The following is an excellent guide for how to use a condom. The article is divided into five areas involving the use of condoms prior to, during, after, and repeated intercourse, followed by taking care of supplies. We have added links within to several products including the LifeStyles latex condoms, and non-latex condoms such as the Trojan Supra , and Durex Avanti . The article also suggests using personal lubricants - we suggest the Aqualube and Durex Maintain products.
Adapted by material written by: D. Lee Warner, MPH and Robert A. Hatcher, M.D., MPH *
PriortoIntercourse
1. Have on hand an adequate supply of latex or plastic condoms and water-based lubricant if you might use one, even if you plan to use another contraceptive. Have extra condoms available in case the first is damaged or torn before use or put on incorrectly, or if you have repeated intercourse.
2. Discuss condom use before you have intercourse. 
DuringIntercourse
1. Open the condom package carefully to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects.
2. Put on the condom before the penis comes in contact with the partner's mouth, anus, or vagina. If the penis is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting on the condom. Keep the condom on the penis until after intercourse or ejaculation.
3. Unroll the condom a short distance to make sure the condom is being unrolled in the right direction. The rolled ring should be on the outside. Then hold the tip of the condom and unroll it down to the base of the erect penis. If the condom does not unroll easily, it is on upside-down. Re-using it may expose the partner to infectious organisms contained in the pre-ejaculate, so discard and begin with a new condom.
4. Adequate lubrication is important. For latex condoms, use only water-based lubricants like water; lubricating jellies (e.g., Aqualube, Maintain, or RAIN lubricants). Avoid oil-based lubricants like cold cream, mineral oil, cooking oil, petroleum jelly, body lotions, massage oil, or baby oil that can damage latex condoms. For plastic condoms like the Durex Avanti or Trojan Supra, any type of lubricant can be used.
5. If the condom breaks or falls off during intercourse but before ejaculation, stop and put on a new condom. A new condom can also be used when you have prolonged intercourse or different types of intercourse within a single session (e.g., vaginal / anal).
AfterIntercourse
1. Soon after ejaculation, withdraw the penis while it is still erect. Hold the condom firmly against the base of the penis to prevent slippage and leakage of semen.
2. Check the condom for visible damage such as holes, then wrap it in tissue and discard. Do not flush condoms down the toilet.
3. If the condom breaks, falls off, leaks, or is not used:
- Discuss the possibility of pregnancy or infection with your partner and contact your health care provider as soon as you can.
- Do not douche. Emergency contraception may be used to prevent pregnancy if started within 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse.
- Gently wash the penis, vulva, anus, and adjacent areas with soap and water immediately after intercourse to help reduce the risk of acquiring an STD.
- Then insert an applicator full of spermicide into the vagina as soon as possible.
RepeatedIntercourse
1. Use a new condom from "start to finish" with each act of anal, vaginal, or oral intercourse. Do not reuse condoms.
TakingCare of Supplies
1. Store condoms in a cool and dry place out of direct sunlight (heat may weaken latex).
2. Check the expiration or manufacture date on the box or individual package of condoms. Expiration dates are marked as "Exp"; otherwise, the date is the manufacture date (MFG). Latex condoms should not be used beyond their expiration date or more than five years after the manufacturing date. Latex condoms with spermicide should probably be used within two years of the manufacture date. Condoms in damaged packages or that show obvious signs of deterioration (e.g., brittleness, stickiness, or discoloration) should not be used regardless of their expiration date.
* Material is adapted from Contraceptive Technology, 17th revised edition (1998), by Robert Hatcher, M.D., MPH, James Trussell, Ph.D., Felicia Stewart, M.D., et. al., and published by Ardent Media, Inc., New York, NY. Contraceptive Technology may be purchased through Ardent Media for $39.95. To obtain ordering information, go to the Ardent Media, Inc. web site.
