Determining proper condom sizing is a time to be serious. It’s NOT the right time to fool yourself into believing that you’ve got more (or less) down there than nature gave you. Wearing the wrong size condom is the number one reason why condoms fail. Condoms that are too big slip off, while condoms that are too small break more easily. Either problem can lead to more problems like impregnating your partner or transmitting a sexually transmitted disease. When you begin to realize the significant implications of wearing a condom that doesn’t fit as it should, you begin to realize that condom sizing really does matter. Do you know how to select the proper condom size?

Proper condom sizing takes into consideration the size of the penis when it is erect. This is an important distinction because we all know that there is a significant size difference between the flaccid penis and the erect penis. While most men care mostly about length, equally important to consider is the width of the penis. Again, when condoms are stretched too thin, they are more likely to break. In addition to this important problem, condoms that fit too snugly actually decrease much of the sensation felt during the actual “act.”

Although much talk focuses on the need to pay attention to condom sizing, the truth is that the major condom manufacturers haven’t really offered a product line that serves the different size needs of its customers. Most condom manufacturers offer a “one-size-fits-all” size, or a “regular” size, or for those more fortunate, a “large” size condom, and that’s it. Those who choose condoms as their protection of choice must choose from this limited assortment of sizes and hope for the best.

Another problem inherent with condom sizing is that many condoms simply end up being too long. Many times, after the condom is unrolled, a bulk of excess rubber often remains because the condom can’t be unrolled any further. This bulkiness can get caught up in the action and end up being unrolled right off the penis, leaving both participants unprotected.

Fortunately, those who manufacture condoms are coming around and realizing that condom sizing is important and does need to be addressed. In fact, one manufacturer has come out with a line of 55 different sizes of condoms, and to ensure a perfect, match they’ve even created a condom fitting kit. If you’re having trouble finding the right size condom, take some comfort knowing you’re not alone and that help is on the way!