Sex is one of the greatest pleasures of life, but sadly (as is the way of everything in this world) with the highs come the lows.

If precautions are not heeded sex can end in a list of unwanted diseases, infections, unwanted pregnancy and a break of trust between people. Of course safe sex can be practiced easily.  With more knowledge comes greater pleasure!

So, how do you go about it?

The two major, most talked about problems are STI’s, which can be passed between bodily fluids, and unwanted pregnancy.

First off, you need to consider front-line protection. That is a condom (available for men and women) or dental dam specifically for oral sex. In both cases these items provide a barrier between your bodily fluids, a simple concept really!  According to Planned Parenthood, condoms have the highest success rate of all contraceptives at 98%.  What also makes the condom so popular is their accessibility, inexpensiveness, and there is no medical reason why someone can’t use a condom, due in a large part because they are a hormone-free birth control.  Even people with latex allergies can use them as there are latex free condoms.

Additionally, you can use water based lubricants to reduce the chances of barriers from breaking and spermicide to stop any sperm living if any gets a chance to try and find it’s way to egg!  However, studies have shown that there are health risks for females associated with the spermicide Nonoxynol-9.  According to the CDC, regular use of N-9 may cause inflammation of the vagina and cervix, and damage layers of the cell walls. This can render females more susceptible to infection by various sexually transmitted diseases. They may also make it easier for her to transmit STDs to her partner.

That is why we recommend using N-9 free lubricants and non-spermicidal condoms.

Proper use of condoms, including getting your condom size correct, ensuring it is on properly, storing safely, as well as making sure all products are in date are all essential.

Sex toys need to be kept clean (instructions for cleaning are normally enclosed) or protected with condoms that are changed after every use.

Now, all this may sound very un-sexy, but a sexually transmitted disease is zero sexy! Still, how do you go about breaking the moment to reach for a condom or dental dam?

• Talk with your partner about safe-sex and how important it is before you start.
• Keep all items close by and have them at hand! A 15-minute run to the late night pharmacy could break the moment.
• Don’t allow yourself to feel awkward, knowing how to put condoms on and use other items will help keep things flowing.
• Know the products you are using and be comfortable with them before you find yourself needing them.

Various forms of sex have different levels of potential danger and foreplay including mutual masturbation, fondling and kissing is generally considered much safer. Intercourse both vaginal and anal are the most risky, but danger is low if you follow through on safety advice.

Don’t get yourself worried about it. Just learn how to be safe and enjoy!

More information can be found on Planned Parenthood’s section about Safer Sex.

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Condom Monologues and other websites dedicated to safe sexual well-being are excluded by default from Google’s AdSense program because we are “sexual in intent or may not be considered family-safe, such as sexual aids, devices and fetishes”.  In their policy, AdSense bans “adult content” that include “SOME treatments of topics such as sexual health and sexual tips or advice“, and yet websites like Ashley Madison, which encourages cheating partners and affairs gets huge promotions.  See their policy here.

Recently, one of those websites, Hot Ice Project, wrote an open letter to Google about the hypocrisy of AdSense.  Hot Ice Inc. writes, “…we thought we will be helping women interested in latest feminine hygiene products and marital aid items… And yes, comfort tampons, female condoms, dildoes, vibrators, lubricants, sex education tapes, butt plugs and cock rings ARE perfectly legitimate marital aid products.  Millions and millions of people around the world use those. Annual sales of 14.3 billion dollars with double digit growth rate cannot possibly be supported by few perverts hovering in dark alleys.”  Read full letter here.

Hot Ice Inc is an online store that premiers women novelty products.  In such a male-dominated industry of dildos and vibrators, it is one of the only blogs where women can discuss their needs, seek advise and shop.  Their products include lubricants, female condoms, stringless tampons and advice on how to safely use them, as well as a line dedicated to wedding nights and honeymoons.  In an interview with M.O., Founder and CEO Luba Ilyasova says that in her years of working in finance, she has never faced the kind of stigma and penalties that are associated with being labeled ”adult business”.

We agree that in the funny world of sex know-how, what gets censored or silenced contributes to ignorance- a leading cause of STIs, HIV/AIDS, sexual cancers, unwanted pregnancies, gender and sexual abuse, sexuality discrimination, low self-worth….Who determines what is appropriate and inappropriate content affects the kind of exposure online communities receive.  But what is the solution to the problem?  Is it time for AdSense to refine their “mature content” policy?

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Well, according to this ad, even graffiti needs protection if it wants to get a look in!

This is quite funny.  We would love to know your thoughts!

We must warn the video is fairly explicit with cartoon depiction’s of intercourse!

This is the first of what will hopefully be a weekly series with a new funny condom video being featured each and every week.

