The Durex Guide: How to Put On a Condom

When we talk about condoms, it’s easy to assume we’re talking to men. But condoms can be used by anyone - for sex toys, anal and oral sex, to help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and even to help increase pleasure in the bedroom.

We could all use a bit of a refresher when it comes to putting on a condom – whether you have a penis or not.

Why Should I Use a Condom?

Whether they’re flavoured or ribbed and dotted, Durex condoms can help make your sex life better. More importantly, they help keep you safe. Condoms help protect you against STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

A few errors can happen if you don’t put a condom on properly, like tears and rips if you put one on upside down. Putting on a condom can be awkward, but it doesn’t need to be!

5 Easy Steps On How to Put a Condom On Properly

1. Check the use-by date

It’ll only take a second. If a condom’s not in date anymore, it won’t work, so bin it and grab yourself another one that’s not expired. Otherwise, you’re good to skip to step 2.

2. Open with care

Avoid opening the condom with long nails or your teeth, and keep it away from jewellery.

After all, you don’t want to rip the condom before it’s out of the packet. Gently push the condom to one side of the wrapper. Rip it from the corner to the other side, as this will limit any damage to the condom.

3. Check the condom is the right way round

Check the teat is pointing up by holding it between your thumb and forefinger. If you put the condom on the wrong way, throw it away and get another one.

Why throw it away?

Precum contains semen, so if you happen to get any precum on the wrong side of the condom and continue to use it, the condom won’t be effective.

Did you know?

To make life easier, Durex condoms now face the right way (logo) down, making it easier for you to put it on and get straight to the good stuff.*

4. Put it on teat end up

Now we’re ready to put the condom on. Whether it’s a dildo or a penis, trapped air can make the condom split, which is the last thing you want. To avoid this happening, leave about half an inch of space at the tip of the condom by pinching out any extra air between your finger and thumb.

5. Roll the condom on

Roll the condom to the base of the penis or dildo while smoothing out any air bubbles around the shaft. Stick with these simple steps, and you’re ready to go!

Dryness can lead to condom breakage

Most condoms come pre-lubricated, but dryness can lead to condom breakage. Durex has a range of lubricants that are safe for use with condoms. For extra moisture, place a little lube inside the tip of the condom before you roll it on, or squirt some into your hand and rub it on the outside of the condom once it’s on.

Sorry, this product is currently out of stock.

Durex Durex Extended Pleasure Regular Fit Condoms 12 Pack £10.99 Free next day delivery on selected Durex

Durex Durex Mutual Climax Condoms Silicone Lube Regular Fit 12s £14.99 Buy 1 get 2nd 1/2 price on selected Durex

Still unsure? Here's a quick recap

5 simple steps:

Check the use-by date.
Open the condom packet gently.
Check the condom is the right way round.
Apply teat end up whilst pinching out the air.
Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis, making sure no pockets of air remain.