Female Condom: What It Is, Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Use It 

Introduction

Many women rely on contraceptive pills as a convenient method to avoid pregnancy. Contraceptive pills are widely used and can be effective if taken as prescribed; however, some women prefer not to take them as they contain hormones and have to be taken daily. Although several other contraceptive options are available, many methods are less commonly used despite their potential benefits. One such option, which is underused and underdiscussed, is the female condom. 

A female condom, which is also known as an internal condom, is a soft pouch that is placed inside the vagina before intercourse. It acts as a barrier, not allowing the sperm to enter the vagina and reach the egg. It also provides protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which may make it a suitable option for some individuals¹.

Although condoms are widely used, most people are more familiar with male condoms. Female condoms are used much less, making up only 1.6% of the total condom use worldwide. However, the use of female condoms is increasing gradually² as more awareness is being created about giving women better management options over their sexual and reproductive health. 

This article will guide you to better understand what a female condom is, its benefits, how to use it, and its side effects, helping you make the right choices. 

What Is a Female Condom?

As mentioned earlier, a female condom is a thin pouch, which is placed inside the vagina before sex to avoid pregnancy. Like the male condom, it acts as a barrier by avoiding contact between the sperm and the egg. It also provides protection against several STIs. 

Several types of female condoms are available based on their material. While earlier they were made from polyurethane, most modern female condoms are now made from a durable material called nitrile. These condoms have a ring on each end^1,2. The use of a female condom is controlled by the woman, giving her more independence in protecting herself. 

How to Use a Female Condom?

The application of a female condom differs from that of a male condom. The steps suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to use female condoms to avoid pregnancy are as follows. 

The female condom application process can be divided into three stages: 

Before Intercourse: 

• Carefully pick the female condom from the package to avoid tearing. 
• Two rings can be seen on the condom. The thick inner ring, which has a closed end, is to be placed inside the vagina, where it keeps the condom in place. The thin outer ring should stay outside the vagina, which will cover the vaginal opening. 
• To insert the ring, use your fingers to push the inner ring until it rests near the cervix. Once it is in place, the condom will expand naturally. 
• Ensure that the condom is not twisted. The thin outer ring must remain outside the vagina³.

During Intercourse: 

• Help guide the partner’s penis into the condom opening. 
• It is recommended to stop intercourse right away if the penis goes between the condom and the vaginal wall, or if the outer ring moves inside³.

After Intercourse: 

• While removing, carefully twist the outer ring of the condom, then pull it out of the vagina. 
• Put the condom in the trash after one-time use. It is suggested not to reuse a condom. Use a fresh condom next time³.

Proper insertion and consistent use of the female condom play an important role in providing better protection. 

How Effective Is a Female Condom?

For birth control, female condoms can be a reliable method when used correctly. With perfect use (correct use every time), female condoms may be about 95% effective. With typical use (which includes inconsistent or incorrect use), effectiveness may be around 79%^1,4,5.

In addition to avoiding pregnancy, female condoms are also known for their benefits in reducing the chances of getting STIs, making them a dual-protection method. These estimates are supported by global health organisations like the CDC and the World Health Organisation (WHO)^3,6.

However, like male condoms, female condoms can also fail in some cases due to the following reasons: 

• Tearing of the condom before or after intercourse 
• Improper placement of the condom 
• Manufacturing defects (rare) 
• Not using a condom during every intercourse 
• Spilling the contents of the condom while removing¹ 

While these cases are rare, they can still occur. Proper handling of the condom during insertion, intercourse, and removal can improve its effectiveness and provide maximum benefits. Do not use male and female condoms together, as friction between them can increase the risk of slipping or breakage, reducing effectiveness. 

Pros and Cons of Female Condoms

Like any product available in the market, female condoms have both advantages and disadvantages. The following sections outline the key benefits and limitations of using female condoms. 

