How is the female condom used?

A female condom (also called an internal condom or femidom) is a soft pouch that goes inside the vagina before sex. It works the same way as a regular condom but is worn internally instead of on the penis.

To use one, find a comfortable position, whether that's lying down, squatting, or standing with one foot raised. Squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and insert it into the vagina, similar to putting in a tampon. Push it in as far as it will comfortably go. The larger ring at the open end stays outside the body, covering the area around the vaginal opening.

During sex, the penis goes inside the femidom. Make sure it's going inside the condom, not between the condom and the vaginal wall, as this can happen if the condom shifts.

After sex, twist the outer ring to keep everything inside, then gently pull the condom out. Wrap it in tissue and put it in the bin. Don't flush it.

A few things to know: you can put a femidom in up to eight hours before sex, which means you don't have to stop in the moment to sort it out. Don't use one at the same time as a regular condom. And they're free from sexual health clinics.

A female condom, also called a femidom, is a soft pouch that goes inside the vagina before sex.

To use one, squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end and push it into the vagina, a bit like putting in a tampon. The bigger ring at the open end stays outside the body.

During sex, the penis goes inside the femidom. Make sure it goes in the right place and not between the condom and the vaginal wall.

Afterwards, twist the outer ring to keep everything inside, pull it out gently, and put it in the bin.

You can put it in up to eight hours before sex. Do not use it at the same time as a regular condom.