The internal condom

The internal condom (also known as the “female condom”) is a soft sheath made of synthetic material, or less commonly latex, that is placed inside the vagina. It is lubricated and has a ring at each end. The ring inside the condom is movable.

How it works

Once inserted, the internal condom prevents direct contact between the penis and the mucous membranes, preventing semen from entering the vagina.

When used correctly, the internal condom is a method of preventing pregnancy and protecting against HIV/AIDS.

How to use it

Choosing and storing an internal condom properly

• Only use good quality condoms bearing the “OK” or “CE” label.
• Make sure the packaging is not damaged. Do not leave them in direct sunlight or in your wallet. If possible, they should be carried in a box.
• Do not use condoms after the expiry date.
• Internal condoms can be purchased from the SSCH shop, in some pharmacies or at sexual health centres.

Instructions for use

For the condom to be effective, it must be inserted before any penetration. Even before penetration, pre-ejaculatory fluid at the tip of the penis may already contain sperm cells or infectious agents.

An erection is not necessary in order for an internal condom to be inserted. It can therefore be inserted in advance and does not need to be removed immediately after ejaculation.

It is possible to apply water-based or silicone-based lubricant to the inside of the condom before penetration. 

Insertion:

Place the inner ring at the closed end of the condom, pinch it and slide it as far as possible into the vagina. The outer ring, which is wider, remains positioned over the vulva.

During penetration, guide the penis into the condom and hold the outer ring against the vulva to ensure it remains securely in place 

To remove it, twist the outer ring and gently pull it out.

After use, check that the condom is still intact (pay attention to any tears). 

Dispose of the condom in the rubbish bin, not in the toilet. Do not use the condom more than once.

What to do…

... if the condom gets torn, slips off or is not used (correctly)

In order to prevent pregnancy, it is advisable to take emergency contraception as soon as possible (no more than 120 hours after intercourse).

Further information: Emergency contraception

If there is a risk of HIV transmission, it is possible to obtain emergency treatment (post-exposure prophylaxis, HIV PEP). To effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission, this treatment should be taken as soon as possible (no more than 48 hours after intercourse).

Further information: Sexually transmitted infections

Good to know

• Do not use an internal and an external condom at the same time: friction can damage them. 
• Lubricants: use water-based or silicone-based lubricants. Oil-based products (Vaseline, oils, margarine), spermicides and treatments for fungal infections or warts can damage the latex in condoms. If you are using vaginal treatment in the form of a cream or suppository, ask your doctor whether this is compatible with condom use. If not, avoid sexual intercourse for the duration of treatment.
• The best way to protect yourself against HIV or other STIs is to follow safer sex recommendations. One recommendation is to use condoms for vaginal or anal intercourse.
• STIs can be transmitted as a result of sharing sex toys. Therefore use a condom (an external condom on the sex toy or an internal condom in the vagina, but not both at the same time) and disinfect sex toys regularly.

For more information, visit the website www.lovelife.ch and take the Safer Sex Check.

Information

• List of sexual health centres 

Written by: 2026, SANTÉ SEXUELLE SUISSE, Swiss foundation for sexual and reproductive health; ALECSS, Association suisse latine des spécialistes en santé sexuelle, Éducation – Formation – Conseil ; faseg, Fachverband sexuelle Gesundheit in Beratung und Bildung

Medical review of the original text (French): Dr Sara Arsever (University of Geneva, HUG)

Medical copy editing of the translation (English): Dr. Julius Obinna Ugwu, MD (Doctor of Medicine)

Content produced with support from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)