We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Sex can be uncomfortable if you don’t have the right condom fit. An outside condom that’s too big or too small can slip off of your penis or break, increasing the risk of pregnancy or disease transmission. It could also affect your ability to orgasm. That’s why knowing your condom size is important for safe and pleasurable sex. Condom sizes do vary across manufacturers, so what’s “regular” to one brand may be “large” to another. Once you know your penis size, though, you’ll be able to find the right condom easily. Here’s how. In order to know what condom is best, you’ll need to measure your penis. You can use a ruler or measuring tape. To get the right size, measure your penis while it’s erect. If you measure your penis when it’s flaccid, you’ll only get measurements at its minimum size. This means you could end up buying a condom smaller than you need. You’ll need to know your length, width, and girth in order to know the right condom fit. Remember that your girth is the distance around your penis. Your width is your diameter. You should measure your penis twice to make sure you got the right numbers. To measure your penis, follow the steps below: For length:
For girth:
For width: You can figure out the width of your penis the same way you’d determine the diameter of a circle. To do this, divide your girth measurement by 3.14. The resulting number is your width. These condom measurements have been pulled from online sources such as product pages, consumer review sites, and online stores, so the information may not be 100 percent accurate. You should always confirm a comfortable fit before use. Snugger fitRegular fitLarger fitSelecting the right size won’t matter if you don’t wear it correctly. If you don’t put the condom on the right way, it’s more likely to break or fall off. This means it won’t work as well in preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Here’s how to put on a condom the right way:
When you wear the right size condom, you’re much more likely to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Most condoms fit the average-sized penis, so if your penis is slightly larger than 5 inches when erect, you could wear a “snug” condom just fine. But don’t go for just any condom. Although length is often the same across different brands and types, width and girth are most important when selecting a condom. This is where comfort comes in: A condom that’s too small in width may feel tight around the tip of your penis and has the potential to break. A condom that feels too loose around the tip or base may not work effectively and can slip off. Condoms also come in different materials. Most condoms are made with latex, but some brands offer non-latex alternatives for people with allergies or who are looking for variety. These materials include:
Inside condoms offer the same protections against pregnancy and STIs as outisde condoms do. They’re made of synthetic latex and are pre-lubricated with silicone-based lube. Unlike outside condoms, inside condoms come in one size designed to fit most vaginal canals. You can pick up inside condoms at most health clinics. They’re also available online. You should never use inside and outside condoms at the same time. Both condoms can break because of too much friction, or stick together and slip off. Choosing the right condom can be confusing and even a little nerve-racking. But it doesn’t have to be! Once you measure your penis size, you’ll be able pick out the best condom for you without a problem. Not only is a proper fit key to preventing pregnancy and disease transmission, but it also helps make sex more comfortable and can enhance your orgasm. Write down your measurements and get shopping! |