Putting on a condom can be easy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a simple mistake. From tears and rips, to condoms being put on the wrong way round, there are a few wrong turns that you may need to sidestep.
Our easy 5 steps for putting a condom on should help you to avoid any of these minor mistakes. Let’s get started:
Check the use-by date
The first thing you should do before you put on a condom is to check the use-by date. If it is not in date anymore, bin it and grab yourself another one that is in date. Checking the expiration date on the wrapper only takes a second, and once you’ve checked it, you’re ready for step 2.
Open carefully
Be very careful when opening the packet. Gently push the condom to one side of the wrapper, and tear from the corner on the other side, which has more space. This will avoid damaging or ripping the condom.
Quick tip: when you’re handling the condom, keep it away from sharp nails and jewellery!
Check the condom is the right way round
Next, check the condom is the right way round – the teat end should be pointing up. Hold the teat with your thumb and forefinger. If you accidentally put it on the wrong side, throw the condom away and get another one.
Precum contains semen, if you happen to get precum on the wrong side of the condom and continue to use it, the effectiveness of the condom is lost.
To make life easier, condoms now face the right way (logo) down, so you can focus on the good bit.
Apply teat end up
Now we’re ready to put the condom on but, before you do, make sure the penis is fully erect. Leave about a half an inch of extra space at the tip of the condom by pinching out any extra air between your thumb and finger. Trapped air can make the condom split, which is the last thing you want.
Roll the condom on
Now, simply roll the condom to the base of the penis while smoothing out any air bubbles around the shaft. It really is that easy. Stick with these simple 5 steps and you’re ready to rumble, as they say.
Still have a few questions about how to use a condom? In this image, the lovely Charlotte has all the tips and tricks you could ever need:
How to put a condom on
Finish safely
Before you pull out, and while you’re still hard, hold the condom at the base of the penis to make sure it doesn’t slip off. You can take the condom off when your penis is completely out of your partner. Tie a knot in the condom so that the contents don’t spill out, then wrap it in a tissue and put it in the bin.