How to Put on a Condom
Condoms can help protect you from most sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they’re not perfect. Sometimes they break. A condom can break if it’s put on the wrong way. Here’s the right way to put on a condom.
Step 1
Squeeze the air from the tip of the condom as you put it on the head of the hard penis.
![Man putting condom over tip of erect penis.](371044.img)
Step 2
Leave some room in the tip of the condom to catch semen. Unroll the condom all the way down over the penis.
![Man rolling condom over erect penis.](371046.img)
Step 3
Use only water-based lubricants with latex condoms. Using oils or hand creams can cause latex condoms to break.
![Man putting water-based lubricant on condom on erect penis.](371048.img)
Step 4
After sex, hold the condom at the base of the penis and pull out of your partner carefully. Then throw the condom away.
![Man holding condom at base of penis.](371050.img)
Condom tips
Recommendations for safe condom use include the following:
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To prevent STIs, use only condoms made of latex or polyurethane.
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If you want the condom to feel slippery, use lubricated condoms or use water-based lubricants.
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Never use the same condom twice.
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Using spermicides with condoms may help protect against some STIs. Don't use spermicide if it causes itching or pain
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Keep condoms in a cool, dry place. Heat can damage them.
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