Choosing a condom that fits is vital to preventing pregnancy and having sex that’s safe and orgasmic for you and your partner. Condom size is usually measured flat and in millimeters, but it’s not the only factor that can affect a good fit.
You also need to consider girth, and that means measuring around your erect penis with a piece of tape or string.
Length
Many men report that they have trouble finding condoms that fit correctly. This can cause discomfort during sex, and it also makes it harder for the condom to do its job of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and unintended pregnancies.
There are a couple of ways to make sure you’re using a condom that fits properly. First, check to see if the package has a condom size chart. These charts usually show a range of different sizes and will list the dimensions in both inches and millimeters. Condoms are sized by their flat width, so they are not measured in length (unless it’s written on the package, which makes it feel like Cards Against Humanity with your partner).
If you’re able to find a size chart, look for one that lists both the girth and the width. Many brands will note their width on the packaging as well, and you can calculate it by dividing your girth measurement by 3.14 (or, as it’s more commonly known, pi). If you don’t want to break out your math skills, you can always use the handy-dandy condom sizing calculator from MyOne or check out other online tools that will do the math for you.
The best way to figure out what condom length is right for you is to grab a few different types of condoms and try them on. You can do this at home with a sample pack, or head to a sexual health clinic and ask the staff for assistance. Once you have a good idea of what size condom you need, you can use the chart to narrow down your options until you find one that feels comfortable and fits like a glove.
When you’re testing a condom for a proper fit, it’s important to remember that your member gets larger when you’re erect. It’s normal for a condom to feel tighter when you’re sexy, but it should never be so tight that it digs into your skin or causes you to lose sensation. You should also pay attention to how the condom feels when you’re wearing it. If it feels too loose, it could slip off during sex, or it could fall off without you even realizing it. The most important thing is to have confidence in your ability to avoid pregnancy and STI’s by using the right condom every time. And remember, it’s never too late to advocate for your own sexual health! You’ll thank yourself later for putting a little effort into getting the most accurate and comfortable condom size possible.
Width
You may have heard the saying that length is everything when it comes to condoms, but in truth, it’s not the whole story. It’s actually the width that matters most for a good fit. This is because, as Men’s Health explains, the width of your penis impacts slippage and breakage more than the length does. So, while the standard condoms from Durex or Trojan might be a great fit for many people, you’ll want to pay attention to the girth of your member when shopping around for the perfect pair.
Most condoms will display their dimensions in inches or millimeters on the package, but these measurements are based on a flat, unwrapped condom. So, if you’re looking for a good fit, you’ll need to figure out what the condom’s “nominal width” is (flat number x 2) and then use that as your guide to finding the right size.
The ideal condom will lie flush against your penis, with no gaps or looseness. A loose condom can slide down during penetration or even come off completely, putting you at risk of both pregnancies and STIs. If you’re having trouble getting a secure grip, try adding some lube or rubbing alcohol to the outside of the condom before trying again.
It’s also worth noting that the average man has a length of 5.1” when erect, but a circumference of just over 4.6”. So, if your length is close to the average, you might find a standard condom fits well — but if your girth is more in-between, you might want to consider a snug option instead.
For more help, you can check out a variety of condom sizes available from Lucky Bloke, a fit-focused purveyor that stocks everything from Caution Ware’s Iron Grip for a tighter feel to Okamoto’s Mega Big Boy XXL for a little extra room. They have a great sizing chart that lays out the ideal condom length and nominal width to help you pick the best pair for you or your partner. But, the bottom line is that finding a condom that’s just the right fit is the only way to ensure a safe sexual experience for both parties. So, get out there and do it safely! And don’t forget to brush up on those orgasm-inducing oral skills.
