How it works
The condom lines the vagina, with a flexible ring at the closed end that sits inside and a larger ring at the open end that stays outside. It collects semen and keeps it away from the cervix, and it also acts as a barrier against many STIs.
People who want to control their own STI and pregnancy protection, or who have a latex allergy.
How effective is it?
Typical use
79%
In real life about 21 in 100 people get pregnant in a year with typical use.
Perfect use
95%
About 5 in 100 when used exactly as directed every time.
About 95% effective with perfect use every time
See how it ranks against every method in the effectiveness chart.
How to use it
Buy internal condoms from a pharmacy or online, or ask a sexual health clinic, where they may be free; check the expiry date.
Squeeze the inner ring and push the condom into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go; it can be put in some time before sex (check the packet for how long).
Make sure the outer ring stays outside the body and guide the penis into the condom, not between the condom and the vaginal wall.
After sex, twist the outer ring to keep semen inside, gently pull the condom out and put it in a bin. Use a new one every time.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Lowers the risk of STIs, including HIV, as well as pregnancy
- No hormones and no effect on periods or fertility
- Can be put in before sex, so it doesn't interrupt things
- The person wearing it controls its use
- Most are made of nitrile or polyurethane, so are suitable for people with a latex allergy
Disadvantages
- Less effective than most other methods with typical use
- Takes practice to insert correctly
- Harder to find and usually more expensive than male condoms
- Can slip, or the penis can go beside it rather than into it
- Should not be used together with a male condom, as friction can make both fail
Effect on periods: No effect on periods.
Possible side effects
- Usually none
- Some people notice noise or rustling during sex (extra lubricant can help)
- Mild irritation in a few people
Who it may not suit
A clinician checks your medical history before you start. This list is not complete.
May not be suitable if
- You find touching your genitals or inserting things into the vagina uncomfortable
- You are allergic to the material it is made from (check the packet)
- A pregnancy would be very risky for your health and you want a more effective method on its own
Get medical help if
- The condom split, slipped or the penis went outside it and you want emergency contraception
- You notice unusual discharge, sores, pain when peeing or other signs of an STI
- You have pain, itching or swelling after using it
Frequently asked questions
How effective is the female condom?
With perfect use about 5 in 100 people get pregnant in a year; with typical use the figure is about 21 in 100. Using it correctly every time makes a big difference.
Does the internal condom protect against STIs?
Yes. Like the male condom, it lowers the risk of STIs including HIV. It is less protective against infections spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes and genital warts.
Can I use a female condom and a male condom together?
No. Using both at the same time causes friction that can make them tear or slip. Use one or the other.
How long before sex can I put in an internal condom?
It can be put in some time before sex rather than in the moment; the NHS says up to 8 hours before. Check the instructions on the packet for the brand you use.
Can I use oil-based lubricant with an internal condom?
Many internal condoms are made of nitrile or polyurethane, which oil does not damage, but some are latex. Check the packet; if in doubt, use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant.
Sources
Reviewed 1 November 2026. We link to the guidance itself so you can check it.