Female condoms, now more commonly called internal condoms, are flexible nitrile sheaths that are inserted into the vagina or rectum before sex. They have a closed inner ring that sits against the cervix or rectal wall and an outer ring that stays outside the body. Internal condoms provide pregnancy and STI protection similar to external condoms, but with one significant advantage: the receiving partner controls insertion and use. The FC2 (FC2 Female Condom) is the only FDA-approved internal condom available in the U.S. With perfect use it is 95 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and 79 percent effective with typical use. This guide covers what internal condoms are, when they are useful, how they compare to external condoms, and where to find them.

What an Internal Condom Looks Like

The FC2 is a soft nitrile pouch about seven inches long, with two flexible rings. The inner ring (closed end) is squeezed and inserted into the vagina, where it sits at the back wall similar to a diaphragm. The outer ring (open end) stays outside the body, covering part of the vulva. The penis enters through the outer ring during sex. The pouch is pre-lubricated.

How They Work

During sex, the penis enters the pouch rather than the vagina directly. The condom contains the ejaculate and prevents direct contact between partners. The mechanism is essentially the same as an external condom (physical barrier preventing sperm and pathogen transmission), but the device sits inside the receiving partner's body rather than over the inserting partner's penis.

When Internal Condoms Are Useful

• Partner control: the receiving partner can insert the condom independently, without depending on the partner to use one.
• Pre-insertion: can be inserted up to eight hours before sex, allowing for spontaneity.
• Latex allergy: nitrile material is latex-free.
• Erection issues: external condoms can be challenging if the wearer has difficulty maintaining erection. Internal condoms remove this dependence.
• Vaginal or anal use: the FC2 is FDA-approved for vaginal sex; off-label use for anal sex is also common (the inner ring is often removed for anal use).
• Different fit: covers more of the vulva than external condoms, which may offer marginally more protection against skin-to-skin infections like HSV and HPV.

How They Compare to External Condoms

Effectiveness

External condoms: 98 percent perfect use, 87 percent typical. Internal condoms: 95 percent perfect use, 79 percent typical. The lower typical-use rate reflects that internal condoms are harder to use correctly without practice. With practice, real-world effectiveness approaches the perfect-use figure.

STI protection

Comparable to external condoms for fluid-borne STIs. The slightly larger external coverage may provide marginal additional protection against skin-to-skin STIs.

Cost

Internal condoms cost significantly more per unit than external (typically $2 to $5 each compared to $0.50 to $1.50 for external). They are often available free at public health clinics.

Sensation

User experience varies widely. Some find internal condoms feel more natural than external (no constriction on the penis, the outer ring provides additional clitoral stimulation for some users). Others find the outer ring distracting or the pouch difficult to position. Practice helps significantly.

Availability

External condoms are sold almost everywhere. Internal condoms are less widely available in retail stores; they are most commonly found at health clinics, online retailers, and some larger pharmacies.

The FC2 Female Condom

The FC2 is the second-generation product (the original FC1 was made of polyurethane and has been replaced). It is made of synthetic nitrile, pre-lubricated, and FDA-approved for vaginal use. It is manufactured by Veru Inc. (formerly the Female Health Company).

Specifications

• Material: nitrile (latex-free).
• Length: about 17 cm (6.7 inches).
• Inner ring: removable for anal use.
• Outer ring: stays outside the body during use.
• Pre-lubricated: with silicone-based lubricant.
• Single-use: do not reuse.

Insertion Overview

Full step-by-step instructions are in How to Use a Female Condom. The summary:

1. Find a comfortable position (squatting, leg-up, or lying down).
2. Squeeze the inner ring (the closed end) between thumb and middle finger.
3. Insert the inner ring into the vagina, pushing it as far back as comfortable.
4. Use your index finger to push the inner ring up behind the pubic bone.
5. The outer ring stays outside the vulva.
6. Guide the partner's penis into the opening during sex to ensure it does not slip alongside.

Common Concerns

Does it feel different?

Different rather than worse for most users. The pouch sits inside the vagina, so the wearer feels less restriction than with an external condom. Some users report enhanced sensation; others report less. Both partners typically need a few uses to assess preference.

Can it get lost inside?

No. The outer ring stays outside the body and the pouch is large enough that it cannot migrate into places it should not. The inner ring sits at the back wall of the vagina, against the cervix.

Is it noisy?

Sometimes, especially when not enough lubricant is used. The nitrile material can squeak. Adding extra water-based or silicone-based lubricant inside the pouch and to the outside of the penis reduces noise. The FC2 is pre-lubricated with silicone, so additional silicone lube is compatible.

Can I use it during my period?

Yes. Internal condoms work for sex during menstruation. Some users find them more comfortable than external condoms in this case.

For Anal Sex

The FC2 is commonly used off-label for anal sex by removing the inner ring before insertion. The outer ring then sits outside the anus. CDC and other public health organizations have acknowledged this off-label use, particularly for receptive partners who want to control barrier use. The condom is not FDA-approved for anal use, but research and practice support its use for this purpose.

Limitations

• Higher per-unit cost than external condoms.
• Less widely available in retail.
• Requires more practice to use correctly.
• Some users find insertion awkward.
• Can be noisy without adequate lubrication.
• Cannot be used simultaneously with an external condom (the two can stick together and cause one or both to fail).

Who Should Try Internal Condoms

• Users with latex allergies who also want partner-independent contraception.
• Couples where the receiving partner wants control over barrier use.
• Users for whom external condoms cause discomfort.
• Receptive partners in anal sex who want to insert the barrier themselves.
• Anyone curious about the option (internal condoms are sometimes available free at health clinics).

Where to Find Internal Condoms

Internal condoms are less commonly stocked than external in U.S. retail. Common sources include:

• Public health clinics (often free).
• Planned Parenthood and similar reproductive health providers.
• Some larger pharmacy chains in the contraception aisle.
• Online retailers specializing in sexual health.

Condom USA does not currently stock internal condoms. For external condoms in non-latex materials, see Non-Latex Condoms: The Complete Guide and our SKYN guide.

Frequently Asked Questions