Using condoms every time you have sex is one of the most responsible decisions you can make for your sexual health. Condoms are highly effective at preventing both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies when used correctly. But simply having a condom isn’t enough; knowing How To Put On A Condom properly is crucial for it to work effectively. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure you’re using condoms the right way, every time.
Step-by-Step Guide: Putting on a Condom
Mastering the art of putting on a condom is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to ensure maximum protection and peace of mind during sexual activity:
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Check the Expiration Date and Packaging: Before you even open the condom wrapper, take a moment to check the expiration date printed on the package. Expired condoms can become brittle and are more likely to break. Also, examine the packaging itself. It should be sealed and contain a small air bubble. If the package is damaged, torn, or doesn’t have an air bubble, discard it and use a new one.
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Carefully Open the Package: Tear open the condom package carefully at the designated notch, usually on a corner. Avoid using your teeth, fingernails, or anything sharp like scissors, as these can easily tear the condom itself, even if you can’t see the damage.
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Determine the Right Way Up: Take the condom out of the package. It should be rolled up tightly into a circle. Place the condom on the tip of your erect penis and check which way it naturally wants to unroll. If it doesn’t unroll easily in one direction, flip it over and try the other way. Trying to roll it on the wrong way can damage the condom.
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Pinch the Tip to Remove Air: Place the condom on the tip of your erect penis, and pinch the very tip of the condom to squeeze out any air. This creates space for semen to collect and helps prevent the condom from bursting. Keep holding the tip pinched as you proceed to the next step.
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Roll the Condom Down the Shaft: While still pinching the tip, roll the condom down the shaft of your penis all the way to the base. Use your other hand to assist if needed. Make sure the condom is rolling smoothly and is not twisted.
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Ensure Proper Fit: The condom should fit snugly but not too tightly. If it feels too tight or too loose, stop and use a new condom of a different size. Most condoms are designed to fit a wide range of sizes, but different sizes are available if needed.
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Apply Lubricant (Optional but Recommended): Most condoms come pre-lubricated, but adding extra water-based or silicone lubricant can significantly enhance pleasure and reduce the risk of breakage by minimizing friction. Apply a few drops of lube to the tip of the penis before putting on the condom, or after it’s rolled on. You can also apply more lube to the outside of the condom during sex as needed. Important: Never use oil-based lubricants like Vaseline, baby oil, or lotions with latex or polyisoprene condoms, as oil can weaken these materials and cause them to break.
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After Sex, Hold the Base and Withdraw: Immediately after ejaculation and while your penis is still erect, hold the base of the condom firmly to prevent it from slipping off. Withdraw your penis from your partner’s vagina, anus, or mouth while still holding the base of the condom.
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Carefully Remove and Dispose: Once your penis is completely withdrawn, gently roll the condom off, away from your body and your partner. Check the condom to ensure it hasn’t broken or torn. Wrap the used condom in tissue paper and dispose of it in a trash can. Never flush condoms down the toilet as they can clog plumbing.
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Use a New Condom Every Time: Remember, condoms are for single use only. Always use a new condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you switch between different types of sex (e.g., from anal to vaginal), use a fresh condom. Even if you lose your erection while wearing a condom, you should replace it with a new one before continuing.
Tips for Condom Success
Beyond the basic steps of how to put on a condom, here are some crucial tips to ensure condoms work effectively and enhance your experience:
Storage Matters
Proper condom storage is essential to maintain their integrity. Store condoms in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sharp objects. Avoid keeping condoms in places where they are exposed to heat and moisture for extended periods, such as your wallet, car glove compartment (especially during hot weather), or bathroom for longer than a month. Excessive heat and moisture can degrade the latex or polyisoprene and make them more prone to breakage.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re new to using condoms, or just want to feel more confident, practice putting them on. You can practice on your own penis when you’re not sexually active, or use a banana, cucumber, or similarly shaped object. Practicing beforehand will make you more comfortable and efficient when it counts. It can also be a fun and informative activity to do with a partner.
Make it Part of Foreplay
Putting on a condom doesn’t have to be a mood killer. In fact, it can be incorporated into foreplay and become a sensual part of the sexual experience. Have your partner put the condom on you, or vice versa. Use it as an opportunity for touch, communication, and building anticipation. Talking about condoms openly and positively can also reduce anxiety and make condom use a shared and comfortable practice.
Lube is Your Friend
As mentioned, lubricant is a fantastic addition to condom use. It not only increases pleasure for both partners by reducing friction, but it also reduces the risk of the condom breaking due to dryness. Keep a bottle of water-based or silicone lube handy and don’t hesitate to use it generously. Experiment with different types of lube to find what you and your partner prefer.
What If Things Go Wrong?
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, condoms can break or slip. If this happens, it’s important to know what to do. If a condom breaks or slips off during sex, stop immediately. If you are concerned about pregnancy, emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) is an option if used within 5 days after unprotected sex, but is most effective the sooner it’s taken. Both you and your partner should also consider getting tested for STIs, especially if you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship where both partners have recently tested negative.
Double Up on Protection
For even greater peace of mind, consider using condoms in combination with another form of birth control, such as birth control pills, IUDs, implants, or shots. This provides a backup method in case of condom failure and offers very effective pregnancy prevention.
Using condoms consistently and correctly is a key component of responsible sexual health. By following these steps and tips on how to put on a condom, you can protect yourself and your partner, enhance your sexual experiences, and enjoy safer sex with confidence.
