Safer Sex
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People think they know how to use a condom correctly...but user error is the # 1 reason why condoms fail.
'Doing it right is in the details.' So let's break the steps to using a condom correctly down...
Step 1 - START FRESH EVERY TIME
Use a new latex or polyurethane condom for every act of intercourse (oral sex too). Store condoms in a cool dry place.
Step 2 - CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATE
Do not use old or brittle condoms. (Throw out that condom that has been sitting in your glove compartment!) Find and check the expiration date. It should be printed on the condom wrapper.
Step 3 - CAREFULLY OPEN THE CONDOM
Open condom package with your fingers. Don't use your teeth, or any sharp object, because you might accidentally break the condom!
Step 4 - TAKE YOUR TIME
Wait until you have an erection to put on the condom. Make sure the condom isn't inside out.
Step 5 - PINCH, PLACE, UNROLL
Pinch the tip while unrolling the condom on the penis (pull the foreskin back if you are not circumcised). Why pinch the tip? If an air bubble gets caught inside, it could break the condom. Also it gives the semen a place to go after you cum.
Step 6 - COMPLETELY UNROLL THE CONDOM
Hold the tip of condom and unroll until penis is completely covered. If the condom doesn't unroll easily - it is probably upside down. If it is upside down, then remove the condom, throw it away, and try again using new condom.
Step 7 - LUBE UP
Using plenty of water based lubricant makes it less likely your condom will break and makes it more pleasurable for you and your partner. Put some extra lube on the inside of the tip, as well as on the outside. Water based lubes include K-Y Jelly, Wet, ID and Astroglide. Do NOT use oil based products like massage oil or Vaseline. This can make the condom break. If you notice that a condom breaks during intercourse, withdraw from your partner and put on a new condom. Pay attention! If you're really going at it, you and your partner may not notice.
Step 8 - HOLD ON TIGHT
After you cum, hold onto the base of the condom and pull out of your partner before you lose your erection. Don't linger. You don't want the condom (and its contents) to 'get lost' inside your partner.
Step 9 - THROW AWAY
Tie the end of the condom and throw it in the trash. DON'T FLUSH and never reuse a condom.
"I heard condoms don't work - that they break"?
The truth is that condoms do work and are 97-98% effective at preventing pregnancy and STI and HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently (SIECUS). This means using a condom every time you have oral, anal or vaginal sex. Moreover, every latex condom sold in the U.S. is tested for defects before it is packaged. According to Consumer Reports (May, 1995) most condom breakage is due to human error, NOT defective condoms.
"Doesn't teaching about safer sex only encourage young people to have sex?"
Nope - not true. In fact, the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) reviewed dozens of sexuality education programs throughout the world and found that they did not result in increased sexual activity. UNAIDS found that high quality sex education programs can help delay initiation of sexual activity and encourage youth who are already sexually active to protect themselves from STI's and pregnancy. "Just because you have an umbrella doesn't mean it's going to rain!"
"Doesn't sex with a condom = NO pleasure?"
If you are asking this, then you probably had a bad experience, or haven't used a condom lately. Everyone is different, and fortunately there are more condoms and other safer sex options available than ever before. Condoms come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors, flavors, textures etc. Make safer sex sexy by including putting on a condom part of foreplay. Shop around (with your partner?) until you find a condom that works for you. Safer sex can also mean great sex if you use your head. After all, contracting a sexually transmitted infection interferes with your pleasure, but also can alter your life forever.
Important
Latex condoms help to reduce the risk of HIV transmission (AIDS) and many other STI's, and can help prevent pregnancy. No condom, however, can eliminate all risk, especially if not used consistently and correctly. If you have never used a condom before or haven't use them in a while, try practicing on your own first. That way you'll feel more comfortable and confident and be better at it - when you use them with your partner.