Not knowing how to use a condom can quickly take the passion out of an intimate moment. Taking a few minutes to review and practice the process beforehand is one way to ensure that you don't draw too much time away from the romance, while providing you and your partner both with a little added protection against unwanted pregnancy and disease.

• Abstinence is the only guarantee against STDs and pregnancy, but learning how to use a condom properly can help reduce the risk of either—the Mayo Clinic says that condoms are about 85% effective at preventing pregnancy, as well as being "the most effective contraceptive method available for avoiding...STDs.". MayoClinic.com: Condoms: How to Use for Birth Control, STD Protection A lot of couples groan at the idea of using a condom, but more often than not, it is not knowing how to use a condom that makes them seem like an inconvenience. Improper use can lead to condom failure, so learning how to use a condom before you attempt to have sex is important and can make the process easier on both partners. MayoClinic.com: Condoms: How to Use for Birth Control, STD Protection In fact, with a little bit of practice, putting on a condom can take as little as a few seconds, and while it make not seem like the sexiest thing in the world, you can even incorporate it into foreplay. About.com: How to Put on a Condom

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• Many sexual encounters tend to happen spur of the moment, so it's important that you prepare ahead of time. No one wants to have to run out to the convenience store at the last minute. Take some time before you even have sex to get to know about the different types of condoms and how they can keep you and your partner protected.

1. Keep condoms on hand so you are prepared.
2. Check the expiration date before use. If a condom has expired, don't use it. the NAKED truth: How to put on a condom
3. As the Mayo Clinic advises, don't store condoms in glove compartments, wallets or direct sunlight, to avoid heat damage. MayoClinic.com: Condoms: How to Use for Birth Control, STD Protection
4. If the box or package the condoms came in was tampered with or damaged, do not use them.WebMD: How to Use a Condom
5. Check the condom wrapper to make sure it's airtight. Holes in the package could mean holes in the condom. MayoClinic.com: Condoms: How to Use for Birth Control, STD Protection
6. WebMD counsels you should throw away any condoms that appear torn, brittle or sticky.WebMD: How to Use a Condom
7. Condoms come in different sizes. Experiment with different types to see what's right for you. About.com: How to Find the Best Condom
8. Many condoms are made from latex. If you are allergic to latex, you will need to find a trustworthy alternative, like polyurethane. Healthline: How to Put on a Condom
9. Avoid using condoms with desensitizing lubricants. About.com warns that not being able to feel the condom could result in an unwanted accident. About.com: How to Find the Best Condom

• Once the decision to have sex has been made, you will need to put a condom on before there is any genital contact between you and your partner.eMedicineHealth: How to Use a Condom Be sure to familiarize yourself with the following directions in order to achieve maximum safety results:

1. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say to only put a condom on a partially or fully erect penis.CDC: Clinical Prevention Guidance
2. Take care not to tear the condom while opening.
   • Always handle condoms with care, as they can be easily torn by things like teeth, zippers, fingernails and jewelry. MayoClinic.com: Condoms: How to Use for Birth Control, STD Protection
3. To get rid of excess air, and provide a reservoir for ejaculated semen hold the nipple of the condom between your thumb and forefinger and place the condom over the tip of the penis, according to the Mayo Clinic. MayoClinic.com: Condoms: How to Use for Birth Control, STD Protection
4. Unroll the condom down the length of the penis. Healthline: How to Put on a Condom
   1. If the penis has a foreskin, pull the foreskin back before unrolling the condom.WebMD: How to Use a Condom
   2. If you have trouble unrolling the condom, it may be upside down. Turn it around and try again. the NAKED truth: How to Put on a Condom
      • You can tell if the condom is right-side-up by holding the tip between your thumb and index finger and brushing your middle finger along the outer edge. Your finger should catch the edge. If it glides off, it's upside down. The Carolinian Online: How To: Put on a Condom Correctly (April 10, 2007)
   3. If an upside down condom has made contact with the penis, Avert.org warns you should start with a new condom to avoid accidental contamination. Avert: Using Condoms

• With the condom correctly in place, you are ready for intercourse. Remember: As eMedicineHealth counsels, if at any time during intercourse the condom becomes loose or broken, you will want to pull out immediately and put on a new condom.eMedicineHealth: How to Use a Condom, Page 4

• Videojug: How to Put On a Condom (Time: 3:01)

• Some condoms come already lubricated, but others do not. Here are some safety rules about adding lubricant to a condom:

1. About.com says water-based lubricants will ensure that the condom doesn't break. About.com: How to Put on a Condom
2. MedicineNet.com advises that using no lubricant can lead to dryness and friction, which both lead to condom breakage.MedicineNet.com: Your Guide to Birth Control: Condoms
3. Oil-based lubrication will weaken latex condoms, so the two should not be used together, according to MedcineNet.com.MedicineNet.com: Your Guide to Birth Control: Condoms

• When you finish having sex, you still need to use caution as you remove and dispose of the condom.

1. WebMD advises holding the condom at the base of the penis while withdrawing from your partner.WebMD: How to Use a Condom
2. Remove the condom while the penis is still erect, according to the Mayo Clinic. MayoClinic.com: Condoms: How to Use for Birth Control, STD Protection
3. Dispose of the condom by wrapping it in a tissue and tossing it in the trash.eMedicineHealth: How to Use a Condom
   • Never flush a condom down the toilet. the NAKED truth: How to Put on a Condom
4. Wash your hands.

• Here are a few other things you can put into practice to keep both you and your partner safe during sex:

1. Always double check your condom afterwards for leaks or holes. the NAKED truth: How to Put on a Condom
2. Never use the same condom twice, says Healthline.com. Healthline: How to Put on a Condom
3. Don't try to increase your protection by using two condoms at once. The Carolinian Online: How To: Put on a Condom (April 10, 2007)
4. Healthline.com suggests you can increase the efficacity of your condom against STDs by doubling up with spermicides. Healthline: How to Put on a Condom
5. Some lubricant spermicides may cause allergic reactions which result in small sores, warns Avert.org. Avert: Using Condoms
6. Many companies make flavored condoms, so you and your partner can practice safe oral sex as well. Avert: Using Condoms
7. Some condom makers have created condoms with bumps and ridges to increase sensitivity for both partners. Avert: Using Condoms

• When used properly, the CDC says that condoms are a highly effective way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.CDC: Clinical Prevention Guidance When you and your partner decide to have sex, you become responsible for each other's sexual health and well-being. Following the rules and making sure you use condoms correctly will help keep you both safe from diseases and unplanned pregnancies. Don't be afraid to talk to your partner about using condoms. The difference between a protected sexual encounter and an unprotected sexual encounter could mean your life.