To use an internal condom, always start by ensuring it is not expired and that the package is not damaged or leaking. Open it with your fingers being careful not to rip the condom and check that the condom does not appear damaged. If it has a funky smell, or the lube seems to be a weird texture it’s always better to assume it isn’t good and get a new one.
Check out the diagram below to see how to put on and take off an internal condom. If you are still unclear after looking through these diagrams check out this video by the University of Chicago to see a demonstration on how to use them in both the vagina/front hole and the anus.
You can check out our diagram below for a visual of how to put on an internal condom in both a vagina and anus.
When disposing of an internal condom, always tie off the end to ensure you don’t have to clean up a spill and dispose of it in the garbage. Flushing a condom down the toilet is likely to cause a plumbing problem – which is probably not what you want to be dealing with right after sex!
Dysphoria and Internal Condoms:
Barrier protection is complicated for lots of people especially those who experience genital dysphoria. There are some tips and tricks on how to use protection to alleviate these uncomfortable feelings. Internal condoms can be great for people who would like to use their penis during sex but have a hard time with external condoms. Internal condoms do not require a person with a penis to remain hard or for someone to put anything on their penis – this can be helpful for folks who want to engage less with their penis during sex. You can play around with different methods of minimizing dysphoria during sex, and it can be helpful to talk about known triggers with sexual partners beforehand. In this section we lay out lots of barrier protection and contraception methods, so you can take a look and see methods other than using dental dams might feel better to you.
You can learn more about where we got this information from at: CDC
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references.