Don't Be Silly, Wrap Your Willy. Fun with Condoms 101

There's a commonly shared belief that condoms alter and distract from the pleasurable sensations of sex. Although this statement retains a shred of truth, can we really afford to put safety on the backburner during sexual adventures?

Statistics from the Durex Sex Survey 2005 have shown that the average American has sex about 113 times a year and 51% of sexually active Americans have reported having unprotected sex. There was once a time of free love with multiple partners that was generally a safe activity. Of all the other vices of the 1960s, sex was one of the safest indulgences of the senses.
"Having sex is a form of networking - if unprotected, it can link you to all of your partner's partners, and so on."

Unfortunately, these days have been long gone since the 1970s when the AIDS virus was introduced to western society. According to records on the New York State website, in 2005, 86,292 cases of people infected with this fatal disease were reported.

However, since the early stages of the HIV virus usually go unnoticed, there may be many more suffering individuals that have gone unaccounted for.


Having sex is definitely a form of networking between people. By that, I mean that if sex is unprotected, it can link you to all of your partners and so on it goes. It only takes one person to pass infections along the chain. HIV/AIDs is certainly the most terminal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, but as we all know, there are other STDs that can be passed along easily and often have consequences of their own if they go untreated.

This is why it is crucial to make mature decisions before having sex. If you are not in a committed relationship and/or have not been recently checked for infections, wrap it up with a rubber. It isn't pleasant discussing the harsh realities of the subject but the severity of this issue cannot be ignored. And now, because of the new information widely available and new technology of material, there are ways to stay safe without compromising pleasure.

Funny names such as love glove, jimmy hat, and cock sock are cute, but an adorable name alone will not be enough to get one excited about putting one on. However, there are other things that can be done to enhance sensations in the penis and vagina to make safe sex more pleasurable.



Did you know that a study from Trojan found that most people only spend a thoughtful seven seconds picking out a condom in a drug or grocery store? Then it's no wonder why condoms have caught such a bad reputation; the kind of condom you use can greatly affect the intensity of sensations for both partners.

The right fit is very important and condoms come in four different sizes:
  • The majority of condoms manufactured cater to the average man whose penis measures anywhere from four to seven inches in length.
  • Magnums and Magnum Axles are larger fitting condoms produced by Trojan - these are meant for penises that have a length of seven to eight and a half inches.
  • The biggest of big boys that measure up to ten inches should opt for Durex XXL.

The fit of the condom is important for comfort and pleasure, as well as safety. A rubber that fits too tightly will not only numb the penis of sensation but is also more likely to break, and in contrast, a condom to large may have a couple feeling uncomfortable due to the excess material. If a condom is too big, it may also be more likely to slip off during sex, so spend the time choosing the right size. A proper fitting condom can relieve the man of desensitization, which may be the major issue troubling the guy wearing it. Throughout this article, we will discuss a few other examples that will increase sensations.

Textures and thickness of a condom can alter how it feels for the participants. Options vary from ribbed, twisted, dotted and veined that add to the friction of thrusting. Many brands offer these variations for both average and larger sized consumers.

Condoms that come in odd shapes or have a bulbed tip are a good choice. The extra material around the head of the penis allows him to have more feeling in his most sensitive area by being less tight and restrictive.

Rubbers also come in ultra thin and full coverage; depending on the night ahead, either one can have their particular advantage:
  • If you're planning a one night stand, full coverage (which cover both shaft and testicles) is highly recommended. It is restrictive but it covers areas that may otherwise be exposed to herpes or genital warts.
  • If you have a partner that you are more familiar with, an ultra thin condom is probably a better choice. Usually the latex is 20 percent thinner than the average condom which can provide a more pleasurable intimate experience. Kimono and Pleasure Plus are brands that offer the best quality of ultra thins, that actually does what it meant to do: be more pleasurable. These brands are a little more difficult to get a hold of since most drugstores don't carry them; try going to an adult store or doing a little online shopping to find them. They are worth the effort.
  • Amazingly, there is a new material that some condoms are made of that are considered a revolutionary product for safe sex. This material is not only thinner and stronger, but it also is the closest to skin-to-skin contact that technology has available. The micro sheer polyurethane, Durex Avanti and Trojan Supra, transmit heat between partners unlike their distant latex relatives. Many people who have used it rave that it is almost like not wearing a condom at all. This is a cheaper and wiser alternative to lambskin condoms. Like lambskin, these condoms are safe for those with latex allergies, and transfer heat just the same, but unlike it, polyurethane prevents STDs as well as pregnancy. Lambskin doesn't. Avanti and Supra are slightly more expensive than regular latex, but not much and can be found in drugstores as well as adult and online shopping outlets.

