Play safe · JoinTheSwing editorial · Last reviewed September 28, 2026
Internal condoms: what they are and how they work.
An internal condom, once called the female condom, is a soft, usually latex-free pouch worn inside the vagina or anus instead of on the penis. It protects against STIs and pregnancy, can go in up to eight hours ahead, and puts protection in the receiving partner’s hands. It takes a little practice, then it is easy.
What it is
What an internal condom is, and why the name changed.
An internal condom is a condom you wear inside the body rather than on a penis. It is a soft pouch with a flexible ring at each end: a thicker inner ring at the closed end that holds it in place, and a thin outer ring that stays outside and covers the opening (CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
For years it was sold as the “female condom”. Planned Parenthood explains that the term is no longer used because people of any gender can use one: in the vagina to help prevent pregnancy and STIs, or in the anus to help prevent STIs (Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)). The CDC and the NHS now say “internal” too, with “female” in brackets so people can still find it (CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab); NHS, reviewed 2024 (opens in a new tab)).
In the US, the internal condom you will find is the FC2, which Planned Parenthood says is the only FDA-approved brand available there. It is made of nitrile, a soft latex-free material, with a polyurethane inner ring, and it comes coated inside and out with a silicone-based lubricant. It comes in one size: about as long as an external condom but much wider (Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)).
How it works
How an internal condom protects you.
Once in place, the condom lines the vagina or anus. That lining keeps semen and pre-ejaculate away from the body, and because the outer ring sits over the opening, it also covers some of the skin around it (Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)). Laboratory testing has shown internal condoms to be impermeable to HIV and to cytomegalovirus, another sexually transmitted virus (Marfatia, Pandya and Mehta, 2015 (opens in a new tab)).
Like every condom, it lowers risk rather than removing it. The CDC notes that condoms protect against infections spread through genital fluids, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, but not against those spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes or syphilis (CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). That is why condoms of any kind work best alongside regular testing; our testing guide covers how people in the lifestyle usually approach it.
How to use one
Using an internal condom, step by step.
These steps follow the CDC, NHS and Planned Parenthood instructions. Always read the leaflet in the packet too: it is written for that exact product.
Step 01
Check the date and open it gently.
Look at the expiry date, then tear the packet open with your fingers, not your teeth or scissors, so the condom is not nicked. It comes already lubricated; you can add more water- or silicone-based lube if you like.
Step 02
Find a comfortable position.
Lying down, squatting, or standing with one foot raised all work. Getting comfortable first makes the next step much easier, and a partner can help if you both like that.
Illustrative scene, not JoinTheSwing members or an advertised event. Step 03
Insert it, inner ring first.
For vaginal use, squeeze the sides of the inner ring at the closed end together and insert it much like a tampon, then use a finger to push the inner ring in as far as it comfortably goes. For anal use, Planned Parenthood says to take the inner ring out first and insert the condom with a finger.
Step 04
Check it is straight, with the outer ring outside.
Make sure the condom is not twisted. The thin outer ring stays outside the body, about an inch out, covering the opening. It is normal for the condom to move a little during sex.
Step 05
Guide your partner in, inside the condom.
Hold the outer ring steady while your partner enters, so the penis or toy goes inside the condom rather than slipping between the condom and the body. If that happens, or the outer ring gets pushed inside, stop and reposition it.
Step 06
Twist, remove and throw it away.
Afterwards, twist the outer ring to keep fluid inside, pull the condom out gently, and put it in the trash, never the toilet. Internal condoms are single-use: a new one every time, and a new one for every partner.
Sources for the steps: CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab); NHS (opens in a new tab); Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab). The NHS says the condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex, and that if it splits, moves out of place or leaks, a pharmacist, sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on emergency contraception and STI testing (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Planned Parenthood adds that if fluid gets outside the condom, it is worth thinking about an STI test (Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)).
Anal use
Using an internal condom for anal sex.
Internal condoms can be used for anal sex, and the CDC, the NHS and Planned Parenthood all explain how (CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab); NHS (opens in a new tab); Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)). The differences are small: Planned Parenthood says to remove the inner ring first, and the NHS says the condom can be placed with a finger, or put on the penis or a toy like an external condom, with lube on the inside and outside.
Be clear-eyed about the evidence, though. The NHS says internal condoms may help protect against STIs during anal sex, but there is not enough evidence to say how much protection they offer (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Check the packet leaflet for what the product is labelled for, and if anal sex is part of your life, a sexual health clinic can talk through the whole toolkit, including options our play safe guide lists alongside condoms.
How effective
How well internal condoms work, in real numbers.
