How to wear a condom

Sex is fun, for sure! But, safer sex is a lot more fun - with the wide variety of condoms available today. Safe sex means making sure that you don't get your partner's blood, semen or vaginal fluids into your body - for, they could be a source of infection.
Condoms are the best protection you can get from sexually transmitted diseases - including the deadly HIV virus. And when used correctly, the latex condom is 98% effective against pregnancy. Latex condoms are also the best bet in preventing HIV infection - next only to monogamy or abstinence.
For your condom to be truly effective, you need to make sure that you are wearing it right. Here's how you use a condom:

1. Get Ready:
   Always check the expiry date on your condom, and make sure they are fresh. Throw away condoms that have expired, faded, worn out or washed. Make sure it's a fresh new condom every time!
    
2. Open it:
   Tear open the package carefully, making sure you don't rip the condom inside. Squeeze one side of the foil and remove the condom carefully. Though condoms are strong, they can be torn or punctured by sharp fingernails, teeth or jewellery.
    
3. Check before you slip it on:
   Put on the condom when you are hard and erect. And if you are uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin first. As the fluid released during the early stages of an erection can contain sperm, put on the condom before the penis comes into contact with the vaginal area. Make sure the condom is on the right side, by unrolling it for half an inch to see in which direction it is unrolling (just as you would with a sock). Hold the top half-inch of the condom between your fingers before you slip it on. This keeps out air bubbles, which can cause the condom to break and also creates space at the end for the semen to collect.
    
4. Roll it down:
   Place the condom on the tip of the penis and unroll it gently down the full length of the penis right down to the base, squeezing the closed end. The condom must stay in place during sex - if it rolls up, roll it back immediately. If the condom comes off completely, put on a new condom before you continue with sex. If this is your first time, using a lubricant will make things go smoother for you and your partner. Use only a water-based lubricant (like Durex Play) as oil-based ones can break the condom. Vaseline, hand creams and lotions are a strict no. And use the lubricant after you put on the condom - or else, the condom could slip.
    
5. Pull out safely:
   Withdraw the penis soon after climaxing, holding the condom firmly in place at the base of the penis. Take the condom off only after you are completely out of your partner.
    
6. Dispose it the right way:
   Never use a condom more than once. And when you are done, wrap the condom in a tissue and dispose it off. Do not flush it down the toilet.

Practice makes it perfect. If you think putting on a condom is too much trouble when you are supposed to be having fun, get creative. Safe sex can be fun and erotic!