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How to use an internal condom

How  to use an internal condom
How to use an internal condom

The condom can be inserted up to eight hours before having sex. This gives you control over your sexual safety and allows you to enjoy sex without having to worry about getting pregnant.

The first step is to check the condom package for the expiry date and any tears or holes. An expired or torn condom increases the risk of pregnancy and STIs.

How to put on the internal condom

– Wash your hands with soap and water. Let them air dry without touching anything.
– Carefully remove the condom from the packaging.
– Put some lubricant and spermicide (if preferred) on the outside part of the closed end of the condom. The lubricant will help to prevent the condom from tearing and the spermicide helps to strengthen the effectiveness of this method (especially in cases where the condom tears or slips off).
– Sitting or standing, spread your legs. Squeeze the sides of the closed-end ring together and insert it like a tampon.
– Push the ring as far into your vagina as it will go. Push it to your cervix. The condom will naturally expand, and you most likely won’t feel it.

How to remove an internal condom

– Squeeze the outer ring and twist it closed so semen does not spill out.
– Pull the condom out gently.
– Throw it away out of reach of children. Do not flush it down the toilet – it might block your plumbing.
– Make sure the condom is not twisted. Let the outer ring hang about an inch outside your vagina (it will look a little funny).
– Guide your partner’s erect penis into the open side of the condom. If you feel the penis slip between the condom and the walls of the vagina or if the outer ring is pushed into the vagina, stop having sex and adjust or replace the condom.
– Don’t worry if the condom moves side to side while you are having sex. If the penis slips out of the condom and into your vagina or anus, gently remove the condom and reinsert it. If your partner accidentally ejaculates outside of the condom and into your vagina, you may want to consider emergency contraception to avoid the risk of pregnancy.
– If you are using the internal condom for anal sex, follow the same process.
– DON’T use the internal condom in combination with an external condom. Using the two types of condoms together does not double your protection, it just makes both more likely to rip.
– Remember, if this is your preferred method, you have to use a condom EVERY SINGLE TIME (2).

How to remove an internal condom

– Squeeze the outer ring and twist it closed so semen does not spill out.
– Pull the condom out gently.
– Throw it away out of reach of children. Do not flush it down the toilet – it might block your plumbing.

Contraception Quiz

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Answer a few simple questions, and based on the responses, we will recommend contraceptive options that could work for you.

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External Condom

Compare with similar Contraceptive Methods

Are you wondering if condoms are better than daily pills? Or if you should opt for a birth control implant? We're here to assist you in making this decision. You can select up to 5 contraceptive methods and compare them side by side to weigh the pros and cons of each.

Give a try to our Contraceptive Tool

In the example below, you'll find similar methods to the one you're currently reading about. Feel free to click on any that catch your interest or revisit our Contraceptive Methods page

Contraceptive sponge

Non-hormonal

What is it?
A contraceptive sponge is a white plastic foam that is moistened and inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy.
Effectiveness
  • It's 80-91% effective.
  • Pros
    • It doesn’t contain hormones.
    • You don’t need a prescription or medical consultation.
    • It can be inserted hours before sex, allowing for spontaneity.
    • There’s no delayed return to fertility. Pregnancy can happen as soon as it is removed.
    Cons
    • It is one of the least effective methods with short-term protection (24 hours).
    • It may cause an allergic reaction.
    • It does not protect from STIs.
    Spermicide

    Non-hormonal

    Spermicide is a chemical or drug that prevents pregnancy by killing the sperm before it can meet an egg for fertilization.
  • It's 84% effective.
    • It’s hormone-free.
    • You don’t need a prescription or consultation to access it.
    • It’s easy to use.
    • It’s less effective when used alone; effectiveness increases with other barrier methods.
    • It’s not available everywhere.
    • It may cause an allergic reaction.
    • It does not protect from STIs.
    Diaphragm contraceptive

    Non-hormonal

    A diaphragm is a shallow, dome-shaped cup with a soft and flexible rim that is placed over the cervix before sex to prevent pregnancy.
  • It's 84% effective.
    • It’s non-hormonal.
    • It allows for sexual spontaneity. It can be inserted hours before sex and left in for up to 24 hours.
    • Your partner can’t feel it.
    • Fertility resumes immediately after it is removed.
    • It’s not a good option if you are allergic to silicone or spermicide.
    • It may cause urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, or candidiasis.
    • It’s a high effort method. It requires discipline and planning.
    Cervical cap

    Non-hormonal

    A cervical cap is a latex or plastic rubber cap that is inserted inside the vagina to block sperm from getting into the uterus.
  • It's 74-91% effective.
    • It’s hormone-free.
    • It’s a good option for those who have sex occasionally and don’t want a regular contraceptive.
    • It’s female-controlled, allowing for sexual agency.
    • It’s not readily available everywhere in the world and can be costly.
    • It can cause vaginal irritation and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
    • It’s not a good option if you are allergic to the material used to make the cap or spermicides.
    • It’s high effort; it requires discipline and prior planning.
    Internal condoms

    Non-hormonal

    An internal condom is a sheath that is worn inside the vagina to prevent pregnancy and STI transmission.
  • It's 95% effective.
    • It offers dual protection from pregnancy and STIs.
    • It’s a good option for people with a latex allergy.
    • It has a shelf life of up to five years and does not require special storage conditions.
    • You don’t need a medical consultation or prescription to access it.
    • It requires high effort as you have to remember to use it before sex.
    • It may slip, break, or draw backward, exposing the user to the risk of pregnancy and STI infections.
    • It’s harder to access and usually quite costly compared to the external condom.

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