Condom Monologues

Author: Lara

  • Pill to Reduce the Risk of HIV, but Not Without a Condom!

    For the first time in history, the FDA has officially approved a drug shown to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.  According to USA Today, the pill Truvada is approved as a preventative measure for people who are at high-risk of contracting the disease through sexual activity, like those with partners who are HIV positive.  The drug was already on the market as a way to manage the virus for people living with HIV.

    Since 2010, studies have reported that a daily dose of Truvada helps reduce the risk of transmission by 42% in non-heterosexual men, but of course this is not without the use of the ol’ condom.  It seems no drug can surpass the protectiveness of this genius invention.  Another study found that the Truvada reduced transmission by 75% among heterosexual couples, again accompanied with counseling and condoms, USA Today reports.  FDA approval for this new use of Truvada will likely increase prescriptions.  And it comes as timely news for the International AIDS Conference in Washington this month- the first time it’s been hosted in the U.S. in 22 years due to the Obama administration lifting the two decade ban that prevented people living with HIV to enter the country.

    Still, there are HIV/AIDS activists who reacted to this news with cautious optimism.  Some worry about a false sense of security that may arise with the prescription.  Roland Johnson of the AIDS United told Linda Vilarosa from The Root news that while this is a step in the right direction, it is not a silver bullet. “…This isn’t something that you can take every once in a while when you’re going out. It does not replace safer sex and must be used in conjunction with consistent practices, including condom usage.”

    This comes at a time when public, private, government and non-government organizations join together this month to re-engage in the fight to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 1.2 million in the U.S. live with HIV and one in five of American do not know about their infection.  The AIDS epidemic continues to affect more than 34 million people worldwide, of which over two million are children under the age of 15. According to the United Nations, there were 1.7 million AIDS-related deaths last year, down from 2.3 million in 2005.

    The Truvada pill is part of a medical strategy known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrPE, to reduce the spread of the disease.  How this pill will be accessed  and made available, and how it is used across different communities around the world is yet to be understood.

  • Kimono Condom Size Chart

    Image from undercovercondoms.com

    Kimono condoms tend to have a reputation for being tighter than the average condom on the US market. We’ve structured our size chart based on sources such as Kimono’s website, Undercover Condoms and Lucky Bloke. But first a brief profile of the Kimono brand:

    Kimono Condoms

    Kimono condom company separates itself from other condoms as being akin to the silky light robe made from exceptional skill.  Hitting the market in 1987, they are the pioneers of super thin condoms, producing latex that is 20% thinner than standard condoms.  Kimono indicates on its website that it is vegan-friendly, which means that they are not made with milk powder or casein – a milk protein – of which most latex condoms contain.  Kimono are also the first condom brand to stop using nonoxynol-9 spermicide.

    Kimono Condom Size Chart

    Our size chart is organized by sizes and texture.  While Kimono does not offer “small”, they do make a snug shaped condom that is the same length and width of a “regular”, but with an indented shape for a tighter fit below the head.  Our dimensions are verified by Undercover Condoms, Lucky Bloke and the Kimono website.  Length is an approximate measurement of maximum roll from the head reservoir tip to base.  Base width is measured by the condom lying flat; it is not the circumference.

    Quick Tip! To know what condom width fits, divide penis circumference by 2.25. Read how we got this formula.

    View our latest Condom Size Calculator to compare Kimono against other leading brands.

