What Are Condoms?

Condoms are a form of barrier contraception. Their main job is to stop sperm and other body fluids from entering the vagina, mouth, or anus. By blocking this exchange of fluids, condoms help:

  • Prevent pregnancy
  • Reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV

Other common barrier methods include:

  • Male (external) condoms
  • Diaphragms

In Grand Rapids, MI, barrier methods are widely recommended by local healthcare providers such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health for safer sex and pregnancy prevention.

What Is a Female (Internal) Condom?

A female (internal) condom is a soft, loose-fitting pouch that is worn inside the vagina or anus during sex. It provides a barrier between the penis (or sex toy) and the internal tissues.

Key features:

  • Made from nitrile (a type of synthetic rubber)
  • Has two flexible rings:
    • One ring at the closed end (goes inside the vagina or anus)
    • One ring at the open end (stays outside, covering part of the genital area)
  • Comes in one standard size
  • Can be used for:
    • Vaginal sex
    • Anal sex

Female (internal) condoms stop ejaculate (cum) from entering the vagina or anus and also help reduce skin-to-skin contact that can transmit some STIs.

How Do Female (Internal) Condoms Work?

Female (internal) condoms work as a physical barrier:

  • They line the inside of the vagina or anus.
  • They collect semen so it does not enter the body.
  • They reduce direct contact with genital fluids and some skin surfaces.

This helps protect against:

  • Unplanned pregnancy (when used in the vagina)
  • STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and others

For people in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, where STI rates have been a concern in recent years (especially among young adults), consistent condom use is an important part of sexual health, recommended by the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs.

How Effective Are Female (Internal) Condoms?

When used correctly every time you have sex, female (internal) condoms are:

  • Up to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy

With typical use (where mistakes sometimes happen, such as slipping or incorrect insertion), effectiveness drops to about:

  • 79% effective at preventing pregnancy

Common mistakes that reduce effectiveness include:

  • Not inserting the condom correctly
  • The penis slipping under or outside the condom
  • The condom tearing or breaking
  • Using a damaged or expired condom
  • Storing condoms in hot places (for example, in a car during a Michigan summer or near heaters in winter)

For even better pregnancy protection, some people in Grand Rapids combine internal condoms with another method, such as:

  • The pill or mini-pill
  • Implants
  • Injections
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • Vaginal rings

Talk to a Grand Rapids OB/GYN, primary care provider, or family planning clinic to find the best combination for you.

How to Use a Female (Internal) Condom

Before You Start

  1. Check the package

    • Make sure the condom is within its use-by (expiration) date.
    • Check that the packet is not torn or damaged.

  2. Open carefully

    • Open the packet slowly.
    • Avoid tearing the condom with nails, teeth, rings, or sharp objects.

  3. Use a new condom

    • Use a new female (internal) condom every time you have sex.
    • Use a new one when switching from one type of sex to another (for example, from anal to vaginal).

Step-by-Step: Vaginal Use

  1. Get into a comfortable position

    • You can lie on your back, squat, or stand with one leg raised (similar to using a tampon).

  2. Prepare the inner ring

    • Hold the condom with the closed end down.
    • Squeeze the inner ring at the closed end between your thumb and fingers so it becomes long and narrow.

  3. Insert the condom

    • Gently insert the squeezed inner ring into the vagina, like inserting a tampon.
    • Push it up as far as it will go, so it sits over the cervix.
    • The outer ring should remain outside the body, resting against the vulva and covering part of the external genital area.

  4. Guide the penis or sex toy

    • During sex, guide the penis or toy into the center of the condom opening.
    • Make sure it does not slip between the condom and the vaginal wall.

  5. Use lubricant if needed

    • If the condom bunches up, feels dry, or causes discomfort, use more lubricant (lube).
    • Female (internal) condoms can be used with:
      • Water-based lube
      • Oil-based lube
      • Silicone-based lube

In Grand Rapids, you can find lubricants at local pharmacies, big-box stores, supermarkets, and sexual health clinics.

Step-by-Step: Anal Use

Some people also use internal condoms for anal sex (this is considered “off-label” use, but commonly practiced):

  1. Remove the inner ring (if preferred) before insertion.
  2. Apply plenty of lubricant to the outside of the condom and the anus.
  3. Gently insert the condom into the anus, leaving the open ring outside.
  4. Guide the penis or toy into the opening, making sure it does not slip outside the condom.

If you’re unsure about anal use, talk to a sexual health provider in Grand Rapids for personalized guidance.

Removing a Female (Internal) Condom

Be Careful When Taking the Condom Out

  1. Twist the outer ring

    • After sex, before standing up, gently twist the outer ring to keep semen inside the condom.

  2. Gently pull out

    • Carefully pull the condom out, avoiding spills.

  3. Dispose properly

    • Wrap the used condom in tissue or toilet paper.
    • Throw it in the trash (not down the toilet – flushing can clog plumbing and harm the environment, including Michigan’s waterways and Great Lakes).

Remember: Female (internal) condoms are for single use only. Do not wash or reuse them.

Using Lubricant (Lube)

Lubricant is a gel or liquid that:

  • Reduces friction
  • Helps prevent condoms from breaking
  • Can make sex more comfortable and enjoyable

You can use internal condoms with:

  • Water-based lube
  • Silicone-based lube
  • Oil-based lube (unlike latex external condoms, nitrile internal condoms are generally safe with oil-based products)

If you use lube with sex toys (especially silicone toys), check the label—some lubes can damage certain materials.

