You can’t practice safe sex without knowing how to correctly use a condom.  Latex condoms are intended to prevent pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and are designed to reduce the risk of transmitting STI’s to others.  While latex condoms are a critical element in the practice of safe sex, they are not 100% effective in the prevention of pregnancy or in the transmission of STI’s.  Additional information on condom usage, STI and pregnancy prevention, or just answers to questions about personal health concerns can be found at your local public health agency or doctor’s office.

How to Use a Condom

1. Always use a new condom each time you have sex.  Infectious organisms are found in many places, including lesions, pre-ejaculate, blood, semen and vaginal secretions.  Safe sex means always using a new condom and always using it correctly.
2. Open the condom package carefully – don’t use your teeth!  Fingernails, scissors or anything else can cause damage to the condom that you may not even notice.   Always tear the package carefully with your fingers.
3. Prior to any form of sexual contact occurring, place the condom on the head of the erect penis.  Check that the rolled-up ring is on the outside and always leave space at the tip to hold semen.
4. Squeeze the tip gently to remove any air that may be trapped.  Hold the tip while unrolling the condom all the way down to the base of the erect penis.  Condom not moving?  It may be on backwards, be damaged, or outdated and not safe for use.  The best thing to do is to throw it away and start over as it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes practicing safe sex with correct condom use.
5. Right after ejaculation, hold the condom in place and remove it while still erect.  Don’t spill semen outside of the condom.
6. Remove the used condom by wrapping it in tissue and throwing it into a garbage receptacle.  Wash hands and genital areas with soap and water once you are done.

Condom Precautions

• Latex condoms contain natural rubber which may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.  Many Trojan condoms and other brands also contain a lubricant which may cause sensitivity in some people.  If you have ever had a reaction to latex rubber or any type of lubricants, don’t use and check with your doctor for possible alternatives.
• For more lubrication, do not use an oil-based lubricant as these can be damaging to condoms.  These products include those that are made with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline), mineral oil, vegetable or cold cream.  It’s also good to avoid contact with baby powder as it can contain oil as well.
• Some products used to treat vaginal conditions such as yeast infections may reduce the effectiveness of condoms.  Women should check with their doctor to ensure they are practicing safe sex at all times.
• Never reuse condoms.
• Never use condoms that are brittle, sticky or obviously damaged.
• Condoms that have changed in color or look uneven in color should be discarded.
• Reduce the chances of any type of infection by washing hands, the penis and the vagina and surrounding areas before and after sex.
• For safe sex, keep unused condoms in their package in a cool, dry place.  Storing them in a wallet is not an ideal location and can cause wear and tear over time.