    (Links to external sites may be affiliate links and could earn us a small commission)

    Regular

    Kimono Original
    Features a slight indent below the head which conforms to one’s unique shape for a secure and close fit. A shape concept that is similar to a C-Ring.
    Base width:  2.0″/52mm
    Length: 7.48″/190mm

    Kimono MicroThin
    The thinnest condom on the US market
    Precise straight-sided body for effortless donning
    Base width:  2.0″/52mm
    Length: 7.48″/190mm

    Kimono MicroThin Plus Aqua Lube
    Feature a special, water-based lubricant – Aqua Lube
    Aqua Lube is pH balanced, providing a silky sensual feeling
    Base width:  2.0″/52mm
    Length: 7.48″/190mm

    Kimono Ultra Textured (formally known as Kimono Type-E)
    The thinnest ribbed  condom on the US market
    Contains dozens of ribs and sensi-dot to increase friction
    Base width:  2.0″/52mm
    Length: 7.48″/190mm

    Large

    Kimono MicroThin Large
    This is the thinnest of the larger condom options!
    A fitting base that is so secure it will allow for most men no matter what size to use this condom.
    Base width: 2.34″/ 59mm
    Length: 7.68″/195mm

    Kimono MAXX
    Large head room (4.68″/52mm head width) and extended length
    Base width: 2.35″/ 59mm
    Length: 7.68″/ 195mm

    The Legal Stuff: Age of consent and medical advice

    The size charts 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.  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.  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.

  • Trojan Magnum XL

    Trojan Magnum XL

    Image from undercovercondoms.com

    Some argue that there is little difference between “XL”, “Large” and “Regular” condoms and that condom size is just a marketing ploy to feed “big” egos.  In some ways, this is true.  Check out our guide for converting penis size to condom width. The table shows that there is a lot of overlap between condom sizes.

    We at Condom Monologues vehemently debunk the size-matters-myth. However, we DO agree that condom size matters for safety and pleasure.  Too baggy and the condom bunches and slips off; too tight and it pinches and rips.  Any man who is extremely larger than average (between 5″-6.0″ long) and has used a regular size condom knows what we are talking about when we say “pinch”.  In fact, a recent study by Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction found that 44% of males felt that the last condom they used did not fit and was typically tighter rather than loose-fitting.

    People have been asking how BIG the Trojan Magnum XL really is compared to other condoms on the market.  There are a lot of conflicting measurements and reviews out there; some reporting it as the widest condom; that it’s ideal if you are particularly thick; others say it is thinner and shorter than its competitor, Durex XXL.  One personnel from the Trojan marketing team even stated to NY Times that “you don’t have to be an overly endowed man to use a Magnum and enjoy it” (NY Times 2010).

    Unfortunately, Trojan’s doesn’t offer standardized dimensions.  They just classify condoms as “Regular”, “Large”, and “XL”, with no indication of actual size and shape.

    Here we pooled our research to offer objective info (we are not affiliated with any manufacturer) on the Magnum story: Why it was made, how popular it is, and how do its dimensions compare for those who need larger than average protection.  Please let us know whether this article has been helpful.

    Further recommendations for larger, wider, and longer condoms can be found at our Solutions Size Chart. Or try our latest tool, the Condom Calculator (launched Oct 2013) and our Table Converter for penis girth to condom width.

    XL History

    The Magnum line was introduced in the USA in 2001 and its popularity has grown to jumbo proportions.  According to NY Times, Magnum alone (not including other Trojan products) holds 18% share of the total condom market in 2010.  That is impressive considering that Durex has 14% of the USA condom market.  This demonstrates that there is a great demand for XL condoms and makes us wonder why there are not more companies offering XL.

    How XL is it?

    Well, this may seem to be a straight forward answer, but unfortunately, there are a lot of conflicting measurements across the web. And really, everyone is endowed with different preferences of what feels right for their unique size and shape.  So the best thing to do is test run a sample pack of large condoms.

    We’ve pooled together 7 different sizes from seven different sources (including undercover condoms, condom jungle, wow condoms, condom elite and others) and identified the smallest to largest measurements reported.  We also searched community forums and product reviews.

    We conclude that the Trojan Magnum XL is approximately 2.3″/58mm base width and 8.5″/216mm length.  This is about .5″ wider and 1.0″ longer than regular condoms.  If you are are 5.3″/134mm or larger in girth, the Magnum XL may be the best option for you.

