Condoms are made from latex, polyurethane, or lambskin. Most are latex,
which traps sperm as well as the bacteria and viruses that cause sexually
transmitted diseases. There are a huge number of brands of latex condoms,
and each one is a little different. Fortunately, they are cheap and widely
available in convenience stores and supermarkets, so it’s easy to get a
variety of condoms to try. One of the biggest problems with condoms, mostly
for men, is that they reduce the sensations that make sex feel good. A
condom with a good design (and that fits well) is crucial to maximizing
sensation, and using it correctly can make the experience more pleasurable.
If you experience condom slippage during sex, or alternatively, you feel
constricted, you may need a different size. Condoms come in a variety of
sizes and are like shoe regarding fit; just because you usually wear a size
10 doesn’t mean every pair in that size will feel good. So shop around until
you find one you like best.
Field Guide to Condoms
All condoms are not created equal. This guide breaks it down so that you can
find the condoms most appealing to you.
SENSITIVITY
Pleasure Plus condoms leave plenty of room right where the penis is
most sensitive – a spot called the frenulum, on the underside of the head.
The pouchy area under the frenulum creates more sensation on this delectable
spot by moving back and forth with the movement of the user. Though the
condom is baggy in this area, it fits smugly over the rest of the shaft, so
it doesn’t slide off. Pleasure Plus got an A+ in sensitivity from Men’s
Health Magazine. Our customers buy them by the fistful.
Inspiral condoms, designed by the same condom mastermind who invented
Pleasure Plus, work on the same principle – extra room where it counts. This
condom’s tip is built in a spiral shape; it resembles soft-serve ice cream.
The idea is that the condom itself ripples over the head of the penis and
frenulum as the penis moves.
Kimono Microthin Japanese condoms are known for being extra thin
without sacrificing strength. Although they are surprisingly sheer, Kimono
Microthins have a tensile strength and elasticity that keeps them from
breaking when many thicker condoms would.
SIZE MATTERS
Prime Snugger Fit, Lifestyle Snugger, are condoms that are narrower
and shorter than average condoms. If you find yourself slipping out often,
feel as if you are not getting the tight fit you’d like, or have a lot of
condom left over at the base of the shaft, try these out for size.
Maxx and Trojan Magnum are for big boys, and have extra length,
girth, or both. Trojan Magnum is the biggest, designed especially for men
whose penises are big all over. If condoms strangle you, even when they are
entirely unrolled, try these. Maxx condoms are made by the same people who
manufacture the Kimono Microthin. Maxx condoms are longer than regular
Kimonos and thinner than the Trojans.
TEXTURE
Trojan Pleasure Mesh Trojan condoms have been around since the 1930’s
and the research-and-development folks at Trojan are coming up with
innovative designs to this day. The Pleasure Mesh is their latest. Its
crisscrossing texture supposedly provides extra stimulation for both
partners. There is also an element of dress-up with these – the texturing
looks like fishnet stockings.
Kimono Sensation Kimono, a brand known for combining thinness with
tensile strength, makes the Sensation, which features bumps inside the
condom, for his pleasure.
UNLUBED CONDOMS
Dry condoms allow you to apply the lube of your choice
Kiss of Mint Tasty and unlubed, these condoms are great because they
conceal the taste of latex.
Trustex makes condoms in nicely flavored vanilla and strawberry as
well as other flavors.
Ria condoms are thin, come in several colors, and are not lubricated.
Rias are inexpensive, so toy users buy these by the handful to keep their
toys clean.
POLYURETHANE
Avanti polyurethane condoms are the only brand to look for, as they
own the patent for polyurethane condoms. They’re a bit pricey, but well
worth it if it spares you an allergic reaction.
Reality a.k.a. the female condom, also polyurethane, is made to be
worn internally. It can be put on ahead of time, and is designed to give a
woman more say regarding condom use. Reality has a small flexible ring on
the closed end, designed to cover the cervix, and a larger ring that remains
on the outside. This condom is versatile, and can be used internally by both
men and women. For internal male use simply remove the small inner ring. The
higher failure rate of Reality is largely due to “user error”. Reality
condoms don’t sheath as tightly, so a little more attention is required
beyond just putting it on correctly.
LAMBSKIN CONDOMS
The other non-latex option is lambskin. These condoms are not made from
lambskin, per se, but lamb intestine. They are less elastic than latex
condoms, thus break more often. The pores in lamb intestines are small
enough to block sperm, but not HIV, so they only work for pregnancy
prevention. Their fans say that these condoms feel great while on.
How to use condoms — 10 simple steps to getting it right
1. Resist the urge to buy extra large condoms — if a condom is too large, it will be too loose on the penis and is more likely to slide off. Be realistic and buy a size that fits securely on your erect penis.
2. Open the package carefully and don't use sharp objects like scissors or your teeth to open the wrapper. Take care that the condom is not damaged with fingernails, jewellery etc.
3. Press out the air at the tip of the condom before putting it on — an air bubble in the condom could result in the condom tearing or falling off. Make sure the foreskin is pulled back before you put on the condom.
4. With the rolled rim on the outside, put the condom over the erect penis — don’t waste your time trying to put a condom on a flaccid penis. Be careful to put the condom on before there is contact with your partner’s vaginal area.
5. Unroll the condom down over the entire erect penis. If there is a reservoir tip, first squeeze out the air. If there is no tip, leave a half-inch space at the end for semen and squeeze the air out.
6. Smooth out any air bubbles and check that the condom fits securely.
7. After ejaculation, but before the penis is soft, hold the condom firmly at the rim and carefully withdraw from your partner. This is to ensure that semen is not leaked.
8. Don’t even think of re-using a condom. Equally, if you put a condom on backwards and it doesn’t unroll easily, don't just flip it over. There may be semen in the condom, so use another.
9. Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures and body heat weaken condoms, so don’t store them in your wallet, trouser pocket or glove compartment for more than a couple of weeks. Oil-based jellies and creams, such as Vaseline, will damage condoms. However, water-based lubricants such as KY Jelly are safe.
10. Condoms do not get better with age — throw them away if they're past the expiry date or four years past the manufacturing date.