Internal condoms

Internal condoms (often called "female condoms") are worn inside the vagina to prevent semen from getting into the womb. They are made from a thin, soft plastic. They can prevent pregnancy and STIs. When they are used correctly and consistently, internal condoms are 95% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Most people can use condoms safely. However, they might not be the best method of contraception for those who are not comfortable with touching their genital area.

• They help to protect against many STIs (including HIV).
• They are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy if used consistently and correctly.
• You only need to use them when you have sex- no advanced preparation is needed and they are suitable for unplanned sex.
• There are no medical side effects in most cases.

• Some couples find that putting in an internal condom interrupts sex.
• Condoms are strong but they might split or tear if not used properly.
• Internal condoms are not as widely available as external condoms and are more expensive to buy.
• The internal condom can be made less effective if the penis touches the area around the vagina before a condom is put in, the internal condom gets pushed too far into the vagina, the penis enters the vagina outside the internal condom by mistake or the condom gets damaged by sharp fingernails or jewellery.