Many people think they have this down...they've seen the banana bit. However, at my PP volunteer session, we were all surprised by the steps we'd been missing.
1. Discuss birth control and/or STD/STI prevention methods with your partner...before you get your groove on. So many people don't want to do this, because they think it is awkward. Hello, this is SEX, people. How much more awkward is, "Ah, honey guess what the doctor said..."
2. Obtain condoms. They are everywhere these days. Not only do they appear in pharmacys and gas stations across the nation, but many places give them away, free for the taking. Even when they aren't free, they are still cheap. Much cheaper than the alternatives.
3. Check expiration date. So, you bought that jumbo-size box freshman year of college, and now it's time for your ten year reunion? Still got that same box? Toss it. Latex has a definite shelf life, and after time it starts to break down.
4. Gently squeeze condom package to feel for the air bubble. A package without the air bubble at the center has a hole or a leak somewhere, and should be thrown out. Also, keeping a condom in your wallet is a bad idea, as this will help break the condom.
5. Wait for sexual arousal and erection. You may think stopping midstream to bust out the condoms "breaks the mood" but trying to do things beforehand, putting a condom on a flaccid penis...that's just not going to work.
6. Carefully remove the condom from the wrapper. Don't try opening the package with your teeth, as this will make tearing more likely.
7. Place condom on the tip of the erect penis. For those that complain about the loss of sensation while wearing a condom, applying a dab of water based lubricant, like KY jelly, to the tip of the penis beneath the condom may help.
8.Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom. This helps to leave a reservoir for the ejactulate. If the tip of the condom is tight to the head of the penis, it may be pressed up and out the end of the condom.
9. Unroll condom down the shaft of the penis. Make sure that the ring at the end of the condom reaches the base of the penis.
10. Do your thing, be it intercourse or oral.
11. Hold onto the rim of the condom and withdraw after ejaculation, before the penis grows flaccid. This helps to prevent spillage.
12. Remove condom, drawing it straight off. Don't roll or otherwise turn it inside out, again, to prevent spilling.
13. Tie the end of the condom into a knot (more spill prevention) and dispose. Not into the toilet. Also, if you are having sex somewhere like the great outdoors, give a hoot, don't pollute. Nothing says tacky, tasteless, and hazardous like a used condom on the ground. Ew.
Most condoms come with spermicidal lubricant. However, these should not be used for oral sex. There are non-lubed condoms available for oral sex. Non-lubed condoms should not be used for vaginal or anal intercourse.
