Condoms are an effective way to reduce the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV infections as well
as reducing the risk of becoming pregnant. The advice below will help you fit your condom on safely to reduce the risk
of it coming off or splitting during sexual intercourse.
Always buy a condom that has a kite mark on the packet, such as Durex. This means it has passed quality international
standards.
Never use a condom that has passed its expiry date.
Use a condom before sexual intercourse or before the penis touches your partner - pre come (pre ejaculate) can leak
and pass on STD's or cause unwanted pregnancy.
Condoms should only be applied to an erect penis. It can be intimate to get your partner to do this as part of
your foreplay; though do avoid sharp objects that can tear the condom such as long finger nails, body piercings and
jewellery.
When holding the foil packet of the condom, gently push down the condom so it is out of the way, before
ripping open the jagged edge. This will prevent you inadvertently tearing the condom.
The condom will have a roll and teat end. The roll should be on the outside to signify that it is not inside out.
Place it over the end of your penis and roll down a little bit.
Gently hold the teat end and press to expel any air. This will now allow room for your ejaculate (come). Now
unroll the complete condom right down to the end shaft of your penis. The end of the roll should be tight enough
to prevent it slipping, but not too tight to be uncomfortable during intercourse. Some people who suffer from premature
ejaculation find that they last longer during intercourse because of the tighter grip that a condom provides at the shaft
of the penis. The extra pressure delays ejaculation.
If the condom unrolls during intercourse it can be rolled back into place.
If the condom slips off or tears during intercourse then it should be replaced.
After orgasm and you've finished coming, the condom can be gently unrolled from your penis whilst it is still
erect. Once it is halve way off you can check if it has leaked by gently squeezing your semen at the teat end. If none
comes out then you have the assurance that no semen has leaked.
Completely remove the condom and wrap in a tissue and pop it in the bin. Condoms should never be reused.
