How To Make Sure You Pick The Right Sized Condom

So pull out the measuring tape because first, you need to work out which rubber will provide the right amount of protection. 

“First you need to know your penis circumference. You can measure it with a measuring tape or a piece of string and a ruler. Loop the measuring tape around your erect penis and mark down your size or loop the string around your erect penis and mark down where the string connects, and then use a ruler to measure its length," says KC Nguyen, Vice President, Operations and R&D at Lifestyles Healthcare.

RELATED: Science Reveals The Average Penis Size. How Do You Stack Up?

"The condom has to fit well around the penis. This is to prevent slippage if too loose, or breakage if too tight. ” 

Given the elastic nature of condoms, you'd be forgiven for thinking wrappings start small and stretch out. Unfortunately, it's not that simple.

"Condoms come in a variety of sizes, and are designed to fit comfortably in terms of girth. To reduce potential of slippage/breakage, we produce the condom in 3 different width sizes, 51mm, 53mm and 56mm,” continues Nguyen. 

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When it comes to length, the condom should reach the base of your penis during sexual intercourse. This will help give you maximum safeguard against STIs and prevent any sperm coming in contact with your partner. 

 If you find the condom is constantly slipping off during penetration, it's a good sign you're using the wrong size.

RELATED: The Scary Reason Why STI Rates Are Exploding

“Slippage occurs when you use a condom that is too big, which not only defeats the purpose of wearing a condom for protection but can also instantly kill an erection. That’s why it’s important to find a good fitting condom. If you feel the condom slipping or tightening excessively during use, please stop to check the condom because this could lead to slippage or breakage, respectively,” adds Nguyen.

“Ensure that you are using your proper condom size. Also, after climax, and while the penis is still erect, carefully withdraw holding the condom in place at the base of your penis with your hand. You should not continue after ejaculating.”

Recently the Centre for Disease Control came out asking people to stop reusing condoms, even if you're trying to be eco-friendly. And Nguyen agrees it's definitely not a great option. Apart from increasing risk of infection and tearing, you'll lose out on other benefits.

“Each condom is designed for single use only. We do not recommend for reuse as it is unsafe and unhygienic. If washed, all the lubricant will be washed off and then the condom will become sticky once dried and prone to breakage. Further risks involved in re-using condoms include cross-infection, tearing, stickiness, loss of lubrication and strength through cleaning - all increasing the risks of pregnancy and STIs.” he explains. 

It's all fun and games until a kid pops out or it starts to hurt while peeing. Be smart and wrap it up properly.