Condoms are effective barrier methods that help prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But it’s essential to use them every time and know how to use them correctly.
If condoms aren’t used correctly, you’re more likely to experience breaks, tears, and other issues that increase pregnancy or infection risk for you and your partner.
Barrier methods like condoms work best when they’re stored and used correctly and consistently.
You should always check that your chosen barrier method is safe to use before you engage in intercourse.
Make sure to:
- Check the expiration date: All condoms or dental dams have an expiration date printed on the box or the wrapper. Don’t use the condom after this date. Expired condoms may be more prone to tearing or breaking.
- Look for obvious issues: If a condom feels brittle or sticky, throw it away and get a new one. If a condom is discolored, has an odor, or has any unusual textures, throw it away. It’s better to use a condom you can trust.
- Look for signs of friction: It’s best to avoid storing condoms in your wallet or purse, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. If you do this, make sure to check for signs of friction on the wrapper. If the color has rubbed off, the condom inside is probably worn down, too. This means it’s more likely to break, so throw it away and get a new one.
External (outside) condoms are a barrier method of protection. They cover the penis tip and shaft and capture ejaculate that’s released during orgasm.
Here’s how to use an outside condom correctly:
- Open the condom wrapper carefully. Don’t use your teeth or scissors; both could accidentally tear or puncture the condom.
- Check for damage or wear and tear that might make the condom fail.
- Hold the rim of the condom in one hand. Pinch the tip of the condom with your thumb and forefinger of your other hand.
- Roll the condom down the penis, making sure the rim is on the outside. If the rim is under and not rolling correctly, remove the condom and throw it away. Precum may be on the condom, and precum may contain trace amounts of semen.
- Apply a few drops of a water-based lube to the outside of the condom if you’d like to reduce friction. Lube can also enhance sensitivity.
- After orgasm or ejaculation, pull out of your partner’s body while your penis is still erect. Hold the condom in place with one hand while you pull out. Holding the condom prevents slippage, which could introduce semen or fluids into your partner’s body.
An outside condom can be used for vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Not only can it protect against unintended pregnancy, but it can also prevent STIs and other bacteria from passing between partners.
Internal (inside) condoms are larger than outside condoms. However, most people can still use them comfortably and effectively. Inside condoms are primarily used for vaginal sex, but they can also be used for anal sex.
Here’s how to use an inside condom:
- Remove the condom from the packaging. Don’t use your teeth or scissors, as this may tear or rip the condom.
- Get into a comfortable position. Consider lying on your bed or propping your leg on a stool.
- Pinch the smaller, inner ring that’s at the closed end of the condom between your thumb and forefinger. Use your other hand to pull back the folds of your labia around the vagina. Slide the squeezed inner ring into your vagina.
- Slide your forefinger, middle finger, or both into the open end of the condom until you reach the closed end of the condom. Gently push the condom further into your vagina until you reach the cervix.
- Rest the outer ring of the condom on the external hole or vagina. Hold it in place during intercourse. If the outer ring goes into the hole or vagina during penetration, pull it back out.
- Insert the penis into the condom, ensuring that it goes into the hole or vagina and not between the condom and the hole or vagina.
- After orgasm or ejaculation, twist the condom and gently pull it out of the vagina or hole, being careful not to spill semen.
Like outside condoms, inside condoms can be highly effective at preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of STI transmission when used correctly.
An outside condom can be used for penile oral sex and anal sex and should be applied before any sex begins. Put the condom on as you would for vaginal or anal sex.
After an orgasm or ejaculation, you should remove the condom, being careful not to spill any semen.
For vaginal oral sex or anal sex, you can also use a dental dam. A dental dam is a latex or polyurethane sheet that helps protect against the spread of STIs.
You can use lubrication (lube) with condoms to reduce friction and increase sensation. You should use water- or silicone-based lube if you’re using a latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condom.
Oil-based lubes, including petroleum jelly, lotion, or baby oil, can break down these condoms, which might lead to failure during intercourse.
You can also use spermicide with condoms. In fact, using a barrier method with spermicide can provide an even greater level of protection against unintended pregnancy.
You can apply spermicide to the outside of an external condom, the inside of an internal condom, or directly into the vagina before sex. You can also buy condoms already coated in spermicide.
Most spermicides have a window of effectiveness. Follow the directions on the spermicide’s box, and don’t use the product outside of that window.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends waiting 10 to 15 minutes after insertion to let the spermicide become effective, but again, check your specific product’s directions. If more than 60 minutes have passed, insert the spermicide again before having sex, and don’t douce or remove the spermicide for at least 6 hours after inserting it.
If you want to confirm that the condom didn’t break during intercourse, you can remove the condom carefully and fill it with water under a running faucet. If there’s a break in the condom, water will leak through the hole. If no water leaks, the condom didn’t break during use.
Afterward, you can twist the condom or tie the open end in a knot. Wrap the condom in tissue and throw it in the garbage. Don’t flush the condom down the toilet — this can clog your plumbing.
If you’re in the middle of sex when you discover a broken condom, immediately withdraw from your partner’s body. Remove the condom and replace it with a new condom. Use a new dam if it breaks or tears.
If you know the condom broke during sex or you’re worried you or your partner might have been exposed to semen, you have options to prevent an unintended pregnancy. Visit your doctor, a pharmacy, or a health clinic and ask about emergency contraception.
The World Health Organization states that emergency contraceptive pill and copper intrauterine device (IUD) can be used
You may also consider getting tested for STIs to ensure that nothing is transmitted between you and your partner.
Correct condom use goes beyond properly inserting or rolling a condom. You should also keep the following in mind when selecting and using condoms:
- Size matters: Don’t be aspirational with your condom choice. A properly-fitted condom is the most effective, while a condom that’s too big or too small may slip or roll off during sex.
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t wait to try applying a condom when you’re in the heat of the moment. Try using an extra condom before you need one so you feel more confident.
- Look for alternative materials: Latex is the most common condom option, but condoms made from other materials are available if you have an allergy. Look for condoms made from polyurethane or polyisoprene. Lambskin condoms are also available, but they don’t protect against STIs.
- Get condoms for free: You may be able to get free condoms from your local health department, some general health clinics, Planned Parenthood centers, and other places with nurse stations.
- Store condoms correctly: It’s not a good idea to keep condoms in your wallet, purse, car, or bathrooms. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place where they won’t be exposed to heat, humidity, or friction.
- Have a conversation: Talk with your partner about the variety of options that are available — condoms come in a variety of flavors and textures — and find something that you can use correctly and consistently.
Condoms are one of the most effective birth control methods and can help lower the risk of STIs.
Knowing you’re protected can also make sex more relaxing and enjoyable. When you know you’re protected against unplanned pregnancy and STIs, you and your partner can relax and enjoy each other more.