Condoms should be used for vaginal and anal sex to protect against STDs and pregnancy. It’s especially important to use them if you’re not on another form of birth control and/or are not exclusive with your partner (who has also been tested). Condoms can also be used to cover sex toys or objects. The issue with condoms, like many others forms of birth control, is that there is lot of room for error–but condoms are only effective when used properly. Condoms can break, tear, fall off or be put on incorrectly. Knowing how to use a condom is crucial because they are the only form of birth control that will protect you from STDs and STIs. Luckily, condoms are usually very accessible and affordable.
When opening a condom, be carefully as to only break the wrapper so that the condom stays in tact. Some people like to place lube inside the tip of the condom to keep it comfortable. Although this is not necessary, the less friction there is when using the condom, the less likely it is to break or tear. If you do choose to use lube, make sure to use non-oil based, latex-safe lube. I personally use Latex lube and my favorite brand is Pjur (which you can purchase online and at most sex stores). Other forms of lube like cooking oils, vaseline, etc. can cause the condom to break and can be unsafe to use, so make sure to do some research before experimenting.
To put on the condom, start by pinching the tip, leaving about an inch of space at the top–this is important to ensure that there is no air inside, which can cause the condom to break–then, roll the condom slowly over the shaft of the penis, sex toy, or object. If the condom doesn’t unroll smoothly, it’s probably inside out and needs to be taken off, flipped and rolled the other way. Unroll the condom all the way down to the base and make sure you are pushing out any air as you cover the shaft of the penis. Once the condom is on, you can place more lube on the exterior of the condom if you’d like; the additional lube is not necessary but it can increase durability of the condom and make the experience more pleasurable for both of you.
Putting a condom on an uncircumcised penis is a little different; gently pull and hold the foreskin back, then unroll the condom down the shaft of the penis. Once the condom is rolled out fully, release the foreskin and let it roll back into place naturally.
After ejaculation, it’s best to take the condom off immediately. Roll it off slowly, making sure it doesn’t slip off, and dispose of the condom. You must use a new condom for each new sexual activity! So, when you are switching between anal, vaginal and oral sex, always put on a new clean condom. Condoms should never be reused and when you don’t use a new condom between each of these sexual activities, you increase your risk of getting an infection and spreading unwanted bacteria.
The thinner the condom the better! Thinner condoms create less friction which allows for further durability and sensation. Also, the majority of condoms fit most penis sizes; when a condom is labeled as larger or smaller–the size change usually refers to the ring size. Make sure you are not buying a condom that is too big because they will slip off the base and be ineffective.
Also, don’t flush condoms down the toilet–condoms are latex and can clog your toilet. Instead, wrap it in toilet paper and dispose of it. Afterwards, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water and your genitals with warm water!
Artwork by @juliadelatorre