The Definitive Condom Size Guide
Condoms, the contraceptive otherwise known as johnnys, prophylactics or even rubbers, are here to stay. We may not like the fact, but they are one of the very few ways that a chap can maintain an active sex life without putting himself and his partner at risk of getting some nasty sexually transmitted infections (STI's). And since getting the right size condom makes all the difference to how good it feels (or not, as the case may be) this guide aims to shed some light on the question of sizing your sheath.
Since these topics all interlink, you might want to know that we also have a guide on how to put on a condom
There are two ways that people go about finding the right size condom. Either:
A) Measure your penis and then look at our Condom Size Chart to find one that looks about right.
Or
B) Consider the sensation that condoms you have used before have given you, specifically taking into account any issues you had and then use condom size charts and guides to address the problems.
The best way is actually to do both of the above. Why?
First, because measuring your penis dimensions, and in particular your penis length can help, in that you will have an idea of how you compare to the average, and this will help you choose whether you need to be looking at average, small or large condoms.
Second, just measuring your penis is not the full picture however: Your penis measurements will not bear any relation to the actual measurements of the condoms that you use, as the latex is very stretchy. When you use a rubber band you choose one that is smaller than the objects that you want it to go round right - otherwise it wouldn't grip them!
That is why you also need to do a comparison exercise. Before the explanation of how to do a comparison, one important point to note: If this is to be your first time using a condom don't worry; just buy one of the major branded and best selling condoms and, whilst it may not be the perfect fit for you as far as comfort goes, it will mean that you are protected. You should consider trying out a few condoms alone before your first time though; so you're used to how to put them on and so that you can make sure that they fit! Now, on to the comparison exercise.
In order to really find the right size condom for you, you need to think about the condoms that you have used before. What you need to be thinking about is what problems there were with the condom - like the latex bunching up on your shaft, getting spare latex past the head of your penis, or the condom being too tight or too small and constricting your johnny. Then bearing those issues in mind look for a condom that will avoid those specific problems.
7 handy tips for resolving some of the most common condom size problems:
1. Condom too tight around the base of the penis (signs are if the condom feels too tight, if it feels as if it is constricting the base: Try a condom that is wider at the base than the one that you have previously used. Pay attention to the circumference details in our size chart. Those with a circumference of 56mm and greater are worth trying.
2. Condom too tight around the head of the penis (signs are if the condom feels as if it is constricting the head of the penis or if the reservoir at the tip of the condom is stretched tight over the head of your penis): Try using condoms that are larger at the head end than at the base. An example of a brand that produces a condom with a significantly larger head circumference than the base circumference is Pasante Naturelle. Durex Avanti Ultima condoms are also larger at the head than at the base and are also made of a material that is more stretchy than latex so may help you.
3. Condom too tight all along the penis (signs are a combination of the above two points): Use a larger condom generally. You could try the condoms in our ‘large’ and ‘x-large’ categories!
4. Condom too short (the sure sign is if the condom will not roll down all the way to the base of the penis): Get a longer condom. This is a relatively easy task - just refer to our ‘length’ column of our chart to find a condom that is longer than the one you have used previously.
5. Condom too long (signs are if the latex bunches up along the shaft or at the base, or there is spare latex hanging off the end of your penis): Try a condom that is shorter whilst not getting one that will be too tight in terms of the circumference. This is not the easiest task as the majority of the condom manufacturers make their condoms longer than the average man's penis: circa 95% of men average between 5 and 7 inches in erect length. In millimetres that is between circa 127 and 177mm in erect length. The vast majority of condoms exceed 180mm in length, meaning that if you find that there is more length than you need in your condom, you are in the same situation as 95% of men! There are a few shorter condoms available although these typically come in smaller circumferences as well; not much help for the shorter and wider gentleman, but look through our chart to find the condom that you think will be the closest match for you.
6. Condom too wide (signs are if the condom slips off the penis too easily, or if latex is bunching up around the circumference of the penis loosely rather than bunching up in tight bands): This is a relatively easy task as there are condoms that have been designed specifically for the narrower gent. Again, just refer to our size chart. One obvious example of a condom designed specifically for a thin penis is the Pasante Trim condom, which is 49mm in width which is much smaller than a standard condom.
7. And so we come finally to the overarching recommendation: Consider what types of condom have and haven’t worked for you in the past, and then compare these with the other condoms listed in our Condom Size Chart.
Because a happy fit means a happy johnny. And we’re all for happy johnnies.
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