Condom crisis
Question
I have just started having sex with my boyfriend. We are using condoms but we're finding it really hard to keep the condom on his penis without him holding it on. Even when he isn't penetrating it starts rolling back down. Are we doing something wrong?
Answer
It can take a while to get used to putting condoms on properly, but with a bit of practise it should become second nature.
It's great that you and your boyfriend are taking a responsible attitude to contraception. Using a condom properly during sex will help protect you against pregnancy and the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it's worth persevering to get it right.
The problems you're having could be because the condom is on the wrong way round. Often when a condom is rolled down the wrong way, it will start rolling back up. If this happens you should throw away the condom (as it may have sperm on and put you at risk of pregnancy) and try again using another one.
If you're not sure which way round you should be using the condoms, take a look at the instructions in the packet for some guidance. You could also try experimenting with different types of condoms to see if some suit your boyfriend better.
If you and your partner still have problems, you can get free and confidential advice from your local Brook Centre or a local Family Planning Clinic.
Updated: 14/04/2010
Question answered by YouthNet in association with Brook
