This article was medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD. Lacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 543,345 times.
Studies show that condoms are very effective for preventing pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) if they're used correctly. While removing a condom might seem really easy, make sure that no semen spills out into or around your or your partner's genital area.[1] Experts say it's important to hold the base of the condom while you pull out of your partner. Then, you can gently remove the condom from your penis or vagina and throw it in the trash.[2]
Steps
Know when to pull out. After you ejaculate or finish sex, remove your penis from your partner while it remains firm. Do not wait until your penis is soft. If you do, your condom more likely will fall off and become stuck in your partner.[3]
Hold the condom's rim. When you have finished sex, hold your penis parallel to the floor or pointing downwards with one hand. Use the other hand to grab the condom's ring, or outer end. Make sure you grasp the condom's base firmly. By holding onto the bottom, the condom is less likely to come off.- Remove the condom carefully by rolling it down. Do not pull on the tip of the condom. Roll the ring down and then slide it off when you have rolled it down enough to easily slide it off your penis.
- Inspect the used condom for holes. If your condom has broken, your partner will need to use a back-up form of birth control. Pills like Plan B can help in this situation. Additionally, you or your partner might need to seek STI testing.[4]
- Do not fill the condom up with water to test it for holes! This used to be recommended, but it is not recommended anymore.
Dispose of the condom. Place the condom in the garbage. In no case should you throw the condom in a toilet.[5] It's not environmentally friendly or good for your plumbing system! There are multiple ways you can dispose of a condom:- Tie a knot at the condom's opening. This will prevent fluids from spilling. Wrap it in toilet or tissue paper and then throw it in a waste bin.
- See Dispose of a Condom for more tips.
Wash your hands. After removing the condom, wash your hands with warm water. Use liquid soap. If your partner has had contact with your semen, encourage that person to wash their hands as well.
Never re-use old condoms. They will not be effective. If you don't have another condom to use, buy another one. Otherwise, abstain from sexual intercourse.[6]
Stay lying down. Do not stand up first. Standing up will cause the fluid to leave your body. You do not want leakage.- Learn how to Use a Female Condom.
Grasp the outer ring. With one hand, hold on to the outer ring. Press and twist the ring so that the liquid will not fall out. Remove the condom carefully from your body.[7]- Look to see whether the condom is intact. Are there holes? If so, consider using back-up birth control and being tested for STIs.
Dispose of the condom. Place it in the wastebasket. As with male condoms, do not flush it down the toilet.[8]- If there is no wastebasket available, wrap a tissue around it and place it in a plastic bag.
Clean your hands. Once you have thrown away your condom, wash your hands. Preferably, use warm water and soap. If these products are not available, use a hand sanitizer.
Do not use your condom again. Condoms are designed for one-time use. It is not hygienic or safe to use them again. Plan ahead so you have enough condoms available.
Use a Condom Safely and Effectively with this Expert Series
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat if the condom is stuck inside the woman?
Lacy Windham, MDLacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Board Certified Obstetrician & GynecologistTo remove a stuck condom, position yourself so that it is easy for you to insert a finger into the vagina. Bear down as if trying to have a bowel movement and use your finger to 'hook' the condom. Use back up protection like plan B or Ella and get tested for STDs if appropriate. If you cannot reach the condom, see if your partner can, or see your gynecologist as soon as possible.
Tips
- Before you have sex, speak with your partner about the proper removal of a condom. Practicing safe sex includes educating your partner.Thanks
- Before you have sex, speak with your partner about the proper removal of a condom.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004001.htm
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/male-condom-use.html
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-condoms
- ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323089.php
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/what-is-the-proper-way-to-take-off-a-condom
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/condom-tips/
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/internal-condom/how-do-i-use-an-internal-condom
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/internal-condom/how-do-i-use-an-internal-condom
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To remove a male condom properly after sex, start by removing your penis from your partner while it’s still firm to avoid having the condom fall off. After pulling out, hold your penis pointing downward and use the other hand to grab the condom’s ring or outer end so it doesn’t come off. Then, roll the condom down and slide it off at the end. Tie a knot at the condom’s opening to prevent fluids from spilling out, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the garbage. Once you’ve disposed of the condom, wash your hands with warm water and soap. To learn how to remove a female condom, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
"I know how to remove both male and female condoms, and we should wash our hand with warm water and soap."
