Kinsey Condom Survey

The study^† which consisted of a survey taken by the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, questioned 436 men about how their condoms fit when used during sex. Of these men, almost 45 percent reported that the condom fit poorly and complained of condom slippage, breaking and irritation of the penis.

Another complaint was that condoms made intercourse less pleasurable and resulted in greater difficulty in achieving orgasm. For this reason, many stated that they took off the condoms before they finished having sex. This behavior obviously exposes men to sexually-contracted diseases and ultimately defeats the entire purpose of using condoms in the first place.

The researchers who conducted this survey concluded:

"Men and their female sex partners may benefit from public health efforts designed to promote the improved fit of condoms."

Source:^†Sex Transm Infect 2010;86:36-38 / DOI:10.1136/sti.2009.036665

What's Size Got To Do, Got To Do With It?

Although the researchers conclusion offers sound advice, it does beg the question of why condom makers seem oblivious to the needs of their customers. With so much emphasis on developing pleasure-producing male contraceptives, and recent strives to educate men on the importance of safe-sex, it appears almost counter-intuitive to manufacture products that don't even fit well.

Clearly the root of the problem stems out of two specific circumstances. Firstly, many men have no idea whatsoever the condom size they'll actually need. It's not like you can go into a store and try on condoms until you find one that matches. Since penises come in all shapes and sizes, it's not always easy to determine which condom will offer the correct fit.

Secondly, while there is a dizzying array of condom varieties (ribbed, lubricated, scented, flavored, colored, etc.), the actual selection of sizes is limited. The majority of brands are marketed in Regular, Large and Extra Large sizes – you'd be hard-pressed to find a condom that is labeled 'Small.'

This predicament usually results in men guessing about which size is right for them. Unfortunately this means that sometimes the condom is too small and this can cause discomfort or breakage. Other times the condom is too large and either becomes loose or simply falls off.

Getting Condom Size Right

The only true way to be sure that a condom fits correctly is to buy a sample of different sizes and test each one independently. Since condoms are often purchased in the spur of the moment, this might not always be practical or even possible.

Even if you find a condom that does fit, this won't account for variable changes in penis size that may occur over time. If you're practicing a penis enlargement method for instance, you'll need to periodically check that the condoms you're using are still fitting properly.

The bottom line is that unless you're in a committed sexual relationship with a partner you trust, condoms are a necessity. If the possibility of pregnancy and/or the contraction of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is not an issue then you may not have to worry. For many men however, condoms are a way of life. Until condom manufacturers come up with a better and more transparent system for sizing, the burden remains on us alone to make the right choice.

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Post tags: condom size, condom use, condoms, penis size

Since most men like to keep their sexual activities private, purchasing condoms at a pharmacy can be an embarrassing proposition. For some, the idea of asking for condoms at the pharmacy will cause them to feel nervous and even nauseous. Many feel that putting themselves in such a situation opens them up to criticism about their sex lives and even judgment about their specific choice of condom. While in some countries condoms are sold in vending machines which affords a certain amount of privacy, this convenience also means these men are not privy to advice about their choices.

Men who avoid purchasing condoms from pharmacies are unable to learn about the specifics of the various brands of condoms. Condoms are not only available in a multitude of colors, shapes and materials but also varying sizes. Buying the wrong size with an improper fit can cause the condom to tear or slide off which defeats the very purpose for which they were bought. Getting professional advice about the proper condom size is essential since most first time buyers have no idea which size fits them best and cannot rely on the standard sizes usually available. For instance, a recent study conducted in India found that 60 percent of Indian men found standard size condoms too big.

Having a small penis can be very embarrassing when buying condoms. No man wants to be seen buying the smallest size available and possibly subjecting himself to the negative opinions of those who happen to be in the store at the time. This feeling of embarrassment is not exclusive to men with small penises. Men with larger than average penises can also feel that they are being overly scrutinized when they purchase large or extra large condoms.

Buying the wrong size condom can also have physical consequences. One reason why many men chose not to wear condoms is because they sometimes interfere with erections. Studies have shown that a large percentage of men experience erection loss both while applying condoms and during sex. Without proper guidance, choosing the wrong condom can not only expose you to potentially deadly diseases and unwanted pregnancies, but also can have a negative impact on the sexual act itself.

Men can use this quick reference guide to help them identify the right sized condom for a good fit. Standard condom sizes used in Western society include small, medium (also known as regular), large and extra large. The small size is appropriate for a length of 6 inches (or 15 centimeters) and a circumference of 3.9 inches (or 9.8 centimeters). A medium size is for a length of 6.5 inches (or 16 centimeters) with a circumference of 4.1 inches (or 10.4 centimeters). The large size is for penises that measure 7 inches (or 17.5 centimeters) in length and 4.1 inches (or 10.4 centimeters) in circumference. The extra large condom is for men with penises 7.5 to 8 inches (or 18.5 to 20 centimeters) in length and with a circumference of 4.3 inches (or 10.8 centimeters) at the base and 4.7 inches (or 12 centimeters) around the glans.

The use of condoms is important for both healthy and responsible sex. Before you make your next purchase, just be sure that you are making an informed choice!

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Post tags: condom size, condoms, erection loss, penis size, wrong size condom