The published effectiveness figures for internal condoms are for pregnancy. For STIs, the sources describe protection in words rather than percentages, and we have kept it that way.
| How they are used | Effectiveness | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect use (every time, exactly as directed) | Up to 95% | NHS (up to 95%); Planned Parenthood (95%) |
| Typical use (how people actually use them) | About 79% | NHS (79% if not used correctly); Planned Parenthood (about 79% in real life) |
| People becoming pregnant in a year of typical use | About 21 in 100 | Planned Parenthood |
The NHS puts internal condoms at up to 95% effective with correct use and 79% with typical use, which it gives as around 1 in 5 people becoming pregnant in a year. Planned Parenthood gives 95% with perfect use and about 79% in real life, or 21 in 100 people a year (NHS (opens in a new tab); Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)). The gap between the two numbers comes from real-life use; the NHS gives examples such as putting it in after genital contact has started, the condom moving out of place, or the penis entering outside it (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
For STIs, the NHS says that used correctly for vaginal sex, internal condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections (NHS (opens in a new tab)), and Planned Parenthood says that used correctly every time, there is very little chance of getting or giving an STI (Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)). None of the sources we checked gives a single percentage for STI protection, so we do not give one. If pregnancy prevention matters to you, Planned Parenthood suggests pairing an internal condom with another method of birth control (Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)).
Materials and lube
Materials, allergies and lube.
Most internal condoms are latex-free. The NHS says almost all are made of thin, soft plastic or synthetic rubber, while a few are latex, and the packet always says which (NHS (opens in a new tab)). The FC2 is nitrile with a polyurethane inner ring (Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)), and Planned Parenthood describes internal condoms as hypoallergenic and a good option for people with latex allergies or sensitivities (Planned Parenthood (advantages) (opens in a new tab)). For the wider picture on latex-free choices, see our non-latex condom guide.
The condom comes pre-lubricated, and the CDC says extra lube helps prevent it slipping or tearing (CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab)). Water-based or silicone-based lube is the safe choice. The NHS warns against oil-based lube with internal condoms made of latex (NHS (opens in a new tab)); with a nitrile condom, sticking to water or silicone still keeps things simple if anyone else’s condoms are in the mix.
At parties and events
Why some people prefer them at parties, and the rules that still apply.
Most lifestyle events are social, and nobody is expected to do anything. For those who do play, internal condoms have some real advantages:
- Put it in ahead of time. Up to 8 hours before sex, according to the NHS (NHS (opens in a new tab)), so there is no pause later.
- Protection you control. Planned Parenthood points out that the receiving partner can protect themselves without relying on anyone else to bring or wear a condom (Planned Parenthood (advantages) (opens in a new tab)).
- Usually latex-free. Useful when you do not know a new partner’s allergies.
- Roomier fit. It does not grip the penis the way an external condom does, which some partners find more comfortable (Planned Parenthood (advantages) (opens in a new tab)).
The rules do not change with the setting. Use a new condom for the whole of every act (CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab)), and take it out and use a fresh one before a different partner: Cleveland Clinic lists using the same condom with more than one partner during group sex as a cause of condom failure (Cleveland Clinic, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Bring your own supply rather than counting on a host to have internal condoms.
Agree on protection before anything starts. Saying “I use an internal condom with new partners” is ordinary in the lifestyle, and a partner’s “no” to any activity needs no explanation. Our answers on consent and how events handle safety cover the rest.
Common problems
Five common problems, and the easy fixes.
01
Using it together with an external condom.
It sounds like double protection, but the two rub against each other and one or both can split.
Use one condom, correctly. The CDC, the NHS and Planned Parenthood all say never to combine them.
02
The penis slips outside the condom.
The condom is still in place, but contact happens beside it rather than inside it, so it is not protecting you.
Hold the outer ring while your partner enters and check now and then. If it happens, stop and reposition; if fluid got outside the condom, a pharmacist or sexual health clinic can advise on testing and emergency contraception.
03
The outer ring gets pushed inside.
Sometimes the outer ring is pushed in during sex, and then the opening is no longer covered.
Stop. If there is no fluid in it yet, gently remove it and put it back in place; otherwise use a new one. Extra lube helps it stay put.
04
Rubbing or irritation.
Some people feel irritation on the vagina, vulva, penis or anus. Planned Parenthood says it is usually caused by friction.
Add more water- or silicone-based lube, which usually takes care of it and helps the condom stay in place.
05
Keeping one on for the next partner.
At a party it can be tempting to leave a condom in place between partners, but it is single-use protection for one act.
Remove it and use a new one for each partner. Using one condom with more than one partner is a known cause of condom failure.
Sources: CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab); NHS (opens in a new tab); Planned Parenthood (how to use) (opens in a new tab); Planned Parenthood (effectiveness) (opens in a new tab); Planned Parenthood (disadvantages) (opens in a new tab); Cleveland Clinic, 2025 (opens in a new tab). On the learning curve, Planned Parenthood’s advice is practice: it calls internal condoms easy to use with a little of it.
