Important: whenever possible, show clients how to put on a condom.

Use a model of a penis, if available, or other item, like a banana, to demonstrate.

Basic Steps	Important Details
1. Use a new condomfor each act of sex	Check the condom package. Do not use if torn or damaged. Avoid using a condom past the expiration date—do so only if a newer condom is not available. Tear open the package carefully. Do not use fingernails, teeth, or anything that can damage the condom.
2. Before any physical contact, place the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out	For the most protection, put the condom on before the penis makes any genital, oral, or anal contact.
3. Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis	The condom should unroll easily. Forcing it on could cause it to break during use. If the condom does not unroll easily, it may be on backwards, damaged, or too old. Throw it away and use a new condom. If the condom is on backwards and another one is not available, turn it over and unroll it onto the penis.
4. Immediately after ejaculation, hold the rim of the condom in place and withdraw the penis while it is still erect	Withdraw the penis. Slide the condom off, avoiding spilling semen. If having sex again or switching from one sex act to another, use a new condom.
5. Dispose of the used condom safely	Wrap the condom in its package and put in the rubbish or latrine. Do not put the condom into a flush toilet, as it can cause problems with plumbing.

Supporting the User

Ensure client understands correct use

Ask the client to explain the 5 basic steps of using a condom by putting it on a model or other object and then taking it off. When counselling, use the graphic, Correctly Using a Male Condom.

Ask clients how many condoms they will need until they can return

• Give plenty of condoms and, if available, a water or silicone-based lubricant.
• Tell clients where they can buy condoms, if needed.

Explain why using a condom with every act of sex is important

• Just one unprotected act of sex can lead to pregnancy or STI—or both.
• If a condom is not used for one act of sex, try to use one the next time. A mistake once or twice does not mean that it is pointless to use condoms in the future.

Explain ECP use in case of errors in condom use—including not using a condom—to help prevent pregnancy (see Emergency Contraceptive Pills). Give ECPs, if available.

Discuss ways to talk about using condoms

Discuss skills and techniques for negotiating condom use with partners (see Bringing Up Condom Use).

Lubrication helps avoid condom breakage. There are 3 ways to provide lubrication—natural vaginal secretions, adding a lubricant, or using condoms packaged with lubricant on them.

Sometimes lubricants made of glycerine or silicone, which are safe to use with latex condoms, are available. Clean water and saliva also can be used for lubrication. Lubricants should be applied on the outside of the condom, in the vagina, or in the anus. Lubricants should not be put on the penis, as this can make the condom slip off. A drop or two of lubricant on the inside of the condom before it is unrolled can help increase the sensation of sex for some men. Too much lubricant inside, however, can make the condom slip off.

Do not use products made with oil as lubricants for latex condoms. They can damage latex. Materials that should not be used include: any oils (cooking, baby, coconut, mineral), petroleum jelly, lotions, cold creams, butter, cocoa butter, and margarine.

• Do not unroll the condom first and then try to put it on the penis
• Do not use lubricants with an oil base because they damage latex
• Do not use a condom if the color is uneven or changed
• Do not use a condom that feels brittle, dried out, or very sticky
• Do not reuse condoms
• Do not have dry sex

Also, do not use the same condom when switching between different penetrative sex acts, such as from anal to vaginal sex. This can transfer bacteria that can cause infection.

• Client has difficulty using condoms correctly or every time he or she has sex.
• Client has signs or symptoms of severe allergic reaction to latex condom (see Severe allergic reaction to condom).
• Woman recently had unprotected sex and wants to avoid pregnancy. She may be able to use ECPs (see Emergency Contraceptive Pills).