CONDOMS

One size does not fit everyone

The most common beginner mistake is assuming a standard condom fits every penis, and that XL simply means longer. In practice width matters more than length. A condom that is too tight puts pressure on the latex and is more likely to tear. One that is too loose can slip off halfway through. Neither is rare, and both are usually down to size, not a faulty product.

Condom size is given as nominal width, the flat width of the unrolled condom in millimetres. Most regular condoms sit around 52 to 54 mm. MY SIZE and MISTER SIZE make the same condom in a long run of widths, so you can measure your erect girth with a soft tape and match it to the brand's chart. XL turns up on a lot of packs in our range. It usually means wider as well as longer, so try one only if regular condoms genuinely feel tight.

Thin, textured or flavoured?

Sensitive condoms are thinner for a more natural feel, and they are tested to the same standard as regular ones. If you want extra sensation, ribbed and dotted condoms add texture on the outside. Cooling or warming versions use a special lubricant, and delay condoms such as Control Non Stop Retard contain a mild numbing gel at the tip to help things last longer. Browse the prolonged pleasure range for those.

Flavoured condoms are made with oral sex in mind, and our oral protection section collects them alongside other barriers. For anal sex or long sessions, extra strong condoms with thicker walls are the sensible pick, used with plenty of lube.

Then there are novelty condoms, including glow-in-the-dark ones. Great as a gift or a joke. If you are relying on it for protection, check the pack states EN ISO 4074 and carries a CE mark.

Latex allergy, internal condoms and the lube question

Latex-free condoms like SKINS are usually made of polyisoprene, which stretches and feels close to latex, or polyurethane, which is thinner and transfers body heat well. Pasante also makes internal condoms. They are inserted into the vagina before sex and give the wearer control over protection.

Lube is where many condoms fail. Oil-based products such as massage oil, coconut oil or petroleum jelly weaken latex within minutes. Stick to water-based or silicone lube. Keep condoms away from heat, skip the wallet and check the expiry date before use. Condoms are also useful on shared toys: use a new one for each partner, as NHS 111 Wales advises. If you go through them quickly, larger boxes mean you never run out at the wrong moment.