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Condom Sizing Guide

Condoms & Safer Sex Products, Good Guides

You’ve found yourself standing in front of a wall of condoms, and staring back at you are over 30 different brands all suggesting that theirs is “the best“… and yet, you don’t know which one to choose.

What I just described is something I’m asked about on a daily basis. So, in an attempt to make things easier I’ve created this condom sizing guide to help you discover the different brands available, offer some suggestions, and hopefully help you find the perfect size condom for you.

Average Condom

Average condoms are the condoms you’ll find in pretty much every drug store, online sexual wellness shop, gas station, dispenser or pharmacy. Many of them will be referred to as “original” by the manufacturer and have limited added features like ribbing, special lubricants or otherwise.

Unless specified on the box you can pretty much count that the vast majority of condoms are “average condoms” and therefore fall within 7 – 7.9 inches in length.

*Because these condoms are made of latex I’m going to highly suggest you avoid oil based lubricant’s as they’ll likely ruin the condom.

Average Condom Sizes

Head Width: 2″
Shaft width: 2″
Base Width: 2″
Length: 7 – 7.9″
Thickness: 0.0027″
Lubrication: Water Based/Silicone/Spermicidal
Special Features: None unless you purchase those with specific features like ribbing, textures, warming/cooling lubricant etc.

Snugger Fit

For those of you that aren’t very big in the girth department “Snugger”, or tighter fitting condoms, might be exactly what you’re looking for. As you’d likely assume, they’re slightly smaller in circumference and tend to be great if you find ‘average’ condoms slip off due to being too large or overly bulky.

If you’ve hesitated trying this type of condom due to the fact that you don’t like your penis to feel ‘suffocated’ not to worry, the head of these condoms is usually the same as ‘average’ condoms, with the body being thinner to fit more comfortably.

*Because these condoms are made of latex I’m going to highly suggest you avoid oil based lubricant’s as they’ll likely ruin the condom.

Snugger Fit Condom Sizes

Head Width: 2″
Shaft Width: 1.75″
Base Width: 1.75″
Length: 7″
Thickness: 0.0027″
Lubrication: Water Based/Silicone/Spermicidal
Special Features: Thinner body

Extra Head Room/ More Room At The Top

For those that complain about the average condom being “suffocating” or “too tight” others offering more ‘head room’ are a great choice. Not only do they allow the person wearing them a bit more room to maneuver (without the worry of possibly breaking the condom), they also offer added stimulation for their partner as they often rub against the g-spot, walls of the vagina, or prostate.

*Because these condoms are made of latex I’m going to highly suggest you avoid oil based lubricant’s as they’ll likely ruin the condom.

Extra Head Room Condom Sizes

Head Width: 2.75″
Shaft Width: 2″
Base Width: 2″
Length: 7.25″
Thickness: 0.0027″
Lubrication: Water Based/Silicone/Spermicidal
Special Features: Larger/ wider tip to allow more room for the head of the penis.

Extra Large/Magnum Condoms

Although the average penis size is between 4″ – 5.5″ inches in length, there are people who require a larger condom. As such, the condoms in this category are larger sized in both girth and length. If average condoms leave you feeling constricted, these large condoms are what you’re looking for.

If you find that ‘larger’ sized condoms don’t seem to be big enough, as a last resort I suggest trying some of the extra large condoms like Trojan Magnum, Durex XXL or LifeStyles Kyng. Just keep in mind that if you’re not really in need of larger condoms it’s best that you don’t use them as they’ll probably fall off or possibly shift during use.

*Because these condoms are made of latex I’m going to highly suggest you avoid oil based lubricant’s as they’ll likely ruin the condom.

Extra Large/Magnum Condom Sizes

Head width 2.5″
Shaft width 2.25″
Base width 2″
Length 8 – 9.5″
Thickness 0.0025″
Lubricant: Water Based/Silicone/Spermicidal
Special Features: Larger over all body with a tapered base to allow the condom to stay put.

Custom Sized Condom Options

For those of you still having a hard time finding a condom that fits when shopping through big name condom retailers, you might want to look into companies specializing in custom sized condoms. Currently, there are only 3 companies doing this (technically two), but it’s worth a shot if you’re looking for something a bit more specific to your needs.

