Whether you’re using a condom as a form of birth control or for protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it’s important to know how to put a condom on correctly. 

While you may have gone over it in your high school health class, we will be going over things to look for and how to put on a condom. 


How Do You Use A Condom? 

Knowing how to correctly apply a condom is a simple to follow process. But before you roll one onto your penis, here are some important steps to ensure you’re putting it on correctly. 

How Do You Use A Condom?

Step 1: Check The Expiration Date

Much any other health care product, condoms come with an expiration date. Before you have sex, it’s important to make sure your condoms are in date. When condoms are old or stored improperly, over time, the latex will start to break down. This increases the risk of the condom becoming less effective, leading to unplanned pregnancies or catching an STI. 

You can easily find the expiration date on the condom’s packaging or box. 


Step 2: Carefully Open Your Condom

The foil packet is easy to open, just tear a corner or along an edge and carefully pull it out. Don’t use your teeth, fingernails, scissors or any sharp objects to open your condom. Condom latex can be very fragile, and using any unnecessary force can damage them. Remember to be gentle as you remove it from the packaging and apply it to your penis. 

 

Step 3: Make Sure Your Condom Is The Right Way

There are two sides to every condom, and learning which side faces out can be a little challenging. If you are having trouble locating it, hold the condom out and find the side where the rim is on the outside, rather than tucked inside. You can unroll it a little bit before putting it on to make sure you have the right side. If you put the condom on the wrong way, do not flip it over and reuse it, get a new one. 


Step 4: Ensure The Condom Is Clean Before You Put It On

To help protect you and your partner against STIs, make sure the condom hasn’t touched your partner’s mouth or genital area before placing it on your penis. Most STIs are spread through saliva, blood or other bodily fluids. Ensuring your condom is clean beforehand will protect you from catching an STI.  

Remember to not make any contact with your partner’s mouth or genital area until your condom is on. 


Step 5: How To Put On A Condom

Pinch the tip of the condom with one hand, and roll it down with the other. By pinching the tip, you’re creating space at the top to collect semen. Carefully roll the condom over your penis until you reach the base. Ensure your entire shaft is covered before inserting it into your partner. 


Step 6: Add Some Lubricant

While condoms do come with a lubricant coating, adding more to the outside will reduce friction. Any lubricant that’s water or silicone based is compatible with most condoms. Adding a little lubrication before inserting can help make the experience more comfortable for both you and your partner. 

Learn the difference between the two types in our Beginner’s Guide to Lubricants blog. 


Step 7: Remove The Condom

After ejaculating, remove the condom carefully from your penis before you lose too much of your erection. Hold the base of your condom as you withdraw your penis from your partner. As you take your condom off, make sure no semen leaks out (this will make it easier to clean up). Remember to throw your condoms in the trash and don’t flush them down the toilet. 


Step 8: Use A New Condom 

When learning how to put on a condom, an important thing to remember is that each condom can only be used one time. When you have finished with one, throw it out and use a new one. Keeping things fresh will ensure you and your partner are practising safe sex. 


What Are Some Condom Wearing Tips? 

Now that you know the ins and outs of wearing a condom, here are some helpful tips you may like to know. 

  • Condoms can be used on other things. Most individuals associate condoms with penises, however, you can also use them with toys and
    other body parts. This is highly recommended if more than one partner is sharing sex toys. 
  • Protect your partner by changing condoms. If you’re going from anal sex to vaginal, remember to use a new condom. This will help protect your partner against vaginal infections and discomfort. Her physical health is as important as your own. 
  • Top up your supply. When you are correctly using condoms, you can tend to go through a lot of them. It’s a good idea to keep a supply of them and store them close to your bed. You will thank yourself in the long run for having an accessible supply at all times. 
  • Don’t use any oil based lubricants with condoms. Oil substances can break down your latex condoms and reduce their effectiveness. Make sure you're using a condom compatible lube before you experiment with one. 
  • Practice. Becoming comfortable and quicker with condoms is a learned skill. The more you practise with them, the easier it will be. Practising how to put a condom on correctly will make it easier to put on when it matters. 
  • Try different types of condoms. There are lots of different condoms you can experiment with. While some feature ribs, others are flavoured. Add a little spice to your sex life by surprising your partner with a different type of condom.
      

If you’re interested in expanding your condom collection or trying something new, have a look at our complete range of Condoms.