Internal & External Condom Steps

August 2024

Condom demonstrations are important because it’s better for young people to see (and then practice!) applying a condom before they need to use it. Review condom use steps for internal and external condoms, so you can feel comfortable doing condom demonstrations for your students.

These videos and handout provide step-by-step instructions on external and internal condom use.

Condoms help prevent sperm from ever meeting an egg. Both internal and external condoms can be used to help prevent pregnancy, but condoms can also prevent STIs, including HIV. External condoms are worn on a penis and can be put over anything people might insert into a vagina or anus (such as a sex toy). Internal condoms are inserted either into the vagina or anus.

Want more info on condoms and anatomy? Check out Sex Ed 101 for Educators, our free elearning resource!

Contributing Staff

External Condom Use Steps

STEP 1: Check the condom’s expiration date and that the packaging is intact.

Expiration is usually printed on the back of the wrapper.
Gently squeeze the package to check there is a small pillow of air (to confirm the package isn’t ripped or torn).

STEP 2: Carefully open the package.

Avoid using anything sharp (e.g., teeth or scissors) to open the wrapper, so the condom doesn’t tear or puncture.

STEP 3: Ensure the condom is right-side-up.

Place it on your palm and see if it is shaped like a hat or baby bottle nipple. If it is shaped like a hat, it is right-side-up and can roll down when applied on a penis or sex toy.
You may add lubricant to the inside of the condom at this time, if desired. Lubricant on the inside can help increase sensation for the person wearing it.

STEP 4: Pinch the tip of the condom and roll it down the penis or sex toy.

Be sure to leave a little room at the tip (where you pinch), so there is room for ejaculate.
Roll the condom all the way to the base of the penis or sex toy.
You may add lubricant to the outside of the condom, if desired (adding lubricant to the outside can help prevent breaking).

STEP 5: When intercourse is done, remove the penis or sex toy from the partner’s body.

Hold the base of the condom in place, so it doesn’t slip off during this step.

STEP 6: Carefully slide the condom up and off the penis or sex toy, holding it so that it does not spill.

Moving slightly away from your partner can help prevent spilling the contents on them.

STEP 7: Wrap the condom up in a tissue or in the packaging it came in and dispose.

Throw the condom away in the trash—do not flush. Condoms can clog plumbing.

Internal Condom Use Steps

STEP 1: Check the condom’s expiration date and that the packaging is intact.

Expiration is usually printed in the fold on the side of the wrapper.
Inspect the package to check there are no rips, tears, or punctures in the packaging.

STEP 2: Carefully open the package.

Avoid using anything sharp (e.g., teeth or scissors) to open the wrapper, so the condom doesn’t tear or puncture.

STEP 3: Locate the closed end of the condom.

Inside the condom on the closed end, ensure there is a flexible ring inside.
If desired, add lubricant to the outside of the condom.

STEP 4: Squeeze the flexible ring inside the closed end, and insert the condom into the vagina or anus.

Push the ring far enough into the body so that the ring expands and feels securely in place.
If you’re using the condom in the anus, some people prefer to remove the ring from inside the closed end of the condom to make it more comfortable.

STEP 5: Ensure the outer ring of the condom is outside the body.

Spread it out so the ring and the condom material near the ring lay flat against the anus or the vulva.
Internal condoms come pre-lubricated, but the user may choose to add lubricant to the penis or sex toy they are using before or during intercourse.

STEP 6: When intercourse is over, twist the outer ring to close the condom.