How To Be Sure You Are Using the Right Size
Condom
by Matt
Biskup
zone3
Here's the latest information on how to determine the correct size
condom for you and how to minimize malfunctioning while testing.
Use these four key steps outlined here and you won't make the
$244,530.00 mistake... that's how much the United States Government says
it costs to raise a child to age 18 - and that's without college.
Amazingly, there is no world standard when it comes to condom sizes.
There is an ISO standard for manufacturing processes, but not sizes.
Even more interesting is the research that has been done to answer the
popular and important question
"Which condom fits me properly?"
Yet the answer remains unclear in most condom users' minds.
According to a study done by British condom manufacturer Durex, 50% of
the approximately 3,000 individuals in their study felt that the condoms
they used regularly did not fit properly. Fully 35% stated the fit was
"too tight" or "much too tight".
The World Health Organization notes in their study "The Male Latex
Condom: Specification and Guidelines for Condom Procurement 2003" that
there are only two major size classifications for condoms, "Wide" or
"Narrow". The data in that study is based on studies in Australia,
Thailand and the US. They mention that flat width of 51-54mm is their
"Wide" and 47-50mm is their "Narrow", but 49-53mm is the range of the most
common condoms. Study link:
http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/m_condom/who_specification_04.pdf
At this point, the question "What size am I?" arises.
A large and detailed survey of actual size of men's private parts has
been compiled over several years by Richard Evans of
http://www.sizesurvey.com/result.html
Mr. Evans' study puts the measurement for erect diameter at: 37.43mm
(Modest), 40.55mm (Average) and 43.86mm (Endowed).Study data has been
converted from circumference to diameter to better relate to the data used
in the WHO study and manufacturer sizing cited in this article.
So here's the problem. If you are of "X" diameter, let's say for
example, 42mm - what size condom should you use?
With no statistical recommendation from manufacturers such as "10mm
larger than you measure" and little accurate data regarding actual condom
sizes, condom users are completely left unto themselves to determine
proper fit.
Here are the four key steps to determining proper condom fit for you
and minimizing malfunctions during your testing.
1) When putting the condom on pinch the teat end, then roll it down.
That leaves room at the end and any air pressure built up won't put the
condom at the bursting point. Be sure to roll the condom down the correct
way - rolling it down inverted won't work at all. Make sure the condom
gets rolled down fully. If not rolled down sufficiently, it could get
pulled off during normal activity. Don't dim the lights too much at this
step or you won't be able to see what you're doing.
2) Check for overall tightness. If the condom is too loose, slippage
may occur. If it is too tight, breakage may occur. According to an
Australian La Trobe University study by AMA Smith, breakage often occurs
as a result of the condom users' girth (not length) being too large for
the condom design.
If your issue with condoms is typically "They're too tight", try larger
condoms which are less common but are produced by major manufacturers.
These large condoms most likely won't be in your local drug store, but are
available on specialty web sites such as http://biggercondoms.com.
3) Use lubrication - lots of it! Most condoms today are pre lubricated.
This is not sufficient lubrication for extended activity. Use only
water-based lube with condoms. Oil based lube will cause them to break. Be
sure to have plenty handy. Lack of lube is a cause of many a condom
rupture.
4) Start your "research" with a variety package. Buy one or two of a
wide variety of condoms and make a note of which ones you liked. When you
complete your "research" buy your favorite condoms in higher
quantities.
Overall, you're looking for "Not too loose but not too tight." Seeking
this proper fit with proper installation technique, sufficient lubrication
and observation during activity as outlined above will likely be the most
fun you'll ever have doing "research"
Copyright 2006 Matthew Biskup
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew Biskup is a "formerly frustrated consumer" who built the
solution to the problem of finding a selection of larger condoms. For a
variety package featuring at least 12 different large condoms and to read
more fun articles discussing large condom issues visit Matt's site.
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