How to Know Which Way to Put on a Condom

While the act of using a condom may seem fairly easy, putting one on--the right way--isn't always obvious. However, it's important to learn how to do so, as putting it on the wrong way can make it more likely to slip off during sex or, worse, break during sex . Either event will put the sexual partners more at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Put on a Condom

1. Open the condom carefully and remove it from its package using only your hands. If you use your teeth, scissors, or a knife, you can damage the condom.

2. Look at the condom before you begin to put it on the penis. The part that looks like a rubber ring or opening to a large balloon should be facing you, as this is the part you want to roll over the penis. If the reservoir tip is facing you and the ring is on the other side, flip the condom over to ensure that you'll put it on correctly.

3. Hold the still-rolled-up condom and place it over the tip of the penis, with the tip of the condom pointing away from the penis. The ringed portion should go on first.

4. Leave an excess of about 1/2 inch of condom beyond the tip of the penis. This excess is the reservoir--receptacle--that will catch the man's semen when he ejaculates.

5. Squeeze the top portion of the condom to get rid of any air bubbles that may have formed there. Air bubbles may break the condom later.

6. Unroll the condom over the shaft of the penis, holding the tip as you do so. It should cover the entire length of the penis, all the way to the base of the shaft.

Tips & Warnings

• If the condom won't unroll properly, it may be inside out, and you'll have to take it off and try again. In such a case, start again with a new condom, as this one may have bodily fluids covering the outer portion of the condom that's suppose to prevent your partner from coming into contact with them in the first place.
• Always put a condom on an erect penis. This will help to ensure that it goes on properly and stays in place.
• Don't use lambskin or polyurethane condoms to prevent STDs; use latex instead. According to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (See Reference 1), lambskin is not effective for preventing STDs, and those made of polyurethane are more likely to break.
• Never use a condom twice. Condoms only provide reliable pregnancy and STD prevention if they are used one time.

References

• United States Department of Veterans Affairs
• Planned Parenthood
• MedlinePlus

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