• Lifestyle

How to Put a Condom on Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide

It’s widely recognized that using a condom is an essential part of maintaining your sexual health. But did you know that it is just as important to put it on correctly?

When a condom is not fitted properly, this significantly reduces its effectiveness.

In fact, putting a condom on incorrectly increases the chances of it breaking or slipping off during sexual intercourse. 

Fortunately, using a condom is pretty straightforward. Read on to learn how to properly put on a condom to ensure both you and your partner are protected during sex. 

Why Should You be Using a Condom? 

STI prevention 

Contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have serious and long-lasting health effects that can negatively impact your daily life.

Condoms are one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

By creating a barrier that prevents the exchange of contaminated bodily fluids, condoms help protect both you and your partner from infections.

Contraception 

Unintended pregnancies can cause significant emotional, financial, social, and health concerns.

Condoms are a reliable method of birth control when used correctly, providing an effective barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Enhancing sexual pleasure 

Contrary to some myths, condoms can actually enhance sexual pleasure. Many condoms are designed with added features to increase sensation and pleasure for both partners.

For example, textured condoms provide extra stimulation, and lubricated variations reduce friction and enhance comfort.

Using condoms can also lead to a greater sense of relaxation and enjoyment during sex, since both partners may feel more secure knowing they are taking steps to protect their health.

This can promote more gratifying sexual experiences.

Step-by-Step Guide for Putting on a Male Condom 

Step 1: Pinch the tip

Before you put the condom on, pinch the tip of it to create an air bubble.

This pocket — called a reservoir tip — is essential for collecting semen during ejaculation and helps reduce the risk of the condom breaking.

Step 2: Position the condom 

Place the condom on the head of the erect penis and ensure that the rim is on the outside, giving the appearance of a little hat.

This ensures that the condom will unroll easily in the next step. If you accidentally position the condom inside out, don’t flip it around and reuse it. Instead, discard it and use a new one. 

Step 3: Roll the condom down 

Continue pinching the tip of the condom and use your other hand to unroll it down the shaft of the penis, all the way to the base. 

Make sure it unrolls smoothly and without any twists. Once unrolled, the condom should fit snugly but still feel comfortable.

If you are uncircumcised, it might be more comfortable to pull your foreskin back before placing the condom on the tip of your penis and rolling it down the shaft.

Factors to Consider Before Putting on a Condom 

Check the expiration date

Although condoms are designed to last for a long time, it’s still important to check the expiration date before using them.

Condoms that are past their expiration date can be less effective and more prone to breaking, which increases your risk of unwanted pregnancies or contracting STIs.

You can usually find the expiration date printed on the wrapper or box. 

Inspect the packaging 

Before using a condom, inspect the packaging for signs of damage. Look for tears, holes, or any indications that the packaging has been compromised.

A damaged condom package could mean that the product inside is also damaged or contaminated, which could reduce its effectiveness. 

If you notice any issues, discard the condom and use a new one with an intact package.

Open the packaging carefully 

When opening the condom package, be gentle to avoid damaging the condom.

Use your fingers to tear along the edge of the package and avoid using any sharp objects — such as scissors, knives, or even your teeth — as these may tear the condom.

If the condom appears damaged in any way, discard it and use a new one. 

Use lubricant

The correct lubricant can enhance comfort and prevent the condom from breaking due to friction. 

Water-based or silicone lubricants are recommended as they are safe to use with all types of condoms, including latex.

Avoid using oil-based lubricants — such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, or cooking oil — because these substances can degrade latex and increase the risk of the condom breaking. 

Although most condoms come pre-lubricated, applying a small amount on the inside of the condom before putting it on can help to maximize comfort.

You can also use a little bit on the outside to ensure the comfort of your partner. 

What Should You Do With the Condom After Sex?

Ensure proper removal 

Handling a condom properly after sex is crucial for maintaining hygiene and ensuring its effectiveness in preventing STIs or pregnancy.

After ejaculating and while the penis is still erect, hold the base of the condom to keep it from slipping off. This is essential for preventing semen from spilling out.

Then, gently pull the penis out of your partner’s body while still holding the base of the condom.

This should be done before the penis becomes fully flaccid to minimize the risk of the condom slipping off. 

Once withdrawn, move away from your partner to protect them from accidental contact with semen.

Then you can carefully remove the condom by rolling it off the penis, ensuring the semen stays inside of it. 

Proper disposal methods 

After removing the condom, it’s essential to dispose of it properly.

Once you’ve unrolled it from the penis, tie a knot at the opening to help contain semen. Then wrap the used condom in a tissue or piece of toilet paper, which makes it easier to handle.

Place the wrapped condom in the trash bin. Avoid flushing condoms down the toilet, as this can clog pipes and cause blockages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Condom

Storing it improperly

Storing condoms incorrectly can weaken the material, making it less effective and more prone to breaking.

Always store condoms in a cool, dry place without direct sunlight or heat that could compromise the product. 

Not checking for allergies 

If you or your partner have latex allergies and use a condom made with this material, it could cause adverse reactions that will make sex uncomfortable. 

Individuals with latex allergies can use condoms made from synthetic materials — like polyisoprene or polyurethane condoms — that provide that same level of protection. 

Rolling down an air-filled condom 

Not squeezing the air out of the tip of the condom before rolling it down can create a balloon effect that can increase the risk of breakage.

To avoid this, always pinch the tip of the condom to remove any trapped air before rolling it down the length of the penis. 

Using two condoms at the same time 

Some people may want to use two condoms simultaneously, believing it provides extra protection. However, this is a myth that could have damaging effects. 

Using two condoms at once creates friction which can cause both to tear. This increases the risk of unwanted pregnancy or infections. 

One properly used condom provides enough protection, especially when it’s put on and fits correctly.

Reusing condoms 

Condoms are designed for single-use only, so avoid attempting to wash and reuse them.

Not only can this increase the risk of the condom breaking, but it’s also unhygienic and can contribute to infections or adverse reactions.

Always use a new condom for each act of intercourse, even if it's with the same partner or during the same session. 

Not using enough lubricant

Not applying enough lubricant can cause increased friction, making it more likely for the condom to break.

It’s recommended to use a pea-sized amount of lube inside the condom and a dime-sized amount on the outside to allow for smooth movement. 

Where Can You Learn More About Safe Sex and Your Health?

If you’re looking for more information on taking care of your sexual health or want to learn about other ways to have safe sex, LifeMD has got you covered.

We can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can provide support on sexual health and recommend best practices.

 Make an appointment with LifeMD today.

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