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Back to BlogMedically reviewed by Sophia Yen, MD, MPH – Written by Pandia Health Editorial Team
Hello fellow sexually active people!
Hope you are taking care of your health (mental, physical, sexual) and you’ve found a suitable partner for cuffing szn!
The holidays is one of the most popular times during the year for people to get friskaayyy if ya know what I mean ?
So, I want to make sure that you and your SO, casual hookup, and the people around you who you care about have as much info as possible about how to have safe and pleasurable sexual experiences!
Today’s edition is about CONDOMS. I’ve listed out basically everything you need to know about these thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina.
Before we get started, I’m going to go over how to put on and take off a condom:
1. Putting it on
Check to make sure the condom hasn’t expired as they’re more likely to break if they have. Tear one side of the wrapper off the condom but be careful not to tear the condom itself. Add some lube inside to help the condom roll onto the penis more easily. Leave half an inch of extra space at the tip of the condom by pinching out any extra air; it’ll help collect semen and will make it harder for the condom to break. Roll the condom to the base of the penis while smoothing out any air bubbles.
2. Taking it off
You/your partner should pull out immediately after climaxing while holding the base of the condom to avoid semen spilling out. Throw away the condom in the trash. And voila!
Now, to the nitty-gritty…
1. There are condoms for both people with penises and vaginas
A “male” condom is worn on the penis and is usually made of latex.
A “female” condom is inserted into the vagina and has a flexible ring at either end; the closed end goes into the vagina while the other end is open allowing the ring to sit outside the opening of the vagina
2. What NOT to do with condoms
- NEVER EVER reuse condoms!
For the love of whatever higher power you believe in, use a new condom for each time you have sex! - Do NOT double up!
Using two condoms at the same time creates friction and makes it much more likely that the condom will break. One is enough, kiddos! - NEVER use oil-based lubricants
For example mineral oil, petroleum jelly, olive oil, or baby oil. They can break down the rubber.
In case a condom seems dry, sticky, or stiff when it comes out of the package, just throw it away and use a newer one instead – Helpful tip to prevent this: store unused condoms in a cool, dry place. - Do NOT use latex condoms if you’re allergic to latex!
Be sure to buy condoms that are made out of a different material! Don’t want any slip-ups!
3. Wear a condom even if you’re not having penetrative intercourse
While there’s no risk of pregnancy here, there is still a chance of contracting STDs if you don’t wear a condom. Especially if you’re engaging in oral sex. A barrier, like a dental dam, can decrease your risk of infection. They’re low-key hard-to-find though. So here’s a DIY fix: simply cut a condom and lay it flat to be used as a dental dam.
4. Check your size
Joke all you want, but there are different condom sizes for a reason. Check out a few different options at the drugstore to determine which size is best for you. If a condom is too small, it can create friction and break. If it’s too big, it can slip off.
Now, that you know more about condoms, there is no excuse for having unsafe sex! And, if you want to double up on protection, start taking your birth control by signing up for Pandia Health!
Join the Pandia community and never worry about pregnancy or STDs again!
The above information is for general informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor/primary care provider before starting or changing treatment.