Sexperience on Channel 4

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Putting on a condom correctly is the difference between being safe and catching an STI or becoming a parent unexpectedly. Be ahead of the game with our step-by-step guide.

This video demonstrates the correct way to put on a condom. And just as importantly, how to safely remove one.

Share your experience or leave a comment

63 posted so far

If you're giving head do you still need to put on a condom??”

Posted by Katherine on 20th Aug at 11:31PM (flag as inappropriate)
hey i was wondering where you can get larger sized condoms other then the internet. they say you can get them but they dont seem to be easy to find. can anyone direct me to a store that sell them in uk'?”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 15th Aug at 12:47PM (flag as inappropriate)
before putting on the condom should i peel back the foreskin?”

Posted by Conor on 9th Aug at 4:31PM (flag as inappropriate)
thankfully my current bf is a lot more experienced than i am,and is against unprotected sex until at least a date has been set for the wedding(phew!!).i was a virgin(aged 20, its perfectly normal)but he was always assuring me that if i didn't want to he could wait(ah bless).i think he was a bit suprised that i had some condoms,but its better to be safe than sorry.if your college or school are giving them out,put your embarrassment behind you and take some!!my oh so mature (male)classmates had contests to see who could get the most and had a laugh when i went to pick some up.even if you arent with someone,have at least one in a drawer or somewhere safe,NOT your wallet.my bf kept one there and when we went to use it we found it had torn open accidentally. if this happens to you,THROW IT OUT!!!dont take a stupid risk just cause you've a hard on the size of belturbet....”

Posted by Davina on 18th Jun at 8:49PM (flag as inappropriate)
em so how do condoms help if they split? are u doomed from then then?”

Posted by Steph on 9th Jun at 10:26PM (flag as inappropriate)
HEY!...my bf and i have been together already more than a year and when we have sex and he wears a condom he can't cum...so we have unprotected sex...but my question is why can't he cum in it???...”

Posted by valerie on 20th Apr at 5:20AM (flag as inappropriate)
I am 21 but have never myself known how to use a condom. Yes I am sexually active but I went to a school where sex ed wasn't provided until we were 15 (Which was a bit too late for some people) but it never really told us anything apart all the bad things from sex.
I found this video very helpful as I've always been too ashamed to tell partners in the past I don't know how to use one.
Maybe from now on I can get the chance to may the first move and make my boyfriend feel more wanted.”

Posted by Jane on 20th Apr at 3:26AM (flag as inappropriate)
how do you konw which size of comdom too buy ?”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 16th Apr at 6:48PM (flag as inappropriate)
There easy when you get used to them dont wworrie just keep carm.”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 15th Apr at 5:09PM (flag as inappropriate)
On your show it says not to keep a condom in your wallet or pocket.
Where should you keep one?”

Posted by Tom on 13th Apr at 3:08PM (flag as inappropriate)
what is the girth?”

Posted by nik on 9th Apr at 3:53PM (flag as inappropriate)
When putting on a condom, you should pull the foreskin back over the glans. If it won't go back, and you can't train it to stay back, better see your GP.”

Posted by jonathan on 9th Apr at 11:32AM (flag as inappropriate)
Adam: There is certainly a difference in feeling when using a condom for intercourse, but the bonus is knowing that you are exercising safe sex. When you are in a permanent, loving relationship, you will will come to fully appreciate the difference that unprotected sex can give. I promise. Hang in there!”

Posted by jonathan on 8th Apr at 11:41PM (flag as inappropriate)
I AM NOT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE

Condo ms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancies, but use of alcohol or drugs can reduce this to 85%. Condoms are the only sure way to prevent STI's such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea or HIV.

If you're UNcircumcised, then the only difference in putting on a condom is you have to pull the foreskin back to reveal the head.

If condoms are splitting then you need the next size up, if that doesn't help then speak to your GP.

Sexual pleasure is slightly reduced with a condom, however the benefits far outstrip the reduction in enjoyment.

If you are worried about the size of your penis, there's nothing really for you to do, we males are hugely neurotic when it comes to size, but if you are just starting puberty there's nothing to do but wait until it grows (average length is 5-7 inches). Slight bends are natural and so is one testicle hanging lower than the other. ”

Posted by James on 8th Apr at 10:18AM (flag as inappropriate)
hey my bf n me n are really happy! i just luv him gettin close to me n i mke him horny i luv it wen we both hav sex.. but at time condom splits wat should we do?”

Posted by mary on 7th Apr at 11:46AM (flag as inappropriate)
i think that this programme really helps us know whats happening with sex and stuff-well done channel 4!”

Posted by steph on 6th Apr at 7:42PM (flag as inappropriate)
I use condoms regularly, but have never had one split. If you buy the right size for you, there shouldn't be a problem. To get them on I have to use the large size which seem to be only available by mail order.”

