Internal v.s. External Condoms

What images come to mind when someone says the word “condom”? A small, square shaped packet? A sex ed teacher using a banana as a display model? Most people tend to think of external condoms as the only types of condoms available, however there is another type of condom that lots of folks don’t even know about! Internal, or “female” condoms, are another type of condom that is a great option for people seeking protection from STI’s and pregnancy. It does this by creating a barrier between your genitals, and your partner(s).

Internal Condoms
Internal condoms are 79-95% effective, and are made of nitrile, which makes them a great option if you have a latex allergy/sensitivity. Female condoms look like large external condoms with a flexible plastic ring inside. 

1. Check the expiration date. 
2. Carefully open the packaging and take out the condom. 
3. To insert the condom squeeze the inner ring between your thumb and middle finger. From there you can insert the ring into your vagina until the ring fully opens up and “locks into place.”
4. Make sure that the outer ring of the condom stays outside of your vaginal entrance when a penis or toy is inserted. This last step is crucial to ensure that there is always a barrier between your genitals and your partner’s genitals! 
5. When removing the internal condom, be sure to twist it closed before taking it out to prevent leakage/spilling. The package is bigger than that of an external condom, so it might be a bit harder to fit into a small purse or bag. However they can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to sex, so you don’t have to worry about carrying them around!

External Condoms
External condoms are 85-98% effective, and can be made out of four materials: latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lambskin. The first three help prevent against pregnancy and STI’s, whereas lambskin only protects against pregnancy.

1. Check the expiration date. 
2. Gently move the condom to the side, open the package, and remove the condom. 
3. Before you place the condom on the tip of the penis, ensure that you have the right side up. An easy way to determine which side should go up is by looking for the “smooth” side and the “ridged” side of the condom—the ridged side always goes up! 
4. Pinch the tip of the condom to leave room for ejaculate/remove any air bubbles, and then roll the condom down the shaft of the penis.

Condoms should be used from start to finish with every single sex act in order to prevent pregnancy/transmission of STI’s. Internal and external condoms have many things in common. They both help to protect you from pregnancy and STI’s. They are both single use and disposable. They can both be purchased over the counter at most drug stores or corner markets. They both should only be used with silicone or water based lubricant. When storing condoms, it’s important to make sure that they are not going to be torn or punctured, and as well as that keep them away from extreme heat or cold.

Condom Craft!

Make your condom into a dental dam:

1. Take an internal or external condom and open up the package as usual. If you’re using an internal condom, remove the plastic ring.
2. Take a pair of scissors (Note: This is the only time you should be using a pair of scissors around a condom. For normal usage, only open the condom package with your hands. Using your teeth, scissors, a knife, etc. can puncture the condom rendering it less effective.) and cut off the tip of the condom and the cut the condom length wise.
3. Voila! Now you have a DIY dental dam to use during oral sex!

References:

http://www.arhp.org/Publications-and-Resources/Patient-Resources/Fact-Sheets/Female-Condom

http://www.familyplanning.org.nz/advice/contraception/internal-condoms

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/female-condom

By Annika Horvath