Contraception - Internal (female) condoms

What are condoms?

Condoms are an effective form of contraception. Their job is to act as a 'barrier' by stopping sperm and other body fluids from entering the vagina, mouth or anus. They are used to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

Other forms of barrier contraception include:

• male (external) condoms
• diaphragms.

What is an internal condom?

An internal condom (or femidom) looks a little like a male (external) condom. Unlike external condoms, they come in one size.

Their soft pouch is made of nitrile (synthetic rubber). It has flexible rings at each end, and one end is closed. It is inserted into the vagina or anus before having sex.

How internal condoms work

Internal condoms work as a barrier against pregnancy and STIs. They stop ejaculate (cum) from entering the vagina or anus.

Internal condoms are also used for safer sex because they block the exchange of body fluids during any form of sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal and oral sex, sharing sex toys and some skin-to-skin contact.

To prevent STIs use a new condom each time you have sex and when switching to a different kind of sex (such as from anal to vaginal).

You can practice inserting the internal condom before using it during sex so you feel more confident.

How effective are internal condoms?

If used correctly, every time you have sex, internal condoms are 95% effective at preventing pregnancy.

However, mistakes may happen (such as the condom slips or breaks), their effectiveness at stopping you from getting pregnant reduces to 79%.

Internal condoms can be used with other forms of contraception including:

• the pill
• the mini pill
• intrauterine devices (IUD)
• implants
• injections
• vaginal rings.

If you are unsure which method of contraception and protection is best for you talk to your GP (doctor) or nurse

Potential problems with using internal condoms

Internal condoms might not work if they are:

• used incorrectly – not inserted properly, break or slip
• past their use-by date
• torn when opening the packet
• kept in the heat for a long time (such as a vehicle glove-box).

How to use an internal condom

Always check the use-by date first.

If you are unsure how to use the condom, follow the instructions on the packet.

To avoid an unplanned pregnancy and STIs, put the condom on before the penis or sex toy touches the vagina or anus.

How to use internal condoms:

• Open the packet slowly, making sure not to tear the condom with anything sharp (such as jewellery, teeth or fingernails).
• Once open, squeeze the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina or anus.
• The opening of the condom spreads outside the vagina or anus and over part of the genital skin.
• Guide the penis or sex toy into the condom making sure it does not slip under the condom. If the penis slips under the condom, there is no protection from pregnancy or STIs.
• If the condom slips or bunches up when the penis goes inside, use more lubricant (lube). You can use internal condoms with water, oil or silicone-based lubricants. Lube is a jelly or liquid that helps stop the condom from breaking and can make sex more comofrtable by reducing friction.
• Internal condoms are for single use only. Once a condom has been used, wrap it in a tissue and throw it into a bin (not down the toilet).
• Be careful when taking the condom out. Gently twist the opening and slide it out of the vagina avoiding any spillage of body fluids.
• If you use lubricant with sex toys (especially any made of silicone), check the product label – some lubes can damage sex toys and may increase your risk of STIs.
• Do not use internal condoms at the same time as male (external) condoms as they can move out of place.

Where to get internal condoms and lubricant

Internal condoms can be difficult to get and are more expensive than external (male) condoms. They are available at family planning clinics, sex shops, some pharmacies (chemists) and online.

Lubricant (lube) is available at supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, petrol stations, sexual health clinics, community health and youth services.

Advantages of internal condoms

Internal condoms:

• protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• are easy to use
• have little or no side effects
• can be bought without a script
• can be used with any type of lubrication
• can be inserted hours before having sex
• can be used after giving birth.

Potential health risks from internal condoms

There are no known serious health risks from using female condoms.

In some people, they may cause irritation.

What to do if you have unsafe sex

If you have had unprotected sex or the condom breaks or slips:

• Don’t douche (wash out the vagina or rectal areas with water or other fluids). It may irritate delicate tissues and increase the risk of infection.
• You may need to take emergency contraception (known as the ‘morning after pill’) as soon as you can (up to 4 days is best, but it can occur no later than 5 days (120 hours). Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
• Or have a non-hormonal (copper) IUD inserted by a trained doctor within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.
• See your GP or sexual health clinic and get tested for STIs. STI checks a recommended at least annually for anyone who is sexually active.
• If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, see your GP or call the Victorian PEP information line on 1800 889 887 to assess whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a course of antiviral medication used to prevent HIV. It must be started within 72 hours (3 days).

Information in community languages

The female condom (bilingual) (PDF) by Family Planning NSW, available from Health Translations Directory:

• Arabic
• Assyrian
• Burmese
• Chinese (simplified)
• Dinka
• Farsi (Persian)
• Khmer (Cambodian)
• Korean
• Lao
• Serbian (Cyrillic)
• Swahili
• Thai
• Turkish
• Vietnamese

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Your school nurse or school welfare coordinator.
• Your school nurse or welfare coordinator. Some secondary schools provide access to an adolescent health trained GP on site
• Your local community health service
• Your pharmacist
• 1800 My Options – Victoria’s sexual and reproductive health information and phone line service Tel. 1800 My Options (1800 696 784)
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) – book an appointment online or call Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700, Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952 (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm). These services are youth friendly.
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm) Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or National Relay Service (for people with a hearing impairment) (03) 9341 6200
• Victorian Sexual Health Network – where to get tested – visit Melbourne Sexual Health Centre's GP partner clinics for STI check-ups and treatment
• Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs can help you with information and support on all types of contraception.
• The Virtual Women’s Health Clinic can help you with contraception advice and prescriptions including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) options such as intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• Women’s Health Clinics can help you with contraception advice and services, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) options such as intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• The Aboriginal Women’s Health Clinic is a dedicated health service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Victoria. The clinic provides advice on contraception options.
• The Mobile Women’s Health Clinic can help you with contraception advice and services, including prescriptions and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) options.
• Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840 (toll free)
• The Centre Clinic, St Kilda Tel. (03) 9525 5866
• Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm) Tel. (03) 9416 2889 or email: equinoxadmin@thorneharbour.org
• PRONTO! Clinic for men who have sex with men. Book online or Tel. (03) 9416 2889
• Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Fitzroy: Tel. (03) 9419 3000 and Preston Tel. (03) 9403 3300 (Monday to Friday 10 am – 4 pm) and after-hours locum service Tel. 132 660 or Epping: Tel. (03) 8592 3920 (Monday to Thursday 9 am-5 pm, Friday 9 am-4 pm)
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line Tel.1800 806 292