Internal (or female) condoms

Internal condoms line the vagina and protect against unwanted pregnancy by stopping the sperm contained in semen coming into contact with a vagina (which could lead to an egg being fertilised).

They also stop sexual fluids being transferred between partners which provides protection against STIs.

You can get latex-free internal condoms if you are allergic to latex.

Internal condoms are not always available at every contraception and sexual health clinic and can be more expensive to buy than other condoms.

You can get free condoms from Brook services, young people’s services, contraception clinics, GUM clinics and some GP surgeries.

You may also be able to get free condoms from a local C-Card provider. The C-Card scheme allows you to pick up free condoms from local outlets like pharmacies, youth services and shops.

You can also buy condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets, vending machines in public toilets and online.

Under 16?
There is no age restriction on buying or accessing free condoms. You can still access condoms in the same ways as anyone else.

Embarrassed about buying internal condoms?

If you go to a service to get condoms, you will usually have a private consultation where they will ask you a few questions and they may show you how to use condoms.

If it’s easier, go to a clinic with a friend or a partner. Bringing up the subject of condoms when you’re about to have sex can be tricky. Get some tips for talking about it in advance with our page on talking about condoms.

You can start using internal condoms whenever and you only need to use them when you are having sex. They are safe to use immediately after pregnancy, as well as after a miscarriage or abortion.

When used correctly internal condoms are 95% effective at protecting against pregnancy.

1. Before opening the packet, feel for the condom and move it away from the edge so you don’t accidentally tear it when opening the packaging.
2. Take the condom out of its packet and make sure there are no rips in it or damage.
3. Lie down, squat, or stand with a foot on a chair.
4. Separate the labia (the lips of the vagina) with one hand.
5. Squeeze the inner ring at the closed end of the condom between your thumb and finger so it becomes long and narrow.
6. Gently push this squeezed ring at the closed end into the vagina as far as it will go, so it sits above the pubic bone.
7. The outer ring should hang outside the body and cover the outer area of the vaginal opening. Don’t worry if the condom is a bit loose – that’s how it’s meant to be.
8. During sex, make sure the penis enters the condom and not between the condom and the vaginal wall. It may help to guide the penis in.
9. After sex, twist the outer ring to keep semen inside, then gently pull the condom out.
10. Wrap the condom in a tissue and put it in the bin. Do not flush it down the toilet.

Accidents happen and if the condom has broken, split, slipped out or you’re worried it was used incorrectly, don’t panic. Use our Find a service tool to find your local sexual health service where you can have a quick, simple and painless test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and emergency contraception if there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy.