Condoms

What are condoms?

A condom is a thin sheath worn over the penis during sex to act as a barrier. Most are made from latex; others use non-latex materials for people with latex sensitivity. They are available lubricated or dry, smooth or textured, and in a growing range of widths and lengths. Beyond protection, the right condom can shape the experience, which is why this collection runs from barely-there thin styles to ribbed, dotted and flavored options. Pairing a condom with a compatible lubricant improves comfort and reduces the chance of breakage.

Types of condoms

Thin and sensitive condoms

Trojan Bareskin, P.S. Exceptionally Thin, Durex Air, Kimono Microthin, LifeStyles Ultra Thin and Ultra Sensitive, and Skyn Elite are designed to feel as little like a condom as possible. They are the usual choice when the complaint is loss of sensation.

Large and extra-wide condoms

Trojan Magnum and Magnum XL, LifeStyles Skyn Large and the MyONE Super Wide and Extra Wide lines offer more room in width, with the Long variants adding length. A condom that is too tight is uncomfortable and more likely to tear.

Snug-fit condoms

LifeStyles Snugger Fit and MyONE Snug and Super Snug are narrower, for anyone who finds standard condoms slip or bunch. Fit at the base matters more than length.

Non-latex condoms

LifeStyles Skyn is a synthetic non-latex range, and Durex Avanti Real Feel is another non-latex option. Read each pack carefully, since non-latex materials differ in what they are designed for.

Textured, flavored and novelty condoms

Trojan Pleasure Pack, Magnum Ribbed, Double Ecstasy and Intensified and Durex Performax Intense add texture or extra lubricant; Trojan Extended Pleasure and Endurance Comfort use a mild numbing lubricant to delay climax; Trustex flavored, Endurance flavored three-packs and LifeStyles Sweet Rider are intended for oral sex; Night Light glows in the dark. Bulk tins from Paradise and large Trojan and LifeStyles boxes keep the cost per condom down.

How to choose condoms

Comfort, fit and material are the three things to settle first.

• Fit: Measure girth with a strip of paper around the widest point of an erection. Standard condoms suit most people; go snug if they slip and wide if they feel tight or leave a ring mark.
• Material: Choose latex unless you or your partner react to it, in which case Skyn is the mainstream alternative. Check the pack for the intended use of any non-latex style.
• Thickness: Thin styles maximize sensation; standard thickness feels more secure to some users.
• Lubrication: Most come pre-lubricated. Add a water-based or silicone lube for anal sex or longer sessions; never use oil with latex.
• Quantity: Try a variety pack before committing to a bulk box.

How to use and store condoms

Check the expiry date and that the wrapper is intact, open it with your fingers rather than teeth, pinch the tip to leave room, and roll the condom all the way down before any contact. After sex, hold the base while withdrawing, then wrap and bin it.

• Use a new condom for each act and whenever switching between anal, vaginal or oral sex.
• Add a few drops of water-based lubricant inside the tip and plenty outside to reduce friction.
• Keep oil-based products, including massage oil and petroleum jelly, away from latex condoms.
• Store in a cool, dry place; a wallet or glovebox shortens shelf life.
• If a condom breaks or slips off, stop and replace it.

Condoms for couples, toy play and beginners

Couples who find condoms dull the experience often do better with a thin style in the right width than with a standard fit. Condoms are also useful over dildos and anal toys to make sharing and cleanup easier, especially with porous materials. If you are buying for the first time, a Trojan or LifeStyles variety pack is an easy way to discover which textures and sizes you prefer, and the for couples collection has ideas for what to add.