External Condoms

Important information about how to use external condoms

Check the expiration date on the condom wrapper to make sure it hasn't expired. Open the packaging, be care not to tear the external condom. Check to make sure there are no holes or tears in the external condom. Check to make sure there are no holes or tears.

Hold the tip of the external condom with two fingers and use your other hand to place the external condom on the tip of the erect penis. Pinch air out of the tip of the external condom.

While holding the external condom tip, unroll the remainder of the external condom over the penis until you reach the base.

After use or ejaculation, hold the rim of the external condom in place while withdrawing the penis.

When removing the external condom from the penis, make sure not to to spill any semen that may be inside the external condom.

Tie the used external condom into a knot and throw it away in a trash can. DO NOT flush down the toilet.

HOW IT WORKS
The external condom creates a barrier against skin and fluids to help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

HOW OFTEN YOU USE IT
Put a new external condom on every time you have sex or contact with someone’s skin or genital fluids.

EFFECTIVENESS
Typically, 87% of people don’t become pregnant.

STI PROTECTION
External condoms protect against STIs.

HOW TO GET IT
External condoms are readily available at drugstores and clinics. Healthcare providers can also authorize a prescription.

COST
External condoms cost between $1–20. Clinics usually offer external condoms at no cost.

VISIBILITY
Your partner(s) will be able to see if you are wearing an external condom.

STORAGE
Store in a dry place, ideally between 59–77 ̊F.

BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES

Non-hormonal
Widely available
May help with premature ejaculation
Can be used to make dental dam for use between the mouth and vagina or anus during oral sex
May have an allergic reaction to latex
Can break, leak, or slip off

This information is here to support you as you explore which birth control method (or methods) might work for you. It may take a few tries to figure out which method is best for you.