How to use a condom

  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

  1. Take out the condom as soon as there is an erection.

  2. Tear the wrapped carefully, making sure you don't rip the rubber; if it tears it is useless.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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)

  6. Make sure that there is room left at the end of the condom (this is why you pinch it as you roll).

 

How to take off a condom:

  1. Remove the condom right away after you have an orgasm.
  2. After ejaculating (coming), while your penis is still erect, hold the top of the condom and withdraw fully.
  3. Keep it away from your partner's body.
  4. 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 - do not unroll it.
  5. Wrap it in toilet paper and dispose of it.
  6. Wash your hands.

If the condom has split, make your partner see a doctor or go to a family planning clinic right away.

  • If you have sex again, use a new condom.

 

NEVER. NEVER. NEVER:

  • Use oil-based lubricants (like Vaseline), they make condoms break. Instead use water-based ones.
  • Store condoms in your wallet, or in other places where it can be damaged by heat or 'wear and tear'.
  • Use a condom that has expired.
  • Use spermicidal condoms for oral sex - DO use a condom during oral sex (you can even buy flavoured ones!)
  • Use the same condom more than once
  • 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 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.

 

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

 

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.