Posted by jonathan on 4th Apr at 9:45PM (flag as inappropriate)
are you meant to pull the ofrskin back beofre sex or when the penis is erect? it seems to cause me some pain no matter wen i do this.
i am uncircumsied by the way.”

Posted by edward on 4th Apr at 6:11PM (flag as inappropriate)
ive had sex a few days ago for the first time and every thing was fine i used a condom and it did not split i was woundering do i need a check up at all?? thanks.”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 4th Apr at 4:59PM (flag as inappropriate)
Make sure the condom you are using isn't too big or too small. Also make sure you are not using any oil-based lubricants as they weaken condoms.”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 4th Apr at 8:12AM (flag as inappropriate)
my girlfriend and i had sex with a condom, i ejaculated and then we had it again about an hour later without. is there any chance of pregnancy?”

Posted by Jimmy on 3rd Apr at 9:25PM (flag as inappropriate)
when i put on condom they allways split.can i have sime help pls.x.x.x”

Posted by bob on 3rd Apr at 7:19PM (flag as inappropriate)
I used to work in a family planning clinic as a student volunteer. My jobs was to hand out condoms and to teach people how to use them. The nurse in charge told us (and the patients) that condoms fit everyone and if it splits or slips then you're putting it on wrong.

I was, at the time, 17 and in a sexual relationship. We used condoms but they always used to leave a ring halfway down his penis (they wouldn't go down any further). He was perfectly average in size, we just always thought that perhaps we're doing it wrong. We never could find any condoms that fit him just right.

I'm 24 now and have been with my current partner since I was 18. I was on the pill and it's a long term relationship so we didn't use condoms. When I came off the pill we tried using condoms. We couldn't get it on at all.

It's only since I was about 23 that I realised that telling people that 'one size fits all' is incredibly irresponsible, causes great embarrassment to men and women and of course may cause people to forgo the use of condoms and cause an increase in STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

Mos t off the shelf condoms are a lot longer than the average man. And if you only use, say, half of the length then you're left with a very tight, very narrow ring to pull over the glans. Which of course would be painful and not conducive to great sex as well as being ineffective.

My advice to anyone having trouble with condoms is to have a look on the internet -it's probably not the way you're putting them on! Most reputable sites have sizes so you can measure up and get something more comfortable. They have them for any shape and size, you just have to look for them because most shops just don't have the range.

Penises aren't all one size and no-one should expect generic condom sizes to fit everyone.”

Posted by Simone on 3rd Apr at 4:44PM (flag as inappropriate)
when i use condom it never stays and always wants to come off i think i gt to much skin”

Posted by craig on 3rd Apr at 2:16AM (flag as inappropriate)
I think the programme at Marlow School was excellent, for people who say "No don't teach kids about sex" they should watch the film. 10/10”

Posted by Sid on 2nd Apr at 11:16PM (flag as inappropriate)
Great programme. The host is absolute class. Honest and matter of fact. I initially watched this programme so i could see the reactions of the teenagers taking part. As a 29yr old i didn't think i'd learn anything. When i checked out the website i realised that the reason condoms hurt me to pull down over the glans is because they are too small! I never questioned it for well over a decade.I bought larger condoms. Clearly had more to learn.”

Posted by Matthew on 2nd Apr at 10:17PM (flag as inappropriate)
I havent had sex yet, but i dont like the idea of stopping when you and your partner are turned on and putting a condom on because its awkward and i think it will be weird and my boyfriend feels the same. so can i not go on the pill instead? and can he have STI before you ever had sex?”

Posted by Rozanne on 2nd Apr at 5:52PM (flag as inappropriate)
Hi, I usually get confused which side is the right one on a condom any advice on how to distinguish what side goes on the penis”

Posted by Bobby on 2nd Apr at 12:41AM (flag as inappropriate)
Hi me nd my girlfriend are in a great relationship but haven't had sex yet because we don't know what size the condom needs to be. Please can you explain about sizes.”

Posted by Alex on 1st Apr at 9:58PM (flag as inappropriate)
hi, i'm going out with this girl for around a year now and we both think we're ready to do it, but i'm to embarrassed to go and buy one,i dont want people to stare at me because i'm 17.”

Posted by matt on 1st Apr at 9:24PM (flag as inappropriate)
im 15 and i know how to put a condom on and everything, but im not sure if it is any different if i still have foreskin?? Just i cannot get my foreskin fully over the gland(bell end or whatever you want to call it), so im not sure if it will tear/rip the condom, any ideas? Is this normal for me not to be able to fully pull my foreskin right back over it?”

