Table of ContentsView All
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Table of Contents
How to Measure
How Should a Condom Fit?
Size Categories
Other Considerations
The correct condom size is key to not only comfort but also maximum protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Wearing anexternal condomthat is too big can cause it to slip off, and wearing one that is too small can cause it to break.
Condom size charts are an easy way to choose which size is best for you. To make the right choice, you will first need to determine the length, girth (circumference), and width (diameter) of yourpenisduring anerection.
After you select the most appropriate size, you can then decide whichcondommaterial you need (e.g., lambskin, latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene) to afford optimal protection and comfort.
How to Measure a Penis for the Right Condom Size.Verywell / JR Bee
How to Correctly Measure Penis Size
External condoms work bestif they fit snugly. This means that you need to do more just than “eyeball” the size of your penis; you need to measure it with a measuring tape.
The measurement needs to be taken when your penis is fully erect. After measuring the length and girth of your penis, you can use a simple calculation to determine the width (as most condom charts in the United States are based on length and width).
Here is how to accuratelymeasure your penis:
If you do not have a measuring tape, you can measure the length of your penis with a ruler and the girth of your penis with a ruler and a piece of string. Use the string as you would a measuring tape, placing it against the ruler after measuring to get the correct circumference.
To ensure maximum effectiveness and protection, a condom should:
Understanding Condom Sizes
Generally speaking, manufacturers assign condom sizes to four categories, often with considerably different category names:
Given these inconsistencies, here is some guidance to help you make an informed choice:
Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz
External Condom Width
In some ways, condom width is more important than length as most condoms on the market can accommodate the length of a regular or even large penis.The incorrect width, on the other hand, not only increases the risk of rupture or slippage but also decreases comfort and sensitivity.
In short, wearing a condom that is too tight can not only be uncomfortable but cause it to burst. Wearing a condom that is too loose can cause it to slip off or cause discomfort as it bunches up.
A tight condom can also affectejaculation(the expulsion ofsemenfrom the penis), leading todelayed ejaculation.
As a general guideline, you can select the correct condom category based on the following width measurements:
External Condom Length
Unless your penis is very long, most standard condoms will provide ample coverage, stretching to around 8 inches. (The average erect penis length in males is between 5.1 and 5.5 inches.)
With that said, having a condom that is too short can increase therisk of seepage. This can happen if the condom is pulled back so much that it flattens the reservoir where ejaculated semen is captured. With nowhere else to go, the semen can be diverted to the sides of the condom and seep out of the rim.
For this reason, you should never pull a condom back so far that the reservoir tip is flattened. Doing so also increases the risk of bursting.
You can select the right condom categories with the following length measurements:
Here are examples from popular condom brands sold in the United States:
Examples include:
Although size is central to the selection of a condom, other factors need to be considered to make an informed purchase. This includes factors like comfort, sensitivity, and whether the condom is being used to prevent pregnancy,STIs, or both.
Each has its pros and cons and reasons why it may not be appropriate for you:
Other factors to consider include whether a condom istextured or ribbed(which some people find stimulating and others find irritating),flavored or scented(which may hide the smell or taste of latex but cause irritation or promote ayeast infection), or lubricated (as certain types, such as those containing the spermicidenonoxynol-9, can cause vaginal irritation).
Summary
It’s important to find a condom that is snug, secure, and comfortable. A condom that meets these criteria will increase pleasure and provide the best protection.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ending HIV.How to pick the perfect condom.Planned Parenthood.How do I know what size condom I need?Food and Drug Administration.Latex condoms for men.Wainipitapong S, Wiwattarangkul T, Bumphenkiatikul T.Delayed ejaculation due to improper male condom size: a case report.Sex Med. 2021 Jun;9(3):100373. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100373Belladelli F, Del Giudice F, Glover F, Mulloy E, Muncey W, Basran S,et al.Worldwide temporal trends in penile length: a systematic review and meta-analysis.World J Mens Health. 2023 Oct;41(4):848-860. doi:10.5534/wjmh.220203Marfatia YS, Pandya I, Mehta K.Condoms: past, present, and future.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2015;36(2):133–139. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.167135
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ending HIV.How to pick the perfect condom.Planned Parenthood.How do I know what size condom I need?Food and Drug Administration.Latex condoms for men.Wainipitapong S, Wiwattarangkul T, Bumphenkiatikul T.Delayed ejaculation due to improper male condom size: a case report.Sex Med. 2021 Jun;9(3):100373. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100373Belladelli F, Del Giudice F, Glover F, Mulloy E, Muncey W, Basran S,et al.Worldwide temporal trends in penile length: a systematic review and meta-analysis.World J Mens Health. 2023 Oct;41(4):848-860. doi:10.5534/wjmh.220203Marfatia YS, Pandya I, Mehta K.Condoms: past, present, and future.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2015;36(2):133–139. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.167135
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ending HIV.How to pick the perfect condom.Planned Parenthood.How do I know what size condom I need?Food and Drug Administration.Latex condoms for men.Wainipitapong S, Wiwattarangkul T, Bumphenkiatikul T.Delayed ejaculation due to improper male condom size: a case report.Sex Med. 2021 Jun;9(3):100373. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100373Belladelli F, Del Giudice F, Glover F, Mulloy E, Muncey W, Basran S,et al.Worldwide temporal trends in penile length: a systematic review and meta-analysis.World J Mens Health. 2023 Oct;41(4):848-860. doi:10.5534/wjmh.220203Marfatia YS, Pandya I, Mehta K.Condoms: past, present, and future.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2015;36(2):133–139. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.167135
Ending HIV.How to pick the perfect condom.
Planned Parenthood.How do I know what size condom I need?
Food and Drug Administration.Latex condoms for men.
Wainipitapong S, Wiwattarangkul T, Bumphenkiatikul T.Delayed ejaculation due to improper male condom size: a case report.Sex Med. 2021 Jun;9(3):100373. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100373
Belladelli F, Del Giudice F, Glover F, Mulloy E, Muncey W, Basran S,et al.Worldwide temporal trends in penile length: a systematic review and meta-analysis.World J Mens Health. 2023 Oct;41(4):848-860. doi:10.5534/wjmh.220203
Marfatia YS, Pandya I, Mehta K.Condoms: past, present, and future.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2015;36(2):133–139. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.167135
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