insertion on your own before using one during sex. Knowing how it feels to place the inner ring and how the pouch sits removes any uncertainty in the moment. A little water-based or silicone lubricant, inside and out, makes insertion smoother and sex more comfortable and helps keep the condom quiet during use, which is a common first worry.
Once you are familiar with them, many people find internal condoms simple and freeing, precisely because they can be put in ahead of time and do not depend on the wearer. If your first attempt feels awkward, it is worth persevering for a couple of tries before deciding, since confidence comes quickly. As with any method, using one correctly every time is what keeps it effective. Our guide on How Effective Are Condoms explains why consistent use matters.
Internal condoms are a valuable option worth knowing. Our Condoms User Guides hub gathers every guide in one place, from types to safe use.
Never use an internal and external condom together, as our guide on Can You Use Two Condoms at Once explains.
Explore the complete Condoms User Guides library for help with every kind of condom.
Who Might Choose One?
Internal condoms suit a range of people and situations. They are a good choice for anyone who wants to control their own protection, for couples where the wearer prefers not to use an external condom and for people with a latex allergy, since many internal condoms are made from nitrile. They are also used for anal sex by some couples. Being able to insert one ahead of time can make sex feel more spontaneous. Like any condom, they work best used correctly every time. Our guide on Do Condoms Prevent STIs explains the protection they give.
When you want protection you control, you can explore the Ava Noir condom collection delivered discreetly across the UK.
The Short Answer
A female or internal condom is a soft pouch worn inside the vagina or anus that prevents pregnancy and reduces STI risk, giving the receptive partner control over protection. It works on the same barrier principle as an external condom, is often latex-free and can be inserted ahead of time. Use a new one each time and never pair it with an external condom.
Discover Internal Condoms at Ava Noir
Internal condoms that put you in control, with discreet UK delivery on every order.