Posted by Anth on 1st Apr at 9:22PM (flag as inappropriate)
when i first put a condom on for my partner, i pretty much messed it up. so he said i havent got another one, we had been in a relationship for a while so we decided to go without. this was so stupid becuase i got pregnant. i decided to get rid of it one of the biggest mistakes ive ever made, ALWAYS WEAR A CONDOM, it can be really regreting”

Posted by sophie on 1st Apr at 9:16PM (flag as inappropriate)
me and my boyfriend have decided to take the next step in our relationship and loose our virginities but im worried that the condom will split, i dont want to become pregnant im too young, i dont want to go to the doctors if i can help it because i know alot of people and they would tell my parents HELP! x”

Posted by charlotte on 1st Apr at 9:03PM (flag as inappropriate)
i'm 18 and my boyfriend is 24. we were wondering are there any lager condoms than extra lager. as he is farly big in length and girth. also i find the foreskin gets in the way when trying to put the condom on.”

Posted by Mary on 1st Apr at 5:40PM (flag as inappropriate)
hi im 15 and have still not gone threw puberty is this normal ?”

Posted by declan on 1st Apr at 3:28PM (flag as inappropriate)
To John on 27th Oct.
Using a condom for masterbation is a great way to practise using a condom, the slang term for this is a 'posh wank'! =)”

Posted by Ian on 1st Apr at 2:44PM (flag as inappropriate)
i'm not really sure how to use a female condom and how to put one on. but i think it would be amazing to use one,any help?x”

Posted by louise on 1st Apr at 1:09PM (flag as inappropriate)
I feel scared because I am 13 and cant pull back my foreskin! I am quite chubby and have a small penis, is this normal or is it to do with my size? HELP!”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 1st Apr at 10:03AM (flag as inappropriate)
reading some of the questions i decided to answer a few questions, if you put on a condom and the thing keeps splitting or falling off....youre doing something wrong, barring people with 9+ inch cocks or ones 3 and under, most condoms from most manufacturers, durex, trojan, boots etc, are the same size, and are gonna fit almost everyone so long as its applied right, so ill give a few guidelines for you inexperienced dom users,
1- if it isnt fully erect, dont put one on, if you can easily bend or squeeze it its not fully erect.
2- after you come, take it off, clean the excess sperm off with a towel or paper towel or something and wait 15-30-60 minutes until you can get hard again, then put on a fresh condom.
3-if it doesnt roll down smoothly, or if you got ribbed or studs and you feel them directly on youre cock, throw the condom away, get a new one, and apply it the right way out, stick youre finger in and push the rim, if it pops down youre finger a few millimeters its the right way out, replace finger with dick and unroll as far as the base of youre cock, youll be left with a thick rim or unused latex...
4- oil based lubes for vaginal sex are a nono, dont do it, for anal its...acceptable, and hell if youre quick enough you can use a latex condom and vaselene, works damn well but make sure its only used in the ass. flavoured or novelty condoms should NOT be used for anal or vaginal sex...the exceptions being durex flavoured ones, those can be used vaginally safely but a standard one works best.
5-find a company you trust and that fits and stick with it, for me thats durex and trojan, theres a reason theyre big brands people, cus theyre cheap and good quality.
6- if a condom breaks, replace it IMMEDIATELY. no exceptions.
7- if you budding couples are feeling adventorous and want some excitement, get some ribbed, studded or other enhancing condom, use them normally or stick them on a vibrator, dont have a vibrator: fill it with water and stick it in the fridge...not recommended but itll work in an emergency, use most things that can be cleaned and stick a condom over it, like a maglite, bannana, cucumber...youre fist
8- have fun, be safe, and dont be affraid to be adventorous and practice.

and the most important thing of all, if you dont know them very well, havent seen them get a test for STD's or theyre a new partner...use a condom, if theyre on the pill, use a condom anyway, remember condoms arent 100% effective, neither is the pill, the best you can do is use both, possibly with a separate lube with nonoxynol-9 in it, just don't get the pre lubed condoms with them in it, they're useless...”

Posted by Conor on 1st Apr at 12:25AM (flag as inappropriate)
I suggest retracting the foreskin - more sensation this way. Buy a slightly larger condom, but hold it when withdrawing. Most reputable makes have larger sizes - usually by mail order.”

Posted by Jonathan on 31st Mar at 11:42PM (flag as inappropriate)
Hi, i have tried a regular sized condom on ant it was to big, is there smaller condoms. I am quite embarassed by this so please help me.”

Posted by Ant on 31st Mar at 10:36PM (flag as inappropriate)
does it matter if the johnny is ripped , too small , or too big”

Posted by danielle on 31st Mar at 9:20PM (flag as inappropriate)
i have noticed that while ejaculating with a condom there is not enough space for the cum 2 go into and pulls the condom off my penis about an inch what shall i do???”

Posted by Nathan on 31st Mar at 2:03PM (flag as inappropriate)
ITS A VERY IMPORTANT FOR US,THNX 4 UR NICE PROGRAM.I THINK IT WIL MORE HELP US,IF U TLL US DIFFRENT SIZES OF CONDOM N IF IT SPLIT WHILE DOING SEX,WHAT SHOULD WE DO THEN.
THANX AGAIN ALL”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 31st Mar at 12:44PM (flag as inappropriate)
I am not giving medical advice, just personal advice. It is best to talk to your GP if you have any concerns.

@ Paul, Try a larger size condom somtimes splitting can be because the condom is to small for the size of your penis. If this does not work try having a chat with your GP to find a method of contraception what can work for you.

@ Winnie, Exactly some males including myself when younger do not know how to put on condoms. The first time I put on a condom was with my girlfriend, she taught me how to put it on. Since then she allways puts it on as a form of foreplay.

@ John, Yes its perfectly fine to use a condom for mastubation purposes just make sure you dispose of your condom when finished.

@ Nathan, Roll the foreskin back before putting the condom on, exactly the way the video above shows.”

Posted by Ryan on 30th Mar at 11:46PM (flag as inappropriate)
How does wearing a condom affect sexual pleasure? Because I know they protect you from STIs and pregnancy and everything but surely it cant ba as enjoyable having a bit of rubber wrapped round your penis. Anyone know how different it makes things feel?”

Posted by Adam on 30th Mar at 10:28PM (flag as inappropriate)
Condons protect against STI's and AID's (unless it splits and if it does get cheacked)and girls you CAN get pregenet the first time you have sex. ”

Posted by clare on 30th Mar at 9:52PM (flag as inappropriate)
Why do you not show how to put a condom on an UNcircumcised penis?
I think this is esential as the diagram is of a circumcised penis and lack of information can lead to the condom splitting.”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 30th Mar at 9:42PM (flag as inappropriate)
I was wondering is it still necessary to use a condom if he has been checked for STIs and you are on the pill?”

Posted by becky on 30th Mar at 9:33PM (flag as inappropriate)
I have had sex with my girlfriend about 4 times now. however, the condom seems to split almost everytime! i am holding the "teat" is what it is called, but im doing it all right, and my dick isnt huge or anything but it is a serious problem as she has had to get the morning after pill twice now. but tips would be helpful. does the forskin need to be back etc..?
my girlfriend is going on the pill now also so can we have safe sex without a condom?”

Posted by [No First Name Supplied] on 30th Mar at 8:54PM (flag as inappropriate)
i would just like to say that channel 4 is doing a fantastic job at educating the nation

i know how to use a condom and use one regularly with me and my girlfriend i am 7.5" long and 5.5" girth when erect and find that a normal condom is too small so i use a larger condom and fond that works better”

Posted by eddie on 28th Mar at 10:50PM (flag as inappropriate)
my penis is really small in erect form and slightly bent , what can i do ? xx”

Posted by chris on 12th Feb at 3:20PM (flag as inappropriate)
Hi I would like to know what the average gerth is and what type of condom i should get for my penis size. Are there boundarys for this type of thing?”

Posted by Charlie on 4th Feb at 4:25PM (flag as inappropriate)
how do you put a condom on if you have foreskin?”

Posted by nathan on 1st Jan at 3:01AM (flag as inappropriate)
Do you use female condoms for oral sex?”

Posted by Sara on 26th Nov at 5:49PM (flag as inappropriate)
hi me and this guy i met in a club had sex but the condom split i said it would be ok because i was so horny i'm now pregenet with his baby and i dont know what to do HELP!!”

Posted by kirsty on 20th Nov at 4:47PM (flag as inappropriate)
me and my boyfriend have been together for a year and still have not found the right kind of condom to which it fits and does not slip off. we are new at this and would like to know what size to use and how to measure to make sure that it will fit and we are not wasting money.”

Posted by roxanne on 10th Nov at 5:29AM (flag as inappropriate)
Well i have never used a condom before who usaly puts on 4 her boyfriend the gal or da boy hmmmmmm im finkin nah i dunno ”

Posted by Sophia on 5th Nov at 6:02PM (flag as inappropriate)
i'm 14 and i'm wondering if you can use a condom for mastubating
to catch the cum.”

Posted by john on 27th Oct at 4:33PM (flag as inappropriate)
do condoms protect against STDs or HIV ?”

Posted by [No first name supplied] on 20th Oct at 2:14PM (flag as inappropriate)
i remember on my first time... i ad to put the condon on for him because he didnt know how to.. (bless him).x”

Posted by winnie on 15th Oct at 6:46PM (flag as inappropriate)
i have found your website very interesting and i would like to know how affective a comdom is please”

Posted by Emma on 15th Oct at 2:14PM (flag as inappropriate)
everytime i use a condom it splits, i take my time putting them on and i do it as instructed. short of phoning durex i'm out of idea's. Any help much app”

Posted by paul on 7th Oct at 8:30PM (flag as inappropriate)