  • Willful Ignorance of HIV Alienates 4 Year Old from Pre School

    Willful Ignorance of HIV Alienates 4 Year Old from Pre School

    abacusIt is startling that in 2012 it’s possible to ignite hysteria and spread ignorance about risks of transmitting HIV in public places.  A daycare in Northland, New Zealand has removed a four year old boy from their Center because he is HIV positive.  According to the NZ Herald, just 48 hours after the mother told the daycare that her son is HIV positive the Center prevented the child from returning until they establish a care plan.

    However, the NZ AIDS Foundation and senior health officials have stated that there is no need for a “care plan” because the level of the virus in the child’s blood is so low it undetectable and cannot be transmitted, NZ Hearald reports.  Nonetheless, the Center has responded by sending letters to all the parents that their children have been exposed to HIV, resulting in hysteria across some communities. TV 3NEWs Campbell Live reports that now parents at a school attended by the child’s older siblings are “raising fears about contamination even though the siblings don’t have HIV!”

    Campbell Live confirmed on 9 May that neither the Ministry of Education or senior health officials have been able to persuade the daycare that there is no risk to any of the children or staff as a result of contact with the infected child.  In an interview with the NZ AIDS Foundation executive director, Shaun Robinson explained that professionals with the AIDS Foundation and the child’s doctors have attempted to meet with the daycare and explained that there is no risk.  “[The center has] been very well informed…[but have] chosen instead to act completely irresponsibly…It’s a case of willful ignorance – not just gross ignorance but willful ignorance – which is leading adults to essentially bully and pick on a 4-year-old boy.”

    The Day Care has now taken legal action against the NZ AIDS Foundation over allegations of expelling the child from the Center.  Meanwhile, the boy has been accepted into another Day Care and will commence education in July 2012.

    Whether allegations of expulsion are true or false, the point is that the community responded in fear and exclusion of the boy and his family.  In responds to this story of ignorance and discrimination, we’ve complied facts about HIV/AIDS transmission that any parent and child care professional should know.  Knowledge is power.  If everyone understood these basic facts there should be no alarm.

    BASIC FACTS: Caring for Children with HIV/AIDS

    How is the virus transmitted?  1) Congenital and perinatal transmission is the most common way children are infected.  This is when HIV is transmitted  from the infected mother to her child during pregnancy, labor, or delivery (Child Care Law Center, 2005: 3).  According to the CDC, transmission rates have dropped due in part by HIV testing of pregnant women, antiretroviral drugs, and cesarean delivery before the onset of labor.  However, perinatal exposure still occurs.

    2) Blood transfusions have infected children.  According to the American Red Cross, today the risk of receiving HIV positive blood through a blood transfusion is about 1 in 2,000,000.

    3) HIV can only be transmitted through certain bodily fluids (blood and semen).  HIV cannot be transmitted from saliva, nasal mucus, tears, urine, feces, sweat, vomit or breast milk.  In the child care setting, blood is the main type of bodily fluid which requires standard and universal precautions.

    4) There are no reported cases of HIV transmission through daily household contact, like food preparation, eating, hugging, kissing, sharing toys, diapering.  Even biting has never resulted in HIV transmission.

    A child with HIV or AIDS poses virtually no risk to the health of other children or adults, especially when standard precautions are taken on a regular basis with all children.  Without taking these simple routine precautions, children are far more likely to contract blood-borne or fecal-borne diseases like hepatitis B and hepatitis C, pinworms, giardia, and common diarrhea than HIV (Child Care Law Center, 2005: 4).

    Read the Child Care Law Center pdf for further information about universal infection control measures, child care legal responsibilities to admit and care for a child with HIV/AIDS and issues of confidentiality regarding the child’s status.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention‘s website has extensive pediatric information on HIV/AIDS.

    Image credit: OneTwo

     

  • Talking Back At AdSense Policy Against “Adult Content”

    Talking Back At AdSense Policy Against “Adult Content”

    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?

