Male condoms

For a diagram of how to properly use a condom,
click here. 

• Store condoms in a cool, dry place (not a wallet). 
• Check the expiration date on the condom package.  If the condom is expired, get another one!
• Make sure the package does not have any tiny holes in it (you should be able to feel a small pocket of air move around inside the package if you pinch your fingers against the flat sides of the unopened package).
• Open the package carefully to avoid tearing the condom.  If the condom tears, get another one!
• Use water-based lube on the outside of the condom and/or directly on the vagina to increase pleasure for both partners and help prevent the condom from breaking. Every woman’s body produces a different amount of natural lubricant and it is normal to need to apply additional lube before and/or during sex.  You can also put a drop of lube directly onto the penis before you put the condom on (don’t use too much or the condom will slip off).  Do not use oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly (Vaseline®), hand lotion, or butter with latex condoms as they may damage the latex. 
• Make sure the penis is fully hard before attempting to put the condom on.  Putting the condom on as soon as the penis gets hard will help keep pre-cum and cum from getting into a woman’s vagina.
• If the man is not circumcised, make sure to pull back the foreskin before rolling on the condom.
• Pinch the tip of the condom (called a reservoir) before rolling it all the way down the hard penis. This prevents air from getting in, which could cause it to break, and also allows a space for cum to collect.
• After the man cums, the penis should be pulled out of the vagina before it becomes soft to avoid the condom sliding off.
• Make sure the condom is away from the vagina when removing it.
• Throw the condom away.  Never flush a condom.
• Never reuse a condom.  Put on a new condom if switching between different kinds of sex (such as sex in the vagina or butt). This will help you to avoid spreading bacteria from one part of the body to another.

Female condoms

• Store female condoms at normal room temperature. 
• Check the expiration date on the female condom packet.  If the condom is expired, get another one!
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Open the packet carefully to avoid tearing the female condom.  If the condom tears, get another one!
• The female condom is already lubricated, but you can experiment with adding more lube to see what feels best for you and your partner.  You can lubricate the closed end to make insertion easier.
• To insert the female condom, squeeze the inner ring of the closed end with the open end hanging down.  Using a finger, push the inner ring and pouch into the vagina (similar to how a tampon is put in).  Push the condom all the way back until the inner ring rests against the cervix (as far as it can go).  Don’t worry, it can’t get lost in there!  Remove the finger.  The outer ring of the condom will hang about one inch outside the vagina.
• Insert the penis directly into the female condom.  You may have to help guide the penis into the condom so that it stays in place. If condom begins to slide out of the vagina or onto the penis during sex, stop and apply more lube to the condom or penis.  Some movement of the condom during sex is normal, but stop having sex and readjust the penis inside the condom if it seems like the penis is sliding inside of you and outside of the condom.
• The female condom can also be used for sex in the butt. Before using the female condom for sex in the butt, remove the inner ring. Place the condom onto the hard penis (or a sex toy) and slowly insert the covered, lubricated penis into the butthole (anus).  
• To remove the female condom, squeeze and twist the outer ring to keep the cum inside the pouch.  Slowly and gently pull the condom from the vagina.
• Throw the condom away.  Never flush a female condom.
• Never reuse a female condom.

Hormonal Methods
The Shot
Implants
The Patch
The Pill
The Ring

Behavioral Methods
Abstinence
Outercourse
Pulling Out

Other Methods
IUD
Spermicide
Sterilization