How To Put On a Condom
By: Althea Richert
So….you and a consenting partner(s) are ready to have sex! Whether you are having oral, vaginal, or anal sex, condoms are an effective way to prevent pregnancy and/or the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used correctly, every time, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, however, with typical use they are only about 87% effective – and that is why we wrote this blog!
Condoms are also highly effective at preventing the transmission of STIs, depending on the mode of transmission, which can vary. Some STIs, such as genital herpes, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV), can transmit infections through infected areas of skin not covered by condoms. For STIs transmitted exclusively through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as semen, (i.e. chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and HIV) condoms are a highly effective way to prevent infection.
In order for condoms to do their job of protecting you and your partner, you have to use them correctly every single time you have sex and every time you are having intercourse and change the type of sex you are having (for example if you go directly from having anal to vaginal sex or vice versa). It is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and you can always practice at home without a partner (a banana or sex toy works just fine if you don’t have a penis).
*This step-by-step guide is only for external (“male”) condoms
Step 1: Check the condom packaging for an air bubble (you want to make sure there are no rips or tears) and check the expiration date to be sure it is still effective. Do not use an expired condom. It is best not to open the condom with your teeth, scissors, or anything sharp.
Bonus! Store your condoms in a cool and dry spot where they won’t be exposed to a lot of friction. So, not a wallet, as convenient as it may be.
Step 2: Before putting the condom on a penis or other sex toy (use a new condom if a different person will be using the sex toy), make sure that it is facing the right way. It should look like a beanie, with the rim on the outside so the rest of the condom can roll down easily. If you put the condom on the wrong way, don’t stress, just grab a new one and start over. AND…if you’re worried about the cost of grabbing a new one, Bridgercare has free condoms!
Step 3: Pinch the air out of the tip of the condom (this leaves room for ejaculate or cum to be stored) and roll it all the way down while holding the tip.
Bonus! Don’t use multiple external condoms at one time or pair external condoms with internal condoms. Using multiple condoms can increase the chance of ripping or tearing and reduce their effectiveness.
Step 4: Have fun, consensual sex!
Bonus! Many condoms come lubricated, but it can be helpful to add a few drops of a water-based or silicone-based lubricant to the outside of the condom. This can make sex more comfortable and prevent tearing of the condom. Do not use oil-based lubricants or other types of household oils as they can break down the materials used to make condoms. Bridgercare has free lube!
Step 5: After you or your partner ejaculates (cums) and before the penis gets soft, grip the base of the penis and the condom and pull out. This is still an important step to practice if you are using a sex toy.
Step 6: Move away from your partner, carefully remove the condom, and safely dispose of the condom. Use a new one if you continue to have any type of sex.
If you or someone you know needs condoms, Bridgercare is a great resource! We hand out over 60,000 free condoms a year of all sizes, colors, and flavors. The Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC), regulates the production of condoms so you can be sure that no matter what type of condom you use, they will all be equally effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs!
Check out our video on how to put on a condom here!