Stopping in mid-action to tear open the little foil package and roll on the love glove can be a mood spoiler for some, and that's completely understandable. Before it gets too heated, set aside a condom that is already opened for quick and ready to use convenience. Also, add about two drops of lubricant into the condom near the receptacle tip before it's unrolled. The extra lubrication around the head of the penis increases sensation caused from thrusting.
"Before it gets too heated, set aside a condom that is already opened for quick & ready to use convenience."
Lube is another interesting aspect to explore and comes in an assortment of varieties, from silicon to water-based and warming to tingling:
  • Try to stay away from oil based lubricants, they are most likely to give the female an infection and may interfere with the condoms safety.
  • Also, stay away from tingling labeled lubes because they can be more painful than pleasurable. It literally contains menthol as an ingredient, and many people have reported burning and uncomfortably.
  • However, for those seeking a little something extra, try KY Warming Liquid. It can add just the right amount of heat for those using a latex condom. Buying a good lubricant can seem a little pricey, but they generally pay for themselves and last quite a while.
  • A water-based lubricant, System Jo H2O, goes highly recommended in adult stores. This brand is the only FDA approved personal lubricant so you can be assured that it will not cause any problems and is FDA monitored when produced in a lab. Usually water-based lubricants are water soluble, in other words, using them in water is impossible and, out of water they generally need reapplication during a longer session. System Jo is a category defining product, although it is water-based and good for condom use, it is also a longer lasting, thin and velvety liquid that can stay the same under water. It gives the user the benefits of a silicone based lube without the mess. This brand is a little more expensive but good products usually are. The good part is that is doesn't get used up quickly and, even though it's pricier, won't break your bank.
  • Don't buy lubricants that are labeled as Gels. Gel-like lubricants are the quickest to dry out and tend to leave a sticky, unpleasant feeling possibly during and after sex. KY Jelly is very popularly sold in a drugstores sex isle, however, KY Jelly was originally manufactured for medical use that allows easy entry and quick clean-up. In other words, it becomes dry and sticky very quickly.
"If you are with a partner who refuses to wear one, it can also be assumed that they haven't used one with previous partners."

While using a condom, it is also important to keep sex interesting. Durex and Trojan offer vibrating rings along with their condoms in some of their packaging. Similar variations are available separately online or at adult stores.

Most vibrating rings or erection rings are made of a stretchable silicone material that expands to fit firmly around the base of the penis. This decreases the blood from flowing out of the erection making it firmer, more sensitive, and longer lasting. The vibration comes from a battery operated egg that is attached, but usually removable, at the top of the ring.

Essentially this was made to add stimulation to her clitoris during intercourse, but the vibrating waves sent through the shaft can be quite exciting for him as well.

Making a V with his or her index finger can have a similar effect (although it won't vibrate) and is a cheaper alternative. Place the V near the point of entry to add stimulation to the base of the penis where the condom is most tight and numbing.

Also, try experimenting with positions. Keeping legs firmly together during missionary or rear entry can create more friction, thus giving more intense waves of pleasure.

Something as simple as wearing a condom can save your life. If you are with a partner who refuses to wear one, it can also be assumed that they haven't used one with previous partners either. In that case, the possibility of disease and other infection increases. If you're in a monogamous relationship, get tested before deciding to go bare back.
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Most Helpful Girl

  • I can't believe how many guys have commented against condoms. Did you guys know that birth control is not nearly as effective as a condom. It's completely selfish to refuse to wear a condom.

    However, although condoms are an alright method of birth control, I can't tell you the number of times a condom has broken or fell off! It makes me nervous to have sex honestly. I'm glad they have invented a new kind of condom that is sturdier.

