Condoms are great at protecting against pregnancy and many STDs if you use them right each and every time you have sex!
Here are some important steps for using a condom right:
- Buy lubricated latex condoms or buy lube to put on your latex condoms. This helps make sex comfortable and dry condoms are more likely to break than lubricated condoms.
- Store your condoms in cool, dry places. Don’t keep them in your wallet or pants pocket for a long time because they will get hot and cause the condoms to become weak. This can make them break easily when they are used.
- Before you open the condom package, check the package to make sure there are no rips or holes. If the package is damaged, the condom is no good! Check the expiration date to make sure the condom isn’t too old to use.
- Open the package with your fingers- not your teeth!
- Remove the condom and figure out which side is the outside. It should look like a little hat. It needs to be placed on the penis like this so it will roll down right.
- Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom between two fingers and place the condom on the tip of the erect (hard) penis. By squeezing the air out of the tip, you’re making space for the semen (cum) to go into so the condom doesn’t break!
- While still holding the tip, use the other hand to roll the condom ALL THE WAY down to the base of the penis. You don’t want it slipping off!
- When you let go of the tip of the condom, be sure you left a space for the semen (cum).
- After ejaculating (cumming), hold onto the condom at the base of the penis with one hand and slowly remove your penis so the condom doesn’t slip off.
- Remove the condom being careful not to spill the semen (cum). Do not let your penis or condom gegt anywhere near the vaginal or anal opening. Tie a knot in the end of the condom so the semen stays inside.
- Wrap the condom in tissue and throw it away in a trash can. Don’t put it in the toilet because you don’t want to clog the plumbing!
Some other important things to know before using a condom:
- Never re-use a condom. It’s a one-time use only thing!
- You can use a condom for vaginal, anal, or oral sex but just use one condom per sex act.
- If you’re putting lube on a condom- only use WATER-BASED lubricant (like KY or Astroglide). Anything oil-based (like Vaseline, lotion, or cooking oil) will cause the condom to break!
- You can get condoms at most grocery stores, drug stores, and even gas stations. You can also get condoms for free or very cheap at a teen-friendly clinic near you.