Looks pretty simple, right? Well, putting on a male condom isn't always as easy as it looks. In order for a condom to be effective at preventing pregnancy and most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it has to be used correctly--each and every time you have sex.

Correct use means following these steps every time. When a condom breaks, it's usually because one of these steps wasn't followed. If you buy a package of condoms, first read the directions (usually included inside or printed on the back of the box). The directions should cover these same steps:

1. Check the expiration date. This should be clearly printed on the box and on the condom wrapper.

2. Before you are ready to use the condom, keep it in a cool, dry place, so as not to damage it. In practical terms, this means that you shouldn't keep condoms in your pocket or wallet for a long time. Backpacks and purses are better places.

3. When you are ready to have sex, open the package carefully (watch your fingernails!), and remove the condom.

4. You will find that it is rolled up, and at this point you need to differentiate the inside from the outside. How to tell? You can make the condom look like a sombrero--with the thick, rolled-up part on the outside--so that you can roll it easily over the erect penis.

5. After you know which side of the condom is the inside, you need to make sure there is space at the top, and if there is a nipple at the top, that it isn't full of air. This will allow semen to collect in the reservoir at the top, and will prevent the condom from breaking.

6. Pinch the tip of the condom to squeeze the air out of the condom. This is important, because if the air is not squeezed out, the condom could break.

7. Place the condom on the tip of the erect penis and roll it all the way down to the base of the penis. If you are uncircumcised, you will need to pull back the foreskin first.

8. You need to use a condom for all three types of sex: vaginal, oral, and anal.

9. After ejaculation, hold the condom at the base of the penis and withdraw the penis. Carefully remove the condom from the penis, making sure that none of the semen seeps out.

10. Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it away; do not flush it down the toilet.

11. Never reuse a condom!

12. And one final thing: When using latex condoms, always use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, or Slippery Stuff. Using an oil-based lubricant, like lotion or massage oil, weakens the latex and causes condoms to break.

Consider practicing this on yourself (if you're a guy) or on an object (if you're a girl), so that you'll know exactly what you're doing. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are 98-percent effective at preventing pregnancy and highly effective at preventing most STDs! But just in case the condom breaks, check out this info on emergency contraception.

Have you ever heard of the female condom? It does exist! Click here for more info.