Female (Internal) Condom Dos and Don’ts
- DO use a female (internal) condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal sex.*
- DO read the condom package insert and check the expiration date.
- DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
- DO use lubricant to help prevent the condom from slipping and tearing.
- DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.
*Female (Internal) condoms can also be used for anal sex and follow the same general guidelines as those for vaginal sex outlined below.
- DON’T use a male (external) condom with an female (internal) condom, as this can cause tearing.
- DON’T reuse a condom.
- DON’T flush condoms as they may clog the toilet.
How To Insert and Remove a Female (Internal) Condom
![Hands holding female condom and wrapper](https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/images/Right-Way-To-Use-A-Female-Condom-1.jpg?_=05988)
Carefully open and remove the condom from package to prevent tearing.
![Hands holding female condom at the thick, inner ring.](https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/images/Right-Way-To-Use-A-Female-Condom-2.jpg?_=05985)
The thick, inner ring with closed end is used for placing in the vagina and holds condom in place. The thin, outer ring remains outside of body, covering vaginal opening.
![Fingers squeezing thick, inner ring of female condom to prepare to insert it.](https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/images/Right-Way-To-Use-A-Female-Condom-3.jpg?_=05989)
Find a comfortable position. While holding outside of condom at closed end, squeeze sides of inner ring together with your thumb and forefinger and insert into vagina. It is similar to inserting a tampon.
![Finger inserting female condom into vagina.](https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/images/Right-Way-To-Use-A-Female-Condom-4.jpg?_=05979)
Using your finger, push inner ring as far up as it will go until it rests against cervix. The condom will expand naturally and you may not feel it.
![Hands positioning female condom in place to cover vulva.](https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/images/Right-Way-To-Use-A-Female-Condom-5.jpg?_=05979)
Be sure condom is not twisted. The thin, outer ring should remain outside vagina.
![Female condom in place with penis inserted into vagina.](https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/images/Right-Way-To-Use-A-Female-Condom-6.jpg?_=05990)
Guide partner’s penis into opening of the condom. Stop intercourse if you feel penis slip between condom and walls of vagina or if outer ring is pushed into vagina.
![Hand removing female condom.](https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/images/Right-Way-To-Use-A-Female-Condom-7.jpg?_=05978)
To remove, gently twist outer ring and pull condom out of vagina.
![Throw away used female condom in trash.](https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/images/Right-Way-To-Use-A-Female-Condom-8.jpg?_=05982)
Throw away the condom in trash after using it one time. Do not reuse.
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