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Lifestyles is an Australian owed company that produces approximately 25 different types of condoms.  They are the first to make polyisoprene condoms (more on that soon) and named this product SKYN. Their other featured condoms include THRYLL, WYLD, THYN and KYNG.  Life Styles prides itself as the first condom company to establish a sexual health division and sell condoms to the public health community at the low retail rate.  In cooperation with Planned Parenthood, Life Styles developed their popular “Sex Ed Kit” which contains teaching manuals, “how to” brochures, etc. to help preteens and adults feel more confident dealing with sexuality and social issues.

Lifestyles Condom Size Chart

Best Condom:

Life Styles’ His & Her Pleasure is highly rated by numerous sources including Undercover Condom, Condom Depot and Live Strong. In order to please and stimulate both parties, this is one of the only condoms that offer both vertical ribbed lines from the base to the tip and a larger head.

LifeStyles Ultra Sensitive made top of the list for the same sources above as well as  the top of Consumer Report ShopSmart Magazine, 2009. This is a non-textured, simple, reliable condom with a water-based lubricant.  It is slightly thinner than their Ultra Thin condom which equals .0197.  Ultra Sensitive measures .0024 thickness.

LifeStyles SKYN tends to get mixed reviews from poor to excellent.  Some say it’s just a normal condom; others vow they will never go back to latex.  SKYN has not won any awards or competitions.  However, according to research by Millward Brown, 2011, two-out-of-three surveyed users described it as their ‘best condom experience ever’ and that 66% of condom-users convert to SKYN after their first experience.  This has more stretch than Durex Avanti or Trojan Supra and is very soft (e.g. it doesn’t sound like Cling Film or Saran Wrap).

 Not so hot:

According to Condom Depot’s worst condom review database, Lifestyles Thryll Condoms are at the top bad, with complaints that the studs were dull and that the condom was thick, thus reducing feeling.

Life Styles Condom Size Chart

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1. Trojan Condoms: Profile Summary
2. LIFESTYLES Condom Size Chart (latest edition)
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Trojan (at least in North America) is to condoms as Kleenex is to tissues.  It’s original manufacturer, Young’s Rubber Company, was the first to develop the latex condom in 1920 and has had a monopoly in drugstores ever since.  According to market research firm, SymphonyIRI Group, in 2010, Trojan took 70% of the US condom market bringing in about $270 million annually).

Trojan’s Magnum line offers some of the largest of the crop, both long by wide.  Their Magnum XL is 8.1in/206mm length and 2.3in/55.88mm width (Durex XXL is 9.5in/241mm).  The rule of thumb: If you measure greater than 5.2in/132mm in girth, than Magnum condoms may be best for you.  If your girth is greater than 5.8in/147mm you might consider Magnum XL.

View Trojan Condom Size Chart

Best Condom:

Among their 27 condoms variations we found Trojan Supra with the highest rating by numerous independent sources, such as Slate Mag (2005), Undercover Condoms, CondomUSA, and Condom Jungle.  This condom is not made of latex, but of microsheer polyurethane (more on this soon), which bills it as “ultra thin” (not to be confused with Trojan’s Ultra Thin latex version).  One major draw back: the Supra is only available with Nonoxynol-9, a spermicidal chemical.

Trojan Extended Pleasure is also popularly rated by the same sources.  It contains a special lubricant (benzocaine, a common anesthetic) that is very effective in preventing early ejaculation.  Personally, I found this condom to be unreliable and messy.  Here is my review from a few years ago. If you do try this condom, be careful not to spill the large glob of lubricant that sits at the tip.  It tastes and smells funny.

Not so hot:

On the flip side of Trojan’s dominance, Condom Depot’s annual condom awards reports Trojan condoms scoring low for four consecutive years.  Their reviews complain about a lack of sensitivity, dryness, and an overt latex smell.

Trojan Condoms Size Chart

This chart is updated continuously, but if you spot any inconsistencies or gaps, please let us know.

Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_(condoms)

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Dear commenters and condom-ers,

The Condom Monologues collective extends many apologies for our dormancy these past months.  We have received hundreds of inquiries and comments that deserve responses.  And we now have a full time staff to get on it!  Making up for the delay we will answer questions by optimizing our Condom Size Chart feature.  It is currently under re-structuring with the aim to widen the amount of brands.  We will also offer up-to-date size charts, reviews, and measuring tips.  When it comes to safe pleasure, size isn’t everything.  Shape and comfort are important factors to consider.  So we plan to include more dimensions and details to our brand reviews.  If you feel something is lacking in the info world of condoms, we want to know.  Please share.

What Else is New?

