Different Types of Female Condoms

Everyone’s heard of condoms, but did you know there’s more than one type? Most people only think of external, or male condoms, but female condoms exist too.

We’ll go through the ins and outs (pun intended) of female condoms and why some may find them preferable for protected sex. 

Female Condom Basics: What is a Condom?

Condoms are a barrier contraceptive product. Most condoms are external and wrap around an erect penis. (Source) 

Condoms are used to:

• Prevent pregnancies
• Prevent the spread of STIs

What is a Female Condom?

A female condom is also called an internal condom. It’s a thin pouch that you insert into a vagina before having sex. 

It has a soft ring at both ends to help it stay in place. Rather than wrapping around a penis, female condoms line the inner walls of the vagina and cervix. 

How Do You Use a Female Condom?

Female condoms are specifically used for vaginal intercourse. Here’s how they work:

• You insert the side with the closed ring deeply into the vagina.
• You use the side with the open ring to cover the vagina opening.
• The condom stays in place during intercourse, creating a thin barrier between a penis and the vagina. 

Different Female Condom Materials

Female condoms don’t come in as many varieties as external condoms. In fact, only one brand of female condoms is available in the US.  

Different materials are used for female condoms around the world, though. For example, in the US, female condoms are made of nitrile. 

Nitrile

Nitrile female condoms are soft and smooth. If you’re familiar with external condoms, these will feel very similar. 

Nitrile is a synthetic latex, making it safe for those with latex allergies. 

Natural Latex

Some countries still make female condoms from natural rubber latex. These aren’t safe for people with a latex allergy, but function perfectly well otherwise.

Polyurethane

China, Europe, and other countries offer plastic-based polyurethane internal condoms. These are slightly more elastic than natural or synthetic latex and may slip a bit less. 

Inserting a Female Condom

Using a female condom works differently from a male condom. You have to insert it into the vagina, somewhat like a tampon. 

• Open the package along the side and carefully remove the condom.
• Pick a comfortable position to insert the condom into your vagina. 
• Squeeze the condom’s thicker inner ring (or foam, for some international female condoms) and insert it into your vagina.
• Use a finger to carefully push the inner ring past the pubic bone as far as you can, ideally, all the way back to your cervix. 
• Make sure the outer ring stays outside your vagina and covers its opening.

Once the female condom is in place, the outer ring should comfortably stay outside the vagina, even after a penis is inserted. 

Removing a Female Condom

After sex is finished, it’s time to take out the female condom. 

• Grab the outer ring and twist it gently until the opening closes 
• Pull the condom completely out.
• Throw it in the trash (don’t flush it, as toilets can easily clog from these!)

Female Condom Safety Tips

Keep these tips in mind to use female condoms safely and pleasurably. 

• Never use a male condom and a female condom together. You only need one condom, regardless of its type. Using both can cause them to tear each other.
• Expiration dates are important. Female condoms and male condoms alike are less effective after they expire.
• Make sure the female condom isn’t twisted. This can cause extra friction or stretching during intercourse and may cause the condom to tear. 
• Guide the penis into the condom opening. If a penis enters between the condom and the vagina, it will not protect against pregnancy or STIs. 
• Stop having sex if the outside ring is pushed into the vagina. Reach a finger in and pull the condom out entirely. Insert a new condom before resuming sex. 

Female Condom Troubleshooting

Keeping a Female Condom in Place

It may seem like female condoms could easily get pushed inside the vagina, but don’t worry too much. The rings are designed to help keep the condom in position throughout sex. 

Still, it can take some getting used to. Keep these tricks in mind to adjust, if needed:

• Hold on to the outer ring and guide your partner’s penis inside of you. After the penis is in, you can let go of both and enjoy the ride.
• Lube helps prevent slipping or tearing. When in doubt, a bit of lube keeps friction low and pleasure high. 

Female Condoms: FAQs

Is using a male condom and a female condom together safer?

No, using female condoms and male condoms together is never a safe option. 

Using both at the same time will likely cause tearing. Then, neither condom will protect from pregnancy or STIs. 

How do I know the female condom is inserted correctly?

Female condoms are inserted correctly when:

• The closed, inner ring is past your pubic bone
• The open, outer ring is outside your vagina
• The condom isn’t twisted inside of the vagina

What if the female condom gets pushed inside me?

Stop having sex immediately. Then, reach a finger inside until you feel the outer ring, and pull it out of your vagina. 

Don’t resume sex until you’ve removed the condom entirely and inserted a new one. 

Can female condoms be reused?

No, female condoms are single-use only. No condom should be reused, as it's more likely to fail or break. 

Can I use lube with a female condom?

Absolutely, it’s encouraged! Lube can make sex with a female condom more enjoyable for both parties. It also helps prevent slipping or tearing.