How To Use a Condom

Condoms help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy. They're an essential ingredient for any risky sexual encounter, protecting the sexual health of both partners. To enjoy an unforgettable erotic moment with your partner, you should learn how to put on a condom correctly. Your session will be all the more pleasurable!

There’s an incredibly wide range of condoms on the market. Before you rush to get it on, make sure you’ve picked a condom that’s well-adapted to your needs and your body. Size, material, texture and lubrication can all influence your comfort and pleasure levels during sex.

For example, you can get latex, or polyisoprene and polyurethane for those who are allergic to latex. Some options are thinner to help maximise sensations, whereas others are textured to give your partner added pleasure.

If you don’t know which ones to choose, the LOVE Team has prepared a thorough guide that’ll help you pick the perfect rubber. Take a look at our buyer’s guide “ How to Choose the Right Condom ”, that goes in depth on the different sizes, materials and options available to you, so you can be sure you’ve got the perfect protection to accompany you in your bedroom antics.

Taking even just a few minutes to pick the right condom will make your sex life safer and more satisfying.

It’s important to give your condom a good look before using it. What should you be looking for?

• Expiry date: The expiry date is always clearly visible, either on the box or on the wrapper itself. If your condom is expired, throw it out, as it may no longer be effective.
• Visual inspection: There should be no tears or holes in the condom.
• CE marking: Your condom must meet European safety standards.
• Point of sale: Always buy your condoms in pharmacies, supermarkets or reputable online retailers to ensure that your condoms have been stored in optimal conditions and meet essential safety standards.

Condoms should be kept under specific conditions. Avoid leaving them tucked away for too long in your wallet, car or any other place where they may be exposed to heat or friction, as this can weaken the latex. Ideally, you should be keeping your condoms in a cool, dry space.

• Open the wrapper: Use only your hands, and especially not your teeth (or scissors), which could tear the condom. Remove the condom from the wrapper carefully. Be careful with long fingernails and sharp jewellery!
• Put the condom on: Position it the right way round, on top of the erect penis and pinch the reservoir to expel any air trapped inside (and prevent the condom from breaking).
• Unroll the condom: If it's fitted the right way round, you'll have no trouble unrolling the condom all the way to the base of the penis.

If you open it the wrong way by mistake, don’t roll it back the other way to use it. Since the inside could have already come into contact with bodily fluids, it’s best to open a new condom to ensure optimal protection.

Condoms come in many different sizes, so it’s important to find the one that suits you best. The condom should be tight enough so that it stays on, but not too tight to make it uncomfortable.

Here’s how to find the right condom for you:

• Proper fit: A condom should not slip during sex, so make sure the size is not too large.
• Empty reservoir: Clearing the air out of the reservoir is a fundamental step (see above), so do not forget to do it.
• Comfort: A condom should feel like you’re wearing nothing at all and should not compress the penis. If it does, go up a size.

After ejaculating (and while you still have an erection), grasp the condom at the base of your penis and carefully remove it, taking care not to spill any semen near your partner. Tie the condom in a knot, wrap it in a tissue and dispose of it in a bin.

What if the condom breaks or slips off during sex? In this case, stop immediately and replace it with a new one. If there’s a risk of pregnancy or STIs, get in touch with a health professional who can guide you through the next possible steps, from emergency contraception to getting tested.

Using a condom protects you during sex, prevents unwanted pregnancy and shows respect for your partner. Using a condom will strengthen the bond between you and ensure an atmosphere of trust.

The LOVE Team is committed to your sexual fulfilment and health: if you would like more advice, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer all your questions!