Top 10 tips for using a condom

Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah

Condoms are one of the most common forms of contraception. You may have used them dozens of times, but are you doing it properly? Correct technique is important here – any mistakes in using a condom could lead to some pretty major consequences.

Worryingly, less than half of UK singletons currently own condoms (43%) and just under half would not feel confident identifying what to look out for on condom packaging to ensure that it was of good quality and safe to use (46%).

To help Brits stay safe while having fun, LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor GP, Dr Bhavini Shah, shares her top 10 tips for proper condom usage. 

1. Quality check

Most of us like to check the quality of a product before we buy it – and condoms should be no different. 

“There are lots of different condom certification standards around the world. In the UK, you should look for the British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark or the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) symbol. If you’re holidaying in Europe, you should be able to find the CE symbol of European conformity that ensures its quality (from the French, ‘Conformité Européenne’). 

“Outside of the UK and EU, there is less clarity around what symbols to look for to check a condom’s quality as different regions and countries have different quality control, for example, condom quality is assured by the FDA in the United States, however there is no symbol to check for on packaging. The best way to stay safe is to take condoms with you on holiday, especially if you’re travelling outside of Europe.” 

2. Be careful what you buy

“While the European conformity CE symbol ensures condom safety by ISO standards, it’s not the only CE symbol out there.

“Be cautious that your condoms don’t display the very similar ‘China Export’ symbol (also denoted by the letters ‘CE’) instead of the ‘European conformity’ symbol. The two are nearly identical, except the ‘China Export’ symbol only means that it has been manufactured in China, not that it is of safe quality.” 

3. Check the expiry date

“Using an out-of-date condom could put you at risk of unplanned pregnancy and STIs. The shelf-life of a condom is generally around five years (less for spermicidal condoms), but you should always check the packet. Once expired, the condom starts to lose strength and flexibility, increasing the chance of a break.”

4. Don’t use joke condoms

“While condoms with funny packaging might make for an entertaining holiday souvenir, I’d advise against using any of them with a partner. These ‘joke condoms’ often aren’t intended for use and won’t have proper certification (CE, UKCE, or BSI Kitemark) and could lead to you catching an STI or having an unplanned pregnancy.” 

5. Don't tear the pack

“Opening a condom packet is never easy. But the less careful you are tearing the packet, the more likely you tear the condom as well. Fingernails can also perforate condoms and using your teeth to aid in opening the packet can also cause tears.

“While at times the packet might seem unbreakable, the condom most certainly isn’t. Take a deep breath, look for the right corner, and try again. Carefully!"

6. One at a time please!

"A common myth surrounds the practice of ‘doubling bagging’. This means wearing two condoms at once for extra protection. Twice the condom does not equal twice the safety.

“Wearing two condoms is actually riskier than just wearing one as they will rub against each other, creating potentially condom-breaking friction. This also applies if you use a 
male condom in tandem with a female condom.” 

7. Careful with the lube

“Certain lubricants do not agree with latex. Always check what your lube is made from before you start applying it. Water-based lube is fine. Oil-based or petroleum-based lube should never be used with a condom.

"Avoid body lotions, moisturiser, massage oil and body oil. These can weaken the latex, causing the condom to break.”

8. 30 minutes per condom

“If you’ve been having sex for half an hour and aren’t ready to stop – change the condom. Friction weakens the condom, increasing the chances of a break. Under 30 minutes and you’re fine. Over 30 minutes and it’s best to play it safe. Although, obviously the amount of friction depends on how vigorous your intercourse is.”

9. One condom per ejaculation

“Take the condom off once you’ve finished. Don’t leave it on for another round of action. A condom is a strictly single use item. Using it twice increases the chance of breakage and seeping. There’s a reason they sell condoms in multipacks.”

10. Make sure your condom is the right size

*based on popular condom brand sizing

“Condoms come in different sizes and knowing which size fits you is important. Condom size depends on penis circumference rather than length. It can be hard to know which size you need at a glance so I would recommend buying multiple sizes and trying them on before having sex to know which size is most comfortable for you.”

The condom manufacturer Lucky Bloke recommends the toilet roll tube test for discovering which size condom you need. The average toilet roll tube has a circumference of 6 inches, so, if you slide your penis into the tube, it can indicate what size condom is best:

• If there is a little bit of room still inside, chances are you need a regular size condom.
• If there is lots of space in the tube, a smaller condom may fit better.
• If you aren’t able to fit your penis into the tube, you may need to choose a larger condom.

If you’re unsure, here are the dimensions for Durex condoms, one of the most popular UK brands: 

Condoms come in all shapes and sizes. If you are concerned you haven’t used a condom correctly and you could be at risk of catching an STI, you can visit LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor’s STI test kit clinic. 

Methodology:
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor surveyed 435 UK adults who identified as being single.