Condoms are very effective at preventing most STIs and unplanned pregnancy if you’re having sex with a penis (or a toy). Learn how to use them here.
Condoms prevent most STIs and are excellent at preventing pregnancy. So if you’re going to have entry sex with a penis they’re a really good idea. However they only work if you put them on (obvs) and if you don’t put them on properly they can break. So here’s the BISH guide.
They can be pretty fiddly so it’s a good idea to practice on something before you start having sex (if you have a penis, your penis).
They are more likely to break if they get dry, so if this happens to you you might want to have some water based* lubricant with you too. Clinics give this away for free with condoms and can be great for masturbation too. (* things like baby oil and moisturiser can break condoms)
1. Open the packet
Put the condom on before the penis touches anyone. Hold the condom away from the edge and tear the packet using the jagged edge (to help you get it open). People often find this really difficult. Relax! It’s just like opening a bar of chocolate!
If you find it tricky getting condoms open, read this about making using condoms easier.
2. Get it the right way round
Hold the condom carefully (nails can tear condoms). Make sure the condom is the right way round before it touches the penis (the roll should be on the outside – check this by rolling between your thumb and finger).
3. Squeeze the tip
When the penis is hard, put it on. Squeeze the air at the top with one hand. Squeeze the top 2cm, to leave enough space for semen. If air is trapped in the condom it can break and sperm can leak out.
4. Roll it down gently
Then gently roll it down the penis with the other hand. There should be no air trapped at the top. Keep wearing it all the way through sex – or you’re not protected.
5. Well done! Now make sure
There’s no air trapped at the top
- It doesn’t slip off (check now and again).
- It doesn’t get dry (use water based lubricant or saliva).
- The condom is on when pulling out.
- You bin it after use (don’t re use).
Sometimes condoms break, usually if they aren’t used properly or if they get dry. If you are worried about an unplanned pregnancy, you can take the emergency contraception pill . This needs to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex to be effective but you have up to 72 or 120 after sex to take it.
Here’s me showing you how to use condoms in an amusing video. No you can’t touch my beard.
Find out more about different kinds of condoms
Scroll down to leave a comment. I moderate all comments before they go live. Click here to ask me a question
© Justin Hancock, 2022
I hope you’ve found this website helpful. Now here are all the ways you can help us, if you can.
This is one of the leading sex and relationships education resources online. We need your funding, so can you become a member of our Patreon?
Or if Patreon isn’t your thing, you could make a one off or regular donation via Donorbox
Would you like a BISH podcast? Would you buy merch? If you like answering questions like this please take my survey. It will take you less than a minute.
If you a) are over 18 and b) have money, you might like my coaching service. So if you are struggling with sex, relationships, and you generally, you might find it really useful. It’s really effective and you may well only need one or two sessions. Find out more at my coaching page here.
Buy my book
You could also buy my Sex Ed Activity Book, a fun zine with over 50 worksheets to help you to work out how you can do sex, love, and you.
If you’re over 18 and really into sex ed I have a podcast you might like called Culture Sex Relationships.
If you are an educator please check out my very popular RSE resources at bishtraining.com
Justin Hancock has been a trained sex and relationships educator since 1999. In that time he’s taught and given advice about sex and relationships with thousands of young people in person and millions online. He’s a member of the World Association for Sexual Health.
Support BISH on Patreon
Can you wear a condom for wanking?
tia
Absolutely! In the UK we call it a ‘posh’ or a ‘royal’ wank. It’s a good way to get used to using condoms, so you know how they feel if you were to have sex with someone. They also make the clean up easier.
Hi Justin!
I’m just asking that is a man allowed to wear a condom after receiving oral sex.
Please reply ASAP.
Thank you.
Sure. It’s okay to wear one before too.
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this amazing site needs
much more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read
through more, thanks for the information!
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I
will bbe waiting for your further write ups thanks once again.
Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure
things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where
to start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks
What’s upp to all, how is everything, I think evdry one is getting more froom this website, and your views are fastidious ffor new viewers.
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up
and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.
One of the bse article for the first time condom user, for the safe sex., condoms are very useful in many ways to enhance sexual pleasure, to prevent pregnancy and the deathly STI too.
Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to know a lot about this, like
you wrote the guide in it or something. I feel that you just can
do with some p.c. to force the message house a bit, however other than that, this is great blog.
A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.
So funny, very helpful, excellent beard
First, the compression mold design tips area must be
partitioned from the rest of the home requires containing the mold spores within the infected area.
Of all domesticated animals, dogs are the most loyal and loving of all.
Picking a bed for your pooch is as exciting as selecting your own bed or sofa.
For something rather more unusual you might
check out a pup sofa bed.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how
could we communicate?
Excellent site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it
to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And of course,
thanks in your sweat!
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing problems with your
RSS. I don’t understand why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else
having the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Omg I’m seuing you your telling anyone how to have sex
Great article, but LUBE! Seriously, that should be discussed in a fair amount of detail, and pretty high up the article. Mention that oil-based lubes damage condoms, mention that silicone lubes are often preferred over water-based (although they may damage silicone sex toys).
Thank you. I probably should have more about lube on this page.
I always emailed this webpage post page to all my contacts, forr the reason
that if like to read it next my friends will too.
Yvonne, it is quite normal for women to become wet during sex. This means that they are aroused, although this may not be the case for some women. It’s quite normal to become wet when having sex. Your friend may prefer the dryness for for his own arousal as it means it can be quite tight for him on penetration. This might not be the case for the woman though as being dry when having sex can be painful. Becoming wet is part of being sexually aroused and it’s a sign of enjoying sex. Women can become wet just by thinking or fantasising about sex, which is quite normal.
I hope this helps.