The internal condom does not have any serious physical side effects. However, it may cause a little irritation to you or your partner.
Disadvantages of the internal condom
– It requires proper usage. While it is up to 95% effective when used correctly, most people do not use internal condoms perfectly (with every sex act). When this happens, only 79 out of every 100 individuals using this method will manage to avoid pregnancy.
– It may slip, break, or draw backward (invaginate). If any of these things happen, consider using emergency contraception as soon as possible to prevent pregnancy. If you suspect that your sexual health is at risk, take an STI test and/or obtain post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) according to safe-sex guidelines.
– They can be a lot harder to find and more expensive than external condoms.
– Internal condoms require a lot of effort and commitment. For them to be effective, you have to ensure you use them correctly, every time. It also takes a bit of practice to get it right.
– Some people may be sensitive to certain brands of lubricant (if so, try another brand or contraceptive).
– They can reduce sensitivity while you are having sex.
– Some internal condoms can be squeaky during sex (but the newer nitrile versions shouldn’t be) (5).
– It’s hard to remember to use them if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
