Kecia Gaither, MD, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, Director of Perinatal Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx

Pinch the tip of the condom and place it on the head of the erect penis. Pinching the tip removes excess air and allows extra space at the top to collect semen. Condom companies do not always make their sizes readily available, and brand measurements vary between sources. Polyurethane condoms provide effective barriers against HIV and bacterial STIs. However, polyurethane is less flexible than latex, which makes them slightly more fragile than latex condoms. Polyisoprene Not only do condoms come in various shapes and sizes, they also contain different materials, including latex, polyurethane, and lambskin. While manufacturers use latex to make the vast majority of condoms, some brands offer nonlatex alternatives for people who do not like latex or have allergies. LatexMake sure the condom is still intact. Condoms that people may store in wallets or purses can be damaged. Make sure the wrapper is intact. If the condom itself is torn or shows signs of damage, do not use it, and discard it immediately. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Choosing the right condom can be a difficult and even daunting task. Once people know the correct size for them, they can do a little research and find their preferred material and style. Primary prevention methods. (2023). https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/clinical-primary.htm

Most condoms are longer than they need to be. If a person finds that there is too much roll at the base, they may need a snugger fit. If there is no roll left, they will require a larger condom. According to Dr. Cross, one sign is if the external condom slips on too easily, looks loose, or “you feel like it is moving during intercourse.” This indicates that the external condom is too large and the user should select a smaller size. “If you’re struggling to get it on or you’re putting it on and it feels like it’s cutting off your blood supply, then it’s probably too tight,” Dr. Cross adds. “A condom shouldn’t be uncomfortable.” Lubrication Condoms are most effective when used correctly. Use the following advice on how to use a condom properly:

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If the condom does not have lubrication, apply a small amount of water- or silicon-based lubricant to the outside of the condom. After ejaculation, hold the base of the condom while pulling out. Doing this will prevent it from falling off. Polyurethane is a plastic material used in many contexts, from insulation to furniture and condoms. Polyurethane condoms are usually thinner than latex condoms, and they are better at transferring heat.

Besides using external condoms to help in preventing pregnancy and STIs, they can also be used to increase pleasure and excitement in the bedroom. There are a plethora of external condoms on the market that offer added features, such as extra lubrication, a ribbed design, or a heating and cooling sensation. These features will not only add variety to your sex life, but they can also increase gratification for you and your partner. “I tell my patients to try different brands and styles but not forget the basics to avoid errors,” says Dr. Brahmbhatt. “I also let them know that comfort and experience should be priorities, but not number one—this should always be your and their safety,” he adds. There are many condoms to choose from, and most people should not have trouble finding a condom that fits. Manufacturers base condom sizes on both length and width measurements. Condoms are an essential part of good sexual health. They protect against the spread of both STIs and viral infections, such as Ebola and Zika. They can also prevent unplanned pregnancies.It is important to pay attention to the ingredients in lubes if you choose to use one that is separate from what can be provided from external condoms. Oil-based lubricants cannot be used with latex external condoms because it breaks down the material, causing it to be less effective. When using latex external condoms, one should use either a water-based or silicone-based lubricant. Male condoms typically vary in length from roughly 170–220 millimeters (mm), or 6.7–8.7 inches (“), and in width from 40–60mm, or 1.6–2.4”. Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, urologist with Orlando Health Medical Group Urology and president of the Florida Urological Society If you’re using lambskin-based external condoms, though, it is important to note that the material will not protect against STDs like other external condoms. But the material does work as contraception. Right Size External condoms come in a variety of materials for the user, but the most common one you’ll likely find on store shelves is made with latex. This material has proven to work well for external condoms because it is capable of stretching to fit around the penis, all while proving to be strong enough to not tear during intercourse. But not everyone is capable of using latex-based external condoms because they are allergic to the material. “They can also be made of other materials like polyurethane, polystyrene, and lambskin,” says Dr. Gaither.

Finding the right condom for you. (2022). https://www.brook.org.uk/blog/finding-the-right-condom-for-you/If the external condom is too tight or too loose, it is unable to serve its intended purpose as contraception. Experts recommend people with a penis try on external condoms when their penis is fully erect to best determine what size works well for them. “The average penis size is 5 to 7 inches long, with a girth of 3.5-6 inches in circumference,” Dr. Gaither says. “Most condoms are 7 inches long, and have a reservoir at the tip for semen collection.”There are several key signs to pay attention to that could indicate if the external condom is too small or too big on the penis. Oils will break down latex, which may cause the condom to tear. Water- or silicone-based lubricants are the best options when using a latex condom. Polyurethane Finding a condom that fits properly will help prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs. In addition, properly fitting condoms can also enhance the experience of sexual intercourse, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable.