Many of us can have problems using condoms. The more you know about condoms and lube and the more practice you have with them, the less likely you are to have difficulties. Practicing on your own while masturbating helps you get used to using them.

Sometimes a condom can split or slip off. Usually this is the result of being stored too long or used incorrectly, not the fault of the condom itself.

This section can show you ways to prevent condoms breaking or slipping.  It also provides examples of things to do if you have erection problems while putting on a condom. 

Condoms
Of all the things covered in this site nothing is as good at stopping HIV as a condom. Used properly they have a very low failure rate. How you use a condom makes a big difference to the chance of it breaking or coming off.

Some tips:

• Use a size that fits - you can buy larger and smaller brands
• When opening condoms be careful not to tear them with your teeth or nails.
• Try not to unroll or stretch it too much before putting it on
• A condom can only go on a penis correctly if it’s fully erect
• Roll the condom all the way down (if it’s only halfway down it’s likely to come off)
• Avoid getting air trapped under it - squeeze air out of the end before rolling it on
• Wearing two condoms means they’ll rub against each other, causing them to split or slip off
• After about 30 minutes condoms are more likely to rip. Keep checking or put on a fresh one
• After ejaculating (coming), grip the condom at the base of the penis before pulling out so it doesn’t get left inside.

TIP  
Lack of experience is linked to things going wrong, so practice using condoms when you are by yourself masturbating.


Lube

No lubricant means more friction, which makes it more likely a condom rips or comes off.

• Spit’s no good - there’s never enough and it dries quickly
• Water-based lubes are needed (eg, KY). Oil-based ones weaken rubbers, so avoid body or skin creams, Vaseline or any oil used in cooking
• Use lots of lube on the condom-covered penis and in and around the anus
• Keep lube on the outside of the condom. If you put lube underneath the condom (on the penis), the condom might slide off

For more info and tips on using condoms, including tips on staying hard when using them, CLICK HERE 

TIP  
Use water-based lube. 
Do not use oil-based lube. 

Remember

Condoms with the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 are NOT recommended for STD/HIV prevention. Nonoxynol-9 (N9) irritates rectal walls, which increases the chance of HIV infection if infected body fluids do come in contact with them.

Remember that condoms do not provide 100% protection against all STDs—but you are ALWAYS safer using a condom! You can get certain STDs, like herpes or HPV, from contact with your partner's bare skin, even if one of you is wearing a condom. But condoms lessen the risk of infection even for those types of STDs.

To view places in Wake County to get free condoms CLICK HERE

Reminder:  Never use a condom more than once
Quick Condom Guide: Pinch it, Roll it, Lube it, Do it

To learn more about how to use a condom correctly, see the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Tips For Using Condoms And Dental Dams.

Tests:  Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County. 

Condoms:  Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County. 

For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered?  E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com 

To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.