How do you use a condom?

Kerry Rach contraception, penis and balls, sexual health, STIs

A handy guide to help you get to grips with condoms

Condoms are a barrier method of contraception – they literally put a barrier between you and your sexual partner. They can prevent both unintended pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, they are a non-hormonal method of contraception, and there are lots of options to choose from.

So condoms are fantastic, but how do you use one?

Important things to check before using a condom

First things first, you need to make sure your condom is safe to use. There’s a few important things to check, BEFORE you use a condom.

Is there any damage to the condom?

Look for any visible rips or tears. You can run your fingers across the packet to feel for any damage.

What’s the expiry date?

Condoms have an expiration just like lots of other common products and it’s important to check the condom is still in date before you use it. If it has expired, it will be more likely to break and you shouldn’t use it.

Does it have a kite mark?

All reliably produced condoms will have a kite mark on their packaging to show they have passed safety requirements. Check for a symbol that looks like a heart with a squiggly line inside, or the CE symbol. If a condom packet doesn’t have a kite mark then it may not be effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs, and you shouldn’t use it.

Has the condom been stored safely?

Condoms should be kept away from extreme temperatures, moisture and humidity. Friction can also damage condoms, making them weaker and more likely to tear.

Do you or your partner have a latex allergy?

Most condoms are made out of latex, but some people are allergic to this material. Fortunately, there are lots of latex-free condoms available, so make sure to check the packaging if you’re worried about an allergic reaction.

How to put on a condom

You’ve checked your condom is safe to use. Now you’re ready to put it on:

Be careful when opening a condom – make sure you don’t damage it as you open the packet. Don’t use your teeth or scissors to open the packet.
Make sure you have the condom the right way round – it should look like a little hat and you should be able to easily roll it down in the next steps.
Before rolling it on, pinch the top of the condom to ensure there is no air trapped in the top that could make it more likely to split.
While pinching the top, place the condom over the tip of the penis or sex toy and roll it down, making sure it is secure.

Remember: Your penis should be erect (hard) before you attempt to put the condom on. If you don’t get it on right the first time, don’t worry! Take it off and try again with a new condom.

Taking the condom off

After you’ve cum (or ‘ejaculated’), hold onto the condom as you pull out your penis.
Carefully take off the condom, away from your partner so there is no possibility of the contents touching them.
You can tie a knot in the top of it to contain the semen and then throw it in the bin.

Condom ‘do’s and ‘don’t’s

✅ DO: Make sure you can put on a condom correctly.

❌ DON’T: Use more than one condom at a time during sex. This can create friction and might cause them to break, which means they won’t be effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs.

✅ DO: Dispose of condoms responsibly. Pop used condoms in the bin – don’t flush them down the toilet!

❌ DON’T: Use the same condom more than once. Condoms are single-use!

✅ DO: Talk to your partner about contraception and make sure you are comfortable that the sex you are having is safe.

❌ DON’T: Take a condom off during sex without your partner’s consent. This is sometimes referred to as ‘stealthing’ and is a type of sexual assualt.

Where can I get condoms?

You can find out where to get free condoms here. You can also buy condoms from most supermarkets and pharmacies but they can be expensive. No one should be paying for condoms when there are lots of places to get them for free.

Did you know?

There are actually two types of condoms: internal and external condoms. In this article we’re talking about condoms for penises, or ‘external condoms’. External condoms are used on a penis or sex toy, and internal condoms can be inserted into the vagina. Watch this video from the brilliant sexual health charity Brook on how to use a condom to find out more.

Note: the video refers to ‘female condoms’ instead of ‘internal condoms’, to be inserted into the vagina as contraception. We prefer the term ‘internal condoms’ because it’s gender-inclusive. It doesn’t assume everyone who has a vagina is female. The video also refers to ‘us girls’ when talking about hormonal contraception that people with a uterus can take. Not everyone who has a vagina or a uterus is a woman. Our genitals don’t dictate our gender identity.

Using a condom is the only form of contraception that will protect you from both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. So keep suiting up, gang!