How to use a condom

A condom is the only form of contraception that works to both prevent pregnancy and protect against the spread of sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The external (male) condom is a thin latex rubber or polyurethane (a type of soft plastic) covering which is rolled onto an erect (hard) penis before having sex.

There are a number of steps to putting on a condom correctly.

Gain consent – don’t forget to ask!

Check the expiry date – it’s usually found on the back of the condom packet.

Carefully open the condom packet (do not use your teeth or scissors). Once open, check the condom is the correct way up.

Pinch the tip of the condom with one hand (this removes the air and makes space for any semen/cum).

While still pinched, place the condom on the head of the penis when it’s erect (hard). With your other hand roll the condom down to the base of penis.

Put some water-based lube on the outside of the condom if you like (recommended during anal sex). You are now ready to have sex – check the condom doesn’t break.

Hold the base to remove. After sex, while the penis is still hard, carefully withdraw the penis while holding the base of the condom. Remove the condom slowly so it doesn’t spill or turn inside out.

Put the waste in the bin. Wrap the condom in a tissue and put it in the bin (not down the toilet).

LGBTIQA+ proud supporter

The Freedom Condom project proudly welcomes and supports LGBTIQ diversity and inclusion. Family Planning NSW is a member of the Welcome Here Project.

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You can still order free condoms online by

The correct answer is:

No, never use an expired condom

An expired condom is less effective as it may break

The correct answer is:

Both A & B are correct

A doctor or nurse may ask you questions about your sexual history and test for STI’s through a urine, swab or blood test. 

The correct answer is:

All the above

STIs can be passed from one person to another during sexual activities that involve direct skin-to-skin contact and/or the exchange of bodily fluids.

The correct answer is:

Using a condom during vaginal, anal or oral sex, and when sharing sex toys

Condoms are the best way of preventing most STIs. Each condom can only be used once, and a person should use a new condom when changing between vaginal, anal and oral sex.

The correct answer is:

They get an STI test at Family Planning NSW, sexual health clinic or GP

The only way of finding out if you have an STI is by having a sexual health check-up. A sexual health check-up may include: 

• a doctor or nurse asking you about your sexual history 
• a urine test, swab test or blood test

• talking about other things such as healthy relationships, contraception and preventing STIs

The correct answer is:

Any of the above

A sexual health check is a check-up by a doctor or nurse for sexual health problems like sexually transmissible infections (STIs). A sexual health check-up may include:

• a doctor or nurse asking you about your sexual history
• a urine test, swab test or blood test

• talking about other things such as healthy relationships, contraception and preventing STIs

The correct answer is:

Water-based lubricant

Water-based lubricant help stop the condom from breaking

The correct answer is:

No, the condom is more likely to split

Never use two condoms at the same time. Using two condoms at one time can make the condoms break.

The correct answer is:

False

Buy the Emergency Contraceptive Pill without a prescription at your local pharmacy.

The correct answer is:

Throw it away and start again with a new condom

Worn on the penis during vaginal, anal or oral sex, the condom provides a barrier which catches semen and stops the transfer of bodily fluids between partners.

Don’t get caught!
Quick hide out made easy

The correct answer is:

All the above

Consent is when one person agrees or gives permission to another person to do something. It means agreeing to an action based on what you know of the situation and what that action involves, its possible consequences and having the option of saying no.

Hi there

The Freedom Condom project provides free condoms and relevant and accurate information about sexual health. The information provided will be about consent, condom use, contraception and sexual health checks. These topics can be uncomfortable for some people.

The Freedom Condom project is not intended to provide medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, see your doctor or call Family Planning NSW Talkline on 1300 658 886 or email talkline@fpnsw.org.au

The correct answer is:

True for all ages

In NSW, the age of consent is 16 for all people. There are times when a person cannot legally give their consent no matter what age they are. This is when they are:
  • drunk
  • taking drugs
  • asleep or unconscious
  • unsure or unaware of what they are consenting to
  • threatened, pressured or scared

The correct answer is:

Condoms

Condoms are the only form of contraception that also protect against STIs.

The correct answer is:

Up to 5 days

Although the ECP can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, the earlier an ECP is taken after unprotected vaginal sex the better it works.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

Up to 5 days

Although the ECP can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, the earlier an ECP is taken after unprotected vaginal sex the better it works.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

Any of the above

A sexual health check is a check-up by a doctor or nurse for sexual health problems like sexually transmissible infections (STIs). A sexual health check-up may include:

• a doctor or nurse asking you about your sexual history
• a urine test, swab test or blood test

• talking about other things such as healthy relationships, contraception and preventing STIs

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

False

Buy the Emergency Contraceptive Pill without a prescription at your local pharmacy.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

Condoms

Condoms are the only form of contraception that also protect against STIs.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

All the above

STIs can be passed from one person to another during sexual activities that involve direct skin-to-skin contact and/or the exchange of bodily fluids.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

Both A & B are correct

A doctor or nurse may ask you questions about your sexual history and test for STI’s through a urine, swab or blood test. 

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

Using a condom during vaginal, anal or oral sex, and when sharing sex toys

Condoms are the best way of preventing most STIs. Each condom can only be used once, and a person should use a new condom when changing between vaginal, anal and oral sex.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

They get an STI test at Family Planning NSW, sexual health clinic or GP

The only way of finding out if you have an STI is by having a sexual health check-up. A sexual health check-up may include: 

• a doctor or nurse asking you about your sexual history 
• a urine test, swab test or blood test

• talking about other things such as healthy relationships, contraception and preventing STIs

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

Water-based lubricant

Water-based lubricant help stop the condom from breaking

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

No, never use an expired condom

An expired condom is less effective as it may break

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

No, the condom is more likely to split

Never use two condoms at the same time. Using two condoms at one time can make the condoms break.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

Throw it away and start again with a new condom

Worn on the penis during vaginal, anal or oral sex, the condom provides a barrier which catches semen and stops the transfer of bodily fluids between partners.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

True for all ages

In NSW, the age of consent is 16 for all people. There are times when a person cannot legally give their consent no matter what age they are. This is when they are:
  • drunk
  • taking drugs
  • asleep or unconscious
  • unsure or unaware of what they are consenting to
  • threatened, pressured or scared

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

16

In NSW, the age of consent is 16 for all people.

WELL DONE!

The correct answer is:

All the above

Consent is when one person agrees or gives permission to another person to do something. It means agreeing to an action based on what you know of the situation and what that action involves, its possible consequences and having the option of saying no.

The correct answer is:

16

In NSW, the age of consent is 16 for all people.