Condoms - The Ultimate Guide
The condom is a classic with several important jobs. It can both protect against pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and today there are so many sizes, materials, flavours and varieties available that a condom doesn’t have to feel like a boring necessity.
But which condom should you choose? How do you find the right size? Can you use lube with it? And what should you actually do if the condom suddenly breaks?
In this guide, you’ll get answers to all of these questions. We cover safety, sizing, materials, different types and correct use, and guide you towards finding a condom that suits both you and your needs.
What Is a Condom?
A condom is a small form of protection with a rather important job. It is rolled onto an erect penis before sex and protects against pregnancy while also reducing the risk of transmission of many STIs during vaginal, anal and oral sex. The condom collects semen and thereby helps prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
For vaginal and anal oral sex, there are also dental dams, which can reduce the risk of transmitting STIs.
Internal condoms, also known as female condoms, are also available. These are placed inside the vagina and both protect against pregnancy and can reduce the risk of transmission of STIs.
One of the major advantages of condoms is that they are hormone-free and only need to be used when required. On the other hand, they must be used correctly - and every time - to provide the right protection.
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How Safe Are Condoms?
Condoms are an effective form of contraception and can also reduce the risk of transmission of many STIs. This makes them a good choice if you want to protect against pregnancy while also looking after yourself and your partner.
However, no form of contraception is 100% effective. How well a condom protects depends, among other things, on whether it is the right size, whether you put it on correctly and whether you use it throughout intercourse.
Condoms and Pregnancy
When condoms are used correctly every time, they are said to be around 97% effective at preventing pregnancy. For the best possible protection, the condom should be put on before the penis comes into contact with the vagina, and it should remain in place throughout intercourse.
If you want extra protection against pregnancy, condoms can also be combined with another form of contraception, such as the contraceptive pill or an IUD. The condom still has an important role because these forms of contraception do not protect against STIs.
Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Condoms can reduce the risk of a number of STIs, including chlamydia, herpes and HIV, when used correctly and consistently.
However, the protection is not complete. Some STIs can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by the condom. It is therefore more accurate to say that condoms reduce the risk of transmission - not that they protect against all infections.
How to Find the Right Condom Size
Finding the right condom size isn’t about choosing the biggest number on the packet - quite the opposite. It is, of course, about fit. A condom should fit snugly around the penis without feeling tight, which means width is actually the most important measurement.
If the condom is too wide, it may feel loose and be more likely to slip off during sex - and then it won’t provide optimal protection. If it is too narrow, on the other hand, it may feel uncomfortable and be difficult to roll on. The right size makes the condom more comfortable to wear while also providing the best possible protection.
Length is usually less important because most condoms are long enough to fit many different penis lengths. So it doesn’t matter if there is a little of the condom left that isn’t rolled all the way down. The most important thing is that it fits well around the penis and stays where it should.
So pay particular attention to the condom’s nominal width when choosing a size. This tells you how wide the condom is when laid flat and gives you a better indication of the fit than the length does.
And our best advice? Try a few different options. Bodies are different, and condoms can also fit differently from one brand to another. If a condom feels too tight, try one size larger. If it feels too loose or slips, go down a size.
The best size is the one that fits so well you almost forget you’re wearing it.
Erect Penis
Circumference
Condom
nominel width
90-95 mm
95-100 mm
100-105 mm
105-115 mm
115-120 mm
120-125 mm
125-130 mm
130-135 mm
135-140 mm
140-145 mm
145-155 mm
155-160 mm
What Types of Condoms Exist?
Once you’ve got the size sorted, the fun part begins. Because a condom certainly doesn’t have to be just a condom. We’ll go through the different types here.
Thin Condoms
Thin condoms are made for those who want as much sensation as possible during sex.
Although the material is thinner, you still get the same level of safety. All condoms must meet applicable safety standards, so you can feel completely confident using them even though they are ultra-thin.
Delay Condoms
Delay condoms, also known as numbing condoms, are designed for people who want to delay ejaculation.
Some models contain a mild local anaesthetic on the inside, which slightly reduces sensitivity in the penis and is intended to help you last longer in bed.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as the contents and use vary from product to product.
