Using condoms correctly every single time you have sex is one of the most effective ways to avoid pregnancy and protect against many STIs.

Quick Scoop

  • Condoms work well when used perfectly: up to about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy in a year of perfect use.
  • Most failures come from using them wrong: late application, wrong size, air bubbles, oil-based lube, slipping, or tearing.
  • Golden rule: one condom, from start to finish, every time there is penis‑in‑vagina sex.

Step‑by‑step: External (male) condom

1. Before sex

  • Check the expiry date and that the package is sealed and not damaged.
  • Store condoms in a cool, dry place (not in a wallet for months) so the material doesn’t weaken.
  • Choose the right size and latex vs non‑latex (for latex allergy).

2. Opening the condom

  • Push the condom to one side of the wrapper, then tear carefully along the edge.
  • Do not use teeth, scissors, or sharp nails, because they can make tiny holes that lead to pregnancy.

3. Put it on at the right time

  • Put the condom on when the penis is fully erect and before it touches the vulva or vagina.
  • Pre‑ejaculate (pre‑cum) can contain sperm, so waiting until “just before” ejaculation is too late.

4. Pinch the tip and roll

  • Make sure the condom’s rolled edge is on the outside (it should look like a little hat you can roll down). If it’s inside‑out, throw it away and use a new one.
  • Pinch the tip with two fingers to leave a small pocket for semen and to remove air.
  • While still pinching the tip, use your other hand to roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.
  • Smooth out any air bubbles; trapped air can make the condom more likely to break.

5. Lubrication (very important)

  • Use water‑based or silicone‑based lube if you need extra moisture or comfort.
  • Never use oil‑based products (like Vaseline, baby oil, coconut oil, body lotion) on latex condoms; they weaken the material and increase breakage risk.
  • You can apply a small amount of lube inside the tip (for sensation) and more on the outside for smoother movement.

6. During sex

  • Check occasionally that the condom is still in place and not rolling up or slipping off.
  • If it starts to come off, or if it breaks, stop immediately, withdraw, and put on a new condom before continuing.

7. After ejaculation

  • Once ejaculation happens, hold the condom firmly at the base while pulling out, before the penis gets soft.
  • This prevents the condom from slipping off inside the vagina or leaking at the opening.

8. Removal and disposal

  • Step away from your partner’s body, carefully slide the condom off, and keep the open end pointing up so semen doesn’t spill.
  • Tie a knot in the open end, wrap it in tissue or paper, and throw it in the trash—never in the toilet.
  • Use a new condom for every new act of sex, even if it’s with the same partner and only a few minutes later.

Internal (female) condoms: another option

  • Internal condoms line the inside of the vagina and have a ring at each end.
  • They can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex, which some people find convenient.

Basic steps:

  • Squeeze the inner ring, insert it deep into the vagina so it rests against the cervix; the outer ring stays outside, covering the opening.
  • Guide the penis into the condom, not between the condom and the vaginal wall.
  • After sex, twist the outer ring to trap the semen and gently pull the condom out, then throw it away.

Never use an external and internal condom at the same time—they can rub together, tear, and actually increase the chance of pregnancy.

Common mistakes that lead to pregnancy

Avoid these if your goal is to avoid pregnancy as much as possible:

  • Putting the condom on late (after penetration has already started).
  • Using two condoms at once (two external or one external plus one internal).
  • Reusing a condom for a second round.
  • Not leaving space at the tip or not pinching out air.
  • Using oil‑based products on latex condoms.
  • Not checking for damage, expiry, or proper storage.

An example: someone puts on a condom halfway through sex, uses lotion as lube, and keeps the same condom for “round two.” That combination seriously raises the risk of pregnancy despite “using a condom.”

How effective are condoms at avoiding pregnancy?

  • With perfect use (exactly as instructions say, every single time), condoms are about 98% effective over a year.
  • With typical use (people sometimes forget, put it on late, or make mistakes), the effectiveness drops, and pregnancies are more common.
  • Using a second method, like emergency contraception if a condom fails, or combining condoms with a hormonal method (pill, IUD, etc.), makes pregnancy less likely.

Some people choose condoms plus another method for extra peace of mind, especially when they are strongly trying to avoid pregnancy at this stage of life.

Quick HTML table: Do’s and Don’ts

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Do Why it helps prevent pregnancy
Use a new condom every time you have sex. Prevents weakened material or leftover semen from causing leakage.
Put the condom on before any genital contact. Stops sperm in pre‑ejaculate from reaching the vagina.
Pinch the tip and roll it to the base. Leaves space for semen and reduces breakage from trapped air.
Use water‑based or silicone lube if needed. Reduces friction and tearing, keeping the barrier intact.
Hold the base while pulling out after ejaculation. Stops the condom from slipping off and spilling semen.
Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Prevents heat and friction damage that weakens the material.
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Don’t Risk
Don’t use two condoms at once. Friction between them can cause rips and leaks.
Don’t use oil‑based products on latex condoms. Oil breaks down latex and increases breakage.
Don’t keep condoms in a wallet for long periods. Heat and pressure can damage them without visible holes.
Don’t unroll the condom before putting it on. Makes it hard to apply correctly and more likely to tear.
Don’t reuse condoms. Material stretches and weakens, and semen can leak out.

If something goes wrong

  • If a condom breaks, slips off inside, or semen leaks, emergency contraception (the “morning‑after pill”) can reduce the chance of pregnancy if taken soon after.
  • If the person with a vagina misses their next period or it is very different from normal, a pregnancy test and a consultation with a health professional are recommended.
  • If a condom gets stuck in the vagina, it usually needs to be gently removed as soon as possible; if you cannot reach it yourself, a clinician can help.

Bottom note

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.