Dear Sexpert,
I heard some of my friends talking about “female condoms” earlier today. I always thought that only male condoms existed! What are female condoms, and why would you choose them?
—Curious
Dear Curious,
It’s great you want to learn more about barrier methods of protection. You’re right — male condoms are more common, but female condoms are also a great alternative for protecting yourself. Female condoms are long tubes of nitrile with a flexible ring at each end to keep them in the right place. While they are not specifically approved or recommended for anal sex, the female condom can be an option to try if you or your partner have a latex allergy since the condom is made of nitrile, or if you have had other problems with using male condoms for anal sex. Because they can be used for either vaginal or anal sex, they are sometimes also called “internal condoms.” They basically work in the same way as male condoms: they form a barrier between the penis and vagina or anus, reducing the risk of pregnancy or contraction of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
For vaginal sex, internal condoms are inserted into the vagina before sex. They can be inserted a few hours beforehand. One end is open, and one end is closed, so that it can collect the male’s semen. The first step is to pinch the ring on the closed end of the condom and to insert it as far as you can into the vaginal canal. Use your finger to push the ring up to your cervix. After this, you won’t be able to feel the ring. The outer ring, on the open end of the condom, stays outside of your vagina and provides extra coverage of the vulva. You can use water-based lube for additional ease and comfort. To remove the internal condom, twist the ring on the outside of the vagina and pull out the condom. Then, you can dispose of it in the trash.
For anal sex, follow the same instructions, but insert the internal condom into the anus slowly. You can also remove the ring from the closed end of the internal condom before insertion, which might be more comfortable.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using the internal condom. Internal condoms should never be used with male condoms. The friction increases the likelihood of breakage. Rather than providing more protection, using both at the same time can actually put you at greater risk. Also, just like male condoms, each internal condom should only be used once.
Some people choose internal condoms so that both partners can share responsibility for reducing risk of STIs. Additionally, it can be inserted up to eight hours before sexual intercourse, unlike a male condom, which must be put on when the penis is erect. Those with latex allergies can also use internal condoms. For women, internal condoms may increase pleasure by stimulating the clitoris during vaginal intercourse. Also, internal condoms stay in place whether or not a man maintains his erection—so it can allow for more cuddle time. However, internal condoms may be more expensive than male condoms and can cause irritation for some.
Internal condoms are available on campus at the LGBT Center or off campus at pharmacies.
—The Sexpert
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