How to Put On a Condom Correctly — 5 Steps

How to Put On a Condom Correctly — 5 Steps

Putting a condom on correctly is not hard — the key points are checking the package and expiry, putting it on the right way, and doing it before any genital contact. Follow these 5 steps and the condom won't slip or break.

1. Check first: expiry date + an air bubble in the wrapper (not leaking) + choose the right size
2. Open with your fingers and push the condom to one side — never use teeth or scissors
3. Place it on the tip of the erect penis with the rim rolling on the outside (if it's inside-out, throw it away and use a new one)
4. Pinch the tip to remove air then roll it all the way down to the base
5. After ejaculation, hold the base and withdraw while still erect — use a new one every time, never reuse or double up

Condoms used correctly and consistently are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, versus about 87% with typical (imperfect) use — the gap is exactly that word, "correctly."

📖 Read more: Everything about condoms — types, choosing, and what to know — The Complete Condom Guide

Before You Start — Check 3 Things First

Before putting it on, spend 5 seconds checking these 3 things — it cuts the chance of breakage a lot.

1. Expiry date

Condoms have a printed expiry date. An expired condom becomes brittle, dry and tears easily — if it's expired, don't use it.

2. Air bubble in the wrapper

Press the wrapper gently — feel an air pocket inside means the seal is intact. A flat wrapper with no air may mean a leak — discard it.

3. Pick the right size

Too tight is more likely to break, too loose slips off. If unsure of size, check our sizing guide first.

📏 Read more: Not sure of your size? — How to Measure and Choose Condom Size 49/52/54/56, or pick a feel you like in Dotted / Thin / Flavoured Condoms

The 5 Steps in Detail

Step 1 — Open with your fingers

Push the condom to one side, then tear the wrapper along the serrated edge by hand. Never use teeth, nails or scissors — they can nick the condom without you noticing.

Step 2 — Check which way it unrolls

The condom only unrolls one way. The rolled rim should be on the outside, like a hat. If you place it the wrong way and it won't roll, throw it away and use a new one.

Step 3 — Pinch the tip first

Pinch the tip with finger and thumb, leaving about 1–2 cm to squeeze the air out and create a space to catch semen. Trapped air is the number-one reason condoms burst.

Step 4 — Roll down to the base

While still pinching the tip, use your other hand to roll the condom all the way down to the base. If it won't roll all the way, it may be the wrong size.

Step 5 — Use lubricant if needed

If it feels dry or tight, add a water- or silicone-based lubricant. Never use oil-based products (baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly) with latex — they weaken it and cause breakage.

Putting It On Inside-Out — How to Tell and What to Do

One of the most common mistakes is putting the condom on inside-out. Quick way to tell:

• Right side: the rolled rim is on the outside and unrolls easily, like a hat
• Wrong side: the rim tucks inward and won't roll — forcing it will tear it

If you put it on inside-out, do not just flip it over and reuse it — the tip will already have touched pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), which can contain sperm and transmit infections. Throw it away and open a new one.

Mistakes That Make Condoms Slip or Break

Condoms rarely fail on their own — most failures come from how they're used, not the condom itself. The most common mistakes:

• Not pinching the tip — trapped air at the end makes it burst (the single most common cause)
• Putting it on after starting — it must go on before any genital contact, not midway
• Doubling up — two condoms create friction against each other and are more likely to tear, not safer
• Oil-based lubricant — oils/lotions degrade latex and cause breakage
• Storing it wrong — keeping it in a hot wallet or pocket; heat and friction weaken it
• Off too late — the condom slips and spills once erection fades
• Reusing — always a fresh one each time; a reused condom offers almost no protection

Quick Table — Do and Don't

A quick reference of what to do and what to avoid:

If the Condom Slips Off or Breaks Inside — What to Do

If the condom breaks, slips off, or stays inside, stay calm — do this:

1. Stop, and gently pull the condom out if it's inside, using clean fingers
2. Let the body expel fluid naturally with water — do not douche inside the vagina, it can push fluid further in
3. Emergency contraception: take an emergency contraceptive pill as soon as possible within 72–120 hours (sooner is more effective)
4. Infection prevention: see a pharmacist/doctor about PEP within 72 hours if there's HIV exposure risk

If condoms break often, it may be the wrong size or technique — go back to the 5 steps above next time.

After Sex — How to Take a Condom Off Correctly

1. Right after sex, hold the base of the condom before withdrawing while still erect, so it doesn't slip off
2. Pull off away from your partner so no semen spills
3. Tie it off or wrap it in tissue and bin it — don't flush it, it can block the drain
4. Wash your hands — use a fresh condom for every new act of sex

💊 Read more: Which model to choose — Comparing Durex Models · Latex allergy? — Non-Latex Condoms for Allergies

Choosing a Condom That's Easy to Put On — No Slipping, No Breaking

A condom that goes on easily isn't luck — it comes from choosing the right shape, size and surface for you:

• Beginner / easy on: Easy-On shape, smooth — Durex Explore
• Ultra-thin, better feel: One Touch 003 or Durex Fetherlite
• Right fit to avoid slipping/breaking: smaller 49 mm — Durex Kingtex · larger 56 mm — Durex Comfort

Browse every size and type in the condom collection — Intimo Life stocks genuine products only, ships fast in discreet packaging with no product name on the parcel.

Note: if you get itching or a rash with latex, you may have a latex allergy — switch to non-latex condoms and consult a pharmacist or doctor.