There are many advantages to using condoms. First and foremost, they mean safer sex—in terms of both contraception and your health. If you’re not ready to have a family (or an STI), then condoms are a great way to safely enjoy sex. They can also help you extend intercourse and can even make it more pleasurable. Browse our categories today to find your perfect fit and feel.

Hold the tip of the condom between your forefinger and thumb to make sure it’s put on the right way round and no air is trapped inside (the condom may split if air is trapped inside). Place the condom over the tip of the penis. While squeezing the tip of the condom, gently roll it down to the base of the erect penis. For more information, please click here.

Most condoms are longer than they need to be. If you find there is too much roll at the base, you may need a snugger fit. If there is no roll left, you’ll need a larger condom. It’s also important to remember that when it comes to condom fit, girth is more important than length.

Click here to find your perfect fit on the Happy William size guide.

Sexual lubricant (lube) can be used to help make sexual acts—like sex, masturbation or sex toy play—more pleasurable. Lubes work to reduce friction between your skin and the person, object or body part you’re using, which can eliminate chafing, pain and uncomfortable rubbing. You can learn more about using lubricants here.

• they’re within their use-by date
• they’re not damaged
• the seal is not broken

Unsure of other condom ‘facts’? You can find the truth behind more common myths by simply clicking here.

• Do open the packet carefully to avoid damaging the condom.
• Do always put on the condom before any contact between the penis and the vagina, mouth or anus.
• Don’t use a condom more than once. This isn’t the time to try to get more bang for your buck.

During:

• Do change condoms after 30 minutes if you’re having a long sex session. Friction can weaken the condom, making it more likely to split.
• Don’t use 2 condoms together, whether that’s 2 male condoms or a female and a male condom. This adds friction and can cause them to break.
• Don’t use body lotions, moisturiser, massage oil, body oil, or any other oil-based product (such as Vaseline) with condoms. This will weaken the condom, making it less effective.

After:

• Do wrap used condoms in a tissue or piece of paper and put them in a dustbin.
• Don’t flush used condoms down the toilet.

Bonus Dos:

• Do always choose condoms with the European CE mark or BSI kite mark.
• Do keep condoms cool. Heat can damage condoms, so store them somewhere cool and dry.
• Do check the expiry date on the packaging. Condoms don’t last forever and may be past the point at which they work.
• Do buy condoms before going on holiday to avoid problems with language and trying to find somewhere to buy them.