    • Not liking and not wanting to use them is not the same as saying you WON'T use them (although at least one reply here has stated that). We understand they help prevent pregnancy and disease. But that does not negate the things that make them unpopular. The author of the article above has outlined those objections and has tried to overcome them, logically and rationally. But the fact remains that they do diminish the sensation and they are a bit of a 'wet blanket' in the heat of the moment. One thing she does not mention is that they're a bit of a mess to put on and even messier to take off and dispose of. Plus, if I'm being honest here, you're basically ejaculating all over yourself (which you then have to clean off), which isn't much of a turn-on for guys. Again, I'm not saying you shouldn't use them. Nor am I denying the benefits. But you asked why guys don't like them. So we'll probably always look upon them as a semi-necessary evil. I'd also note that the author does not address silicon lubricants, which are superior (IMHO) for their intended purpose. But a quick search says you can use it for all types of condoms. by the way - I highly recommend UberLube. My wife and I have been using it for nearly 3 years. Everything else pales by comparison. One question I do have (any maybe the topic for a separate post?) is - can a woman not tell the difference between when a man is wearing a condom and when he is not? That might help to explain the disconnect between attitudes towards condoms. Because a guy can definitely feel the difference.

Most Helpful Guy

  • One mustn't forget that birth controls are only 97% effective. If we take into account the statistics given in this topic (an average American male has sex 113 times a year), a woman would get pregnant at least 3 times per year (if such a thing was possible).

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What Girls & Guys Said

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  • Amen brothers. Y’all need to be focusing on your optimal health and do this by using a penis health cream which will ultimately help many different facets of your penis like hydration, less irritation, less itchiness, and will make for a better sexual experience and more pleasurable for both you and your partner. check them out.

  • And use one of those antibacterial penis health cremes too! This will keep your penis free of any odor or infection-causing bacteria that can easily be transferred to your partner during oral sex and other condom-less activities. Trust me... your partner will appreciate the effort and the nice, clean penis. Cheers!

  • Awesome! I think condoms are so underrated as a method of birth control and protection, but I never have been with anyone without one (well, at least until we were tested and sure we were safe).

  • No matter what you say or try to do the fact remains... it makes sex less pleasureable and in my case impossible. Every time I've tried to do it with one I've never been able to stay aroused and sex just gets ruined. I've tried... I have. I'd rather just go get tested and have her on the pill... cause otherwise sex isn't worth it for me beyond oral or handjobs/fingering.

  • Sorry to tell you but I'd rather be abstinent than use a condom. I've tried using them on multiple occasions and I just can't get off wearing one. I've tried dozens of things... different sizes, different styles... it just doesn't work. It's like having seran wrap tied around me and choking the base of me which makes it hard to keep an erection. Erections are caused by blood flow and if that is cut off or inhibited it's hard to keep it up and impossible to orgasm. It's more work than it's worth.

    • agree sex with rubbers is not sex a dry hump is more fun.

  • literally the smartest thing you can do is use condoms. always. and just have the conversation that everyone needs to have. when is the last time you got tested? make sure you know the answer. something wonderful about 2021 is the ability to have all this information on how to stay the healthiest. Would highly recommend using something like Man1 Man Oil- and they have a money back guarantee.

  • I would say that guys that uses a condom during their first time having sex then it isn't that big of deal since you aren't missing the feeling that would come with having sex without a condom. I have never had vaginal sex without a condom so that is why I say I don't know what you say I am missing. I have done anal without condom because she isn't going to get pregnant.

  • I understand how people don't like the use of condoms.It makes me feel like I'm trying to distance myself from my partner. HOWEVER, I had a boyfriend who stopped buying condoms when he found out I was on the pill. I told him that I was still having issues with my current medication (it wasn't working properly), but he insisted we'd be okay. I'm sorry guys, but even when we take birth control, I think it's only fair that you use a condom. We are the ones that can get pregnant, not you...

    • doesn't feel good sorry to tell ya, its like a bj with teeth.

  • This author is a very gifted writer. As a former high school newspaper columist, I can easily see this person writing articles for magazines, newspapers, medical journals, etc. As for the content, very informative. I recently had a baby, and cannot afford to have another one so soon. Therefore, my boyfriend and I must be vigilant about safe sex. Your article gave me more insight and advice than just "use a condom". Very good.

  • Lol, okay this is just a comment on the tital...my friends and I have a saying to scare our guys.

    "Don't be silly, Syran wrap your willy." they freak out! they are all like NOOOO! that would hurt!!! ouchhh...lol its so funny =]

    • Saran wrap to eat ass

  • Don't get why people don't want to wear one. I've never had sex before, but if I do I will definitely wear one, don't want stds or a kid.

    • because it feels horrible try 1 when you JO

  • Good article.

  • Good article!

  • birth controls are only 97% effective because of human error.

    Nothing is foolproof: as soon as a foolproof idea is launched some fool can twist it, get it wrong...

  • rather masturbate then have sex with a rubber

  • Wonderful article, very insightful!