10 Steps On Using a Male Condom…Correctly

Male condoms are 98% effective if used correctly. They are also one of the only methods that protect against both pregnancy and STIs. However, remember that condoms are not effective if they are not put on properly or are the wrong size as they can slip off. Men are more likely to believe that using a condom will lessen sexual pleasure, diminish intimacy, waste sperm, be like masturbation or be associated with a loss of virility. Everyone thinks they know how to use a condom till they are given a clear illustration. A mistake while putting on a condom could cause many mishaps, such as unplanned pregnancy, STIs and HIV.

1. Opening the condom

Carefully tear open the top of the packet; making sure the condom is not torn as well (don’t use teeth!) If you move the condom to a smooth edge it become easier to tear the package open from one ridged side to another.

2. Determine which way the condom is rolled

Placing one hand on either side, pinch the rolled ring of the condom between your thumb and fingers. Gently roll the condom in one direction with your fingers. If it resists rolling, this is not the direction in which you will want to unroll the condom over the penis. Gently roll the condom in the other direction with your fingers. If it begins to unroll, this is the direction in which you should unroll the condom over the penis.

3. Make sure the condom is the right way up

Check that the condom is the right way up, with the roll outside. It should sit on your hand like a small Mexican hat. If you put the condom on the wrong way and then turn it around there might be pre-cum on the outside that can transmit infections and/or get someone pregnant.

4. Make sure the penis is erect

Wait until the penis is erect and hard. So that the condom can stretch and fit the penis. A condom should always fit snugly over a penis, leaving no tight or baggy spots.

 5. Pinch the entire tip of the condom

Pinch the teat at the top of the condom to get rid of any air inside the condom (this stops it from bursting).

 6. Roll the condom down

Unroll the condom down to the base of the penis, still holding the teat at the top with your other hand.

7. Lubricate

Coat the outside of the condom with lubricant. Only use a water- based lube such as KY jelly on a latex condom. Do not use an oil based ‘lubricant’ such as massage oil or baby oil. Anything with oil in it can make the latex condom split! Never use lubricant on the penis before putting on a condom as it might cause it slip off during sex.

8. Check on it

Occasionally check the condom to see if its not burst. If the condom becomes loose during intercourse remove it and put on another one. Also consider taking a morning after pill afterwards.

9. After sex, withdraw and remove the condom

After sex, withdraw while the penis is still erect, holding the condom at the base of the penis. Then remove the condom from the penis by carefully rolling it back from the base – don’t just pull the end.

10. Dispose of the condom

Tie a knot at the top of the condom without spilling any of the semen in it, rap it in a tissue and put it in a bin, don’t flush it down the toilet, this could clog the toilet. With each round of sex, a new condom should be used.

Mbali Radebe