How I Learned to Use a Condom (and How You Can, Too)

By Max Mintz, 17, Staff Writer

Originally Published: Nov 20, 2005

Revised: Feb 20, 2007

Did you know February 14 was Valentine's Day and National Condom Day? This got me thinking about how I learned to use a condom. It was this past summer when I became a teen editor for Sex, Etc. and received a three-day sexual health training.

Max, 17

Pryde Brown Photos

At the training, the teen editors and I were treated to an informational session about condom use, and we learned about many different types of condoms, including latex and polyurethane, female and male.

Why is it important to know how to use a condom? According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) when used consistently and correctly, latex condoms are "highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)." Remember, however, that not having sex is the only 100-percent effective way to stay HIV and STD-free.

Condoms are the only contraceptive that offers protection against both pregnancy and STDs, and you don't need a prescription to use them. They are also inexpensive and easy to find at most drugstores and at family planning clinics. Latex condoms work best, but if you're allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane (but do not use animal skin condoms).

ABCs of Condom Use

Condoms may be easy to access, but you have to use them correctly in order for them to be effective. How do you do that? Here are some directions for the male condom:

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? The way it was described to me is that you 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.

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.

Your Comments

re: no use of condoms

Posted by: CJT on Nov 23rd, 2009 3:06pm

It would depend on what you're trying to protect yourself
from. If pregnancy, then there are non-condom options to
prevent unintended pregnancy, like the pill, nuva ring, etc.
Condoms provide protection against STDs, though, and those
options don't. You may want to try different types of
condoms, or even practice wearing a condom while
masturbating to get used to how it feels.

re: what if the condom does not fit...

Posted by: CJT on Nov 23rd, 2009 3:03pm

Yes, there are different sizes of condoms. Some people
prefer different shapes and sizes. Even at a drug store
there should be some larger sizes (usually marked XL). Also,
different brands have different cuts so you may just want to
try out a few different brands to see if one fits more
comfortably than another.

no use of condoms

Posted by: andreasss007 on Nov 21st, 2009 11:35am

we tried to use condoms 2 times and after we hardly used 1
we didnt like the feeling we are both tested for hepatites
and we know that we dont have HIV, I never cums inside her
but that is we dont like too.I just dont know what to do.

what if the condom doesnt fit my penis?

Posted by: andreasss007 on Nov 21st, 2009 11:24am

Its difficult to use the condoms but after i understud how
to use it I figured out that it cant fit me penis.Are there
other bigger types of condoms that can fit me?And if yes
where can i find them?All the condoms I get them from
drugstores but its all the same size..

Re: removing

Posted by: CJT on Sep 8th, 2009 7:27am

Because the condom was not used throughout the duration of
intercourse, there is a risk of pregnancy here. If the risk
was within the past 5 days you may still be able to take
Emergency Contraception. Otherwise, if you miss your period,
you can take a pregnancy test to find out for sure. For more
information on options, take a look at this
article: http://www.sexetc.org/faq/pregnancy/2730

removing

Posted by: manda_babe on Sep 8th, 2009 2:51am

I had sex with my boyfriend and he came in the condom
removed it and after a little while went back to
penetration. He didn't cum inside me but what he already had
on his penis from the condom, could that have a high risk to
to get pregnant? I am really freaking out.

RE: no use

Posted by: DanR on Jul 23rd, 2008 2:46pm

Condoms are 98% effective when used properly. That is why
we always say the only 100% safe method to avoid pregnancy
and STDs is abstinence. There are cases where people use
condoms improperly and the person can get pregnant because
the condom leaks, or breaks, or any other number of
reasons. Even though these things happen occassionally, if
you are going to have sex, using a condom is still better
than not using anything at all!

no use

Posted by: juliet chris on Jul 23rd, 2008 9:26am

my friend had sex with a condom. Still she got pregnant. How
is that?

RE: no protection

Posted by: DanR on Nov 19th, 2007 10:40am

Different people have different opinions on how sex with a
condom feels. The most common complaint from guys is that
they "can't feel anything." Many people say that sex feels
better with condoms because they can relax and not worry
about pregnancy (if it's a guy and a girl having sex) and
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For tips making sex
with condoms feel better, check out
http://www.sexetc.org/faq/birth_control/1054.

no protection

Posted by: kaysee on Nov 14th, 2007 9:27pm

Me and my friend barely us condoms because it takes all the
feeling away why is that?