We’re pulling the site under repair to build a more sleek, inclusive, and comprehensive beast.  We approach the condom as a cultural object that morphs across social, cultural, and scientific spheres with different histories.  The aim is to converge and discuss in a non-judgmental space the condom (and other contraceptives) and our relationships with them, whether they be sexy, funny, or serious.  We believe that an important piece in the pleasure pie is factual information.  So much of this site is geared towards empowering and expanding discussions of safe sex, and harnessing equal access to information.  Along with sharing individual condom stories, this site will also include: 1) News and Politics section, which will explore US policy on sex education, debates on contraceptives for minors, the Pope’s opinion on condoms, etc. ; 2) a Technology and Science section that updates some of the latest contraceptive technology and STI research, explores past-century contraceptive methods, etc.  And 3) a general Arts and Entertainment section, that looks at condoms and other safe sex measures in movies, TV, artworks, youtube, etc.  Basically, our girth is constantly growing.

The legal stuff: Age of consent and medical advice

The size charts, etc. are made for you to consult and hopefully find the brand that suits within your size range and needs.  If you cannot find the answer to your question, just ask.  But please be aware that we do not condone sexual activity of under-age males and females in state or country.  Also, we are not medical professionals.  We offer opinions from personal experience and research.  Professional advice should always be sought.

For a younger audience, here is one place to start:  SEX etc. and  for all ages Planned Parenthood is highly recommended.

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The importance and how to of Condom Sizing

When using a condom it’s almost as important as using a condom to pay attention to the condom sizing. If you don’t the little rubber friend can be rendered completely useless and result in the spread of infection or pregnancy. Condom sizing varies a lot from brand to brand and also from model to model (not sure types of condoms can be called models but you get the point!), so it also pays to test as many as you can over a period of time before you settle on one specific condom and buy in bulk.

How do you work out condom sizing?

The first thing you need to work out is your penis size. From there you have a definite size guideline to buy condoms from and you reduce the risk of wasting money.

Measuring your penis is easy but you have to do it right.  You need either a soft measuring tape or a piece of string and a flat ruler to measure the string against. First you need to measure the length of your penis. Put the measuring tape or string at the very base of your penis and measure up to the very tip making sure it’s central and you get the correct length. Jot that length down. Then you need the circumference at the base. This is done by measuring all the way around your penis at the lowest convenient point. At this stage you could also measure the circumference at the head.

Now to get the correct size you just need to look on the back of the condoms and see if the sizing is close to yours. You can also head over to our condom size chart and some of the major condom sizes.

In more detail, why condom sizing is important!

It’s easy to force a condom that is too small on or wear a baggy condom with the attitude that it’s covering at least. However when those condoms break and you get or pass on an STI or get somebody pregnant you cannot blame the condom. I would have a bet that a large proportion of broken condom statistics is due to incorrect sizes being used.

Sex is fun but the consequences are series and most of these worries can be alleviated by just being sensible and getting things like your condom size right.

A condom that is too tight can easily rip. A condom that is too loose or too short can let semen escape from the bottom or rip due to folding. Plus ill fitted condoms simply do not allow the sexual experience to feel as good as it should.

Be smart and be safe. Thanks for reading and let me know you thoughts.

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We concentrate a lot of stopping sperm from reaching the egg here at CM (Condom Monologues ) but for many the option of having children is not one without donor sperm for egg fertilization. I think this is a very important service and it helps many people from heterosexual couples with fertility problems on the male side to single mothers and same sex couples.

So I thought it would be cool to take a quick peak at London Sperm Bank’s cool, modern but cheeky new branding.

This new branding is an excellent step forward in my eyes and will really help to pull away sperm donation in London from being a taboo subject or a subject of complete mockery. By showing a small sense of humour but keeping a cool modern look they are addressing the funny side of things and showing people a friendly public face.

I learned about this new design from The Drum and I think Silk Pierce have done Stella Job.

If you have a few spare sperms floating around why not put them to a good cause…. Visit the London Sperm Bank Website.

What do you think about this? Is it a good re-design, does it change anything? Also what do you think about Sperm donation in general?

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However there are a ton of other great reasons to slip on a Johnny before sex. If you have had any doubt about using a condom we sincerely hope that these other Top Reasons to Wear a Condom will sway your mind…

1. Trying all the different types of condoms available to you is a fun and exciting task. It can actually spice up your sex life!
2. Condoms can actually make sex last longer by slightly reducing sensitivity.
3. Many condoms have novelties such as glow in the dark or exotic flavors (be careful about using some of these for intercourse, check the chemicals).
4. As pregnancy is highly unlikely whilst using a condom you are free to enjoy the sexual experience with no worries.
5. Condoms make making love a clean ordeal, so often more enjoyable. Your ejaculation is stored neatly in the head of the condom and can be just thrown away.
6. Intimacy can be increased as having a condom shows your partner that you are sensible and therefore more trustworthy.
7. Condoms have almost 0 side effects compared with some other contraceptives. That is unless you are allergic to latex but there are options available for you too!
8. Condoms are often cheaper than other forms of contraception and can be found almost anywhere.
9. The morning after pill is unlikely to ever be needed and this reduces stress.

I hope you enjoyed these top reasons to wear a condom, any questions at all please leave a comment or contact us direct.

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