step 8

How to use a condom

Putting the condom on

Wait until the penis gets hard then take the condom out of the pack carefully.

Do not use your teeth to tear open the wrapper!

Watch out for rings and sharp fingernails, which can tear the condom.

If the penis has a foreskin, which is easy to roll back, you may find it easier to do this before putting on the condom.

Unroll the condom a bit to check that it's the right way round before putting it on the erect penis.

Squeeze the tip of the condom to get rid of any air. Place over the tip of the hard penis.

Sex can feel better if you can place a drop of lubricant in the tip of the condom before putting it on your penis. This is called 'gel-charging'.

Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.

If you are using a water-based lubricant, spread it over the outside of the condom when it's on the penis.

Check during sex that the condom hasn't slipped off. After sex, withdraw carefully while the penis is still hard.

Hold the condom at the base when you pull out, to stop it slipping off.

Wrap the condom in a tissue or piece of paper.

Dispose of condoms carefully in a bin, not down the toilet, as they will cause blockages.

Remember that you should not use a male condom and a female condom together or two male condoms together.