One of the most asked questions at our cult Sex Education for Adults sessions: how do you put on a condom properly? Whilst we can’t wipe those memories of sad bananas, sweaty classrooms and the particular embarrassment of Mrs Nice Teacher solemnly uttering the word “va-gi-na”, but we can serve straight facts and sexual healing. 🍌

Whether it’s been been a while, you’ve never used condoms before or you’re exploring alternatives to hormonal contraception, the key thing is not to panic. Worrying about pregnancy or STIs can make correct condom use feel like rocket science, but if you skill up and make sure you know your stuff, you'll be just fine when it comes to deploying a johnny.

Our Co-Founder Dr Sarah Welsh spent many years pre-HANX working in NHS sexual health clinics, so when it comes to latex lessons, she's your expert. We grabbed the queen of condoms herself to share top tips for using a condom right, and aside from an eye roll, how to tackle that classic statement: "I don't like wearing condoms."

Our Step by step guide to putting on a condom 

1. Had that condom hanging around for a while? Make sure to check the expiry date, which can be found on the box or the foil wrapper of the condom itself. Our own HANX condoms guarantee a few years from production to expiry, so you have time to get your loving on safely.
2. As soon as the penis is fully erect (or you've grabbed your favourite dildo/toy), you’re ready for a condom. Grab the HANX, quick! Trying to put a condom on a non-erect penis or floppy toy isn't easy and you might rip the latex as you struggle to unroll it. 
3. Ready to open the foil? Gently nudge the condom inside to the opposite side from where you’re opening the foil wrapper so you don't rip the latex. Don’t use your teeth or anything sharp to tear the foil open and keep sharp nails and jewellery well away, too.
4. Make sure the condom is the right way up. The ‘teat’ or bubbled tip of the condom should point upwards - and this pointy bit needs to be facing away from the tip of the penis/toy when you roll it on.
5. Pinch the tip of the condom with your thumb and forefinger to get rid of the air, as trapped air in this area could make the condom split during use. The more you know: the space inside the top of the condom is to collect semen (where applicable). It may be more comfortable to pull the foreskin back (if the penis is uncircumcised) before placing the condom on.
6. Carefully roll the condom from the tip all the way down to the base of the penis/toy. If it won’t unroll easily, it could be inside out. Big alert: if this is the case and you're having sex with somebody with a penis, remove that condom and start again with a new one, as it could already be compromised with semen.
7. Let's get ready to rumblllleeeeeeeee! Get stuck it and give them one from us.
8. If the condom slips down a little, just roll it back down to the base of the penis but if it comes off completely, start again with a new one to make sure you're protected from pregnancy and/or STIs.
9. When it’s all over, keep hold of the condom at the base of the penis to make sure it doesn’t slip off while you pull out. Take the condom off, tie a knot in it (no balloon animals, we beg you) so that the contents don’t spill out and wrap it in a tissue.
10. HANX condoms can be disposed of in household waste or compost, and start decomposing under the influence of light and oxygen after about 3 months. Feeling flush? Never dispose of condoms down the toilet, as this can block sewage and your cast-offs could even end up on display in the Museum of London...

I don't like wearing condoms. What can I do?

• Try putting lubricant in and on the condom itself: this increases sensation at the tip of the penis where it is super sensitive and also helps the condom to slip on, no problem! Lube helps make sex more pleasurable and can help stop the condom breaking too. Make sure it’s a water-based lube as oil/ silicone-based lube can break down latex and cause condoms to break. 👀
• If the whole process feels awkward and unsexy to you, you're not alone. In fact 53.9% of UK lovers have gone ahead without a condom as they didn't want to bring it up before sex. Bust through the uncomfortable angst by being direct - and know it's okay to have a giggle about it, too. We usually have a foiled condom ready and waiting on the bedside table during foreplay to minimise any unnecessary fumbling around in bedside tables or handbags.
• If you find condoms uncomfortable and too tight, it might be that you're wearing the wrong size. Try sizing up to a larger condom.
• If you've switched to natural condoms and are still experiencing persistent irritation or even blisters, it may be time to speak to your doctor about a potential latex allergy. 

Want more?

• Get ready to join the natural condom revolution. Find out why it's time to ditch unnecessary chemicals in your sex life.
• Condoms are a key part of having a safe and pleasurable sex life, as the best protection against STIs and the only non-hormonal form of contraception that is 98% effective when used correctly. Grab yourself a pack of HANX vegan, biodegradable condoms.