Condoms 101: The ATMS Guide to Condom Types, Sizes & Preventing

Condoms are a very common form of contraceptive. But it's estimated that 15 out of 100 people each year will either fall pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted infection when using a condom, which suggests that we might not be as clued-up on condom use as we think!

Although it's easy to blame the condom as the issue in this equation, the ineffectiveness of condoms generally comes down to the condom not being used correctly by the user. Here's how to avoid it!

What is a Condom?

A condom is a barrier method of contraception. Condoms are tight-fitting sheath with a reservoir end which is most commonly made of thin, natural latex rubber, designed to cover the erect penis. The purpose of condoms is to prevent contact with semen and vaginal fluids by limiting skin-to-skin contact to avoid pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are wrapped individually in a sealed foil packet.

How effective are Condoms?

If you use condoms every time you engage in sexual activity and use them properly (see instructions below), there is only a 2% chance that you will fall pregnant. Therefore, condoms are technically 98% effective at preventing pregnancy which is just as effective as many other contraception methods.

However, as a lot of people fail to use condoms correctly, condoms are only 85% effective in the real world. Therefore, the effectiveness of condoms mostly lies in how well you use them! Condoms are also very effective at protecting yourself from contracting or passing on STIs as they are a barrier contraceptive creating a physical barrier between genitals.

Why do condoms break?

Condoms break for several reasons.

The condom may be too small, causing it to stretch beyond its limit.
Inadequate lubricant is a major cause of condom breakage. Condoms need lubricant to reduce friction and prevent breakage.
Using the wrong lubricant or topical products can cause condom breakage.
Not squeezing the tip when the condom is put on means there won’t be room for the semen during ejaculation. This can cause leakage or breakage of the condom.

How to prevent condoms from breaking?

We’ll look at each of these in detail below but here’s the cheat sheet.

Use the right size condom.
Use lube with your condom every time.
Use the right type of lubricant for your condom.
Put your condom on properly.

Which lubricant is safe to use with condoms?

Water-based lubricant is the best lube to use with condoms as it’s safe with all condom types. If you want something silkier and longer lasting, silicone lubricant is another great choice for use with condoms.

Avoid anything oil-based with latex or polyisoprene condoms as it can degrade the material making it more susceptible to tearing or breaking. That includes any coconut oil, petroleum oils like Vaseline and any other oil-based lubricant products.

Check with a doctor or pharmacist before sex about the compatibility of condoms and any topical medicines applied to the penis, vagina or rectum you may be taking.

Does sex still feel good with a condom?

Yes, sex with a condom still feels good! Condoms are made with very thin materials to prevent as much loss of sensation as possible. To make condoms as pleasurable as possible, ensure you use adequate lube on the outside of the condom to keep things moving smoothly.

I also recommend using some lubricant on the inside of the condom to enhance the sensation for the condom wearer. Apply a drop or two to the penis before you roll the condom on or pop a few drops in the tip before you put it on. Just don’t go overboard with this, as too much lubricant might make the condom slip off with movement.

Condom size matters

If you find a condom uncomfortable to wear, this is a sign you might be wearing the wrong size condom. Condoms aren’t actually a one-size-fits-all product and there are many different sizes available.

A condom that is too small and tight is significantly more likely to rip. A condom that is too large is more likely to reduce sensation and slip off during penetration.

How to choose the right size condom?

In most cases, finding a condom that fits lengthwise isn’t a problem as most condoms have a length between 180mm and 210mm and can be rolled down the penis as far as required. It’s the width of the condom that usually causes problems.

Condoms are sized by the width of the condom at, or near, its open end. This will usually be listed as the nominal width. Condoms generally fit into three broader categories.

Regular/Standard: 52 – 56mm Slimmer/Snug: 49 – 52mm Large: 56 – 60mm

Most people start with a regular condom and work their way up or down from there as required. Some brands will have lots of different sizes and some will only have one size or a few sizes.

If you want the perfect fit, the condom brand Mysize has this handy condom sizer to find your perfect fit.

Mysize Condom Size Chart

What kinds of condoms are there?

Latex condoms

Latex condoms are the most common condom type. They are made from a natural rubber meaning they are widely available and the least expensive type. When used correctly, latex condoms are very good at preventing STIs and pregnancy.