In Grand Rapids, lube is available at:

  • Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Meijer, etc.)
  • Supermarkets
  • Convenience stores and gas stations
  • Online retailers
  • Local sexual health clinics and community health centers

Important Safety Tips

  • Do NOT use a female (internal) condom and a male (external) condom at the same time.
    • The friction between the two can cause them to tear or slip out of place.
  • Do not douche (wash out the vagina or rectum with water or other fluids).
    • Douching can irritate delicate tissues and increase the risk of infection.
  • Store condoms properly
    • Keep them in a cool, dry place.
    • Avoid leaving them in hot cars, near heaters, or in wallets for long periods—especially during Michigan’s hot summers or near heating vents in cold Grand Rapids winters.

Advantages of Female (Internal) Condoms

Female (internal) condoms:

  • Help prevent pregnancy (vaginal use)
  • Help protect against STIs, including HIV
  • Can be inserted hours before sex, allowing for more spontaneity
  • Can be used by people who are allergic to latex (they are made from nitrile)
  • Can be used with any type of lubricant
  • Have few or no systemic side effects (unlike some hormonal methods)
  • Do not require a prescription—you can buy them over the counter
  • Can be used after childbirth once your healthcare provider says it’s safe to resume sex

These advantages make internal condoms a flexible option for many people in Grand Rapids, including those who want both pregnancy prevention and STI protection.

Potential Problems and Side Effects

Female (internal) condoms might not work well if they are:

  • Used incorrectly
    • Not inserted properly
    • Penis slips outside or under the condom
  • Damaged
    • Torn when opening the packet
    • Past the expiration date
  • Stored improperly
    • Kept in heat (such as a glove box or near a heater)

Some people may experience:

  • Mild irritation or discomfort
  • Sensation of the outer ring being noticeable at first

If irritation continues or is severe, stop using the product and talk with a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids.

Are There Serious Health Risks?

  • There are no known serious health risks from using female (internal) condoms.
  • Most side effects, if they occur, are mild and temporary.

What to Do If You Have Unprotected or Unsafe Sex

If the condom breaks, slips, or you had sex without protection, you may still have options.

1. Emergency Contraception (Pregnancy Prevention)

If there is a risk of pregnancy (vaginal sex):

  • Emergency contraception pills (often called the “morning after pill”):
    • Work best if taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (3 days)
    • Can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
  • A non-hormonal (copper) IUD:
    • Can be inserted by a trained provider within 5 days of unprotected sex
    • Is highly effective at preventing pregnancy and can then be used as ongoing contraception

You can access emergency contraception in Grand Rapids through:

  • Local pharmacies
  • Urgent care centers
  • Primary care providers and OB/GYN clinics
  • Health systems such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health

2. STI and HIV Prevention

If you think you may have been exposed to an STI:

  • Get tested for STIs as soon as possible.
  • STI checks are recommended at least once a year for anyone who is sexually active, and more often if you have new or multiple partners.

For possible HIV exposure:

  • You may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a short course of antiviral medication that can reduce the chance of getting HIV if started within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure.
  • Contact a Grand Rapids emergency department, urgent care, or sexual health clinic immediately to see if PEP is appropriate.

Where to Get Female (Internal) Condoms and Sexual Health Care in Grand Rapids, MI

Female (internal) condoms can be harder to find and more expensive than male (external) condoms, but you can often get them through:

  • Local pharmacies (ask the pharmacist if you don’t see them on the shelf)
  • Family planning and sexual health clinics
  • Community health centers
  • Online retailers

For sexual and reproductive health services in the Grand Rapids area, consider:

  • Kent County Health Department
    • Offers STI testing, family planning, and sexual health services
  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) clinics
    • Primary care, OB/GYN, and women’s health services
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Women’s health, family medicine, and reproductive health care
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Primary and specialty care, including OB/GYN
  • Local community health centers and Planned Parenthood–affiliated clinics (if available in the broader West Michigan region)

These providers can:

  • Help you choose the best contraception method for your needs
  • Provide STI testing and treatment
  • Discuss PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention
  • Offer confidential services for teens and young adults

Local Considerations for Grand Rapids, MI

Living in West Michigan brings some unique health considerations:

  • Cold winters: People may spend more time indoors, which can increase close contact and opportunities for sexual activity, especially during long winter months.
  • College and young adult population: With several colleges and universities in and around Grand Rapids, there is a significant population of young adults, a group at higher risk for STIs.
  • Access to care: While major health systems are available, some neighborhoods may have limited transportation or fewer clinics. Many services offer sliding-scale fees and confidential care for youth.

If you’re a teen or young adult in Grand Rapids, you can often access sexual health services without a parent present, depending on your age and the clinic’s policies. Call ahead to ask about confidentiality and costs.

Choosing the Right Contraception for You

Female (internal) condoms are one option among many. Other methods include:

  • Male (external) condoms
  • The pill / mini-pill
  • Implants
  • Injections
  • IUDs (copper and hormonal)
  • Vaginal rings

Each method has different benefits, side effects, and levels of protection.

To decide what’s best for you:

  • Talk to your GP, nurse, or sexual health provider in Grand Rapids.
  • Discuss:
    • How important STI protection is for you
    • Whether you want or can use hormones
    • Your health history and lifestyle
    • Cost and access in your area

Key Points

  • Female (internal) condoms are a barrier method that help prevent pregnancy (vaginal use) and reduce the risk of STIs.
  • They are made of nitrile, can be used with any type of lubricant, and can be inserted hours before sex.
  • There are no known serious health risks from using female condoms, though some people may experience mild irritation.
  • Use a new condom every time, follow the instructions carefully, and do not use an internal and external condom together.
  • If you have unprotected sex or a condom failure, seek emergency contraception and STI testing as soon as possible.
  • In Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can access contraception, internal condoms, and STI services through local health systems, community clinics, and the Kent County Health Department.