Using a condom is a natural part of sex for many people. Yet, this is precisely where most mistakes happen. Not because someone is careless, but because hardly anyone has ever truly learned how to unroll a condom correctly . What seems like a minor detail ultimately determines protection, safety, and a positive sexual experience.
A condom that's rolled on incorrectly can tear, slip, or simply not provide adequate protection. That's why it's so important that you know exactly what to do. In this article, you'll learn step by step how to roll a condom correctly, which mistakes are most common, and how to use condoms safely, comfortably, and confidently.
Why proper unrolling is so crucial
Many people think: a condom is a condom – just put it on, that's it. But that's precisely where the misconception lies. A condom only reliably protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections if it is used correctly.
A condom used incorrectly can:
Trap air and thereby tear
not reach all the way down
slip
put on backwards
or slipping during sex
All of this significantly reduces the protective effect. Therefore, proper rolling is not a detail, but the foundation for safe sex .
The right time to put on a condom
A condom should be used before the first genital contact . This means: not just before penetration, but when the penis is erect and before it comes into contact with the vulva, vagina, anus, or mouth.
Because even before actual ejaculation, fluid can leak out that may contain sperm or pathogens. Therefore, safety doesn't begin with penetration, but even before.
Preparation: Before you even touch the condom
Before putting on the condom , it's worth taking a moment to prepare. This not only increases safety but also your own confidence in using it.
Important before opening:
Check the expiration date
Check if the packaging is undamaged.
Carefully open the foil with your fingers, never with teeth or scissors.
Make sure your nails or jewelry don't damage the condom.
Many small cracks form at this stage, which later go unnoticed – and that is precisely why this care is so important.
Identifying the correct side – a common mistake
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is putting the condom on inside out. You'll notice this because it won't unroll properly.
You can recognize the correct side like this:
The rolled edge faces outwards.
The condom can easily be rolled down the shaft of the penis.
If you've inserted it the wrong way round, don't just turn it around , but use a new one. Pre-ejaculate fluid or germs may already be present at the tip.
Step-by-step: How to unroll a condom correctly
Now comes the crucial part. Take two or three deliberate seconds for this – rushing is the biggest mistake here.
Step 1: Pinch the tip together
Squeeze the small reservoir at the tip with your thumb and forefinger. This prevents air from getting trapped.
Step 2: Place the condom on the tip of the penis
Place the condom on the erect penis while continuing to squeeze the tip.
Step 3: Roll downwards
Now roll the condom evenly all the way down to the base of the penis. It should fit snugly without any wrinkles.
Step 4: Check the seat
The condom should fit snugly, not slip, not be too loose – but also not be painfully constricting.
When the condom is rolled out correctly, it fits securely and feels comfortable.
What influence does the correct size have?
Even a perfectly rolled-on condom can be unsafe if the size is wrong . A condom that is too large is more likely to slip off, while one that is too small can tear more easily or feel uncomfortable.
Signs of incorrect size:
The condom slips off after a short time.
severe pressure pain
Wrinkling
A feeling of insecurity
At loveiu.ch you'll find condoms in various sizes – because "standard size" doesn't fit everyone equally well. The right fit makes unrolling easier, safer, and significantly more comfortable.
Lubricants – when are they useful, when are they necessary?
A condom should never be moved against resistance when dry. Friction is one of the main causes of material fatigue and tears. Lubricant can be extremely helpful here – especially during anal sex, prolonged stimulation, or in cases of vaginal dryness.
The important thing is:
Use only water- or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms.
No oil-based products such as body lotion or massage oil
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If needed, add a few drops of lubricant to the outside of the condom.
This not only ensures greater safety, but also significantly more comfort and enjoyment.
Everything you need to know about condoms!
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Common mistakes when unrolling – and how to avoid them
Many condom failures have the same causes. If you know these, you can easily avoid them.
Typical mistakes include:
Condom put on too late
put on upside down and then turned over
Air not forced out of the tip
Damaged packaging ignored
Condom not fully unrolled
wrong lubricant used
These mistakes don't happen out of stupidity, but due to time pressure, nervousness, or a lack of information. That's precisely why this knowledge is worthwhile.
Condoms during sex: What to do if one slips?
If you notice during sex that the condom is shifting, loose, or slipping, stop immediately . Pull back your penis, check the fit, or change the condom completely.
Even after ejaculation, it's important to be careful. Hold the condom by the shaft while withdrawing to prevent it from slipping off. Then carefully pull it off, tie a knot, wrap it in paper, and dispose of it in the trash – not in the toilet.
Condoms & Communication: Not an Unsexy Topic
Many people find putting on a condom interrupts the pleasure. But it doesn't have to be that way. The act of unrolling it can become part of foreplay – with eye contact, touching, and shared movements.
Speak openly about it:
who puts on the condom
when the change will take place
which feels good
whether lubricant is used
Reliable contraception isn't a mood killer – it actually allows you to truly let go.
Condoms in everyday life: Proper storage & transport
Even the best unrolling technique is useless if the condom was stored incorrectly beforehand. Heat, pressure, and friction damage the material.
Pay attention to this:
Do not store in your wallet for weeks.
Do not leave in the car
protect from sun and heat
Store individually and undamaged
A condom is only as safe as its condition at the moment of use.
Conclusion: A properly rolled-on condom protects – and provides security.
A condom only provides real protection if it is rolled on correctly. These few simple steps – pinching the tip, positioning it correctly, and rolling it down completely – make the crucial difference between insecurity and genuine protection.
With the right size, the appropriate lubricant and conscious use, the condom will not be an annoying interruption, but a natural part of your sexuality.
At loveiu.ch you will find high-quality condoms in various sizes , matching lubricants and everything that helps you to enjoy sex safely, pleasurably and independently.
Loveiu is the leading Swiss online sex shop with a comprehensive guide offering tips on sex toys and a fulfilling love life. Check back occasionally and look out for great articles.