     

  • LifeStyles Condoms: Profile Summary

    LifeStyles Condoms: Profile Summary

    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

     

  • Awake thee that slumber, Condom Monologues is back in action!

    Awake thee that slumber, Condom Monologues is back in action!

    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 and scientific spheres with different histories.  The aim is to converge 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.

  • Durex Condom, Love

    Love ’em! This must be one of my favorite condoms. Never breaks. Never slips. And funny enough, according to the Durex website, these are the same size as Durex’s XXL! Oh the strange world of marketing. Which reminds me, Durex also felt the need to give a little gift in each of Love packaging, like a cereal box toy: It’s a stick-on tattoo of a mischievous devil that seems to be impersonating Cupid. Is this suppose to intice kinkiness? I think it’s a lame attempt of “interactive” marketing. Personally, I’ve never found the need for this. Fetishes can be found outside the box. Does anyone disagree?
    Anyway, this condom has a minimal oder of latex, it’s smooth and very elastic, making it easy to roll on, and its sensitivity is great- very comparable to any “Ultra Sensitive” brand.

  • The power of condoms, especially when invisible!

    The power of condoms, especially when invisible!

    There has been discussions by critics, such as women’s rights groups and HIV/AIDs activists, that this invention has the potential to provide more agency to women who may have little access to, or are forbidden to use condoms.  Known as the “invisible condom”, this new technology works as a gel in the form of liquid, which is introduced into the vagina.  It’s transparent, colorless, orderless and is said not to be felt by either the woman or her partner.

    This invisible condom has been under study for 17 years and is currently being tested in human trails run by Laval University in Quebec.  Basically, it is a gel containing microbiocides that act as a barrier to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.  Plus, with a bit of spermicide, it can be used to prevent pregnancy.  Thus far, the invisible condom has shown to be effective for at least two hours if stored at room temperature.
    The temperature required for its effectiveness is the current trouble for researchers.  As Dr Michel Alary, an AIDS specialist for Laval University told BBC News back in 2000, “the extremely high temperatures in sub-Saharan African countries could prevent the gel working there if it requires room temperature to be effective. Refrigerators are not readily available for most women in the area, which has one of the highest rates of AIDS in the world.”  More recent news on the research website  does not state that this problem has been overcome yet.
    Nonetheless, the purpose of this research is tremendous- demanding women have more control over their bodies; providing more negotiating power against AIDS and STIs- these are the social subjects that surround the discussion.  But certainly, there are more individuals and social groups that can benefit from this invisible condom than what mainstream news has acknowledged: Lesbians and gay men, sex workers, teens, refugees, to name a few.  Once this condom becomes available, new benefits and uses will arise, as this is common of new technology.  According to WebMD, the World Health Organization hopes to supply subsidies for low-income countries.  For North America and Europe, it should be the same price or cheaper than a male latex condom.

  • Spray-On Condom

    A new solution for the infamous condom-shape-and-size question:  The Spay On Condom.

    Spray-On Condom model
    Image from Inventorspot.com

    The Spray On Condom was inspired by spray-on plaster technology used in medicine.  This is how it works:  The penis is inserted into a cylinder chamber.  Then one pushes a button and a pump squirts liquid latex from all sides onto the penis in about 10 seconds (although the companies involved, Condom Consultancy with Vinicoand Qualo Design, have claimed that they can reduce the time to 5 seconds).  The rubber dries instantly once sprayed on and can be removed just like a regular condom.
    Now, “Spray On” does not necessarily mean that the absence of a wrapper will solve the mood-breaker problem some people experience.  There is a machine involved.  And according to InventorSpot, it hisses.  Instead, the theoretical advantage is that the latex will form to one’s unique shape and size, as opposed to typical condoms which are tailored to a public average of 5.7in length, 4.7in penis circumference.
    The Spray-On Condom is still going through human trails.  Reseachers remain to have problems with the latex spraying on evenly.