What is the difference?
Condom vs Internal condom
The external condom, worn on the penis, is the one most people picture, while the internal condom is less familiar. Both are barrier methods that protect against pregnancy and many STIs; the difference is where they go and what they are made of.
General information, not medical advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a clinician, pharmacist or sexual health clinic.
Condom
A condom is a thin sheath worn on the penis during sex that collects semen, helping prevent both pregnancy and many sexually transmitted infections.
Full entryInternal condom
An internal condom is a soft pouch placed inside the vagina or anus before sex to act as a barrier against pregnancy and infections.
Full entrySide by side
In short
Use one or the other, never both together, because friction can make them tear. The best choice is the one that fits comfortably and gets used every time.
What they have in common
Both are single-use, need no prescription, reduce the risk of many STIs including HIV, and can be used alongside a hormonal method for dual protection.
Sources
- NHSCondoms
- NHSInternal (female) condoms
- Planned ParenthoodInternal condom
More comparisons
- Affirmative consentvsEnthusiastic consentAffirmative consent is about getting a clear yes; enthusiastic consent goes a step further and cares whether that yes is truly wanted.
- Anxious attachmentvsAvoidant attachmentAnxious attachment leans in and needs reassurance; avoidant attachment leans out and needs space. Both people usually care deeply; they simply protect themselves in opposite ways.
- AsexualvsAromanticAsexual answers "do I feel sexual attraction?"; aromantic answers "do I feel romantic attraction?". A person can be one, both or neither.
- Bacterial vaginosisvsThrushA fishy smell points more towards BV, itching more towards thrush, but symptoms overlap, so it is worth getting them checked by a pharmacist, doctor or sexual health clinic.
Last reviewed 16 October 2026. Spotted a mistake?