Internal condoms (sometimes called Femidoms) are made from thin, soft plastic called polyurethane and are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen getting to the womb. When used correctly during vaginal sex, internal condoms can also help to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Internal condoms can be inserted at any time before sex, but must always be inserted before the penis touches the genital area.

How to use internal condoms

Using an internal condom may initially seem much more difficult to use than an external condom (which is placed over a penis) but with practice some people (and their partners) prefer this form of protection.

To use an internal condom, follow these steps:

• Carefully remove the internal condom from its packaging, taking care not to tear it
• Place the closed end of the condom into the vagina, holding the soft inner ring between your forefinger or middle finger and thumb
• Use your other hand to separate the folds of skin (labia) around the vagina, and then put the squeezed ring into the vagina
• Put your index or middle finger or both in the open end of the condom until the inner ring can be felt and push the condom as far up the vagina as possible, with the outer ring lying against the outside of the vagina
• The outer ring of the condom should rest closely on the outside of the vagina at all times during sex – if the outer ring gets pushed inside the vagina, stop and put it back in the right place
• Make sure that the penis enters the condom – take care to ensure that the penis does not go between the condom and the wall of the vagina
• Immediately after sex, slightly twist and pull the end of the condom to remove it, taking care not to spill any sperm inside the vagina. If this happens, you will need to seek advice about emergency contraception from your GP, pharmacist or at Sexual Health Sheffield

Watch a video on how to use an internal condom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjmoQlAQP4Y