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Is There a Female Condom? Everything You Need to Know

When most people think about condoms, the first thing that comes to mind is the male condom.
But many don’t know that there’s also a version designed for women, the female condom, also called the internal condom.
Although it’s been around for years, awareness and access are still limited in many countries, including Nigeria.
That’s why it’s essential to talk about what it is, how it works, and why it could be a valuable option for women who want more control over their sexual and reproductive health.
 
What is a Female Condom?
A female condom, also called an internal condom, is a thin pouch made of soft material that’s worn inside the vagina during sex.
It works as a barrier, stopping sperm from reaching the womb and helping prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Unlike the male condom, which is worn on the penis, the female condom is controlled by the woman.
It usually has two rings:
  • Inner ring – helps with insertion and keeps the condom in place.
  • Outer ring – stays outside the vagina and partly covers the vulva for added protection.
Because of its design, it not only protects against pregnancy but also reduces the risk of HIV and other STIs. WHO and CDC both recognize female condoms as a safe and reliable method of contraception.
 
Are There Different Types of Female Condoms?
Yes. Over the years, different versions of the female condom have been developed to improve comfort, affordability, and accessibility. The most common ones are:
  • FC1 – The first-generation female version is made of polyurethane. It was effective but a bit expensive to produce. The FC1 has been replaced with the FC2.
  • FC2 – The improved version, made from nitrile (a type of synthetic rubber). It’s softer, more affordable, and the most widely available today.
How Effective Are Female Condoms?
Female condoms work well if you use them the right way, every single time. With perfect use, they prevent pregnancy about 95% of the time.
That means only around 5 in 100 women will get pregnant in a year. But in everyday life, people make mistakes, maybe the condom isn’t put in properly, or it’s not used every time.
As a result, the effectiveness drops to approximately 79%, meaning that about 21 out of every 100 women could become pregnant in the first year of use.
Things that can make a female condom fail include:
  • Not inserting it properly, so it slips out during sex
  • The penis is missing the pouch and is going outside of it
  • Tears in the condom
  • Spillage when removing it after sex
For better protection, some women pair the female condom with another method like the pill or an IUD.
When it comes to STIs, studies are fewer than for male condoms. But the research we do have shows that female condoms can block HIV and other infections when used correctly.
In fact, one review found that adding female condoms to male condom use reduced cases of gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
 
How to Use a Female Condom
Using a female condom may feel a bit tricky the first time, but it gets easier with practice. Here’s a simple guide:
a. Check the package – make sure it’s not expired or torn.
b. Open carefully – don’t use teeth or sharp objects to avoid tearing.
c. Find the two rings:
  • The closed inner ring goes inside the vagina.
  • The open outer ring stays outside, covering the vulva.
d. Insert the inner ring – squeeze it with your fingers, squat or lie down, and gently push it deep into the vagina (like inserting a tampon).
e. Make sure it’s in place – the outer ring should remain outside, covering the vaginal opening.
f. Guide the penis inside – during sex, check that the penis goes into the condom and not between the condom and vaginal wall.
g. After sex – twist the outer ring to seal in the semen and gently pull it out.
f. Dispose properly – wrap it in tissue and throw it in a bin (not the toilet).
 
Extra tips:
  • Use a new condom every time you have sex.
  • Don’t use a female condom together with a male condom, as the friction can cause tearing.
  • You can insert it up to 8 hours before sex, which gives you flexibility.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Female Condoms?
Like every method, female condoms have their upsides and downsides.
Pros
  • Dual protection: helps prevent both pregnancy and STIs, including HIV.
  • Woman-controlled: gives women more power to protect themselves, especially if a partner refuses a male condom.
  • Covers more area: since it extends outside the vagina, it also protects parts of the vulva that male condoms don’t.
  • It can be inserted early: up to 8 hours before sex, so it doesn’t interrupt the moment.
  • No hormones: safe for people who can’t or don’t want to use hormonal birth control.
  • Available without a prescription: you don’t need a doctor’s visit to get it.
Cons
  • Less common: harder to find in many pharmacies compared to male condoms.
  • Takes practice: some women say insertion feels awkward at first.
  • May reduce sensation: some partners report that it feels less natural.
  • Can make noise: a rustling sound during sex, though using lubricant helps.
  • Higher typical-use failure rate: about 21% compared to male condoms at 13%.
  • Cost: usually more expensive than male condoms
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, what matters most is finding a method that makes you feel safe, comfortable, and in control of your body. Female condoms offer a unique option, but only you can decide if they work for you.
So that’s all!
Have you ever used a female condom, or are you just hearing about it for the first time?
If you’ve ever used one, what was your experience like? And if not, would you consider it? Share below and let’s learn from each other.

 

Researched by Victoria Odueso
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