Dear Dr. Milrod:

Do you have any tips for how to keep the condom from slipping during sex?

Tom and Dick

Dear Tom and Dick:

I have no idea what transpires during your encounters, but one way of dealing with it is to follow these instructions carefully:

Do not store condoms in a glove box or in your wallet for a prolonged amount of time. Also, don’t use condoms past the expiration date and do not open condoms with your teeth. If you’re using a latex condom, don’t use oil-based lubrication such as skin lotions, baby oil, Vaseline or cold cream. The oil in these products weakens the latex. Always use water based or latex-compatible lubricants with latex condoms. If you must use oil-based lubricants, use polyurethane condoms, these are safe to use with oil. Be careful with size though, as polyurethane condoms have a tendency to break if the penis is of the larger variety. When the time has come to cover your penis, open the package, but do not to use your teeth. Place a few drops of water-based lubricant inside the tip of the condom. Never let your penis touch your partner before it is securely covered. When you put on the condom, hold the condom by the tip to squeeze out any air. Leave some space at the tip to hold any and all fluids and roll the rest down to your penile base. If your penis has a foreskin, put the condom on with the foreskin pushed back. After you have rolled and are covered, push the foreskin forward (toward the tip). This lets the foreskin move without breaking the condom. Place more water based lubricant on the outside of the condom. Remember, “Wetter is Better.” If at any time during intercourse the condom breaks or comes off, stop immediately and pull out. Wash your penis and put on a new condom.

After intercourse, you should hold the condom at the base and pull out slowly. This should be done while your penis is still semi-rigid. Throw away the used condom in the trash, not the toilet. Never reuse condoms. Use a new condom every time you have contact.

Another issue could be the size of the condom you are using. Too small may not get on properly, or too big can make it come off. Some people also put one condom on top of the other. I wouldn’t recommend it…if nothing else because it deadens the sensation even more, and yes, one condom can come off and disrupt a beautiful moment while your partner feels the urge to dig around for a lost rubber. Not good or safe at all.

Christine Milrod, Ph.D.