What is a female (internal) condom?

A female condom (commonly referred to as an internal condom) is a method of contraception that's inserted inside of the user?s vagina before sex. Made of soft nitrile (a synthetic rubber), it's shaped like a long tube or sheath ? with one closed end and one open end ? creating a barrier between the penis and the vaginal canal. Similar to the male condom (commonly referred to as an external condom), the internal condom can help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission when used consistently and correctly. And it?s great that you?ve asked the question, because knowing what it is, how to use it, and the pros and cons associated with it can help with making decisions about how to protect yourself and your partner(s) during sex.