How To Know If You’re Using The Correct Condom Size

Are you sure the condoms you use with your partner fit correctly?  Here’s everything you need to know about how to find the perfect love glove and why it’s extremely important that you do.

1. What happens when a condom is too loose? If the condom is too big, it can slide down or off, which leaves you open to STDs and pregnancy. A loose condom doesn’t feel too good either and can make it difficult for both partners to reach orgasm. It should be a snug fit without any moving around.
2. What happens when a condom is too tight? The condom can break easily if it’s too tight, again, leaving you open to pregnancy and STDs. You might be able to tell by looking at it because it looks uncomfortable, and it might leave a mark after taking it off. The guy should be able to feel if it’s uncomfortably tight too. It should be snug but not bursting at the seams.
3. The good news is that you may already use the right kind. Some people complain about the feel of condoms, but the fit itself may be fine. Most standard size condoms fit the average penis well, but there might be a problem if the guy is smaller or larger than average. What’s average? According to a study reviewing 15,000 men, the average penis length is around 5.2 inches when erect, while the average girth or circumference is 4.6 inches. So what’s important to know if you think you need a different size?
4. First, get measurements. If you want to get started on your search, get penis measurements first. Measure the length with a ruler from the base to the tip. Measure the circumference by using a string to wrap around the largest (usually middle) part of the erect penis. The straighten out the string and measure it with a ruler. There you go!
5. Condom types actually vary more in width than in length. Snugger fit condom widths are usually slightly less than 2 inches, standard condom widths are around 2 inches, and large condoms widths are a little over 2 inches—seems like a small range but it makes a big difference. Standard condom lengths are typically between 7.25 and 7.8 inches, snug condoms are between 7 and 7.8 inches, and larger condoms are between 7.25 and 8.1 inches. So condoms don’t vary too much at all in length. This makes sense because only a very tiny percentage of men are longer than 8 inches. Condoms don’t need to be much shorter because if it’s a little too long then it’s just not going to roll down all the way. Too short would be an issue since it would break more easily and wouldn’t leave extra room for ejaculate.
6. Girth is what matters. With condom size, that is. This is because girth is what affects the tightness or looseness. According to condom-size.org, if his penis girth (AKA circumference) is less than 4.7 inches, a snugger fit condom might work best. Standard size condoms will fit penises between 4.7 and 5.1 inches in circumference, and large size condoms should fit penises larger than 5.1 inches in circumference.
7. Width is different from girth when comparing condom sizes. In comparison charts like this one from condom-size.org, or in this one from healthline.com, condom width is shown. This is the width across when the condom is rolled out and lying flat and is not the same as circumference. To find the penis width from the circumference, divide by 3.14 and then compare to condom widths. According to condom-size.org, the condom width should be about 80-90% of penis width, otherwise, it may be too tight or too loose.
8. There are many online resources to help you choose one. There are many different condoms to choose from and it can be overwhelming. There are lots of standard size condoms, others that are snugger fit for smaller penises and some that are larger for bigger penises. There are also numerous texture options, as well as various lubricants on the condoms. Thankfully, there are very helpful websites like condom-size.org dedicated to helping you find the right one. The site even has a condom size calculator. If you want even more options, onecondoms.com has 60 different sizes for the ideal fit.
9. Not all condoms are the same with naming, so don’t go by the label. What’s “regular” size for one condom brand may be large for another or vice versa. If you’re having trouble finding a good size, you may need to take a look at a condom measurement chart. It may take some trial and error, but finding the perfect fit is worth it for optimal safety and pleasure. No one wants to worry about that.
10. Condom material affects proper comfort as well. There are different condom materials besides the standard latex. For example, lambskin condoms are an alternative, but these don’t protect against STDs like HIV, so beware. Other alternatives are polyurethane (a type of plastic) or polyisoprene (a natural rubber) condoms. Polyurethane condoms are thinner and offer more sensitivity because of this but are more prone to breakage. Polyisoprene condoms are a little thicker than polyurethane ones—they’re more stretchy and less prone to breakage. Trying these different materials can make for a better fit in addition to the condom’s dimensions.
11. Don’t be afraid to search for the right one. Measuring the penis and using charts to help can be a good starting point, but nothing beats experimentation. If you’re the guy and are feeling like the condoms you’re using aren’t fitting right, then change it up and try some others. If you’re the girl and are hesitant to talk to your partner, don’t be afraid to start the conversation. It can be fun to try a bunch of different types until you find the perfect one.