Flavoured Condoms
Strawberry? Cola? Mint? Flavoured condoms are especially popular for oral sex because the flavour can make the experience a little more fun.
If the condom is also going to be used for vaginal or anal sex, you should check the packet to make sure the manufacturer states that it is suitable for penetration.
Latex-Free Condoms
If you have a latex allergy or experience irritation from traditional latex condoms, there are fortunately alternatives available.
Latex-free condoms can be made from synthetic materials such as polyisoprene or polyurethane. The properties of these materials vary, so always check the packaging for both intended use and which types of lube can be used with the condom.
Ribbed & Dotted Condoms
If you want to add a little extra texture, you can get condoms with ribs or dots, or a combination of both.
They are designed to create more friction and provide extra stimulation during penetration, particularly for the receiving partner. What feels best is very individual, so try different options and find your favourite.
Extra Thick Condoms
Extra-strong condoms are typically slightly thicker than standard condoms and are designed with added durability in mind.
They can be a good choice for anal sex, where there is often more friction during penetration. The anus does not produce natural lubrication in the same way as the vagina, which means both the condom and the skin may be exposed to greater strain. The extra thickness can therefore provide a little more reassurance.
However, you should still make sure you choose the right size and use plenty of condom-safe lube to reduce friction and make the experience more comfortable.
What Are Condoms Made Of?
Most traditional condoms are made from natural rubber (latex), which is elastic and can stretch considerably, making it well suited for condoms.
There are also synthetic alternatives, including polyisoprene and polyurethane. These can be a better choice if you or your partner are allergic to latex, or if you don’t want to use latex for other reasons.
The material also affects which lube you can use. So if you switch condom type, it is always worth reading the packaging again. In general, however, water-based lube is safe to use with all types of condoms
How To Use Condoms Correctly
1. Check the Packaging
Check the expiry date and make sure the packaging is intact. Do not use the condom if the packet is damaged.
2. Open It Carefully
Open the packaging with your fingers. Avoid using your teeth, scissors or other sharp objects that could make a small hole in the condom.
3. Make Sure It’s the Right Way Round
The condom should look like a little hat, with the rim ready to roll outwards. If you try to roll it on and realise it is the wrong way round, you should use a new condom instead of turning it over and continuing.
4. Pinch the Tip
Gently squeeze the air out of the reservoir tip while placing the condom on the erect penis.
5. Roll It All the Way Down
Roll the condom down to the base of the penis. It should fit snugly and comfortably without slipping or feeling painfully tight.
6. Use Lube as Needed
Extra lube can reduce friction and make sex more comfortable. Water-based lube is a safe choice for most condoms, but always check that the lube is compatible with the condom material.
7. Hold the Condom Afterwards
After ejaculation, hold the condom at the base of the penis while withdrawing. This reduces the risk of the condom slipping off or leaking.
8. Throw It in the Bin
You can tie a knot in the condom, wrap it in a little tissue and throw it in the bin. A condom is for single use only.
Can You Use Lube With Condoms?
Yes - and it can be a very good combination.
Lube can reduce friction and make penetration more comfortable. However, it is important to choose a type that is suitable for the material of the condom.
Water-based lube is an easy choice because it can be used with all common condom materials and all types of sex toys.
Silicone-based lube can also be used with most condoms, but keep in mind that it should not be used with silicone sex toys, as it may damage the material.
If you use latex condoms, avoid oil-based products such as Vaseline, baby oil and certain massage oils, as oil can weaken latex and increase the risk of the condom breaking. The same can apply to polyisoprene, so a good rule of thumb is to avoid oil-based lube altogether.
If you are unsure, always check the recommendations on both the condom and lube packaging.
How Long Do Condoms Last?
Condoms don’t last forever in your bedside drawer. Every packet has an expiry date, which tells you how long the manufacturer guarantees the quality of the product when stored correctly. And if the packaging looks damaged, you should always use a new condom.
Can Condoms Get Too Old?
Yes. Over time, the material can lose some of its properties, which is why you should not use a condom after its expiry date.
Make it a habit to check the date before opening the packet. It only takes a moment and is much nicer than worrying about it afterwards.
How to Store Condoms Properly
Store condoms in a cool, dry place where they are not exposed to excessive heat or wear.