My Size Condoms

MySize offers 7 different options, covering everything from 47mm to 69mm width. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your personal needs, the main selling point of these condoms is the focus on girth over length; according to their measuring page the only measurement you take is circumference “the length of the penis doesn’t matter for the condom size“. I’m not sure if that means all the condoms are a generic length, or if they’re rounded out against the girth, but if length is what matters to you, I suggest trying one of the other options.

They Fit Condoms

For those of you in need of something more specific, TheyFit condoms has over 95 different sizes to choose from. Rather than just focusing on girth, TheyFit has an easy 5 step penis measuring system that covers all the bases. Whether you need something big, small, thick or thin, they’ve got you covered. The only down side, I heard that the line came off the market in 2007 due to complexities of making them and issues with the manufacturer, however the site is still up and running and I’ve been told they’re currently available in the UK/Europe. That’s something, right?

Coripa Condoms

Ranging from 3 inches to almost 10 inches with varying proportional widths, Coripa condoms has 55 options to choose from. Like TheyFit, Coripas predecessor, there’s a downloadable and printable measuring guide that easily allows you to measure width and girth. Again, they’re only available in the EU however you can get them at Condomania.

FYI: The reason the condoms are not currently available outside the EU market is due to the fact that the FDA hasn’t yet approved ‘fitted’ condoms for sale in the US. Your best bet is to go through a third party online sex toy retailer that ships to your location.

Final Verdict

So there you have it, hopefully this condom sizing guide will help make your next trip to the store far less stressful! Don’t forget, if you ever have any questions you can send them in via the handy form on my contact page.

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Sex Ed 102 Q&A: Non-Latex Condoms

Condoms & Safer Sex Products, Q & A

Question:

Hi Kara, I just wanted to say that I love your videos and the new website! I have a question of my own that I don’t see anywhere so I figured I’d just send it in a message. My boyfriend and I have had sex before, we always use condoms but sometimes I get a rash or sore after. We’ve ruled most things out, however we were wondering if there were such things as non latex condoms and where we could get them?

I’d really appreciate an answer, even a video! Thanx in advance

Wondering in Wisconsin

Answer

Dear Wondering in Wisconsin,

Thanks for watching and supporting what I do!

There are condoms made out of materials other than latex but they tend to be pretty pricey. Having said that, if you’re on a budget and aren’t allergic to latex (as ruled out by a doctor), I’m going to suggest that you opt for less expensive latex condoms that come in larger quantities so you always have some on hand when the mood strikes. On that note, I suggest having your doctor test you for a latex allergy, just to be sure.

I’m also going to suggest seeing your doctor if after every time you have sex you break out in a rash. It might not be an allergy, but instead an STD. It’s nothing to be embarrassed or worried about, many healthy, happy, smart and loving individuals get STD’s.

As for the different types of condoms, should you decide to try them;

Lamb skin:

Trojan’s Naturalamb is one of the last remaining brands widely available. Some people who use them rave about their comfort, while others complain that there is a distinct farm-like smell to them. The most important thing to know about natural membrane condoms is that they do not provide protection from STDs — they are only effective as a barrier for contraception. Other than that they also tend to be far more expensive then the other non-latex condoms on the market.

While I don’t think I need to say this I’m going to – if you’re a vegan or vegetarian you probably won’t want to try them for obvious reasons.

Polyisoprene:

For people with latex allergies, SKYN condoms are an amazing breakthrough and, thankfully, a much more affordable option when it comes to offering protection against an unplanned pregnancy and STDs, including HIV. The feel of SKYN is noticeably different and much thinner than latex condoms. SKYN is made from a synthetic material called polyisoprene which is stretchy and form fitting unlike polyurethane condoms.

SKYN condoms are not as thin as polyurethane condoms, but in most cases they will fit better.

