How to use a female condom

What are female condoms?

Female condoms are made from polyurethane. When used correctly during vaginal sex, they help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Condoms (male or female) are the only contraception that protect against pregnancy and STIs.

How do they work? 

The female condom is worn inside the vagina to stop sperm getting to the womb. It needs to be placed in the vagina before there's any contact between the vagina and penis. To use a female condom:

• take the female condom out of the packet, taking care not to tear the condom
• squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina
• make sure that the large ring at the open end of the female condom covers the area around the vaginal opening
• make sure the penis enters into the female condom, not between the condom and the side of the vagina 
• remove the female condom immediately after sex by gently pulling it out: you can twist the large ring to prevent semen leaking out
• throw the condom away in a bin, not down the toilet

Store female condoms in places that aren't too hot or cold, and away from sharp or rough surfaces that could tear them or wear them away.

How to use it?

1. Open the condom package carefully; gently tear at the notch in the corner with your fingers only. Do not use scissors, teeth, fingernails or a knife to open.

2. Examine the condom. The female condom will have a larger ring (the "outer ring") at the open end and a smaller ring (the "inner ring") at closed end.

3. Hold the condom at the closed end, grasp the flexible inner ring with the thumb and second or middle finger and squeeze it so its long and narrow.

4. Get into a position that is comfortable for insertion.

5. Insert the inner ring gently into the vagina just far enough so it won't fall out.

6. Use the index finger inside the condom to push the inner ring up as far as it will go. Make sure the condom is not twisted and that the outer ring remains outside the vagina. The condom is now in place and ready to use.

7. Guide the penis carefully into the opening of the female condom to be sure that it does not enter on the side, between the sheath and the vaginal wall.

8. Remove the female condom by grasping the outer ring and gently twisting it so the semen stays inside. Gently pull it out and throw it away.

How effective are female condoms?

If used correctly and consistently, female condoms are 95% effective. This means that five out of 100 women using female condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year.

Always buy condoms that have the CE mark on the packet. This means that they've been tested to the high European safety standards. Condoms that don't have the CE mark won't meet these standards, so don't use them.