No matter your sexual orientation, using a condom during sex is essential. A condom remains the only effective way to reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDs and chlamydia.
It is also, by far and away, the most effective form of birth control, with significantly higher success rates than the pill or IUD. Despite this, people are not using this vital form of protection. A full one-third of people in the US do not use condoms at all, under any circumstances.
Condoms allow you to have risk-free sex that is fun, safe, and sensual. All you need to do is know how to put on a condom. Read on to find out how to put a condom on the correct way.
1. Choosing the Right Condom
Before getting into how to put a condom on correctly, it is important that you know how to choose the right condom. Pleasure is important, but so is effectiveness. Always make sure your condoms have not reached the expiry date printed on the wrapper.
Opt for a latex condom wherever possible. However, as some people are allergic to latex, a polyurethane condom is also an effective option. Thinner condoms can also enhance pleasure, as long as they are made from the right material and are of high quality.
For example, this condom here from LELO is made from natural latex, is lightly lubricated, and is only 0.045mm in thickness. This is what you should be looking for in a condom.
2. How to Put on a Condom
Now it is time to learn how to put on a condom correctly. First, open the foil wrapper carefully so that you do not cause any damage to the condom. Take your forefinger and thumb and hold the tip of the condom to check that it is the right way around.
Putting a condom on the wrong way around can make it burst. Next, place the condom over the tip of your erect penis. Then, roll it down over the length of your penis while holding the tip.
Remember, if the condom is not unrolling, then it is probably the wrong way around. Once the condom is rolled down across the entirety of your penis, you are good to go.
If you are using lubricant during sex, never use an oil-based lubricant of any kind, as this will erode and destroy the latex in the condom. While you are having sex, make sure the condom does not come loose. If it does, then take it off and put another one on.
3. What to Do After Sex
Once you have finished having sex, it is important to dispose of the condom safely. Once you have ejaculated (come), hold the condom in place as you withdraw from your partner’s body. Once you have a safe distance from your partner, slowly unroll the condom from your penis.
Once you have done this, you can tie it off in a knot to stop it from leaking. Then you can simply dispose of the condom in a trash can. Do not flush condoms down the toilet, as this will damage the plumbing.
Make Informed Choices About Your Health
Knowing how to put on a condom is just one way to make smart, informed, and proactive choices about your body and your health. For more essential health tips and advice, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our regularly updated Health section for everything you need to know about staying healthy and safe.