Where to get them
Where to get internal condoms.
Planned Parenthood notes that internal condoms can be a little harder to find than external ones. In the US, Planned Parenthood says the FC2 is sold online, at many Planned Parenthood health centers and family planning clinics, and by prescription at drugstores. They usually cost about $2 to $3 each without insurance, often in packs of 12, and some clinics give them out free (Planned Parenthood (opens in a new tab)).
In the UK, the NHS says you can get them free from some sexual health clinics, GP surgeries and pharmacies, or buy them online, from pharmacies and from supermarkets (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Store them somewhere cool and dry (CDC, 2024 (opens in a new tab)), check the expiry date, and look for a CE or UKCA mark on UK packs (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
Common questions
Internal condom questions, answered plainly.
What is an internal condom?
An internal condom is a soft, usually latex-free pouch that lines the inside of the vagina or anus, with a flexible ring at each end. It was long called the female condom, but people of any gender can use one. It protects against pregnancy and STIs by keeping fluids and some skin apart.
How effective are internal condoms?
For pregnancy, the NHS says up to 95% with perfect use and 79% with typical use, which it puts at around 1 in 5 people becoming pregnant in a year; Planned Parenthood gives 95% with perfect use and about 79% in real life, or 21 in 100 people a year. For STIs, the NHS says they help protect during vaginal sex, but there is not enough evidence to say how much they protect during anal sex.
Can you use an internal condom for anal sex?
Yes. The CDC, the NHS and Planned Parenthood all say it can be used for anal sex. Planned Parenthood says to take out the inner ring first. The NHS adds that there is not enough evidence to say how much protection it gives for anal sex, so read the packet and ask a clinic if you are unsure.
Can you use an internal condom and a regular condom together?
No. The CDC, the NHS and Planned Parenthood all say not to use an internal condom with an external (regular) condom. The friction can make one or both split, and doubling up does not add protection. Use one condom, correctly, every time.
How far ahead can you put one in?
The NHS says you can insert an internal condom up to 8 hours before sex. Many people like that it can go in before things get going, so there is no pause later. It still needs to be in place before any genital contact.
Where can I get internal condoms?
In the US, Planned Parenthood says the FC2 is the only FDA-approved internal condom, sold online, at many Planned Parenthood health centers and family planning clinics, and by prescription at drugstores, usually for about $2 to $3 each and sometimes free. In the UK, the NHS says some sexual health clinics, GP surgeries and pharmacies give them out free.
Editorial methodology
Sources for this guide
Every figure and medical claim above is linked to one of these sources where it appears. Each source was opened and read on September 28, 2026. This page is written by JoinTheSwing editorial; it has not been reviewed by a named clinician.
Sources checked September 28, 2026
Planned Parenthood
Internal condoms
What an internal condom is, why the name changed, nitrile and polyurethane construction, silicone lubricant, one size, FC2 as the only FDA-approved brand in the US.
Planned Parenthood
What are the advantages of internal condoms?
Hypoallergenic for people sensitive to latex; good news with a latex allergy or sensitivity; the receiving partner gets control; more breathing room than an external condom.
Planned Parenthood
What are the disadvantages of using internal condoms?
Irritation from an internal condom is usually caused by friction.
Planned Parenthood
How effective are internal condoms?
95% effective with perfect use and about 79% with typical use for pregnancy (about 21 in 100 per year); never use together with an external condom.
Planned Parenthood
How do I use an internal condom?
Step-by-step insertion and removal, taking out the inner ring for anal use, keeping the penis or toy inside the condom, what to do if it slips.
Planned Parenthood
How do I buy internal condoms?
Where to buy in the US, about $2 to $3 each, sometimes free at clinics, available by prescription at drugstores.
NHS · reviewed 2024
Internal (female) condoms
Up to 95% and 79% effective for pregnancy; insert up to 8 hours before sex; STI protection for vaginal sex, not enough evidence on how much for anal sex; free at some UK clinics; no oil-based lube with latex versions.
CDC · 2024
How to use an internal condom
Dos and don'ts, the inner and outer ring, internal condoms can also be used for anal sex, never with an external condom.
CDC · 2024
Condom use: an overview
A new condom for the whole of every act; correct use reduces risk but does not eliminate it; condoms protect against STIs spread by genital fluids but not against those spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes or syphilis.
Cleveland Clinic · updated 2025
Condoms: types, use, effectiveness and how they work
Using the same condom with more than one partner during group sex is a named cause of condom failure.
Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS · 2015
Condoms: past, present, and future (Marfatia, Pandya and Mehta)
Internal condoms have been shown in the laboratory to be impermeable to HIV and cytomegalovirus; the second-generation FC2 is made of nitrile.
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