How To Be Sure You Are Using the Right Size Condom
Copyright 2005 Matthew Biskup
Here's the latest information on how to determine the correct
size condom for you and how to minimize malfunctioning while
testing.
Use these four key steps outlined here and you won't make the
$244,530.00 mistake... that's how much the United States
Government says it costs to raise a child to age 18 - and that's
without college.
Amazingly, there is no world standard when it comes to condom
sizes. There is an ISO standard for manufacturing processes, but
not sizes.
Even more interesting is the research that has been done to
answer the popular and important question
"Which condom fits me properly?"
Yet the answer remains unclear in most condom users' minds.
According to a study done by British condom manufacturer Durex,
50% of the approximately 3,000 individuals in their study felt
that the condoms they used regularly did not fit properly. Fully
35% stated the fit was "too tight" or "much too tight".
The World Health Organization notes in their study "The Male
Latex Condom: Specification and Guidelines for Condom
Procurement 2003" that there are only two major size
classifications for condoms, "Wide" or "Narrow". The data in
that study is based on studies in Australia, Thailand and the
US. They mention that flat width of 51-54mm is their "Wide" and
47-50mm is their "Narrow", but 49-53mm is the range of the most
common condoms. Study link:
http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/m_condom/who_
specification_04.pdf
At this point, the question "What size am I?" arises.
A large and detailed survey of actual size of men's private
parts has been compiled over several years by Richard Evans of
http://www.sizesurvey.com/result.html
Mr. Evans' study puts the measurement for erect diameter at:
37.43mm (Modest), 40.55mm (Average) and 43.86mm (Endowed).Study
data has been converted from circumference to diameter to better
relate to the data used in the WHO study and manufacturer sizing
cited in this article.
So here's the problem. If you are of "X" diameter, let's say for
example, 42mm - what size condom should you use?
With no statistical recommendation from manufacturers such as
"10mm larger than you measure" and little accurate data
regarding actual condom sizes, condom users are completely left
unto themselves to determine proper fit.
Here are the four key steps to determining proper condom fit for
you and minimizing malfunctions during your testing.
1) When putting the condom on pinch the teat end, then roll it
down. That leaves room at the end and any air pressure built up
won't put the condom at the bursting point. Be sure to roll the
condom down the correct way - rolling it down inverted won't
work at all. Make sure the condom gets rolled down fully. If not
rolled down sufficiently, it could get pulled off during normal
activity. Don't dim the lights too much at this step or you
won't be able to see what you're doing.
2) Check for overall tightness. If the condom is too loose,
slippage may occur. If it is too tight, breakage may occur.
According to an Australian La Trobe University study by AMA
Smith, breakage often occurs as a result of the condom users'
girth (not length) being too large for the condom design.
If your issue with condoms is typically "They're too tight", try
larger condoms which are less common but are produced by major
manufacturers. These large condoms most likely won't be in your
local drug store, but are available on specialty web sites such
as http://biggercondoms.com.
3) Use lubrication - lots of it! Most condoms today are pre
lubricated. This is not sufficient lubrication for extended
activity. Use only water-based lube with condoms. Oil based lube
will cause them to break. Be sure to have plenty handy. Lack of
lube is a cause of many a condom rupture.
4) Start your "research" with a variety package. Buy one or two
of a wide variety of condoms and make a note of which ones you
liked. When you complete your "research" buy your favorite
condoms in higher quantities.
Overall, you're looking for "Not too loose but not too tight."
Seeking this proper fit with proper installation technique,
sufficient lubrication and observation during activity as
outlined above will likely be the most fun you'll ever have
doing "research"