Putting One On

Using Condoms Correctly

Startling facts and surprising figures

The average penis is 6.29" long, with a circumference of 5.1" when erect, according to a recent study of nearly 3,000 men worldwide*

Condoms measure in at around 7" long, with a circumference of 4" (narrower than the average penis to make sure it doesn't slip)

Condoms help protect against pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, HIV and AIDS

A Durex condom can stretch to three feet long and 18 inches wide before bursting*

During the Gulf War, condoms were used to protect the soldiers' rifle barrels from getting sand inside*

In the past, condoms have been made from oiled sheep intestines, thin leather, tortoiseshell and animal horn.

Liquid latex (a natural rubber) still forms the basis of condom manufacture, although new variations (and the female condom) are made from a type of synthetic rubber called polyurethane (which can be better for people who have latex allergies)

Condom use can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, whilst earliest evidence in Europe can be seen in cave paintings at Combarelles in France.

The first documentation of a sheath for the penis was written by Italian anatomist Gabriel Fallopius (fallopian tubes were named after him) in 1564.

The word condom probably originates from the Latin 'condus' which means receptacle, although some believe that a Dr Condom (he advised King Charles II on the use of them) is responsible for the name

Putting On a Condom

The main reason condoms tear or fall off is because people don’t know how to properly use them. When people understand how to use them, problems are rare.KEEP THEM HANDY - Make sure that condoms are easy to access, within your reach when you have sex.

STORE THEM PROPERLY - keep condoms in a cool, dry place, out of sunlight and away from heat. Don’t keep them in your wallet.
USE A LATEX OR POLYURETHANE CONDOM – Natural skin condoms do not protect as well against HIV and STDs. Some people are allergic to latex, so test yourself for allergies by rubbing the condom against your skin. If you are allergic, use polyurethane condoms instead.
OPEN THE PACKAGE CAREFULLY – Check the expiration date, make sure that there is air inside the package and that you don’t see the outline of the condom. Using your teeth or finger nails, rough handling could damage the condom.
WITH THUMB AND FOREFINGER, GENTLY PRESS ANT AIR OUT OF THE TIP. – Air bubbles can cause condoms to break. A dab of water based lubricant in the tip of the condom will solve the air problem and increase sensation for the person wearing the condom.
UNROLL THE CONDOM TO THE BASE OF THE ERECT (HARD) PENIS LEAVING ABOUT A HALF-INCH AT THE TIP TO CATCH THE EJACULATION – If the penis is uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin, exposing the head, before putting the condom on.
LUBE, LUBE, AND MORE LUBE – Use plenty of water based lubricant around the vagina or anus and on the outside of the condom.
HOLD ON TO THE BASE OF THE CONDOM WHEN NECESSARY, SO THE CONDOM DOESN’T SLIP OFF – If the penis is getting soft, or if the partner is very tight, the condom may slip.
AFTER EJACULATION – Hold on to the condom at the base to avoid spilling the condoms or losing the condom inside your partner. Withdraw gently, while the penis is still erect.
THROW THE CONDOMS AWAY – Tie the condom in a knot before you dispose of it. Do not flush down a toilet. Use a condom once. If it comes off, put on a new one. Never go from one person to another without changing condom.

Condom use gets better with practice. You can practice with condoms while masturbating alone or engaging in activities other than intercourse with a partner like mutual masturbation or fantasy. Include condoms in foreplay and enjoy your sexual experiences safely.