Always check theexpiration date on the condom packagebefore using the condom.

When condoms are old or stored improperly, the latex breaks down.

Be sure the packaging hasn’t been damaged, too.

Pile of different condoms

robertelyov / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

An air bubble is intentionally put in the package to protect condoms from damage.

Its presence means there aren’t holes in the packaging and the condom should be intact.

First, wash your hands.

Person holding condom, close-up of hands

Doug Menuez / Getty Images

Preserving the Mood

Wondering how to put on a condom without losing the mood?

One way is to practice beforehand so you’ve got the option to do it quickly and easily.

you might also teach your partner to do it and make it part of the foreplay.

Torn packaging of wrapper containing a condom

Rafe Swan / Getty Images

The rim should be rolled up on the outside, rather than tucked underneath.

you’re free to unroll the condom a bit to check for this, if needed.

You shouldn’t have to stick your fingers inside the condom to do this.

Hand holding a condom

Tatyana Azarova / Getty Images

You want to create a half-inch gap at the top of the condom.

Doing this will ensure that there’s a space for fluid released duringejaculation(climax).

Without it, the condom could break.

Reservoir tip of condom

Koldunova_Anna / Getty Images

This can also help keep air from getting trapped inside the condom.

Most condoms have what’s called a reservoir tip for this purpose.

Condoms should feel snug, but not uncomfortably tight.

Condoms on cucumbers, contraception concept

Oleksiy Maksymenko / Getty Images

Find a condom size that fits.

If the condom is too loose, find one that has slightly smaller width for a closer fit.

If it is too tight, look for a slightly larger size.

What Size Condom Do I Need?

It’s important to find theright size of condomfor you or your partner.

That makes it more comfortable and more effective, as it’s less likely to slide off.

Typically, it takes trying a few different sizes to determine what you need.

Leaving it there could make the condom more likely to break during sex.

Sometimes putting a little bit of lube in the tip of the condombeforeputting it on can help prevent this.

If you don’t do this, the condom may slide off or leak.

Throw Away the Condom

Condoms should be put in the trash, not the toilet.

(They can clog pipes.)

It also protects your privacy better.

Condoms are 98% effective if used properly and only about 87% effective if mistakes happen.

Using two forms of birth control reduces the chance of pregnancy during vaginal intercourse.

Summary

Condoms are an important form of birth control and an easy way to avoid disease.

However, so that work properly, they must be used correctly.

Always check the expiration date and packaging, and open it carefully.

Always hold it in place when withdrawing from your partner and throw away the condom when you’re done.

Nemours TeensHealth.How can you tell if a condom has expired?

Planned Parenthood.How to put a condom on.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condom use: An overview.

2015;36(2):133-139. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.167135

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to use a condom.

Planned Parenthood.How effective are condoms?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of condoms.