How should I use a condom?

It is important that a man's penis does not make contact with a woman's vagina before a condom has been put on. This is because semen can come out of the penis before a man has fully ejaculated (cum). If this happens, or if semen leaks into the vagina while using a condom, a woman should consider the use of emergency contraception and getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Check the expiration date on the package to make sure the condom is not too old to be effective.  Then, hold the bulb of the condom between the finger and thumb.  The rolled up ridge needs to be on the outside of the condom as it is unrolled down the penis.  Hold the bulb to make sure that no air is trapped inside.  Then, place the condom over the head of the erect penis and gently unroll the condom all the way down.  If the ridge is on the inside (if the condom is inside out), get a new condom and try again.

Immediately after ejaculation, before the penis has lost its erection, it is important to withdraw the penis and hold the condom in place.  This is because sperm can leak out once the man loses his erection.  Once the penis is outside of the vagina, pull the condom off slowly, being careful not to spill the contents. Check if the condom is damaged or there is a leak and discard the condom.  If the condom is damaged or there’s a leak a woman might consider using emergency contraception.

Before any further sexual contact, both partners should wash their hands if they have touched the condom. A new condom should be used, even if the male isn't planning to ejaculate again, if the couple continues sexual contact.  Never try to re-use a condom. Use a new condom each and every time you have sex, even if you have intercourse again immediately.