How to choose the right condom size and more!

3 min read

05 Aug 2021

Cycle Care

More and more people are using condoms. But for a lot of people buying condoms can be quite the challenge. There are just so many different condoms available. What size do you need or what is the difference in materials? Cycle gives you the ultimate guide.

Now that more and more people are looking for a hormone-free birth control method, the pill, the IUD, and the implant are out of the game for them. Luckily, there’s a hormone-free birth control method that also protects against STIs: the (male) condom!

You finally made the choice to use a condom but the wide range of male condoms can be rather overwhelming. There are countless options; condoms in all shapes, sizes, colors, flavors, the list goes on and on. So, how do you choose the right condom for your nighttime adventures? We’ve made a list to help you choose the right size, type and material.

Size does matter: choose the right size

The most important step is to choose a condom that’s the right size. If a condom is too small it can break during sex and if it’s too big it can slide off. So, you can see that using the right size is very important. Many people don’t know that condom sizes are mainly about circumference and not so much about length. The length really isn’t that important. If the condom is too long, you can just not unroll it all the way. You also don’t have to worry if the condom is slightly shorter than the penis, it won’t affect the reliability of the condom.

It’s best if the condom feels a little bit tight. This way the condom doesn’t slip off even if the erection is less stiff. Are condoms difficult to put on and are they uncomfortably tight? Then you should try a larger condom. A condom that is too tight (and therefore too small) can also roll back during sex. This is different from a condom that slips off easily because it’s too big.

How to measure for the right size condom?

That’s actually pretty simple. You need a tape measure and an erect penis. When the penis is erect, you measure the penis at the thickest part to find out the circumference. After you know the circumference, you can look in the table for the nominal width that’s best suitable for you. The most average size is 52/53 mm.

To find out which nominal width condom fits the circumference of the penis, you can use the table below as a guideline.

Measured circumference erect penis - Recommendation nominal width condom

up to 10 cm - 47mm
10 - 11 cm - 49mm
11 - 11,5 cm - 52mm
11,5 - 12 cm - 57mm
12 - 13 cm - 60mm
13 -14 cm - 64mm
from 14 cm - 69mm

What types of condoms are available?

Different uses

There are different types of condoms available for different kinds of sex, such as vaginal, oral or anal sex. Almost all condoms are suitable for vaginal sex. You can use condoms with a flavor or aroma during oral sex to make it more pleasant. This way you won’t have a rubber taste in your mouth while you go down under. For anal sex you can technically use a normal condom, but you have to use enough lube as well (but don’t use ultra thin condoms). Lube is the way to go, because if it’s too dry, the condom can tear. If you still want some extra security, you can opt for extra thick condoms.

Need a good lube? Then take a look at this Jelly based on water.

Different scents, colors and relief

There are condoms with extra stimulation, such as with ridges or nubs, condoms with additives that can give an extra tingling or slowing/numbing effect. There are also condoms with or without various types of (extra) lube. Condoms come in all colors of the rainbow and there’s even a glow in the dark variant. There are condoms with a flavor or aroma (but be aware that they’re often not made from the most natural ingredients…) This means you won’t be bothered by a rubber taste or smell while you’re getting it on.

What are condoms made of

Most condoms are made from natural latex. You can also opt for natural latex that’s fair trade certified. This way you can be sure the employees are treated and paid fairly.

In most cases, casein is used in the production process from liquid rubber to condom. Casein is an animal protein (which is also found in milk). When producing vegan condoms, this animal protein is replaced by an alternative. So, vegans or, for example, people who have a cow milk allergy can use these vegan condoms.

Would you like to try an ultra-thin, vegan condom that’s also made from fair trade rubber latex? Then try our Yes condom.

Sometimes people are allergic to latex or to another component of the condom. If the one you’re sleeping with says that he doesn't want to use a condom because of an allergy, this may very well not be a lie. But it’s still not an excuse to not use a condom, because there are many other options!

For example, you have latex-free condoms. These condoms are often thinner than natural latex condoms, but they are just as effective and they let body temperature through more easily. The only downside is that these condoms are often slightly more expensive than standard condoms. Condoms usually come with a silicone-based lube. If you’re allergic to this or you want to choose what kind of lube you use, you can go for condoms without lube, the so-called dry condoms.

There’s definitely a lot to keep in mind if you want to have safe sex. But to make it easier, here’s a full list of the absolute do’s and don’ts when it comes to condoms:

Do’s

Use a condom that fits properly. A condom that’s too tight is uncomfortable and is more likely to break. If the condom is too big, it’ll slide off easily.
Always store condoms in a dark, dry, and cool place. Also don’t forget to read the instructions.
Don’t hesitate to grab a new condom if something went wrong while opening or putting on the condom, or when the condom looks ‘weird’.
Before unrolling, squeeze the tip with your thumb and index finger so there’s no more air in it. This will leave room for collecting semen.
Get a new condom if you’ve been using it for more than 30 minutes.
Change the condom if you have sex with several people or if you switch between vaginal and anal sex (you increase the risk of a nasty infection if you don’t do this).
It’s also advisable to use a condom when using sex toys (especially if you’re using and sharing a sex toy together).

Dont’s

Don’t use expired condoms, they’re no longer reliable.
Don’t use scissors or other sharp objects to open the package. Also don’t open it with your teeth because you can damage the condom.
Don’t unroll or inflate the condom before use. The condom will no longer be reliable.
Never reuse a used condom. Going for multiple rounds? Get a new one each time.
Never use two or more condoms on top of each other. This is certainly not ‘extra safe’ because using multiple condoms increases the risk of a condom tearing.
Never use oil-based lubes (Vaseline, sunscreen, body lotion, massage oil, etc.), as this will damage the condom. Vaginal medication and sprays can also damage condoms.
Don’t use ultra-thin condoms during anal sex.
Stubble often occurs after hair removal (shaving, waxing, etc.). These stubble can damage the condom as well. So pay attention to it or make sure that the stubble is nice and soft. A handy cream can help with this which is suitable of course!