By Kareeb Wellness · Published 27 September 2026

How to use a condom correctly: a step-by-step guide

Condoms are about 98% effective when used perfectly — but closer to 87% in real life. Most of that gap is avoidable.

External condoms (often just called condoms) are one of the only methods that protect against both pregnancy and many sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They're cheap, widely available, and don't need a prescription. But how well they work depends heavily on how they're used.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with typical use around 13 in 100 people relying on condoms for contraception become pregnant within a year. With perfect use, it's about 2 in 100 — which is why the NHS describes condoms as 98% effective when used correctly. Most of that gap comes down to avoidable mistakes. This guide covers the correct steps, the most common errors, and how to find the right size.

Before you need it: storage and checks

• Store condoms somewhere cool and dry. Heat and friction damage latex. A wallet or car glovebox is one of the worst places to keep them long term.
• Check the expiry date. Expired condoms are more likely to break.
• Look for a quality mark. In the UK and EU, look for the UKCA or CE mark; in the US, condoms sold for disease prevention are regulated by the FDA. Novelty condoms often don't protect against pregnancy or STIs.
• Squeeze the wrapper gently. You should feel a small air bubble, which shows the packet hasn't been punctured.

How to use a condom: step by step

1. Open the wrapper carefully. Tear along the edge with your fingers. Don't use teeth, scissors or sharp nails, which can nick the condom.
2. Check which way it unrolls. The rolled rim should be on the outside, like a little hat, so it rolls down easily. If you start the wrong way round, throw it away and use a new one — it may have come into contact with pre-ejaculate, which can contain sperm and infections.
3. Put it on before any genital contact. The condom goes on once the penis is erect, and before it touches a partner's genitals, mouth or anus. Waiting until "just before" is one of the most common reasons condoms fail.
4. Pinch the tip. Hold the teat or tip of the condom between your thumb and finger to squeeze out any air. This leaves space for semen and reduces the risk of breakage.
5. Roll it all the way down. Still pinching the tip, place the condom on the head of the penis and roll it down to the base with your other hand. If there's a foreskin, it can help to gently pull it back first.
6. Add lubricant if needed. Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant on the outside of the condom. Never use oil-based products — such as baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly or coconut oil — with latex condoms, as they weaken latex and can cause it to split.
7. Check occasionally. If you feel the condom slip or break, stop and replace it.
8. Hold the base when withdrawing. After ejaculation, and before the erection goes down, hold the condom firmly at the base while withdrawing so it doesn't slip off and spill.
9. Remove and dispose of it safely. Move away from your partner, slide the condom off, wrap it in a tissue, and put it in the bin. Don't flush condoms — they can block drains.
10. Use a new condom every time. Condoms are single-use. Use a fresh one if you have sex again, or if you switch between vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Putting it on late or taking it off early. Condoms only protect when they're on for the entire time there's genital contact.
• Not leaving space at the tip. Trapped air increases the chance of breakage.
• Using two condoms at once. "Doubling up" — two external condoms, or an external and an internal condom together — creates friction that makes tearing more likely. One is safer than two.
• Using the wrong lubricant. Oil-based products and latex don't mix. Silicone lube is fine with latex; check the packaging before using silicone lube with silicone toys.
• Reusing a condom. Never reuse, even with the same partner in the same session.
• Using the wrong size. Too tight increases breakage; too loose increases slipping (see below).
• Unrolling before putting it on. Unrolling first makes it much harder to fit correctly.
• Using a damaged or old condom. If the condom feels sticky, brittle, or dry, throw it away.

Condom sizing: finding the right fit

Most people fit a standard condom, but a surprising number find standard sizes too tight or too loose. The fit that matters most is width (girth), not length — standard condoms are long enough for most people, and extra length simply stays rolled at the base.

• Signs it's too tight: uncomfortable pressure, difficulty rolling it down, reduced sensation, or losing an erection.
• Signs it's too loose: wrinkling along the shaft, slipping during sex, or coming off when withdrawing.

Condom packaging often lists a "nominal width" in millimetres. As a rough guide, snug fits are often around 49–51mm, standard fits around 52–56mm, and larger fits above that — but ranges vary by brand. Many brands make sampler packs so you can compare. If you want to measure, use a soft tape measure around the widest part of the erect penis to get your girth, and use the brand's sizing chart.

Latex allergies and alternatives

If latex causes itching, redness or swelling for you or your partner, try condoms made from polyisoprene or polyurethane. Both protect against pregnancy and STIs. Lambskin (natural membrane) condoms prevent pregnancy but do not protect against STIs such as HIV, because viruses can pass through them.

Internal condoms (sometimes called female condoms) are another latex-free option that's placed inside the vagina or anus before sex.

What to do if a condom breaks or slips off

Stay calm — there are effective options, but timing matters.

• Emergency contraception: Emergency contraceptive pills work best the sooner they're taken — levonorgestrel within 72 hours (3 days), and ulipristal acetate within 120 hours (5 days). A copper IUD fitted within 5 days is the most effective option. A pharmacist, sexual health clinic, or doctor can help.
• HIV exposure: If there's a risk of HIV exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be taken within 72 hours — the sooner the better. Contact a sexual health clinic or emergency department urgently.
• STI testing: Book an STI test. Some infections don't show up on tests straight away, so the clinic may advise when to test or re-test.

When to see a doctor or sexual health clinic

• A condom broke, slipped off, or wasn't used and there's a risk of pregnancy or STIs.
• You notice symptoms such as unusual discharge, burning when urinating, sores, lumps, rashes, or pain in the genitals.
• You have irritation, itching or swelling after using condoms — you may have a latex allergy or sensitivity to a lubricant or spermicide.
• You'd like to talk about other forms of contraception or HIV prevention, such as PrEP.

Sexual health clinics are confidential. In the UK, NHS sexual health services are free; in the US, organisations such as Planned Parenthood and local health departments offer low-cost testing and advice.

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Frequently asked questions

How effective are condoms?

With perfect use, about 2 in 100 people relying on condoms become pregnant in a year (98% effective). With typical use, the CDC estimates about 13 in 100. Condoms also reduce the risk of many STIs.

Which lubricant can I use with condoms?

Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are safe with latex condoms. Oil-based products such as baby oil, lotion or petroleum jelly weaken latex and can cause it to break.

Is it safer to use two condoms?

No. Using two condoms at once increases friction and makes tearing more likely. One correctly used condom is safer.

How do I know my condom size?

Width (girth) matters more than length. Signs of a condom that is too tight include discomfort and difficulty rolling it on; too loose includes wrinkling or slipping. Many brands list a nominal width in millimetres and offer sampler packs.

What should I do if a condom breaks?

Consider emergency contraception as soon as possible (levonorgestrel within 72 hours, ulipristal within 120 hours, or a copper IUD within 5 days), contact a clinic about HIV PEP within 72 hours if there is a risk, and book an STI test.