Condom Monologues

Category: Safer Sex

  • Condom Sizes

    Condom Sizes

    Using a condom could be one of the most sensible decisions of your life, saving you from STI’s, disease and unwanted pregnancy. However, without looking at the correct sizes, your efforts could prove useless. The wrong size condom will malfunction.

    Well, I guess you know that already and that is why you are here looking for your condom size! So let’s get on with it.

    HOW TO MEASURE PENIS SIZE

    Why do condoms get a bad rap?You need to measure your penis first. Not many condoms companies make their exact measurements available so you need to do some internet research.  Our Condom Size Calculator is a great place to start as it allows you to search over 100 condoms at once. When you know your penis size it makes the shopping process of much faster.

    To measure your penis you need the length and girth, and head circumference can also help for some men, but is not always necessary.

    • First of all, your penis needs to be erect.
    • The length should be measured from the point where your penis meets the bottom of your pelvis (the base) to the very end point of the head. You want the condom to be able to reach right to your base where your public bone starts (No need to stretch over and above the pubic hair!)
    • To measure your girth you should get a piece of string or a measuring tape and measure the circumference around the thickest part of your penis along the shaft- usually the mid-point.
    • The same can be done with string or a measuring tape at the thickest part of the head of your penis (if the girth seems significantly different from the shaft).
    • Many condoms simply come in small, medium or large.  It varies from brand to brand, but generally

    Small size is 1.60 – 1.9 inches wide at the base (condom laying flat) and 6.7- 7.0 inches long.

    Medium size is 2.0- 2.2 inches wide and 7.2 – 7.7 inches long.

    Large size is approximately 2.2 – 2.3 inches wide and 7.8 – 8 inches long.

    Our general rule of fitting is, if you measure less than 4.8 inches (122mm) in girth, go with a snugger fit.  If you are wider than 5.15 inches (130mm), select Large or XL. See our Table Guide converting penis circumference to condom width.

    • Because condom girth is general reported as the base width- which is measured by the condom laying flat- it can be confusing to translate an exact width that fits your penis girth. As a general guide, we recommend you divide your penis circumference by 2.25.

    Why 2.25?

    You may be wondering how we got this number.  A study by Gerofi et. al. found that the condom circumference should stretch about 10% to 20% the penis girth (see Condom Sizes and Facts for further details about the analysis). Dividing by 2.25 represents a 12.5% a condom stretch, which is within the recommended ratio. It is an approximation and your preferences may vary, as well as the condom brand’s elasticity. It is important to stay within the ratio.  A common malfunction is the condom slipping off because the condom is too loose. So it is crucial to be aware of how a condom correctly fits.

    HOW A CONDOM CORRECTLY FITS

    Now with your measurements you can find the correct range of condoms.

    You want a condom to fit snugly but not create uncomfortable pressure. Also it should not be baggy anywhere as looseness could cause slippage and rubbing during intercourse that will break the condom.

    There needs to be enough extra room to allow a reservoir tip at the head of the condom that hangs with no air inside.  Consider this the sperm pocket.  There should be enough material so that you can pinch the tip comfortably with your thumb and index finger.

    The condom should unroll all the way down to the base close to where your pubic hair starts. Try not to catch hair inside.  It might pull and pinch!

    To help you find correct condom sizes we organized sizes charts based on major brands.  Here are our Trojan Condom Size Chart and LifeStyles Condom Size Chart, Durex Condom Size Chart, Kimono Size Chart, and Beyond Seven Size Chart.

    Alternatively, you can read more about condom sizing here and review our fitting solutions chart which suggests specific condoms that are designed to cater for specific needs and solve discomforts such as too tight, too loose, too short, too long.  You might also want to see our guide to different condom shapes.

  • Top Reasons to Wear a Condom

    Here at Condom Monologues we would always recommend that you wear a condom. Obviously the top reasons to wear a condom are to protect you against STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and unwanted pregnancy. Condoms are the only safe sex option that protects against both.

    However there are a ton of other great reasons to slip on a Johnny before sex. If you’ve had any doubt about using a condom we sincerely hope that these 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. Some condoms can actually make sex last longer by slightly reducing sensitivity for guys- Trojan “extended pleasure”.
    3. Many condoms have novelties such as glow in the dark or exotic flavors.
    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.

  • Put On a Condom…

    Put On a Condom…

    “How Do I Put On a Condom?” is one of the most common questions asked by young men and women. It’s very important that you learn and know how to properly put on a condom so that you get the maximum protection and pleasure.

    The procedure is very simple and once you have done it a few times it will be second nature. I would advise guys and gals to practice alone.  It will alleviate any stress or worry about being embarrassed in the crucial moment.

    A condom is an amazing thing but is also delicate. So be careful to store the condom where it cannot be pierced. Make sure it is not past it’s expiry date. When opening, be careful to not rip through the condom.  For these reasons always carry a spare or two!

    It’s also worth knowing that some types of lubricant can damage latex condoms so only use lubricants that are water or silicon based. KY and Astroglide are perfect. Oil-based lubricants such as butter, vegetable oils or petroleum jelly often damage latex and will make a condom ineffective.

    How to Put on a Condom

    Every package of condoms is supplied with detailed instructions for care and use. Always read these and always check the expiry date. Never use condoms that are past their expiry date.

    1. Put the condom on before your penis touches your partner’s vagina or anus. Fluid (pre cum) can be excreted before and after you ejaculate. This fluid could potentially pass on sexually transmitted infections and could cause pregnancy.

    2. Never ever use a condom more than one time. Always use a new one from the packet for each time you get erect and peach time you ejaculate. It is always worth having more condoms than you think you need…. some nights end up that way :)!

    3. An average condom is rolled into a ring shape. They are sealed in plastic or foil. Do not tear the condom whilst removing from it’s wrapper. If it is brittle, torn, or there is no air in the package, throw it away and start fresh with a new one.

    4. Before you start to put your condom on, squeeze a few drops of lubricant inside the condom (some condoms may be sufficiently lubricated).

    5. If you are uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before starting to roll on the condom.  Always apply a condom with a full erection.

    6. Place the rolled condom over the tip of your hard penis and begin to roll down the shaft with one hand.

    7. Leave approximately half an inch of space (a pinch between two fingers) with no air inside the reservoir tip to collect your semen.

    8. Gently pinch the air out of the tip with one hand.

    9. Unroll the condom over your penis with the your other hand.

    10. Roll it all the way down to the base of your penis.

    11. Smooth out any air bubbles. (Friction against air bubbles can cause condom breaks.)

    12. Lubricate the outside of the condom (some condoms may be sufficiently lubricated, see individual instructions).

    Here are some great step by step illustrations from Scarleteen. 

    You may want to direct your partner to these instructions. Putting on a condom can be integrated into foreplay and can be something that your partner can do for you.  Check out our post Condoms Make Me Horny! for tips and ideas.

    It’s also advised to watch the video below so that you can see visually how to put a condom on.