How to use a condom

  • When the penis is hard, and before there's any genital-to-genital contact, carefully take the condom out of the packet and check the expiry date. Be careful not to tear the condom.
  • If the penis has a foreskin, gently roll it back before putting on the condom.
  • Before you put the condom on the penis, unroll the condom a little bit to check that it’s the right way round and will unroll properly.
  • Squeeze the tip of the condom to get rid of any air, then place it over the tip of the penis. If air is inside the condom the air pressure will make it more likely to break.
  • Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis. If it won’t roll down, it’s the wrong way round. Throw this condom away because there could be pre cum or cum on the tip of it, and start again with a new one. Rolling all the way down ensures it doesn't come off easily and reduces STI infection such as genital warts.
  • If you’re using lubricant, make sure that it’s water-based and you are putting it on the condom itself not before you put on the condom.
  • Check during sex that the condom hasn’t slipped off (you should be able to feel it with your fingers at the base of the penis).
  • After sex, withdraw carefully while the penis is still hard. Hold the base of the condom to stop it coming off and to prevent any sperm from leaking.
  • Wrap the condom in a tissue and put in the bin. Don't put it down the toilet because this can cause blockages.

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Looking after your condoms and lube
  • Keep your condoms away from heat, bright lights or direct sunshine.
  • If you carry condoms around with you in your trouser pockets, it's worth checking regularly that the packaging is intact otherwise your condom can dry out and is more likely to tear.
  • Use by Date – it’s there for a reason, check your supplies.

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Why condoms fail and what you can do to make sure that condoms work for you
  • Lack of practice: If you've not had much experience using condoms then they're more likely to fail. If you hardly ever use them, then practice putting one on yourself.
  • Unrolling the condom before putting it on: The condom is designed to roll down the length of the penis. If you unroll it beforehand and try to pull it on, it's more likely to be weakened and to tear
  • Some creams and sprays sold as anal relaxants, to help make anal sex easier, also contain oils so they may damage condoms.
  • If you put lubricant on your penis before putting the condom on then there's a good chance that the condom will slip off.
  • Having sex for more than 30 minutes makes the condom more likely to burst – take a break and change the condom
  • The wrong size condom: Contrary to popular rumour, one size does not fit all. Fortunately condoms come in a range of shapes and sizes, so find one that suits you best. Condoms for bigger penis are usually called 'extra large' and condoms for the smaller penis are usually called 'trim' or 'snug'.

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For more information please visit:  Freedoms Shop

 
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