If you are looking for a simple guide about how to put on a condom then follow the 15 simple steps below:

1.Erection

It seems like an obvious thing but you need to have an erect penis before you attempt to put on the condom. Roll the condom down the erect penis before any anal, oral or vaginal contact is made.

2.Damage

Before you put the condom onto the penis ensure that the foil wrapping which contains the condom is not ripped nor has signs of any wear and tear. For example, if the foil feels slippery this is an indication that a (lubricated) condom has lost some of its lubrication due to damaged packaging. Do not use a damaged condom as the likelihood is that it won’t be effective.

3.Expiry date

All condoms have an expiry date. Make sure you check the date before using a condom. For your own safety do not use a condom that has passed its expiry date.

4.Tear open

When opening the condom foil use your hands to tear open the airtight packaging in the middle or at the notch. Be careful not to rip the condom with nails or any sharp objects. Do not use your teeth to open the packaging with – this is just asking for trouble.

5.Right way up

Ensure that the part of the condom that unravels is on the outside before placing onto the penis to make sure that you have it on the correct way round.

6.Be gentle

Softly draw back the foreskin of the erect penis.

7.Squeeze

In order to clear space for the semen after ejaculation squeeze the tip of the condom between the thumb and the forefinger to expel any air from this area.

8.Unrolling

Hold the tip of the condom between your thumb and forefinger and use the other hand to roll the condom down the shaft of the penis. If you accidently put the condom on the wrong way round and it won’t unroll you will need to throw the condom away as the clear pre-ejaculation fluid on the end of the penis contains sperm that can carry sexually transmitted infections. Once a condom has touched the penis it cannot safely be turned over and used the correct way round.

9.Lubricant (if needed)

If you require some extra lubrication make sure that it is water based if your condom is made of latex. Oil based lubricants damage latex condoms.

10.Intercourse

During intercourse it is advisable to always change a condom if you are moving from anal to any other form of intercourse.

11.Ejaculation

After ejaculation has taken place hold the rim of the condom to the base of the penis and withdraw. The semen should remain inside the condom.

12.Shrinkage

Make sure that you withdraw the penis from the condom whilst still erect as if it allowed to return to a flaccid state the seal of the condom to the penis will fail.

13.Remember to tie a knot

As soon as the penis is withdrawn from the condom tie a knot in the end to prevent leakage. Remember a condom should only be used once.

14.Disposal

Once you have finished with the condom, dispose of it in a rubbish bin. Do not place down the toilet as it will pollute the system.

15.Wash your hands