How to use a condom Putting the condom on   Wait until the penis gets hard then take the condom out of the pack carefully.   Do not use your teeth to tear open the wrapper!   Watch out for rings and sharp fingernails which can tear the condom.   Don't unroll or stretch the condom before putting it on.   Step by step instructions If the penis has a foreskin which is easy to roll back, you may find it easier to do this before putting on the condom.   Unroll the condom a bit to check that it's the right way round before putting it near the erect penis. Squeeze the tip of the condom to get rid of any air. Place over the tip of the hard penis.   Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.   If you are using a water-based lubricant, spread it over the outside of the condom when it's on the penis.   Check during sex that the condom hasn't slipped off. After sex, withdraw carefully while the penis is still hard.   Taking the condom off   Hold the condom at the base when you pull out, to stop it slipping off.   Wrap the condom in a tissue.   Dispose of the condom carefully in a bin, not down the toilet.   Female condoms The female condom is designed to line the vagina. It has two rings to keep it in place. The ring at the closed end of the condom fits inside the vagina. The one at the open end stays outside. Female condoms are available from the same outlets as male condoms. Staff at the sexual health clinic (e.g. Sandyford 211-8600) can show you how to fit and use the female condom properly. Contact the Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline on 0800 567 123 for details.