How to put a condom on
Choosing to wear a condom for the first time can be daunting. How do you put it on? How should you take it off and dispose of it? What size and thickness should you choose? Not to worry, because we’re here to put those questions to bed.
Whether it’s your first time using a condom or you’re an experienced-user looking for a quick refresh, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to put a condom on correctly. Not only do condoms prevent pregnancy, but they’re the only methods of contraception that protect you and your partner against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Using a condom correctly is just as important as finding the right size of condom. Always check the expiration date and ensure that the packet isn’t damaged. This combined with a condom that’s put on incorrectly or its size is too big or small can increase the risk of the condom breaking, ultimately putting you and your partner at risk.
This guide will be focusing on the male condom; if you’re looking for information on how to put on a female condom, click here. Now, let’s get started so you can get down to business.
Step 1 – Choose the right condom
You wouldn’t wear a pair of jeans that are too small or damaged, just as you wouldn’t eat something that’s gone past its expiry date. You should apply this logic to your condom application, too.
Thankfully, we have an entire guide dedicated to finding the right condom size for you. A condom shouldn’t be too tight or slip off because it’s baggy – it should fit snugly, like a pair of socks!
In terms of thickness, that’s up to your personal preference. Remember, just because a condom is on the thinner side, it won’t compromise its effectiveness. You may have to try a few different types of thicknesses to find the one that feels enjoyable for both you and your partner.
Top tip: Before you use a condom, it’s a good idea to do a skin test to see if you’re allergic to latex. If you find that you’re allergic, always choose a latex-free condom to prevent any nasty skin reactions.
Step 2 – Remove the foil wrapper
Next you’ll want to remove the foil wrapper, being careful not to tear the condom in the process. We know, you’re in a hurry not to kill the mood, but it’s important to open the packet with care – you want to have safe sex, after all!
Top tip: Don’t bin the foil wrapper just yet. It can be handy to store the used condom in after you’re done, helping to prevent any cross contamination.
Step 3 – Gently pinch the tip of the condom and place it on the head of the penis.
Pay attention, because we’re about to break down how to apply the condom. First gently pinch the tip of the condom and place it on the head of the penis. You do this so there's room for the semen to go when you're finished.
You’ll notice that the tip contains an air bubble, which is perfectly normal. An air bubble is intentional to not only protect the condom from damage, but it also means that the condom is safe for use as there aren’t any holes.
Top tip: Make sure that the condom is the right way round before you attempt this step.
Step 4 – Roll it down the length of the shaft
Then, with one finger still pinched around the tip of the condom, place your other fingers around the thick circular edge and slowly roll the condom down the length of the shaft. If you find that the condom won’t unroll, it’s probably inside out.
Don’t attempt to try again with the same condom, as it may contain a small amount of semen and you could put your partner at risk. Grab a new one and start again.
Top tip: During sex, don’t use any oil-based products as a lube, like petroleum jelly, as they will cause the condom to break. Instead, opt for water-based or silicone-based lube.
Step 5 – Remove the condom
After sex, it’s best to remove the condom before the penis loses its erection, as it’s likely for the condom to slip off and spill semen when the penis softens. To prevent this, hold the condom at the base and slowly pull out of your partner, as soon as possible after ejaculating.
To remove the condom, carefully roll the condom down the penis and secure the end to ensure no semen leaks out. Remember the wrapper you saved? It can be useful to pop the used condom into it before disposing of it in the bin.
Top tip: If the condom splits during sex, you both should get tested for any sexually transmitted diseases. If one of you is female, get the morning after pill.
You’ve reached the end of this guide, so hopefully you now know the correct way to put a condom on and what type you need, whether it’s latex-free, thin-feel or extra large in size, you’ll be able to find the right condom here for you.
Remember, everyone’s penis is different, meaning there isn’t one-size-fits-all when it comes to condoms. It might take trial and error to find the one that fits, but when it does, sex will be both enjoyable and safe. If you need further information about condom application, visit the NHS website.
