Internal Condom

STI PROTECTION
Internal condoms reduce the risk of most sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In fact, since the internal condom covers the part of the vulva it provides more protection from skin to skin transmission then external condoms.

YOUR PARTNER REFUSES TO WEAR A CONDOM
If your partner won’t wear a condom, but you still want protection against STIs, the internal condom is the way to go.

INTERNAL CONDOMS TAKE EFFORT AND COMMITMENT
You have to make sure to use them correctly, every time, no matter what, in order for them to be effective.

NO PRESCRIPTION NECESSARY
If you can’t make it to the doctor (or don’t want to), you can always use a internal condom—though they can be a little harder to find than external condoms.

COOL FOR PEOPLE WITH LATEX ALLERGIES
Unlike most external condoms, internal condoms are made of polyurethane (plastic) or nitrile (a synthetic rubber), so you can use them even if you’re allergic to latex.

INTERNAL CONDOMS ARE REALLY PRETTY EASY TO USE, but it takes a bit of practice and getting used to. And remember, if you’re relying on internal condoms, you have to use one EVERY SINGLE TIME.

HOW TO INSERT A INTERNAL CONDOM

• Put some spermicide or lubricant on the outside of the closed end.


• Get comfy, like you’re going to put in a tampon.


• 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’ll go, all the way to your cervix.


• Pull out your finger and let the outer ring hang about an inch outside your vagina. (Yes, it’ll look a little funny.)


• If you want to use a internal condom for anal sex, follow the same process. But with your anus, of course.


• Be sure the penis is inserted into the condom and not to the side of or below the condom.

Don’t worry if it moves side to side while you’re doing it. That’s normal. If your partner slips out of the condom and into your vagina, gently remove it and reinsert. But ejaculation happens outside of the internal condom and into your vagina by accident, you may want to consider Emergency Contraception.

HOW TO REMOVE A INTERNAL CONDOM

• Squeeze the outer ring and twist it closed like a baggie, so semen doesn’t spill out.


• Pull the condom out gently.


• Throw it away in a trashcan (preferably one that is out of the reach of children and pets). Don’t flush it down the toilet! That’s just bad for your plumbing.


• One final thing. You might think using an external condom along with a internal condom doubles your protection. Not true. It’d just make both more likely to rip. So don’t do it.

THERE ARE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE THINGS TO SAY about each and every method. And everyone’s different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.

THE POSITIVE
Positive “side effects”? You bet. There are actually lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life.

• Helps protect you from STIs


• The outer ring may stimulate your clit


• No prescription necessary


• Can be used even if you’re allergic to latex


• Can be used with both oil-based and water-based lube


• Can be placed into the vagina several hours before sexual intercourse


• Stays in place even if your partner loses his erection

THE NEGATIVE
Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for most people, they’re not a problem.

• Can cause irritation


• Some people may be sensitive to certain brands of lubricant (If so, try another brand)


• Can reduce sensitivity while you’re doing it


• The first generation internal condom (FC1) can be squeaky sounding (but the newer version, FC2, shouldn’t be)

WE’RE HERE TO GET THIS METHOD WORKING BETTER FOR YOU. And if it still doesn’t feel right, we’ve got ideas for other methods. Just remember: If you change methods, make sure you’re protected during your switch.

I THINK IT’S HARD TO INSERT.
Inserting a internal condom should get easier the more you do it and you should try practicing when it’s not the heat of the moment.

Still not working?
If it doesn’t get any easier to insert and you’re concerned about STIs, go with external condoms instead. If STI protection is not a concern for you right now, you might want to move toward contraception that doesn’t require you to insert anything. The IUD and the implant are both inserted in a health center.


IT GETS STUCK TO MY PARTNER’S PENIS.
Lube may be the answer here. Try using a bit of lube and see if they still gets stuck.

Still not working?
If your partner willing, switch to external condoms. They also protect you from STIs.
If you aren’t concerned about STI protection with this partner—you’ve both been tested, right? Then consider switching to a method you don’t have to use in the moment. The ring, the patch, or the shot might be good choices for you.

IT’S SQUEAKY SOUNDING.
Lube may be the answer here. Try using a bit of lube and see if it gets any quieter. The newer version of the internal condom (FC2) should also be less squeaky, so try to get your hands on that version.

Still not working?
If you partner is willing, switch to using external condoms , they’ll protect you from STIs just as well.
If STIs aren’t something you’re concerned about right now, then consider switching to a method you don’t have to use in the moment. An IUD , the ring, the patch, or the shot might be good choices for you.

MY PARTNER SAYS HE CAN FEEL THE INSIDE RING
If your partner can feel the inner ring, you may not have it pushed far enough into your vagina, so try pushing it in a little farther.

Still not working?
If your partner is willing, switch to external condoms, they’ll protect you from STIs just as well.
If you’re not worried about STIs with this partner, you might want to move toward a non-barrier method that your guy won’t be able to feel. The shot and the implant are both really effective and can’t be felt during sex.