Polyurethane:

Polyurethane condoms are made of the same material the female condom is made from and are thought to provide protection against both pregnancy and STDs. Trojan Supra condoms are much thinner than standard latex condoms, and they are also made a bit larger (unlike latex, polyurethane doesn’t stretch, so the larger size is in part to prevent breakage). Another stated benefit of polyurethane is that it transmits heat better than latex, thus enhancing sensitivity.

Hope that helped and provided you with some of the options available, while also offering some info on each so you can find one that best suits your needs.

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Sex Ed 102 Q&A: Condoms vs The Pill

Condoms & Safer Sex Products, Q & A

Question

Heya!

I just watched a few of your videos and in the “Peer Pressure” one you were talking about running out of condoms. I’d like to have your opinion: why choose condoms over pills, shots, and all the other things out there?

Thanks in advance! 🙂

Answer

There are many reasons I always stress the use of condoms;

Although the pill has been around for quite a while there is still testing being done on it to see what long term effects it can have on the person taking it, and the generations to follow. That being said, birth control pills, depo provera (shots), and any other chemical that one would take can alter your bodies natural balance causing serious side effects like acne, sore breast tissue, weight gain, mood swings, headaches, stomach upset, increased risk of Cancer and more. I don’t personally believe in altering our bodies natural way of doing things when there are other less invasive products available. Not to mention it can sometimes be harder to conceive after stopping taking them.

Those products DO NOT protect against STD’s. Like I said in the video, you don’t know what someone is doing behind your back and it is better to be safe then sorry.

Prescriptions (like the pill) and other forms of protection (like the shot) require seeing a doctor. Depending on age, confidentiality, and privacy issues, as well as doctors fee’s (in Canada we have OHIP but I don’t know what it’s like in other Countries) some people won’t feel comfortable seeing a doctor or spending money that they don’t have. Condoms are cheap, easy to get your hands on, and discreet.

Condoms can be easily accessed by anyone and place the responsibility on both partners to come prepared. When it comes to the pill it is left in the females hands. A male has no clue if she’s really taking it, taking it properly (on time every day) or if she’s just saying she is. Trust me I’ve heard it a hundred times “but she said she was on the pill…“. Condoms allow both partners to be assured that they are being safe when it comes to unplanned pregnancy and protecting themselves from any post coital worry.

The pill requires that you take it EVERY day at the same time to ensure that it works effectively. If you miss one day you put yourself at higher risk of becoming pregnant. I don’t know about you but I’m not that great with routine or remembering to do something the same time every day, especially with such a hectic lifestyle. It is easier to remember to put a condom on before having sex, then it is to remember to take a pill.

Although the pill is highly effective when taken properly, things like medication (anti-biotics etc) can lesson its effectiveness without a person even knowing. To find out if a medication is going to cancel out or change the effectiveness of the pill I suggest you always speak to a doctor before filling a prescription.

Off the top of my head those are just a few of the reasons that I always suggest using condoms. If you feel it necessary to use two forms of protection (i.e condoms AND the pill/shot etc) please feel free to use your judgment in finding something that is a good fit for both you and your partner. Remember, two types of protection are always better then one.

hope that answered your question,

Kara_Sutra

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Return to the Contraception/STD Page

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Review: Just In Case

Condoms & Safer Sex Products, Product Reviews

Thanks to the folks at SexToy.com I was sent what may have become one of my most favorite things where safer sex practices are concerned – the “Just In Case” condom/compact.

For those of you wondering what it is, well, it’s rather self explanatory; a compact complete with a mirror for touch up’s, that’s just small enough to fit in the cutest of purses/bags but large enough to have a secret compartment for storing 2 condoms. You know, just in case you might need one 😉

When I first got my classy red Just In Case I assumed it would be cheap looking and rather flimsy, to my surprise it was actually the exact opposite. The sturdy and well crafted acrylic case is shiny and very discreet with nothing on it to hint at what it might be. The mirror is a legitimate mirror (rather then those cheap ones you find in dollar store compacts. You know, the one’s that make you feel like your in the funhouse at the carnival) and it’s large enough that you can see your whole face in it, rather then just an eye or your lips. While I’m not the biggest fan of the color red I do quite like the highly reflective (almost metallic) outer case as it reminds me of pin up girls from days gone by.