A drawer is usually a better option than a windowsill, and although keeping a condom in your wallet may seem practical, it isn’t exactly the best long-term storage place. The packet is constantly bent and exposed to friction there - and possibly body heat as well, if you’re the type who keeps your wallet in your back pocket.
What Should You Do if the Condom Breaks or Slips Off?
If the condom breaks or slips off during vaginal sex and there is a possibility of pregnancy, emergency contraception may be relevant. Emergency contraceptive pills can be used as emergency contraception, but timing is important and you should action as soon as possible after intercourse.
Depending on the situation, there may also be a need for advice or testing for sexually transmitted infections, including if a partner later tests positive for an STI.
If you are unsure about your situation, you should contact your doctor or a pharmacy for appropriate advice.
Buying Condoms
Once you know which size and type you are looking for, condoms are fortunately among the easier forms of contraception to get hold of.
Where Can You Buy Condoms?
You can buy condoms online from Sinful and other online shops - or find them in supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies.
One of the main advantages of buying them from a sex shop is the selection. It is easier to compare different sizes, materials, thicknesses, flavours and textures instead of being limited to just a few standard options.
The advantage of buying them from a supermarket is that they are quicker to get hold of. And you can always use the self-checkout if you would rather avoid making eye contact with the cashier.
How Much Do Condoms Cost?
The price depends on the brand, material, type and pack size.
Specialist condoms and smaller packs may cost more per condom than classic models sold in larger packs. If you have found a favourite, it can therefore often be more economical to buy a larger pack.
But don’t choose based on price alone. A cheap condom that does not fit properly and isn’t the right size is hardly a good purchase. Again, it is about trying different options and finding out what works best for you.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Condoms?
There is no age limit for buying condoms. If you are young and have questions about contraception or safer sex, there are many places where you can get anonymous advice from counselling services and healthcare professionals - including online.
Buy Condoms at Sinful
There isn’t one condom that is best for everyone. The best choice depends on you, your body and the kind of sex you are going to have. At Sinful, we have a large selection, from small and regular to large and XL so there are plenty of opportunities to find condoms that suit you.
If you want to feel as much as possible, you can look for thin condoms. And if you want to make oral sex a little tastier, flavoured condoms may be worth trying. There are plenty of options. That way, a condom doesn’t have to be something you use only for safety - it can also help make sex a little more fun.
FAQ About Condoms
No.
A condom is a single-use product and should be thrown away after use. Use a new condom every time you have sex.
No.
Wearing two condoms on top of each other does not provide double protection. Friction between them can increase the risk of one or both condoms breaking. The same applies to combining an external and an internal condom.
Yes, it can happen. The risk can be linked to incorrect use, damage while opening the packet, an unsuitable fit or the use of oil-based products with latex.
It is possible because no form of contraception is 100% effective. When used correctly every time, external condoms are up to 97% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Condoms reduce the risk of many STIs, but the protection is not complete. Some infections can, among other things, be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact from areas that the condom does not cover.
Yes. Using a condom on sex toys can be practical, especially if the sex toys are shared with others, but also if you personally find it more hygienic.
Change to a new condom between people and, when necessary, between different body openings.
Yes. Condoms can be used during oral sex and can help reduce the risk of transmitting STIs to the mouth.
Flavoured condoms are made with this type of play in mind. For cunnilingus (vaginal oral sex) and rimming (anal oral sex), dental dams can be used instead.
No. Used condoms should go in the bin - not the toilet.
You shouldn’t. If the expiry date has passed, the condom should be discarded and replaced with a new one.
It depends on the product. Always check the expiry date on the individual packet and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
It isn’t always necessary, but extra lube can reduce friction and make sex more comfortable. Both water-based and silicone-based lube can be used with all common condom materials.
You should avoid oil-based products with condoms unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise
Did you know
Erotic massage gives you dedicated time to connect skin-to-skin, without phones or a finish line. It’s a low-pressure way to explore what feels good, nurture trust and share a laugh when oil drips in a silly place. Couples who make it a ritual often report warmer intimacy and more satisfying sex. At Sinful, we’re big fans of slow, curious touch.
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