How to figure out what condoms to buy?

Question

Me and my first ever girlfriend are to the point where we are ready to start sexual acts that require protection. For health reasons she can't be on bc, so it basically falls to us using condoms. I know how to use it safely etc from sex Ed class, but the one thing they don't teach you is what kind to buy. We were at the store the other day and we wandered over to the section just to see. Holy cow there were a ton of options. I don't know how to pick the right ones. I need them to fit right but in addition to size there are so many other options too. How do I know which ones to buy. Any advice is appreciated.

redeyemindtricks · Accepted Answer

If she stops having periods, I guess you can cross off *that* brand.
#butsrslytho

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In all seriousness --
If you're in the US, as I think you are (I don't think the phrase "sex ed" is used much in other countries)... then, despite all that variety, the range of available condom *widths* -- which is the dimension that rlly matters here -- is suprisingly narrow.
Because of government restrictions -- which were put in place so that condoms could be tested more uniformly -- American condoms only go from 49 to 57 millimeters in width (when they're flat).
And until a few years ago, it was just 50 to 54 millimeters. Bigger boys could try using female condoms (on themselves!), or they could just basically wear a tourniquet on their dick. Smaller boys didn't rlly, and still don't, have *any* good option in the States.
This is also why brands like "Magnum XL" are pretty much just for show. They *are* bigger than standard, but the difference is so small that it won't even matter for most boys.

So... basically, depending on yr girth, either (1) almost ALL US condoms will fit you well, or (2) pretty much none of them will.
If it's no. 2, then you might be stuck ordering European condoms over the internet. Srry man.

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In my experience, condoms that are "textured" or "ribbed for her pleasure" are just gimmicks to boost sales.
Yeah, I'm only one data point -- but, in my experience, those kinds of bells and whistles don't make any noticeable difference at all.

So, unless YOU need some sort of special feature (like, say, numbing/desensitizing stuff in the tip, if you tend to blow yr load early), honestly, you can probably just go with whichever ones are the best deal for yr money.

Hidden_P · Accepted Answer

Stick to the basics at first. None of this ribbed for her pleasure or extra thin. If it's your first time then really you want as much padding as possible. You will last longer and it's less likely to break. Go for normal or "extra safe" if you have a short fuse.

Again with size just go for normal. If it's too big, it's not the end of the world. It will still fit, there will just be excess at the end. Be careful to pull out immediately to stop leakage. Likewise if too small it might be slightly a touch uncomfortable but it will still protect you, it just won't reach all the way down.

Buy just one packet until you've had a chance to "try them on".

The alternative is to buy as small a pack as possible (I think 3 is the smallest?) and buy in a couple different sizes. Try them on and go from there, but it's a touch wasteful.

Smiley0730 · Accepted Answer

Always liked Trojan though expensive. Be wary of the extra thin condoms and such though of any brand. Also you can look up a specific brand and type of condom to get reviews on one product in particular.

I had a condom break once during sex. One of the thinner ones. (Yes silly of us). Looked up a review of the product and turns out some people had even tested it with back up protection and one man said 3 out of 4 broke. I believe with that particular type.

In other words, pick a brand, pick a specific kind in that brand, then look up some reviews.

Viranda · Accepted Answer

You have to try them all and decide which you prefer.
The first times with my boyfriend, he used to use some called Sico Safe, but as he was virgin, he didn't new well how to move to feel more, so he changed to Sico Sensitive. Then one day it broke, so I asked him to start buying Sico Safe again.

In total, we've used three types: Safe, sensitive and generic. Both the sensitive and generic ones have broken once, while the safe one is the one we've used in the 95 % of our intercourses and has never borken.

So try them all, and then decide.

Like_a_Pisces · Accepted Answer

they're are only a couple that fit me. ;)
anyway make sure you get one that fits nicely. one that doesn't fall off, OR make you dick lose circulation.
Trojan is okay to start out with.
there is latex, which a lot more people are allergic to than you'd think, but this is the standard condom. there is also a lamb skin condom that is good to have a free around because if they have that latex allergy, you'll need one of those. just try one on. try on a few of the different cheap 2 packs and see what feels right.

and always wear condoms when unsure. disease is a scary thing!

AlphaMale1 · Answer

Start with a good quality, no frills condom. Pay the extra dollar or two for a three pack. The first thing is you need to find which one fits.

Once you are past that simply ask your woman if she thinks she would like to try the feeling of a textured on, colored one, flavored, etc.

Keep in mind why you are using them before trying something different. You will never regret buying quality!

Pac-Man · Answer

Just buy Durex. It's a good brand and it will fit you for sure unless you're micro.

As far as what type to get, that depends on your taste. All condoms serve the same purpose. I prefer the strawberry scented ones and the ultra thin.

Adrell · Answer

As your primary issues seems to be pregnancy, I'd stick with the Trojan brand and pick some that have spermicide in them. never had one break, never been an issue.

naomi10wylde · Answer

just get a basic one to start with and get the average size. You have tonnes of time to try out different kinds but the basic ones are a good place to start

behappybabe · Answer

Get a variety pack. My favorites are bare skin condoms or ones with tons of texture.

Hai_tis_E · Answer

Stick with basics at first, like your durex classics.

Then when you are done with them you can try others out.

Don't bother trying ribbed and dotted ones the only place i can actual feel the textures is when doing anal.

Have fun. don't push it and enjoy!

alice55 · Answer

Ask the pharmacist

Grace_Rdz · Answer

Just NOT the lifeSteles, that's all I know so far haha...

bunanababa · Answer

Have tried quite a few and Sagami is the best

meatballs21 · Answer

Try a few and you'll see what brands fit you better. Then you can try going to a sex shop or even a specialist condom shop (they exist) and they can help you pick out some more to try.

tyber1 · Answer

I like Durex but I always have a hard time finding them for some reason.

jacquesvol · Answer

Use reservoir condoms

Princeofanons · Answer

Just use a ziploc or a saran wrap

WriterAndPainter · Answer

Some people have sensitivity to the lubricants on them. Just go for a basic and she should also be tracking her ovulation for extra precaution.

COCOCHANEL · Answer

sagami original 0.01 thinnest on the planet  0.04 lol what a joke

Thrifty · Answer

Go to std clinic and they give you them for free

Bleepasaurus_RexEwww · Answer

On amazon you can buy a bulk of different brands and on your own you can try them on... see how they feel then write down the brand and size you like. That way whenever you go to the store and decide to have sex you know which ones to pick.