It’s time to get down and dirty, so you know grabbing condoms is a must. After all, until further notice, there’s no birth control pill for guys. When used correctly, condoms help prevent pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. A lot of people believe that condoms are uncomfortable or don’t feel good, but a lot of the time, that’s just due to a poor fit. Whether you’re with a new guy or are trying to finally get the right size for your man of two years, we’ll break down how to find the perfect size with this condom size calculator guide.
- Measure his penis. It’s time to stop playing guessing games. It might be weird to take measurements of his penis, but wouldn’t you get proper measurements for other parts of his body if you were buying him clothes? No matter how awkward it feels, it’s time to break out the ruler or the measuring tape. In order to get the best measurements, you’ll need to make sure he’s erect, otherwise you won’t be able to know the right size when it comes to tangoing in the sheets.
- Start with the length. In order to get the right results, measure from the base to the tip. Specifically, start from the pubic bone when you’re measuring at the base. Write the number down in inches.
- Measure the girth. After getting the length measurement, make certain you have measuring tape to wrap around the thickest part of his penis. Write the number down in inches.
- Calculate the width. Width can be found by dividing the girth measurement by 3.14 (yes, pi). Go ahead and write that number down, too.
- Deciding on the best size. While all measurements are important, when it comes to getting the right size, girth and width are probably the most important out of all of the measurements. Condoms typically come in small, regular, and large sizes. While not all condoms are made the same and there’s not a set standard on what defines small, regular, and large, most range in the following measurements: small, which is sometimes called “trim” or “close fit”, includes any condom under 1.75 inches in width, regular or standard range from 1.75 to 2 inches in width, and large or XL condoms tends to have a width of over 2 inches.
More things to consider when using a condom size calculator
- Length is still important. While you don’t want a condom too big or too snug, you also don’t want one that is too long. You need just enough room to cover the whole penis while leaving space for ejaculate to collect. When looking for the right length condom, here are the most common standard sizes: small or snug ranges from 7 to 7.8 inches in length, regular ranges from 7.25 to 7.8 inches in length, and large ranges from 7.25 to 8.1 inches in length. Notice how some sizes overlap! This is why it is important to keep all measurements in mind.
- Experiment with different brands. There are plenty of condoms out there. If you’re unsure about what will work best, sometimes trying them on for size is the best method. Purchase a variety pack or a few boxes of different brands. Condoms also come in different materials and types, so you can experiment with sensitivity and feel as well. It may take some time to find the right fit, but the journey is worth it for more fulfilling sex.
- Don’t let him convince you he’s “too big” for condoms. If he tries to pull this line, he’s a liar with a capital ‘L’. There are more than enough options to accommodate the biggest dudes. If you’re still not convinced, watch some of the videos of condoms being tested in factories. You’ll easily see the flaw in their “too big” argument when you see how big they can be blown up and beat up without breaking.
- Watch out for “stealthing”. If you agree to have sex with a guy who seems reluctant or even combatant to wear a condom, watch out for stealthing. Stealthing is a term used to describe when a man pulls the condom off in the middle of sex. Not only is it violating, it actually qualifies as rape. When you consent to sex using a condom, that means it should be on for the duration of the session unless both parties agree it isn’t needed.
- Avoid common pitfalls. More does not mean better. Do not, under any circumstances, double up on condoms. Not only does it not provide double the protection, it can completely eliminate any protection at all. The friction will cause both of them to break. Only use lubricants that are water-based and never use oils, as they can break down the condom. Double check the expiration date on the package. Even if it has never been opened, condoms can still become less effective over time, so don’t risk it. Finally, never, ever reuse a condom.
