Size matters

Condoms are a staple on my grocery list, right along with milk and fruit.

The family planning aisle always has rows upon rows of various condoms and choosing one can be a daunting task.

It is important to choose the correct size because buying condoms that are too big or too small could slip off or break during intercourse and may also reduce sexual pleasure according to a large minority of men surveyed for a research study that was released in February.

The study, conducted by Dr. Richard Crosby of the University of Kentucky and Dr. Bill Yarber of the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction in Indiana, was based on a survey of 436 men aged 18 to 67.

The men surveyed completed a questionnaire posted on The Kinsey Institute's web site. Requirements for those surveyed included being at least 18 years of age, experience using condoms for penile–vaginal intercourse in the past three months and the ability to read English.

Even though the study was conducted on a small sample of men, the findings have big implications, especially for public health advocates who encourage people to use condoms to lower their risk of contracting AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or unwanted pregnancies.

Out of the 436 men, 196 or about 45 percent reported they had used ill fitting condoms in the previous three months with a female partner.

The researchers found that those men were more than twice as likely to take the condom off midway through sex due to a poor fit. They also reported that poorly-fitting condoms more than doubled the risk of breakage, slippage, erection loss and contributed to difficulty in reaching orgasm for both sexes.

The men were also five times more likely to suffer irritation of the penises, as well as reported reduced pleasure both for themselves and their female partner.

Due to the implications of using ill-fitted condoms, it is clear that men need to find a condom that fits them correctly.

There are several options for men seeking a properly fitted condom.

First, there is always trial and error, but it is the riskiest option. Second, you can custom order your condoms over the internet.

Web sites like condomania.com have a downloadable chart that teaches men how to measure their penis. Once men do this, they can search the web site for condoms that come in their size and purchase them by the dozen.

The third, and the most far-fetched option in my opinion, is still in development.

Researchers at the German Institute for Condom Consultancy plan to launch a spray-on condom.

The prototype, which has begun testing, consists of a hard plastic tube with nozzles that spray liquid latex from all directions. Supposedly, this product is set to launch later this year.

However, men shouldn't have to go to great lengths to find a condom that works for them.

The condom companies need to create a better way of labeling their products.

In their defense, they do provide a wide array of condom products in varying shapes and textures with or without lubrication. But if they can create glow-in-the dark (not FDA approved) and ribbed condoms they should be able to create a system to indicate the varying sizes of condoms.

A system similar to how women's bras are sized would be ideal. Seriously, if condoms came in sizes like 6C or 8B it would be so much easier to choose the right one.

The bottom line is that when walking through the family planning aisle at the local grocery or drug store, don't be tempted to buy a box of condoms because it's labeled extra large or has bold, shiny lettering on the package with phrases like ‘ecstasy' or ‘ultra thin.'

Purchase a condom that will fit correctly, because buying magnums will make you feel confident at the checkout counter, but not so confident when you're getting lucky.