1. Health

How To Use a Condom

From , former About.com Guide

Updated December 08, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Using a condom is simple. Condoms help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and are an effective form of family planning .
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 mins reading time

Here's How:

  1. Most condoms are made of latex so check the expiry date before use.
  2. If your condom is in a box it most likely comes with a leaflet - worth reading.
  3. Open the condom wrapper but don't tear it with teeth or use scissors. You do not want to perforate the condom- that gives no protection at all!
  4. Hold the teat end of the condom between your forefinger and thumb.
  5. If needed, pull back the foreskin to expose the head of the penis.
  6. roll the condom the length of the erect penis.
  7. NEVER use oil-based lubricants with a condom as it will disintegrate in moments. Always use water or silicone based lubricants.
  8. After sex withdraw the penis while it is still erect making sure you hold the condom on while withdrawing.
  9. Never re-use a condom; dispose of it after use.
  10. Men with a latex alergy could consider using a natural membrane but these are less effective in terms of preventing pregnancy.

    Buy Condoms

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.