Condoms are a vital tool to help prevent pregnancy and STIs, so make sure they’re fully in place before you start having sex. However, there are many common mistakes people make when putting them on.
These errors include not pinching the tip, not getting rid of air, and not leaving room for semen to collect at the end.
They’re supposed to be rolled all the way.
Using condoms correctly can prevent pregnancy and STIs. But a little carelessness can put a big dent in their effectiveness.
According to research led by Stephanie Sanders of The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction at Indiana University, a variety of errors can result in condom failure. One of the most common is not rolling the condom down all the way. A condom that’s rolled too tightly can cause pain and discomfort during sexual activity, not to mention cut off circulation and make sex less sensual. It’s also more likely to break during sex or fall off afterward, making it less effective.
The right amount of pressure is important, too. Using too much lubricant can lead to slippage and an insufficient amount can increase friction, which could expose partners to harmful bacteria.
And while it may seem counterintuitive, putting a condom on inside out isn’t safe either. When done incorrectly, this mistake can expose both partners to bodily fluids and potentially expose them to STIs like gonorrhea or herpes.
To put a condom on correctly, start by squeezing the tip between your index and middle fingers and your thumb. Then place the condom over your erect penis, lightly holding the protruding tip or a half-inch of the top to leave room for ejaculation. Roll the condom down over the length of your penis, ensuring that the rim is on the outside and the tip isn’t stuck to the shaft.
They’re supposed to be rolled inside out.
Condoms might seem self-explanatory to use, but they actually require a bit of intention in order to be safe and effective. If you put a condom on the wrong way around, it could break or slip off during sex, and that puts both your partner and yourself at risk for STIs and pregnancy. So before you tear open a new package of condoms, take a moment to feel it out.
The rim of the condom should be on the outside, and it should look like a little hat when you roll it down. If the rim is inside out, it will be hard to roll down and won’t cover your penis properly. If you’re not sure whether a condom is right-side-up, pinch it between your thumb and forefinger to get rid of the air (it might feel like an inflated balloon).
Once you have a condom that feels right-side-up, it’s time to put it on. Remember, you should put it on as soon as the rim is erect so that it can protect you from any sperm that might be present in pre-ejaculatory fluid (aka “pre-cum”).
Once the condom is on, just unroll it down your penis. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for cum to collect in, and be careful not to stretch it too tightly or it might slip off. After sex, the male should grasp the base of the condom firmly and pull it out of his penis. This will prevent the condom from slipping off while it’s still soft, and prevent semen from spilling into the vagina.
They’re supposed to be rolled down to the shaft.
When condoms are properly sized, worn and used, they can help protect against unwanted pregnancies as well as some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But it’s not as easy as just ripping open the package and rolling it down on your penis. There are a few things you need to keep in mind, which will help ensure the condom fits properly and doesn’t break or slip during sex.
First, make sure your penis is erect before you roll it on. This is a crucial step that will help prevent pregnancy and STIs. If you’re having trouble keeping your penis erected, talk to your doctor.
Next, peel the wrapper carefully so you don’t damage the condom. Then, gently roll the condom down the length of your erect penis, all the way to the base. If it doesn’t roll down easily, you may be holding it the wrong way round or it may have sperm on it. In either case, it’s best to start again with a new condom.
When you’re done, it’s a good idea to pinch the condom’s reservoir tip between your thumb and forefinger to make sure it’s on right and that air isn’t trapped inside (which can cause them to break). You should also add lubricant if desired. Just a few drops should do the trick, but be careful not to overdo it or you could end up with too much liquid leaking onto your skin and penis.
They’re supposed to be rolled down to the tip.
Condoms are an easy way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. They’re cheap and available in many places, including your local drugstore. But it’s important to use them correctly to ensure they work. According to a recent study, improper use of condoms is common and can significantly reduce their effectiveness.
When you’re ready to use a condom, make sure your penis is erect and the foreskin is retracted (it can be uncomfortable). Open the condom package carefully so you don’t damage it; avoid using your teeth or scissors. Before putting on the condom, check that the rim is on the outside so that it will roll in the right direction. If the rim is on the inside, don’t turn it around and reuse it; start over with a new condom.
Once the condom is on, pinch it with your thumb and forefinger to get rid of any air and leave a space at the top for cum to collect in. Then, roll the condom down your penis and into the anus or vagina. If it won’t stay in place, try a different size.
After you’ve finished, pull the condom out carefully and throw it away in a trash can that is out of reach of children and pets. Never flush it down the toilet; doing so could cause a blockage that can lead to serious problems for your plumbing system.