Latex-Free Condoms

Latex is the material that was originally found to be the best all-round option for making a condom, but unfortunately, some of us are allergic to it. For those who are allergic to latex, there are latex-free condoms.

Polyisoprene condoms

Polyisoprene is a synthetic rubber that is soft and stretchy like latex. The strength of polyisoprene condoms is similar to latex condoms, and they are equally effective at preventing STIs and pregnancy when used correctly.

However, condoms made from polyisoprene are thicker than other condom types and some people find them less comfortable.

Polyurethane condoms

Polyurethane condoms are made from a flexible plastic. They are thinner than latex condoms and have no odour however, they aren’t as stretchy as latex and have a looser fit. Because of this, they tend to be more prone to breaking and slipping. It’s important to use adequate lubricant with polyurethane condoms to prevent them from breaking and ensure you get the right size to prevent them from slipping off.

Vegan Condoms

A lot of people aren't aware, but the majority of latex condoms contain casein, which is a product from curdled milk. Casein is used to make latex smooth, which is a pretty vital component of a condom! If you are a vegan, allergic to dairy products or just don't like the sound of casein, don’t sweat, there are vegan condoms available that feel just like latex condoms.

Femidom (Female Condoms)

Female condoms are made from polyurethane and are inserted into the vagina before sex. It entirely lines the vagina and protects against both STDs and pregnancy. The condom is a pouch which has flexible rings at each end, and you insert it just before vaginal intercourse and is inserted deep into the vagina. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch in the vagina and the ring at the open end stays outside the vaginal opening during sex. It can also be inserted into the anus if engaging in anal sex. They are sometimes called internal condoms.

Ribbed & Textured Condoms

Ribbed and textured condoms are designed to increase pleasure for both partners. They have an extra surface texture in the form of raised ridges or dots for extra stimulation during penetrative sex. There’s lots of variety in what texture they can have. Look out for studded condoms, ribbed condoms and textured condoms.

Thin Condoms

Thin condoms and ultra-thin condoms are made with very thin latex to allow for maximum sensation during sexual play. Although they are thin, they are still strong and just as good at preventing pregnancy and STIs as standard latex condoms. Some people prefer thin condoms while others prefer a slightly thicker condom to aid with a longer intercourse session.

Flavoured Condoms

Flavoured condoms are just regular latex condoms with a flavoured coating to make oral sex a bit more enjoyable. If you've ever had a dentist's glove in your mouth, you know latex doesn't taste very good, which is why flavoured condoms are an ideal addition if performing protected oral sex. Flavours range from strawberry to chocolate to cola to every other flavour in between!

How to put on a condom – step-by-step instructions

Check the expiration date on the condom to make sure it hasn’t expired. An expired condom won’t protect you from pregnancy or STI transmission.
Open the foil packet carefully. Take care not to damage the condom with fingernails, rings or other body jewellery. Don’t open it with your teeth as you can easily tear the condom this way.
Do not unroll the condom before putting it on. Unrolling the condom before use may damage it and make it more difficult to put on.
Put the condom on before any contact occurs between the penis and the partner’s body.
Check the condom is the right way up.
Gently hold the reservoir tip of the condom between thumb and forefinger (this makes sure there is no air trapped in it) and unroll the condom onto the erect penis, rolling smoothly down.
If the condom doesn’t roll, it’s probably the wrong way. Start over with a new condom.
After you have put on the condom, add plenty of lubricant.
Withdraw the penis from your partner soon after ejaculation, before the erection goes down. Hold the rim of the condom around the penis so that the condom does not slip off during withdrawal. This should prevent any spillage.
After withdrawal, take care not to touch the vaginal area with either the penis or the condom.
If the condom breaks or slips off during intercourse, do not ejaculate inside your partner, and withdraw immediately. If ejaculation occurs, consult a doctor as soon as possible about 'morning after' contraception and infection prevention, whether spermicide has been used or not.

How to dispose of a condom?

When you are done with your condom, wrap it in a tissue or toilet paper and put it into a rubbish bin. Don’t flush it down the toilet as you’ll likely block it.

Want more?

At ATMS, we believe safe sex is sexy! So, we stock all sorts of condoms in different sizes and styles so that you can get the perfect fit for pleasure. Shop the full range of condoms.