*If you don’t like red the case also comes in goddess gold (gold), luscious lime (light green), petulant pink (baby pink), mystic metal (black), a newer sleek black Chanel-esque compact – the JUST IN CASE II, and for those of you that want an extra discreet case that doubles as a lip gloss dispenser – the Just In Case Confidential.

As for being flimsy, I dropped mine 3 times the first day I got it (what can I say, I’m a clutz) and while it did get one little scratch it didn’t break or crack – yay for well made products!!

What I love most about the Just In Case line of products is just how portable they are; measuring only 2 1/2″ in height, 2 1/2″ in width and 7/8″ deep, the compact fits rather comfortably in back pockets, a purse, clutch, carry on luggage, knapsacks or a bedside table. To be honest, it’ll fit just about anywhere your little heart desires (without anyone being any the wiser).

*On a side note, I took mine to dinner with some friends as a test to see if it really was as discreet as the website said it was. The second I took it out of my purse everyone wanted to know what it was, not because they thought it was something scandalous, but because it was the “prettiest/fiercest” compact they’d ever seen. When I handed it over to their wanting hands not one person thought to lift the secret compartment (exposing the condom). When I showed them the condom compartment every single one of them (5 ladies in total) all screamed that they wanted one, thus making the concept behind the compact a complete discreet success!

When it came to the issue of social acceptance, or lack thereof, I had originally planned on having a little rant here regarding the way women are portrayed or perceived should they be found to be carrying condoms. However, upon reading the philosophy behind the product I thought I would refrain and instead offer a quote from the website, as there is no way I could have said it better myself:

“It is our belief that although a woman may be sophisticated, smart, sexy and forward thinking in her world, beneath the strong exterior lives a woman who is innately modest, and has a desire to be loved and respected; a different kind of strength.

Often, situations arise where self-betrayal replaces self-knowledge with the belief that having unprotected sex will please her partner and begin or keep a relationship going; all of which could put her life at risk. Furthermore, the idea of purchasing condoms herself or carrying them in her purse where others may see them, might be just too embarrassing. Or she may feel judged for having them in her possession.

It’s Time.” *Just In Case Website

Aside from the social acceptance issues, I was raised in a generation where it was the males responsibility to carry the condoms and the females responsibility to get on the pill. While I agree that 2 forms are protection are better then 1, I think that when it comes to STI’s, and protecting against them, it should be both parties responsibility not one or the other. With that in mind, the Just In Case provides a sleek and easy means of transportation that is not only respectful and discreet, but also fun and classy.

*Not to mention it keeps the condom wrapper from getting torn or punctured which could ruin it.

The Bad

As for things I didn’t like about the product, I didn’t have any. It’s well made, comes in a variety of colors, is compact and discreet, fits more then one condom and provides a certain type of female empowerment that no other product can – what more could I ask for??

Final Verdict

Whether it’s a trip abroad, a night on the town, a dinner for two or a midnight rendezvous in the park the Just In Case condom compact is something no girl should go without!

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Q & A w/ Kara_Sutra: Can you use oil with latex condoms?

Condoms & Safer Sex Products, Q & A

After receiving two years worth of messages on whether or not you could use an oil lube with latex condoms, and why or why not, I thought I would finally put out a video strictly dedicated to the subject.

Can you use oil with latex condoms?

When latex comes in contact with anything oil-based (e.g. skin lotions, baby oil, Vaseline, Crisco, cold cream, or even whipped cream), a chemical reaction occurs between the two substances which dramatically breaks down and weakens the latex. As the latex weakens it is more likely to have small holes in it, diminishing the amount of protection the condom offers. Within a short time it will cause the condom to break or tear completely. According to the CDC, within as little as 60 seconds of exposure, a 90% decrease in latex strength will occur in a condom when using an oil based lubricant; this is why latex condoms (and anything else made of latex) should only be used with water-based lubricants (water-based lubricants will not damage latex).

If you use a polyurethane condom, there is no need for worry as any type of lubricant (oil-based or water-based) is safe to use, since both of these types of lubricants will not damage things made out of polyurethane.

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