It might have been back at school just for fun with your friends (think Biology class and that banana), or maybe even when you first found that special someone that you wondered exactly how to put on a condom. Rolling one on with your mouth isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but knowing the basics means you don’t have to mull over the technique and potentially ruin the party. Instead, you can have some fun with this must-have item, one that helps to prevent the possibility of transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly.

Condom advice in 7 simple steps

Step 1. Check the expiration date

It sounds obvious but always check the expiration date on the wrapper. This is more of an administrative task before the party has started. As soon as the penis gets hard it is time to put the condom on.

Step 2. Carefully open the packet

Carefully tear the packet from the serrated zigzag edge, and when handling the condom pay attention to sharp nails, jewellery or your teeth – you don’t want to damage it and delay the fun finding a new one, or even worse, realise it's your last one.

Step 3. Check the condom is the right way round

The condom can only easily roll on in one direction so you need to make sure it’s the right way up. The pointy hat part needs to face away from the tip of the penis before you put it on. Durex condoms have a standard orientation, so you always know which side is the right way up (the side with the logo shows you the bottom of the condom). When you've taken the condom out, squeeze the teat end of the condom so there’s no air trapped inside (the condom may split if air is trapped inside) and place it over the head of the erect penis. You need to make sure the condom fits snugly over your penis with no baggy spots so make sure you wait until you are completely ready and fully erect.

The condom can only easily roll on in one direction so you need to make sure it’s the right way up.

Step 4. Roll the condom on

If you are uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before keeping one hand at the head of the penis with the teat of the condom between your forefinger and thumb, and use the other to roll the condom on all the way down the shaft to the base. If the condom will not unroll, it is probably on inside out – start again with a new condom, as there may be sperm on it.

Step 5. Apply lube

Now is the time you could choose to rub one of the Durex water-based, or silicon-based lubricants on to the outside of the condom. Applying lubricant is recommended especially if you are not using a pre-lubricated condom, and even if you are, using extra lubricant can make sex feel better, help to avoid any breakages and help to protect against irritation.

Step 6. Make sure you take it off safely

Now you are armed and ready for action! If the condom rolls back up during sex you just need to roll it back down, or if it comes off, you need to take your penis out and put on a new one. After you have finished be sure to hold the condom at the base of your penis while you are still erect before you pull out to make sure it doesn’t slip off. You can take the condom off when your penis is withdrawn from your partner.

Step 7. Put it in the bin

Finally, tie a knot in the condom so that none of the contents spill out. Wrap it in a tissue and put it in the bin

Condom dos and don'ts

Do's

  • Do choose the right size for you – make sure your condom fits comfortably and securely
  • Do use condoms for vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex – STIs can be spread in more than one way
  • Do store condoms in a cool, dark and dry place – avoid excess heat and moisture

Don'ts

  • Don't use oil-based lubricants with condoms – these make it more likely to break. Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant only.
  • Don't wash, re-use or attempt to fix a condom – use a new condom every time you have intercourse, especially if you feel the condom break
  • Don't use the same condom when switching from anal sex to vaginal sex – wear a new one to avoid spreading bacteria

Disclaimer

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Reckitt Benckiser, Auckland. RB-M-105990.

RB-M-105990.