Condoms: Dealing Day-To-Day

Reviewed By:
Joanne Poje Tomasulo, M.D., ACOG

If you use a condom, there are certain tips you should follow to make sure you are using the condom safely and effectively. To ensure maximum protection against pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases, condoms must be used correctly.

Male condom application and use

To use a male condom:

1. The condom should be put on after the penis is erect, and before the penis makes contact with any part of the partner's body. This will prevent exposure to body fluids that may cause pregnancy or carry disease.
   
   
2. If using spermicide or lubricant, put some inside the tip of the condom.
   
   
3. If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch (1 centimeter) space. This will create a space in which the sperm can be collected.
   
   
4. If the penis has a foreskin, pull it back before putting on the condom.
   
   
5. Squeeze the tip of the condom to remove any air that may be trapped inside. While pinching the half-inch tip, place the condom on the erect penis and unroll it all the way to the base of the penis. The rolled up ring should be on the outside. If it is not, the condom is on wrong. Throw it away and apply a new one. If the condom does not unroll, it is on the penis incorrectly. Throw it away and place a new condom on the penis. All condoms must be thrown away in these situations because once they are in place, they may contain semen.
   
   
6. Use your hand to smooth out any air bubbles. This will ensure that the condom fits the penis correctly. Removing the air also makes it less likely for the condom to break or come off.
   
   
7. Put more spermicide or lubricant on the outside of the condom prior to intercourse to prevent possible tearing or breakage.
   
   
8. After ejaculation, remove the penis while it is still erect. Firmly grip the base of the condom and carefully withdraw from the partner's body. This will prevent the condom from slipping off the penis and spilling semen into the vagina.
   
   
9. To remove the condom from the penis, pull it off gently. Be cautious not to spill any semen out of the condom.
   
   
10. Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others will not handle it. Condoms should not be flushed in the toilet because they may cause problems in sewers.
    
    
11. Wash hands with soap and water.

Additional tips for using a male condom correctly include:

• Do not reuse a condom. A new condom should be used with every sexual act.
  
  
• Open the condom wrapper carefully. Do not use teeth, fingernails or other sharp objects to open the wrapper. This may cause the condom to tear. Jewelry, zippers and belt buckles can also cause a tear.
  
  
• Do not use a condom that looks defective. The condom should not stick to itself or appear gummy. The tip of the condom should also be checked for flaws, such as brittleness, tears or holes. The condom should not be unrolled when checking for damage. This could cause the condom to tear.
  
  
• Do not use oil-based lubricants. Condoms should not come into contact with oil in any form. Lubricants that contain oils, fats or grease, such as petroleum jelly, baby oil and hand and body lotions should never be used. These products can deteriorate the rubber and cause it to break. Only condom-friendly, water-based lubricants should be used.
  
  
• Store condoms correctly. Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures. They should be kept in their package and away from direct sunlight. When stored incorrectly, condoms may become brittle or gummy, making them likely to break. A closet or drawer is a good place to store condoms. They may also be carried in a loose pocket, wallet or purse, but only for a few hours. Condoms should not be placed in a hot location, such as a glove compartment.
  
  
• Always check the expiration date before using a condom. Expired condoms should not be used.
  
  
• Do not use a damaged condom. A condom should not be used if it appears sticky, stiff or looks damaged in any other way.
  
  
• Stop intercourse immediately if the condom breaks. If the condom breaks, the man should immediately withdraw from his partner. Protection from pregnancy and STDs may have been compromised. A new condom should be put on and additional spermicide should be used.

Female condom application and use

Unlike the male condom, the female condom may be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse. To use a female condom:

1. While holding the condom at its closed end, grab the flexible inner ring and squeeze it closed with the thumb and second or middle finger. This will make the ring long and narrow.
   
   
2. Assume a comfortable position for insertion. You can squat, raise one leg, sit or lie down for insertion.
   
   
3. Gently insert the inner ring into the vagina. You should feel the ring move up and set into place.
   
   
4. Place the index finger into the condom, and use the finger to push the inner ring up as far as it will go. Caution should be taken not to puncture or tear the condom during this step.
   
   
5. Be sure the condom is not twisted, and that the outer ring is outside the vagina.
   
   
6. Use a hand to gently guide the penis into the opening of the condom. Be sure the penis is entering the condom correctly, and not entering between the side of the condom and the vaginal wall. Appropriate lubrication may help prevent any tearing of the condom.
   
   
7. After intercourse, remove the condom by twisting the outer ring and gently pulling the condom out. This will prevent the semen from spilling out. The condom does not need to be removed immediately after intercourse, but should be removed before the woman stands up to avoid spilling the semen.
   
   
8. Wrap the condom in its original packaging or in a tissue and throw it in the garbage where others will not handle it. Condoms should not be flushed in the toilet because they may cause problems in sewers.

Like the male condom, the female condom should be opened carefully to avoid tearing. The female condom should be used only once, and never used past its expiration date. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a shelf life for female condoms of five years past the date of manufacture. Unlike male condoms, the female condom does not require special storage. The polyurethane it is made from is much more resistant to temperature and other conditions. The female condom can also be used with either water-based or oil-based lubricants.

Male and female condoms should not be used at the same time. The condoms may get stuck together, causing one or the other to slip out of place during intercourse.