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Male condoms are one of the most commonly used forms of safer sex and contraception available. When unrolled, a male condom looks something like the finger of a latex glove. When rolled, it looks like a circle with a thick rolled edge. Male condoms are very effective protection against both STIs/HIV and conception. When used with spermicide or another back-up method, they provide excellent protection. SSIS recommends using a male condom during oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Never use the same condom for both vaginal and anal sex.

Most male condoms are lubricated and made of latex. Many have spermicide added to the lubricant. Non-lubricated or flavored condoms are good for oral sex. SSIS sells some polyurethane condoms, which include Trojan Supra and FC female condoms. Polyurethane condoms protect against both pregnancy and STIs. Other non-latex condoms, such as "natural skin" condoms, do not protect against STIs.

Before using a condom, check the expiration date printed on the packaging. If the expiration date has passed, it's best to use a newer condom since expired condoms may not effectively prevent STI transmission or contraception. Make sure the condom has not been exposed to extremely warm or cold temperatures, as this too will increase the likelihood of breakage (carrying a condom around in your wallet can be a form of heat exposure). Feel for and lightly press the air bubble in the package before opening it. If there is an air bubble and it does not leak out with light pressure, the package has not been torn. If there is no air bubble, or if you can squeeze the air out of the package, the condom may have been opened or tampered with.

Open the condom carefully. Move it away from the section of the package you are tearing, and make sure to use two hands (not your teeth or nails) to tear it open. Keeping it rolled, place the condom on the tip of the penis. It is important to use a condom after the penis is erect but before it has come into contact with your partner. Pinch about a half-inch of the tip of the condom and roll it down the entire length of the penis. If you have trouble rolling the condom down the penis, you may have put it on inside out. If you have put it on inside out do not simply flip it over and reuse it, for that defeats the point of using a condom at all. Start again with a new condom.

It is safest not to ejaculate inside your partner even when wearing a condom. If you do ejaculate inside your partner, make sure to pull out of your partner before you lose your erection. Hold the base of the condom as you pull out to prevent any spilling, turn away from your partner, and take off the condom. Tie a knot near the opening of the condom and dispose of it. Use a new condom for each time you have intercourse. Never reuse a condom and never use more than one condom at a time.