How to Use a Condom Correctly: Key Steps & Mistakes

To use condoms correctly, carefully open the packaging, place the condom on the tip of the erect penis, squeeze the air out of the tip, and roll it down to the base. That may sound simple, yet many people make mistakes during use that can reduce the condom’s effectiveness. Proper use is crucial to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. In this article, we will show you how to properly put on a condom, which mistakes to avoid, and answer frequently asked questions on the topic.

Table of Contents

• Why is proper condom use important?
• How do I correctly open and put on a condom?
• What common mistakes when using condoms should be avoided?
• Frequently asked questions
  
• Summary

Why is proper condom use important?

A condom should always be put on before any direct contact between genitals occurs – that means before penetration into the vagina, anus, or during oral sex. For a condom to offer full protection, it must be used correctly. Incorrect use, such as air bubbles or not unrolling it completely, can cause the condom to tear or slip off, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).

Which STIs does a condom protect against?

Condoms provide a high, though not complete, level of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They offer reliable protection against infections transmitted through bodily fluids, such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis B. However, with infections transmitted through intimate skin contact, such as herpes, HPV (genital warts), or syphilis, there is still a risk of infection if the affected skin areas are not covered by the condom (CDC, 2024).

How do I correctly open and put on a condom?

The following steps can help ensure that the condom is used properly and retains its protective function:

Source: Own illustration based on NHS, 2024

1. Check the expiration date and packaging: Make sure the condom has not expired, as expired condoms are more likely to break. Gently press on the package to ensure it is intact and contains air. If it does not, use a new condom.
2. Open the package carefully: Never use teeth or sharp objects to open the package. Tear it open at the designated edge.
3. Check for damage and determine the correct side: Make sure the condom is the right way round, meaning it should unroll easily before placing it on the erect penis.
4. Reservoir tip: Pinch the tip of the condom to leave room for semen. This prevents the condom from bursting due to pressure and ensures there is enough space for semen.
5. Unroll: Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the penis. Make sure it lies flat without air bubbles, as these can cause the condom to tear.

Source:  NHS, 2024

How to remove a condom after sex

After sex, the penis should be withdrawn from the vagina or anus while still erect. Hold the condom at the base (close to the body) to prevent it from slipping off. Then carefully roll the condom off, dispose of it safely, and wash your hands thoroughly (NHS, 2024).

What common mistakes should be avoided when using condoms?

By avoiding these common mistakes and following the correct steps for condom use, you can effectively protect yourself and your partner from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs):

• Opening the packaging with sharp objects (risk of tearing).
• Putting the condom on the wrong way (rolled side inside).
• Using the wrong condom size (condom may slip).
• Not squeezing air out of the tip (no space for semen).
• Not unrolling the condom completely (condom may slip).
• Using expired condoms (material may tear more easily).
• Using two condoms at once (friction increases risk of tearing).
• Reusing condoms (severely reduced protection).

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Frequently asked questions

Can condoms be used in water (e.g., in the shower or hot tub)?

Condoms can be used in water, such as in the shower or hot tub, but with caution. Hot water, soaps, and chemicals in pools or hot tubs can weaken the material or increase the risk of tearing. In addition, water reduces the friction between the condom and the skin, causing the condom to fit more loosely and increasing the risk of it slipping off or falling off during sex (Brito, 2020).

What should I do if a condom tears or bursts?

If a condom bursts, tears, or slips off, intercourse should be stopped immediately and any remaining condom pieces carefully removed. If pregnancy is a concern, the morning-after pill may be a useful emergency contraception option. It is advisable to see a doctor to assess the risk of infection and to carry out testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if necessary.

What to do in case of a latex allergy?

Some people are allergic to latex, which is commonly used in condoms. Symptoms of a latex allergy can include skin redness, itching, and swelling. In this case, condoms made from alternative materials such as polyurethane or polyisoprene should be used. These are usually readily available at pharmacies and drugstores and offer comparable protection (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). With the allergy test extensive from Homed-IQ, you can conveniently test yourself for a wide range of allergies at home, including latex allergy.

Get an overview of your sexual health!
Condoms are an effective measure for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they do not offer complete protection. Regular STI testing is particularly important—especially for people with multiple sexual partners, in new relationships, or after unprotected sex. These tests are the safest way to detect hidden infections, which often show no symptoms, and to avoid long-term consequences or unknowingly transmitting infections. With Homed-IQ, you can, for example, take a comprehensive STI test for many common sexually transmitted infections or choose to test for specific STIs, such as the HPV test for women or the chlamydia test.

Summary

Correct condom use is essential for preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. It is important to follow the correct steps when using a condom, including checking the expiration date, carefully opening the packaging, squeezing air from the tip, and unrolling it completely. Mistakes such as putting the condom on incorrectly, not squeezing out the air, or using expired condoms can significantly reduce its effectiveness. In addition to using condoms, regular STI testing is a crucial measure for maintaining sexual health.