How to use external condoms
In this section you will learn about external condoms
This page uses drawings to show you how to use external condoms.
This page is for people aged 13 years and older.
If you are younger than 13 years old you can talk to a trusted adult about condoms.
On this page there are drawings of:
These drawings are there to help you understand the words.
There are no photos of real people’s private body parts on our website.
It is ok to see these drawings because you are learning about how to use external condoms.
Move down the page to if you want to learn more about condoms.
If not, you can learn about bodies.
Important things to know about condoms before using them
Condom on before sex
A condom has to be put on the penis before sex happens.
Put a condom on before the penis touches the mouth, vulva, vagina, or anus.
Use the right size
Condoms come in different sizes.
Use the size that fits your penis best.
Condoms that fit well feel better and are safer.
Check the use by date
Condoms have use by dates, like food and drinks.
Check the use by date on the condom packet.
Never use a condom that is past its use by date.
Keep the condom on until sex is finished
This might be when the penis has ejaculated (when semen comes out of the penis).
Or it might be when someone decides they want to stop.
Use a new condom every time
If having sex more than once, use a new condom every time.
Condoms and lube
Lube, or lubricant, is a slippy fluid that can make sex feel even better.
Use water based lubricant with condoms.
Never use oil lubricants, like Vaseline or baby oil. These can make the condom break.
Condom fallen off?
If the condom falls off, put a new one on.
Never put a used condom back on.
Condom breaks?
If the condom breaks or tears stop!
Take the broken condom off and throw it away.
Put a new condom on.
Find out what else you should do if the condom breaks or tears.
Move down the page to learn how to put a condom on.
How to put a condom on
Put a condom on when the penis is erect.
Erect means when the penis is hard.
Take the condom out of the wrapper.
Use your fingers to tear the wrapper open.
Never use your teeth, scissors or anything sharp to open the condom wrapper. This might tear the condom.
Get the condom the right way up.
Squeeze the tip of the condom between your thumb and finger.
This stops air getting stuck in the condom and leaves space for semen to come out of the penis. This is called ejaculation.
Hold the condom over the tip of the penis.
Roll the condom down to the bottom of the penis.
If the condom does not roll down the penis it might be on the wrong way round.
Get a new condom and try again.
Keep the condom on until sex is finished.
This might be when the penis has ejaculated (when semen comes out of the penis).
Or it might be when someone decides they want to stop.
Move down the page to find out how to take the condom off.
How to take a condom off
Take the condom off after ejaculation or when sex has finished.
Hold the bottom of the condom and slide the penis out of the condom.
Wrap the condom in tissue.
Put the condom in the bin.
Gently wash your private parts with warm water.
