Female condoms

About: Female condoms help protect against pregnancy and sexual transmitted infections (STIs). They are thought to be 95% effective.
How it works: They help to stop bodily fluids from coming into contact with one another. Instead of covering the penis, they fit inside a vagina.
How to use it: They are simple to use and we’ve given some tips below. Always use good quality condoms with a BSI kite mark, or CE mark.
Who can use it: Most women can safely use a female condom.
Advantages: They protect against STIs and unwanted pregnancy, are suitable for unplanned sex, have no side effects, and can be used up to eight hours before sex.
Disadvantages: Some people find female condoms interrupt sex (unless inserted in advance), they can tear if not handled carefully, are not as widely used as male condoms and can be expensive.
Where to get it: Everyone can get condoms for free, even if you’re under 16. You can get free condoms from sexual health centres, contraception clinics, GUM clinics, some GP surgeries and some young people's services. You can also buy them in lots of places including pharmacies.
More about Female condoms

About female condoms

Female condoms are a form of barrier contraception. This means that they protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used correctly and consistently, condoms are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy – thought to be around 95% effective.

Female condoms are made from thin, soft plastic. Female condoms are worn inside the vagina to prevent sperm getting to the womb.

A condom can only be used once – this includes if you put it on the wrong way by mistake. If you have sex again, use another condom. Using two condoms increases the chances of them splitting or tearing. So never reuse one, or use two together.

How it works

Female condoms act as a barrier. They are designed to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluid. This means that they protect you against both pregnancy and a range of STIs, which make them a good choice all-round.

How to use it

Here’s our best tips to make sure you are correctly using your female condoms:

  • Make sure the condom is good quality, with a British BSI kite mark, or European CE mark. Also check that it hasn’t expired, and the pack isn’t damaged
  • Open the packet carefully. Teeth, long nails, jewellery and piercings can damage condoms
  • Squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina
  • Check the vagina opening is covered with the large ring at the open end of condom
  • Make sure the penis enters directly 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

Who can use it

Most women can safely use female condoms. However, it may not be the most suitable method of contraception for women who do not feel comfortable touching their vagina and surrounding areas.

Advantages

There are many advantages to using female condoms:

  • Female condoms can help protect against both STIs and pregnancy
  • You don’t need any advance preparation other than to make sure you have quality condoms available when you need them
  • In most cases, there are no medical side effects
  • Female condoms can be inserted up to eight hours before sex

Disadvantages

It’s also worth bearing in mind that:

  • Some couples find that putting a condom in can interrupt sex. To get around this, try making using a condom as a part of foreplay, or put in the female condom in advance
  • Condoms are very strong, but may split or tear if not used properly
  • Female condoms are not as widely available as male condoms and are more expensive to buy

Where to get it

Everyone can get condoms for free, even if they are under 16. They are available from:

  • Sexual health services like those run by Virgin Care
  • Community contraception clinics
  • Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
  • Some GP surgeries
  • Some young people’s services

You can also buy male and female condoms from:

  • Pharmacies
  • Supermarkets
  • Websites
  • Mail-order catalogues
  • Vending machines in some public toilets
  • Some petrol stations

If you buy condoms online, make sure you buy them from a legitimate retailer. Always choose condoms that carry the European CE mark or British BSI Kitemark as a sign of quality.

Need contraception?

Useful links

  • The Family Planning Association’s has lots of information about male and female condoms, how to use them and frequently asked questions
  • NHS Choices has lots of information about contraception with specific pages on the female condoms
  • Brook has lots of information and advice on contraception written for people under 25, including female condoms
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