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.](/condom-use/media/images/Femalecondom1hires.png)
![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.](/condom-use/media/images/Femalecondom2hires.png)
![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.](/condom-use/media/images/Femalecondom3hires.png)
![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.](/condom-use/media/images/Femalecondom4hires.png)
![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.](/condom-use/media/images/Femalecondom5hires.png)
![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.](/condom-use/media/images/Femalecondom6hires.png)
![Hand removing female condom. After sex - To remove, gently twist outer ring and pull condom out of vagina.](/condom-use/media/images/Femalecondom7hires.png)
![Hand throwing away used female condom in trash. After sex - Throw away the condom in trash after using it one time. Do not reuse.](/condom-use/media/images/Femalecondom8hires.png)