How to Remove a Condom

Medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD

Last Updated: May 28, 2020 References

Studies show that condoms are very effective for preventing pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) if they're used correctly. While removing a condom might seem really easy, make sure that no semen spills out into or around your or your partner's genital area.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
Go to source} Experts say it's important to hold the base of the condom while you pull out of your partner. Then, you can gently remove the condom from your penis or vagina and throw it in the trash.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Removing a Male Condom

1
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.^{[3]
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2
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.^{[4]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Remove the condom carefully by rolling it down. Do not pull on the tip of the condom. Roll the ring down and then slide it off when you have rolled it down enough to easily slide it off your penis.
- 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.^{[5]
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- Do not fill the condom up with water to test it for holes! This used to be recommended, but it is not recommended anymore.
3
Dispose of the condom. Place the condom in the garbage. In no case should you throw the condom in a toilet.^{[6]
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Research source} 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.
4
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.
5
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.^{[7]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Removing a Female Condom

1
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.
2
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.^{[8]
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- Look to see whether the condom is intact. Are there holes? If so, consider using back-up birth control and being tested for STIs.
3
Dispose of the condom. Place it in the wastebasket. As with male condoms, do not flush it down the toilet.^{[9]
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- If there is no wastebasket available, wrap a tissue around it and place it in a plastic bag.
4
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.
5
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.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
US Department of Health and Human Services
Federal department responsible for improving the health and well-being of Americans
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Expert Q&A
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Question

What if the condom is stuck inside the woman?

Lacy Windham, MD
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Lacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Lacy Windham, MD

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

To remove a stuck condom, position yourself so that it is easy for you to insert a finger into the vagina. Bear down as if trying to have a bowel movement and use your finger to 'hook' the condom. Use back up protection like plan B or Ella and get tested for STDs if appropriate. If you cannot reach the condom, see if your partner can, or see your gynecologist as soon as possible.