Men have a love-hate relationship with condoms.
This latex slip-on is a great guard against STDs, bacteria, and fungi, not to mention that it’s quite effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. Still, a lot of men cringe at the very notion of putting on a condom.
In theory, you shouldn’t feel it’s there at all, but the reality is quite different. A condom might squeeze the base of your penis, cutting off the blood flow and leaving you with a numbing sensation. Even worse, it could slip off in the middle of intercourse.
This leaves many men wondering how to know what size condom to get?
We’ve done the hard work for you and created a comprehensive guide to help you gauge the right size.
Measure Your Member
The length and width of your penis determine the size of a condom. Of course, you need to take the measurements while the penis is erect.
Length
To get the right length, hold a tape measure or a ruler against your pubic bone and measure all the way up to the tip.
Girth (width)
To determine the girth, you need a soft measuring tape or string. Wrap the string or the tape measure around the thickest section of your penis and read the number.
At this point, you can proceed to choose the correct condom size. Manufacturers usually provide charts with size details, and you should get the condom that’s as close to your penis size as possible.
Available Sizes
Different manufacturers use different specifications to categorize their condoms. This means that a condom with the same measurements might be marketed as standard by one manufacturer and large by another one.
Nevertheless, you can still use your measurements to find the right size. Again, length and width play an important role.
Length
A condom needs to be long enough to cover your entire penis, yet leave enough room for you to ejaculate. Here are the general guidelines to find the right length:
- Standard size condoms are between 7.25 and 7.8 inches long on average.
- Snug condoms start at 7 inches and usually go to 7.8.
- Large condoms may start at 7.25 inches long and go all the way to 8.1 inches.
Width
The width might be even more important than the length. The girth of your penis affects the way a condom fits and whether it stays on. The following measurements should give you a better idea about the right width for you.
- Standard size has a width between 1.75 and 2 inches.
- Snug condoms are under 1.75 inches.
- Large sizes go over 2 inches.
How About the Material?
Besides a variety of sizes, condoms are also made from different materials. These include polyurethane, polyisoprene, latex, and lambskin.
Latex is the most common option, but there are also non-latex alternatives for those who are allergic to the material. Each material has its fair share of pros and cons, so you should take a closer look to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Latex
This material is thin and flexible, plus it provides a good barrier against viruses, bacteria, and sperm. On the other hand, you won’t get any heat transfer with latex which might limit your pleasurable sensation.
It is not advisable to use any oil-based lubricants or other oils with latex condoms because they might affect the integrity of latex and cause tears. Silicone or water-based lubricants are OK since they don’t cause any damage.
Polyisoprene
Polyisoprene is great for those with latex allergies because it doesn’t contain any proteins. In general, these condoms are a bit thicker, but they provide a more natural sensation and extra softness.
Polyurethane
As one of the most versatile plastic materials, polyurethane found its way into condom manufacturing.
Polyurethane condoms are often thinner compared to latex and the heat transfer is better. They provide effective protection against sexually transmitted infections and HIV. However, these condoms are not as flexible as latex, so you can expect them to be a bit more fragile.
Lambskin
Lambskin condoms are made from a part of lamb’s intestine called cecum. The two things that go in favor of these condoms are good heat transfer and durability. In addition, the cecum is very thin, allowing you to have a pleasurable sensation and a natural feel.
However, lambskin might not protect you from HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Using a Condom
At this point, you should have a clear understanding of the size that fits you. You’ve also probably picked out a favorite material. However, the right fit and material can do you little good unless you know exactly how to put the condom on or take it off.
Use your fingers, not the teeth, to carefully tear the wrapper. You can wiggle the condom to the other side to avoid damage. The rim needs to face outside so you can roll it down your penis.
Pinch the tip of the condom to remove the excess air and place it on top of your glans (the penis head). Roll it all the way down to the base of your penis and make sure no air gets trapped inside.
You take the condom off by holding onto the base and gently pulling out. This way it won’t fall off. After you remove it, make a knot above the rim and put the condom in the trash.
Precaution
Before you put the condom on, there are a few things you need to check to ensure everything is OK.
The first thing to look for is the expiration date. If it’s past the date, the condom could be more prone to breaking.
The wrapper has to be intact and the same goes for the condom itself. If anything looks suspicious or damaged, you should discard the condom and use another one.
Don’t stretch the rim of the condom when you place it over your glans. This will trap air inside and might cause damage.
To Wrap Up
How to know what size condom to get? Well, it’s not as difficult as it might seem. Spend a few minutes taking measurements and you’ll understand what size to look for.
Admittedly, finding the brand that not only fits but also feels great might be a bit trickier. As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. With some trial and error, you are bound to find just the right one.
You can also try out different materials to see which one gives you the best feel. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to consult with your partner, since it’s as much about their pleasure as it is about yours.
References:
https://www.condom-sizes.org
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/how-do-i-know-what-size-condom-i-need
http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/sexual-health/all-about-condoms/condom-size
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