How to Use a Condom Correctly

Check the Expiration Date

The first step to using a condom correctly is making certain it's still usable. Always check the expiration date on the condom package before using it.

When condoms are old or stored improperly, the latex breaks down. This increases the risk that the condom will be less effective, which can leave you with an unintended pregnancy or STI.

Be sure the packaging hasn't been damaged, too. If you notice a tear, hole, or signs of wear, throw it out—regardless of its expiration date.

Feel for the Air Bubble

Another way to check the freshness of a condom package is to feel for the air bubble.

An air bubble is intentionally put in the package to protect condoms from damage. Its presence means there aren't holes in the packaging and the condom should be intact.

The easiest way to check for the bubble is to gently squeeze the package between your thumb and first finger. 

Open the Package Carefully

The foil packets that condoms come in are pretty easy to open, but it's important to be careful with it.

First, wash your hands. This is especially important if you could have bodily fluids on your hands from foreplay, which can contaminate the condom.

Then, carefully tear open the package along the corner or edge (most packaging indicates where you should tear). Don't use your fingernails, scissors, or any other sharp object, as you may rip or tear the condom along with the wrapper.

Find the Correct Side of the Condom

Hold the condom up and make sure the side you will place on the penis is the correct one.

The rim should be rolled up on the outside, rather than tucked underneath.

You can unroll the condom a bit to check for this, if needed. You shouldn't have to stick your fingers inside the condom to do this.

You'll know you have the correct side if you can easily roll the condom down over the penis.

Make Room and Put the Condom On

Pinch the tip of the condom with the pads of your fingers and place it on the penis.

Doing this will ensure that there's a space for fluid released during ejaculation (climax). Without it, the condom could break.

This can also help keep air from getting trapped inside the condom. Most condoms have what's called a reservoir tip for this purpose.

(You can skip this step if you're using the condom over a sex toy.)

Unroll the Condom All the Way

Once you have the condom in place, unroll it so it covers the full shaft of the penis.

Doing this will help reduce the risk of transmission of any STIs that are transferred from skin to skin contact, such as syphilis. It also makes the condom less likely to slip than if it's only rolled down part of the way. 

If the condom does not fully cover the shaft of the penis, or if it feels tight, the condom is too small. Using a condom that is too small or too large increases the risk that it could fail.

Check for Trapped Air

If the tip of the condom feels like an inflated balloon, there's air inside. Leaving it there could make the condom more likely to break during sex.

Release the air by placing your hands around the penis and gently smoothing out the condom from tip to base.

Sometimes putting a little bit of lube in the tip of the condom before putting it on can help prevent this.

Hold the Condom When Withdrawing

After ejaculation, condoms should be removed carefully before the penis becomes less erect.

As the penis is withdrawn from the vagina, anus, or mouth, hold onto the base to keep the ejaculate inside. If the condom slides off inside your partner, twist the open end of the condom shut before removing it.

If you don't do this, the condom may slide off or leak.

Throw Away the Condom

Condoms should be put in the trash, not the toilet. (They can clog pipes).

It's a good idea to wrap the condom in toilet paper or a paper towel to prevent it from leaking and making a mess. It also protects your privacy better.