How to use condoms correctly

How to use a condom correctly and safely

Condoms are the #1 contraceptive when it comes to safe sex and avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The condom is a so-called barrier method that prevents the man's semen from entering the woman. This prevents pregnancy. The Pearl Index for condoms is 2-4. This means that out of 100 women who used a condom, 3-4 became pregnant. In most cases, however, this apparently high failure rate is due to errors in condom use. Due to the strict legal regulations, the probability of a production error or quality defect is very low.

This is also extremely important for the function of the condom as protection against infectious diseases. The condom prevents bodily fluids from coming into contact with the sensitive mucous membranes and possibly transmitting viruses, fungi or bacteria.

In order to be able to use condoms to be really safe, you should pay attention to a few things. Here you will not only find a description of how to put on and take off the condom correctly, but also storage instructions and things worth knowing as well as a few helpful tips for overcoming common difficulties. Don't worry, it's not as difficult as it might seem at first. Practice makes perfect, even with condoms!

How do you use the condom correctly?

Wait until the penis is really hard!
retract foreskin (if present)
Squeeze the air out of the reservoir ("Schnippel" on the front of the condom)! This creates space for the seed!
Place the condom on the glans (tip of the penis), the "roll" must be on the outside!
Danger! Use a new condom if it was put on "upside down" or if it doesn't unroll properly! There might already be seeds on it!
Unroll the condom to the end! Dont pull! If this causes difficulties, the condom is too small!
Pull out the penis immediately after ejaculation and remove the condom before it goes limp! Hold on to the condom! Otherwise it could slip off the penis.
Don't squeeze seeds out of the condom, just tie the condom together.
Throw used condoms in the trash immediately and wash your hands and penis afterwards.
Condoms belong in the household waste and not in the toilet.

Tips on how to use condoms properly

Condoms can only be used once! Under no circumstances should they be washed out, for example to save money! On the one hand, pathogenic germs remain on and in the condom, on the other hand, they can tear more easily.
Protect condoms from heat (Caution! Do not leave the pack in the car!) The condom must be protected from radiators and strong sunlight.
Protect condoms from too much cold! Frost also makes latex brittle. A cool room temperature is ideal.
Do not open condom packs with scissors, a pocket knife or other sharp, pointed objects! This applies to both the outer packaging and the sealing film.
Don't scratch the condoms! (Caution: fingernails, jewellery, teeth..)
Note the expiry date!
Do not roll up to check the density before use! This increases the risk of damage! If the sealing film is already damaged, you should no longer use the condom.
Only condoms that fit are really safe! The right width is more important than the length of the condom. Condoms that are too small tear or burst more quickly, cause pain, are difficult to put on and may even make the penis go limp. Condoms that are too big can get stuck and slip off more easily.
Two condoms on top of each other are not doubly safe but more unsafe! Due to the anti-friction coating, the outer condom slips off more easily; with dry condoms, the outer condom can pull the inner one with it.
In the case of anal intercourse, the use of extra strong (= thick) condoms together with a suitable lubricant is recommended.
change of position? Hold on to the condom or use a new one!
Only use latex condoms with grease and oil-free lubricants (observe the manufacturer's instructions)! Do not put the lubricating gel in the condom but on top of it.
In the case of simultaneous chemical contraception with suppositories, foam, etc., these means must be fat-free. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this and read the instructions for use carefully.
Use a condom as soon as the penis gets close to the partner's mucous membranes, not only when penetrating.
In many holiday countries you will not find condoms at all or only of dubious quality. Therefore, to be on the safe side, always buy condoms in advance and take them with you!

Difficulties using condoms

Uncertainty in handling is common, especially at the beginning, due to a lack of experience. But: Using condoms can be practiced!
disruptive interruption in sex. With enough experience, the condom can be put on in a matter of seconds. There are now even condoms with a pull-off strip that can be pulled off particularly quickly. Some manufacturers also advertise extra easy handling. It is best to try it with your partner and make putting on the condom part of your foreplay together.
doubts about safety. Breakdowns when using condoms are mostly due to application errors and not to the material or even production errors. This is ensured by strict controls, electronic hole tests and other high standards that condoms have to meet as medical devices.
reduced sensitivity in some people. There are ultra-thin condoms that almost eliminate this problem. Very sensitive people will still feel the difference. This is where an understanding partner who responds sensitively can help. In addition, the condom feeling is reduced when the material has adapted to the body temperature.
special problems with the shape, size or material, such as allergies, piercings, large glans, thick base of the penis, etc. Nowadays there is a suitable condom for almost everyone, as these are available in a wide variety of materials, sizes and shapes. If you have a specific question, you can always contact us. We are happy to help!
Fear that it will be taken as a sign of distrust. This is usually unfounded. Be sure to talk to each other if you or your partner have these feelings. Safer sex shows common sense, not distrust.

Don't let yourself be persuaded to give up contraception (if you both don't want it, for example as part of a long-term partnership) - your health is at stake. You can decide for yourself. In an emergency, avoid sex.

Burst, slipped or torn condom - what to do in an emergency?

If, despite all caution, a condom has burst or leaked, please do not panic. There are several things you can do now. The most important thing: keep calm!

Gently wash the penis including the inside of the foreskin. Urinating (peeing) helps remove excess body fluids.
Gently wash/shower the vagina/anus. Please do not perform any irrigation as the risk of infection increases due to possible injuries. Squeezing helps remove at least some of the ingested sperm.
During oral sex, either spit out the semen/vaginal secretion immediately or swallow it quickly! Don't keep it in your mouth (probably the main way HIV is transmitted). Rinse mouth with water. Don't brush your teeth because you could rub viruses into your gums.
If semen gets into your eyes, rinse them out with water(!) as soon as possible, not with disinfectants or alcohol, and also not with soap (this will damage the eyes).
To prevent pregnancy, you can get a prescription for the morning-after pill. This must be taken within 12 hours after sex if possible, but within 48 hours at the latest. In Germany, the morning-after pill is available in pharmacies without a prescription. In other European countries such as B. in Switzerland, England or France, the drug is also available for sale and therefore without a prescription.
A little later, up to 5 days after sex, you can have an "after-spiral" inserted by the gynecologist.
If you are concerned that you have contracted a disease, you should see a doctor as soon as possible who can advise/treat you accordingly. If you suspect that you have been infected with HIV, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, ideally within two hours, to have PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) carried out! This no longer makes sense after a maximum of 72 hours.