Condom shopping isn’t always easy because condoms come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Condom sizes also differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it can be difficult to determine the best size for you in a particular brand. Getting the right size for you is important, because an ill fitting condom can reduce pleasurable sensations during sex at best or slip off and increase the risk of transmitting STD’s and unwanted pregnancy. Here’s how to find out what size YOU need!
Question: According to a condom size chart I’m 5 inches long erect. What condom size do I need?
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Basic Condom Size Guidelines
If you look on the back of a condom box, each manufacturer provides basic guidelines on how large a condom is, in both length and width. You’ll also be able to find out what material it is made from and whether it comes lubricated or not. They may also provide information on how thick it is, so you can choose the thickness that provides the best and most pleasurable sensations. Most people will choose the thinnest condom that is available because this tends to allow both partners to feel more friction than their thicker counterparts. While getting a thin condom may help make sex better for you and your partner, it is much more important that you get the correct size, as this will make the biggest difference. Looking at the manufacturer’s specifications will give you a general idea of how large it is, and you can compare it to how large your penis is after you’ve measured it. Like most things though, the size of a condom will differ somewhat between manufacturers. An XL in one brand is not going to fit the same as an XL in another brand. Accurately measuring your penis and purchasing the correct size for it is an important part of having safer sex and preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
Making Sure The Condom Fits Comfortably
When a condom is stretched lengthwise, it is much more stretchy and resilient than if it is stretched widthwise. Keep this in mind when going shopping – unless you have a very long penis, you’ll want to judge it mostly by its width, since there won’t be much give in that respect. You will be much more comfortable in one that fits the width of your penis properly! A condom that fits well lengthwise should actually be a little longer than your penis, with enough space at the tip to hold your semen when you orgasm. A condom that fits comfortably is going to benefit you and your partner during sex in many more ways than you would think. You (and your partner) will enjoy sex more, because one that doesn’t fit right will either hug you too tightly and cause discomfort or be too loose and decrease the pleasurable sensations from having sex.
Giving Condoms A Test Drive
A great way to find out which condoms fit you well and which don’t is to purchase a variety of them and give each one a test drive. Once you have a basic idea of how they should fit, you’ll be able to decide which one fits best on you and feels better for your partner. Many stores that sell sex toys also offer several different types of “variety packs” which give you one or two of each type of condom for you to try. It may seem silly, but don’t be afraid to take notes about which ones feel better than others and which condoms your partner seems to like the best. Once you determine which one is the right one for you, it will become your “go to” condom. Keep a good supply of your favorite one available, but don’t keep them in your wallet, your jeans pockets or your car. Women should not keep condoms in their purses unless they are protected by a hard case of some kind. The friction caused by a pair of pants or a wallet can cause the wrapper to degrade, possibly making holes in the wrapper and compromising the integrity of the condom. Keeping it in your car will expose the material to extreme heat and cold, possibly causing the latex or polyurethane to degrade, thereby decreasing it’s effectiveness at preventing pregnancy and reducing the risk of transmitting STD’s. Your best bet is to keep condoms stored in a cool, dry place to keep it “fresher” longer. Always inspect the wrapper thoroughly before using it for tears or holes.