If you are using external condoms alone as your regular contraceptive, you have to remember to use one every single time you have sex.
The first thing you need to do is purchase an appropriately sized condom in your preferred style and then check the date of expiry. Expired condoms break easily, and using an expired condom exposes you to the risk of infection or pregnancy.
How to put on a condom
– As soon as the penis is erect, unwrap the condom. Be careful not to tear it when you are unwrapping it. If it is torn, brittle, or stiff, throw it away and use another one.
– Hold about a half-inch of the tip of the condom between your thumb and index finger, then pinch the air out. The extra space at the tip helps to collect the semen after penis ejaculation.
– Place the open side of the condom on top of the penis and unroll it over the penis as far as it will go. If you find it hard to roll it, put a drop or two of non-oil-based lube inside the condom. It will help it slide on, and it will make things more pleasurable for your partner. Your partner can also help you put on the condom. If the penis is not circumcised, it is important to pull back the foreskin before rolling on the condom.
– Smooth out any air bubbles that get into the condom. Air bubbles can cause condoms to break.
– If you like, you can apply more water-based lube outside the condom to help prevent chafing.
Now, you are ready to have protected sex!
How to remove a condom
– Soon after ejaculation, hold the top part of the condom firmly against the still-erect penis and ensure that it remains in place as the penis is withdrawn. Make sure the penis is out before it goes soft.
– Hold on to the base of the condom while you pull out. This will help prevent semen from spilling out of the condom.
– To keep the semen inside the condom, tie a knot at the end of the open side.
– Check the condom for any holes or damage. If you notice any damage or if the condom slipped out during intercourse, a female partner should consider taking emergency contraception (within 72 hours). If you are worried about whether the sex was safe, make an appointment for a sexually transmitted infection screening and any other necessary safety procedure, such as taking Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). The same caution should be taken if a condom slips off during sex.
– Wrap the condom with tissue paper and throw it in a garbage can or a pit latrine (where available). Do not flush it down the toilet as it will block it. Always remember to keep the condom away from children and pets.
– Wash the penis with soap and water before having sex again (3).
Additional tips for using a condom correctly
External condoms are pretty easy to use, but here are some tips to help you use them properly:
– Use a condom every time you have sex.
– Always read the package instructions and remember to check the expiry date. An expired or damaged condom will break easily.
– Always make sure to check for tears or damage before using a condom.
– Make sure the condom is on before the penis touches your partner’s vulva. Pre-cum – the fluid that leaks from a penis before a man ejaculates – can contain sperm from a previous ejaculation.
– Don’t use more than one condom at the same time. Using more than one condom does not provide extra protection. Instead, it makes it easier for the condom to slip off and this increases the risk of pregnancy or an STI.
– Avoid using oil-based products with a condom, such as lotion, baby oil, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil. They will cause the condom to break.
– Never reuse a condom. Use only one condom per erection and have extra condoms available.
– Always store your condoms in a cool, dry place.
– AVOID storing condoms in your wallet. Friction and heat caused by movement can damage them (4).
