12 common mistakes when using condoms

Condoms can get damaged so make sure you check the condom packet for damage such as holes or tears. Condoms can also be damaged from getting warm when in a wallet, bag or pocket. It’s a great idea to carry condoms with you in your wallet or bag but make sure that you’re replacing them every month else they’re not safe to use and won’t protect you from STIs and pregnancy.

All condoms should have an expiry date printed on the wrapper. If the date has passed, the condom is no good and won’t offer protection. Make sure you only use condoms that have the European CE mark or UKCA mark on as this tells you they have been tested to high safety standards.

Before opening the wrapper, feel for the rib of the condom inside the packaging. Push this to the side so that when you tear it open you don’t tear the condom as well. Never open a condom wrapper using scissors or anything sharp (including your teeth!).

You need to wear a condom before you start having sex/before your genitals come into contact with your partners. If you only put a condom on just before you come (ejaculate) you’re not protected from STIs or pregnancy as fluids are likely to have already been exchanged.

When you put a condom on, it’s important to squeeze the tip, to get rid of any air. If you don’t, the condom is likely to break.

Putting the condom on the wrong way round (so it won’t roll down) is a common mistake. But it’s really important that you bin that condom and start again with a new one because the outside of the condom will have touched the penis, which leaves your partner exposed to the risk of pregnancy and/or STIs.

Whenever your genital or anal areas are in contact, you should use a condom, to prevent the risk of STIs or pregnancy. This includes after you’ve come (ejaculated). It is never ok to remove a condom in the middle of sex without telling your partner. This practice is known as ‘stealthing’ or non-consensual condom removal, and is a form of sexual assault. 

More about sexual assault

This can cause the condom to come off, which means there  could be a risk of pregnancy and/or STIs. Use your fingers to gentle hold the condom in place as the penis is withdrawn.

Using lubricant is a great idea, but make sure it’s water-based. Other products, especially those not intended for sex, are often oil-based and can cause them to break.

It’s important to wear the correct size condom. Too big and it might slip off, too small and it might tear. Condoms come in lots of sizes so you should be able to find one that suits you or your partner.

If you are switching from anal sex to vaginal sex, or vice versa, you should use a new condom. Introducing bacteria from the rectum into the vagina can cause infection. 

If you and your partner(s) share sex toys, such as vibrators, you should use a new condom for each person. Sex toys can pass on STIs if they are left uncovered and shared.