How do you use a condom?

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August 3, 2011

Some people think that using a condom interferes with having fun, but condoms can actually be fun and erotic, while providing protection against unplanned pregnancies, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

What to use and when

Anal and vaginal intercourse: The best condoms to use are lubricated latex condoms. Always use latex, because lambskin and other animal skin condoms don't block HIV and STDs, and polyurethane condoms can break more often than latex.

Oral sex: Try nonlubricated or flavored condoms for this. Whatever you do, don't get semen in your mouth.

Sex toys: Vegetable, dildo, vibrator, or whatever--put a condom on that thing! Don't switch from vaginal to anal intercourse, or from one person's body to another, without using a new condom.

Added lubricant: This can give you more protection by preventing the tearing of delicate skin and can make things even more enjoyable. Always use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, Aqua Lube, Wet, ForPlay, or Probe. Oil breaks latex. Don't use vaseline, hand creams, cooking/vegetable oil, or lotions as a lubricant. Also, treatments for yeast infections contain oil and will break latex.

Condom tips

		Make sure your condoms are fresh--check the expiration date. Throw away condoms that have expired, been very hot, been carried around in your wallet, or been washed in the washer. If you think the condom might not be good, get a new one. You and your partner are worth it.

		Open the package carefully, so you don't rip the condom. Be careful if you use your teeth.

		Put on the condom after the penis is erect and before it touches any part of a partner's body. If a penis is uncircumcised, the foreskin must be pulled back before the condom is put on.

		Make sure the condom is right-side out. It's like a sock--there's a right side and a wrong side. First, unroll it about half an inch to see which direction it is unrolling. Then hold the tip of the condom between your fingers as you roll it all the way down the shaft of the penis from head to base. This keeps air bubbles out that can cause the condom to break. It also leaves a space for semen to collect after ejaculation.

		Put lubricant on after you put on the condom, not before--it could slip off. Add more lube often. Dry condoms break more easily.

		Withdraw the penis immediately after ejaculation, while the penis is still erect; grasp the rim of the condom between your fingers and slowly withdraw the penis (with the condom still on) so that no semen is spilled.

		Dispose of the used condom right away. Use a condom only once. Never use the same condom for vaginal and anal intercourse. Never use a condom that has been used by someone else.

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