Remove a Condom
Using a condom for safe sex can protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. Safe sex not only involves putting on a condom properly but removing it correctly as well. Be aware of the best ways to be safe.
Contents
Steps
Removing a Male Condom
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dispose of the condom. Place the condom in the garbage. In no case should you throw the condom in a toilet. 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.
Removing a Female Condom
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Tips
- Before you have sex, speak with your partner about the proper removal of a condom. Practicing safe sex includes educating your partner.
- Do not pull off the condom by the tip.
