The Female Condom (Internal)

Also known as internal condom, the female condom also has the advantage of protecting against pregnancy and against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

 

EFFECTIVENESS

Practical effectiveness*: 79%
Theoretical effectiveness**: 95%

 

WITHOUT HORMONES

 

REMINDER

It can be put and kept in advance for a maximum of 8 hours. 

 

GOOD TO KNOW

Protect against STIs
Without latex

* Practical effectiveness: effectiveness measured under conditions of current use (taking into account omissions, failures, etc.)

** Theoretical effectiveness: effectiveness observed under conditions of perfect use (without problems of use and without interaction with other drugs)

Source: effectiveness percentages are taken from WHO (2018)

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The internal condom is made of polyurethane (a material similar to latex). It has a flexible ring and it is placed in the vagina (with ring) or the anus (without ring) before intercourse. It prevents spermatozoa from coming into contact with an eventual the egg. You can keep it for a maximum of 8 hours. It must be changed with each new partner. It is particularly suitable for people who are allergic to latex (since it is usually in polyurethane). Like the male condom (external), it can be used alone or in addition to another method of contraception. It should not be used at the same time as an external condom.  

INTERESTING FIGURES AND DETAILS

HOW TO USE IT?

Context 

In Luxembourg, female condoms (internal) are available in pharmacies or on the internet.

Step 1 

Adopt a comfortable position. Be careful not to tear the condom with your fingernails or rings while handling it. 

Step 2 

Put a finger in the condom and push the internal ring all the way into the vagina. The outer ring should stay outside the vagina and cover the vulva/labia.

Step 3 

When penetration is complete, turn the outer ring so that the opening is completely closed. Gently pulled out, placed in the package and put it in the garbage (not the toilets!). 

WHERE TO GET IT?

Pharmacie

In pharmacies (€)

On the internet (€)

Female condoms cost on average 7 euros for a pack of 3 condoms. The CNS does not reimburse this contraceptive. (The price is an average indication which may vary)

ADVANTAGES

  • Protect at the same time against STIs and pregnancy
  • No need to see a physician to get this contraceptive
  • Adapted to woman who do not want hormonal method or who are still breastfeeding
  • No need to think about it outside of sexual intercourse 
  • Painless and hypoallergenic it exists in different matter: latex and polyurethane. 

GOOD TO KNOW

  • It is better to combine it with a spermicide. It is more comfortable to use it with some lubricant. Or a 2 in 1 method (spermicide and lubricant at the same time). 
  • It is advised to combined condoms to another contraceptive method and/or spermicide gel. It allows to be more protected against an unwanted pregnancy. 
  • A minimum care and concentration are needed. Female condom is not that easy to put on in a hurry. 
  • Some users feel less sensitivity during intercourse. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can an internal condom be used for anal sex?

Yes, it is possible to use the internal condom for anal sex, provided that the inner ring is removed. Most internal condoms are made of polyurethane, which is stronger than latex, and can be useful for anal sex. In this case, however, it will not be used to prevent pregnancy, but rather to prevent a sexually transmitted infection.

Can an internal condom be used several times in a row?

The internal condom can be kept in for 8 hours maximum. It is therefore possible to insert it into the vagina or anus before intercourse, and to keep it on for several sessions in a row if they take place within the 8 hours and it is not removed in the meantime.

However, once removed from the vagina or anus, it cannot be reused, nor can it be interchanged from vagina to anus or from anus to vagina. Use a new condom.

Finally, a change of partner should systematically lead to a change of condom, so that these partners do not contaminate each other through contact with the same condom.

How do you know if a condom is in good condition?

Before using a condom, to make sure it is in good condition, there are 3 things to check:

  • The expiry date
  • That the packaging is not damaged (presence of air in the package indicate that it is normally not damaged)
  • The presence of the CE standard on the packaging (product complies with European legislation)

If any of these 3 criteria is not met, use another condom.

I am allergic to latex, is there any condom I can use ?

Although most condoms are made of latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane, a material similar to latex but which is hypoallergenic (does not cause allergies). It is therefore possible to find condoms that are suitable for you.

Is the condom always lubricated or do I need to add lubricant?

All condoms are sold with a small amount of lubricant (in the same package). This is necessary to prevent the latex (or polyurethane) from drying out! However, it is always possible to use additional lubricant. Please note: you should always use water-based lubricant when using a condom. Why? Any other type of lubricant can damage the latex and cause a tear! If you want to use other lubricants, please use a condom made of polyurethane, a material similar to latex which is much resistant.

Where do I put the lubricant? Inside the condom, on top, directly on my body, on my partner's body?

In general, the lubricant is applied :

  • On the vulva
  • On the entrance to the vagina and in the vagina
  • On the entrance to the anus and in the anus
  • On the penis

In the case of the internal condom, it is usually already much lubricated so that it can easily be inserted into an orifice (vagina or anus). However, you may need more lubricant to feel comfortable with the insertion of the condom or your partner may want to use lubricant on the  penis. There is no need to put lube on the testicles or inside the condom!