There will be instructions with the packet which should be read carefully before using condoms for the first time.

Here is a basic guide:

Before you start, REMEMBER, condoms are less effective if:

• If the penis touches the area around the vagina before a condom is put on.

• If it is ripped by sharp nails, rings or flies (get your trousers down lads).

• Oil-based products (e.g. hand cream, Vaseline) can damage rubber condoms.

• If it slips off. 

How to put on a condom:

• Put the condom on when the penis is erect, before the penis touches the vagina.

• Take the condom out of its wrapper carefully, making sure you don't rip the rubber; do not use your teeth, do not use a knife or scissors. Always handle the condom with care, if it tears it is useless.
• Flick the rolled up condom. The tip will pop out, and this means it is the right way up so that it doesn't go on upside down.
• Take out the condom and put it on as soon as there is an erection.
• Cup the condom between your fingers to put some lubricant or spericide inside, this helps stop breakage.
• Squeeze the end between finger and thumb, so no air gets trapped, and place the still rolled up condom at the tip of the erect penis.
• Still pinching the end, use your other hand to unroll the condom carefully down the full length of the penis. The curled rubber should roll down the outside - not inside - of the condom. (make sure it isn't inside out)
• Make sure that there is room left at the end of the condom (this is why you pinch it as you roll).

• After ejaculating (coming), the boy should hold the top (closest to your body) of the condom as he withdraws his penis while it's still erect.
• Remove the condom by firmly holding the top of the condom and pulling down keeping the condom open as if it were still being worn.
• Take the condom off when the penis is fully withdrawn.
• Remove the condom right away after you have an orgasm.
• DO NOT unroll the condom to get it off, or roll it down the shaft if the penis - pull it off carefully and intact.
• DO NOT let the condom be turned inside out while you remove it and avoid spillage by holding the top.
• Dispose of the condom as soon as you are done.
• If you have sex again right away, or try oral or anal sex, use a new condom.

• If you use a lubricant make sure it’s water-based (like KY Jelly) - oil-based lubricants (like Vaseline) can make condoms break.
• If the condom splits see your doctor or family planning clinic right away.
• Do not store condoms in your wallet, or in other places where it can be damaged by heat or 'wear and tear'
• DO NOT use a condom that has expired.
• DO NOT use spermicidal condoms for oral sex - DO use a condom during oral sex (you can even buy flavoured ones!)
• DO NOT use the same condom more than once
• DO NOT double up: use one condom at a time, and use a new one for each sex act.

Get condoms:

• at the chemists
• in gent’s (and ladies') loos
• Brook Advisory Centres http://www.brook.org.uk - 0800 0185023 for your nearest
• any family planning clinic
• other young people’s clinics

They cost around £3.50 for three from chemists supermarkets and corner shops.

Always use a new condom each time. 

When buying condoms, choose ones displaying the British Standards Kitemark (a heart with an S-shape inside), or a CE Kitemark. These will definitely be reliable. Also, check the expiry date.

Family Planning Association - for details of local clinics, call the Contraceptive Education Service.

England - 0845 310 1334

Scotland - 0141 576 5088

N. Ireland - 02890 325488