Appendix B: Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections – How to Use a male condom / how to use a female condom

It is possible to communicate many of these points to patients clearly in a simple demonstration by putting a condom over two fingers or a model.

1. Open the package; handle carefully to avoid damaging the condom.
2. A water-based lubricant may be used inside the tip of the condom or on the penis to avoid irritation or tearing the condom; KY Jelly or a liquid form such as Astro-Glide should be used. Petroleum- or oil-based lubricants (such as petroleum jelly, cooking oils, shortening and lotions) should not be used, because they weaken the latex.
3. Press the air out of the tip, leaving enough space to hold the semen (about 1 cm).
4. Pinching the condom tip, unroll the condom over as much of the hard penis as possible.
5. After sex, take the penis out with the condom still on and the penis still hard. Hold the base of the condom firmly so that the semen doesn’t spill.
6. After use, tie a knot at the open end and dispose of the condom in the garbage (not in the toilet). Do not reuse.

Note:

If a condom breaks, it should be replaced immediately. If ejaculation occurs after condom breakage and there is need for protection against pregnancy, emergency oral contraception should be used.

Insert the condom into the vagina before sexual contact.

1. Open the package, handling carefully to avoid tearing the condom.
2. Squeeze the flexible inner ring at the closed end of the sheath.
3. Gently insert the inner ring into the vagina.
4. Place the index finger on the inside of the condom, and push the inner ring up as far as it will go.
5. Be sure the sheath is not twisted. The outer ring should remain on the outside of the vagina.
6. Guide the penis into the sheath’s opening. Be sure that the penis is not entering on the side, between the vagina wall and the sheath.
7. If the condom moves out of place during sex, lubrication can be used either on the inside of the condom or on the penis.
8. To remove the condom, twist the outer ring and gently pull the condom out to avoid spilling the semen.
9. Dispose of the condom in the garbage (not in the toilet). Do not reuse.

Note:

If the condom is dislodged, twisted or breaks, it should be replaced immediately. If ejaculation occurs after condom failure and there is need for protection against pregnancy, emergency oral contraception should be used.

For information regarding the use of female condoms for anal intercourse, see Primary Care and Sexually Transmitted infections chapter.