Advantages (Pros) of Female Condoms 

These include: 

• Protection against STIs, with effectiveness comparable to male condom when used correctly, in addition to avoiding a pregnancy^1,4 
• Helpful even during menstruation, pregnancy, or after recent delivery; however, they should be used only after medical clearance¹ 
• Can be inserted several hours before having sex 
• Available over-the-counter 
• Very few side effects 
• Less likely to cause irritation and breakage when used correctly 
• Convenient to carry and disposable after use⁷ 

Disadvantages (Cons) of Female Condoms 

These include: 

• Expensive when compared to male condoms⁷.
• Friction of the condom may reduce lubrication and make intercourse less enjoyable or comfortable. 
• Sometimes, there may be ‘noise’ during intercourse due to lubrication issues¹, which may cause distraction⁷. 
• A possibility of slipping, moving, or tearing during intercourse⁸.
• A higher failure rate of approximately 21%⁷. The risk of failure may increase with incorrect use and may be higher compared to male condoms. 
• May require practice for proper insertion. 
• Limited availability⁵.

Side Effects of Using Female Condoms Regularly

Female condoms are generally associated with very few side effects, and these may not be experienced by all. Possible female condom side effects include: 

• Irritation: Some women may experience irritation or discomfort in the genital area¹. 
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to the material used in the female condom⁷.
• Pain: Some individuals may report pain due to the inner ring⁹. 
• Reduced Sensation: Some may feel reduced sensation or experience less pleasure with the condom¹.

When to See a Doctor?

Although female condoms are generally safe to use, certain situations may require medical advice. Consult your doctor if: 

• The condom tears or breaks inside the vagina. 
• The condom is moves out of place during intercourse. 
• The contents of the condom spill or leak¹⁰. 
• The irritation or pain caused by condoms is persistent. 
• There are signs of infection or an allergic reaction. 
• Your partner has an STI. 
• There is persistent difficulty in inserting a condom 

Conclusion

Female condoms are a reliable and safe option for avoiding pregnancy while also offering protection against STIs and are as effective as a male condom when used correctly. Although they are less commonly used, they provide an important advantage by giving women greater control over their sexual health. 

Understanding how to use them correctly, along with being aware of their possible benefits and side effects, can help you in making the right choices. With proper and consistent use, female condoms can be an effective and convenient non-hormonal method for protection against pregnancy and STIs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Female Condoms. 2024. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004002.htm 

2. Chen BA, Blithe DL, Muraguri GR, et al. Acceptability of the Woman’s Condom in a phase III multicenter open-label study. Contraception. 2019;99(6):357362. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2019.02.006. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7363037/

3. How to Use an Internal Condom. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/condom-use/resources/internal.html 

4. Contraception-Female (Internal) Condoms. 2022. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/contraception-condoms-for-women 

5. Weerasinghe M, Agawane S, Karandikar N, Fisher J, Sastry J. Examining the place of the female condom in India’s family planning program: A qualitative investigation of the attitudes and opinions of key stakeholders in Pune, India. BMC Public Health. 2022;22(1):1675. doi:10.1186/s12889-022-14054-3. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36064344/

6. World Health Organization. Condoms [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 Feb 14 [cited 2026 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/condoms 

7. American Pregnancy Association. Female condom [Internet]. [cited 2026 Apr 14]. Available from: https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/birth-control-pills-patches-and-devices/female-condom/ 

8. Birth Control Methods. 2025. Available from: https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods 

9. Bowling J, Dodge B, Bindra N, et al. Female condom acceptability in urban India: Examining the role of sexual pleasure. J Health Psychol. 2018;23(2):218-228. doi:10.1177/1359105317745963. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5772445/

10. NHS. Internal condoms [Internet]. National Health Service; 2024 Feb 15 [cited 2026 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/internal-condoms/ 

11. Better Health Channel. Contraception – condoms for men [Internet]. Victoria State Government; [cited 2026 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/contraception-condoms-for-men 

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