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Using condoms - Types and Sizes
Why do I need to use a condom?
Getting ready, Choosing the right
condom
What are condoms made of?
Spermicides and Nonoxynol 9
What shapes are there and which should
I choose? What about flavoured condoms?
What about the condom size?
So when do you use a condom?
Where can I get condoms?
How can I check a condom is safe to
use?
Condoms are the only form of protection which can
both help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) such as HIV and prevent pregnancy.
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A number of different types of condom are now
available. What is generally called a condom is the 'male' condom, a
sheath or covering which fits over a man's penis, and which is
closed at one end.
There is also now a female condom, or vaginal
sheath, which is used by a woman and which fits inside her vagina.
The rest of this page is about the male condom.
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Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane.
If possible you should use a latex condom, as they are slightly more
reliable, and in most countries they are most readily available.
Latex condoms can only be used with water based
lubricants, not oil based lubricants such as Vaseline or cold cream
as they break down the latex. A small number of people have an
allergic reaction to latex and can use polyurethane condoms instead.
Polyurethane condoms are made out a type of plastic.
They are thinner than latex condoms, and so they increase
sensitivity and are more agreeable in feel and appearance to some
users. They are more expensive than latex condoms and slightly less
flexible so more lubrication may be needed. However both oil and
water based lubricants can be used with them.
It’s not clear whether latex or polyurethane condoms
are stronger – there are studies suggesting that either is less
likely to break. With both types however, the likelihood of
breakages is very small if used correctly.
The lubrication on condoms also varies. Some condoms
are not lubricated at all, some are lubricated with a silicone
substance, and some condoms have a water-based lubricant. The
lubrication on condoms aims to make the condom easier to put on and
more comfortable to use. It can also help prevent condom breakage.
Condoms and lubricants sometimes contain a
spermicide called Nonoxynol 9. Nonoxynol 9 was thought in the past
to help to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of HIV and other
STDs, but it is now know to be ineffective.
Some people have an allergic reaction to Nonoxynol 9
that can result in little sores, which can actually make the
transmission of HIV more likely. Because of this, you should only
use condoms and lubricants containing Nonoxynol 9 if you are HIV
negative and know that your partner is too. However, using a condom
(even if it contains Nonoxynol 9) is much safer than having
unprotected sex.
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Condoms come in a variety of shapes. Most have a
reservoir tip although some do have a plain tip. Condoms may be
regular shaped (with straight sides), form fit (indented below the
head of the penis), or they may be flared (wider over the head of
the penis).
Ribbed condoms are textured with ribs or bumps, which can increase
sensation for both partners. Condoms also come in a variety of
colours.
It’s up to you which shape you choose. All of the
differences in shape are designed to suit different personal
preferences and enhance pleasure. It is important to communicate
with your partner to be sure that you are using condoms that satisfy
both of you.
Some condoms are flavoured to make oral sex more
enjoyable. They are also safe to use for penetrative sex as long as
they have been tested and approved.
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Condoms are made in different lengths and widths,
and different manufacturers produce varying sizes.
There is no standard length for condoms, though
those made from natural rubber will in addition always stretch if
necessary to fit the length of the man's erect penis.
The width of a condom can also vary. Some condoms
have a slightly smaller width to give a "closer" fit, whereas others
will be slightly larger. Condom makers have realised that different
lengths and widths are needed and are increasingly broadening their
range of sizes.
The brand names will be different in each country,
so you will need to do your own investigation of different names.
There is no particular best brand of condom. There are details of
web sites of condom manufacturers on our links page, where you can
find information about their products and contact information.
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You need to use a new condom every time you have
sexual intercourse. Never use the same condom twice. Put the condom
on after the penis is erect and before any contact is made between
the penis and any part of the partner's body. If you go from anal
intercourse to vaginal intercourse, you should consider changing the
condom.
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There are no age limitations on buying condoms.
Buying a condom no matter how old you are shows that you are taking
responsibility for your actions. Family planning and sexual health
clinics provide condoms free of charge. Condoms are available to buy
from supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol/gas stations.
Vending machines selling condoms are found in toilets at many
locations. You can also order then online from different
manufacturers and distributors. There are web sites details of
condom manufacturers on our links page.
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Condoms that have been properly tested and approved
carry the British Standard Kite Mark or the EEC Standard Mark (CE).
In the USA, condoms should be FDA approved, and elsewhere in the
world, they should be ISO approved. To find out more about condom
testing see our Condoms history, effectiveness and testing page.
Condoms have an expiration (Exp) or manufacture
(MFG) date on the box or individual package that tells you when it
is safe to use the condom until. It’s important to check this when
you use a condom. You should also make sure the package and the
condom appear to be in good condition.
Condoms can deteriorate if not stored properly as
they are affected by both heat and light. So it’s best not to use a
condom that has been stored in your back pocket, your wallet, or the
glove compartment of your car. If a condom feels sticky or very dry
you shouldn’t use it as the packaging has probably been damaged.
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