Natural Range

“Natural” on the box doesn't mean latex-free

This is the mix-up we see most often. People read “natural” and assume it means plant-based, organic or safe for a latex allergy. It means none of those. On a condom pack the word usually describes the style: a standard shape, smooth walls, regular lubricant and no added flavour, texture or warming effect. The material in this range is natural rubber latex, which is exactly why the name fits.

If you or your partner react to latex with itching, redness or swelling, skip this page and go to latex-free condoms made from polyisoprene or polyurethane. In some countries you'll also see “natural membrane” condoms made from lambskin. Those can prevent pregnancy but do not protect against viruses such as HIV, so don't confuse them with the latex models listed here.

The brand matters less than the fit

A classic condom from Durex, Control or Pasante will feel much the same as another. What changes the experience is width. Too tight and it's uncomfortable and more likely to break. Too loose and it can slip off.

That's where MY SIZE comes in, with around two dozen products in this range alone. The brand sells its condoms by nominal width, which is the width measured flat. To find yours, measure the girth of the erect penis at its widest point and divide by two. That gives you roughly the nominal width to look for. Our tip: buy two neighbouring sizes in small packs and compare. You'll find every width side by side under condoms by size.

Small packs to test, big boxes once you know

Control Adapta Nature comes in packs of 3, 6 and 24, which makes it easy to try before you commit. There's also an Extralube version with more lubricant on the condom, handy if regular ones feel dry. Durex Natural is sold in a 3-pack. At the other end sits the Unilatex box of 144, aimed at people who already know exactly what they like. Browse every pack size if quantity is your main concern.

A few things are specific to latex and worth knowing:

• Use water-based or silicone-based lube only. Massage oil, coconut oil, body lotion and petroleum jelly weaken latex within minutes.
• Check the expiry date, and don't keep condoms in a wallet or a hot car for weeks. Heat and friction degrade the material.
• Condoms also belong on shared toys. The NHS advises a new condom for each partner and washing the toy with soap and water between sessions (NHS 111 Wales).

Once you've found a natural condom that fits, it's a good base for experimenting. Many people keep a box of these as their everyday option and add a few flavoured condoms or novelty condoms for fun.