To wear a condom correctly, follow these steps:
- Check the condom package: Ensure the condom is not expired and the packaging is intact. Open it carefully with your hands, avoiding teeth or sharp objects that could damage the condom
- Make sure the penis is fully erect: Condoms should be put on an erect (hard) penis before any genital contact
- Determine the correct way to unroll: The condom should look like a little hat with the rim on the outside so it unrolls easily. If you accidentally put it on inside out, discard it and use a new one
- Pinch the tip of the condom: This removes trapped air and leaves space to collect semen. If uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before placing the condom
- Place the condom on the head of the penis: While pinching the tip, put it on the penis head and unroll it all the way down to the base of the penis
- Use lubricant if desired: Water-based or silicone-based lubricants can be applied inside the tip before rolling on or on the outside after. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can damage latex condoms
- During and after sex: Keep the condom on the entire time. After ejaculation, hold the base of the condom while withdrawing to prevent it from slipping off. Remove and dispose of the condom safely in the trash (not the toilet)
Following these steps helps prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
