We’ve all heard of horror stories from someone’s first time having sex. In Hollywood movies and in real life, people reach for a condom hoping to have sex with the partner of their dreams, only to find out the condom is the wrong size and experience their egos being shattered. In a world where condoms have been around for over 11,000 years and still remain the best line of defense against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, this is a situation easily avoided. 

While people are often told to use condoms in sex-education and by healthcare professionals, there is little information on how to choose the right one. Many people end up getting their first condom for free at a clinic or at a social event from a friend trying to help their cause. However, these are often cheap, standard-fit varieties. Fortunately, selecting the right condom for you is easy and affordable and takes just a little experimentation at home to get it right.  

Contrary to popular belief, when choosing the right condom size, the focus should be more on girth rather than length. Kimberly Ardwell, the CEO of Glyde America, estimates that 30 to 35 percent of men would actually benefit from a slimmer-fit condom. 

This is a big deal for health experts. This is because the correct size, specifically in girth,  ensures the condom’s effectiveness and can enhance pleasure for both parties involved while keeping you and your partner safe. Fortunately, the internet makes it easy to order different sizes discreetly, even if your local store isn’t properly stocked. 

Size isn’t the only thing to keep in mind. Today’s multi-faceted and internet focused market ensures that plenty of options are available to shoppers. These include flavored, textured, and even glow-in-the-dark condoms for those who want some spooky excitement. 

Latex’s processing, shape, and lube can all significantly affect the condom’s fit and feel, which affects how much pleasure you and your partner will get out of them. Companies like Lucky Bloke offer single condom purchases and sampler packs to encourage individuals to test different options and find their best fit. They even have vegan flavored lubes and international condoms to spice things up.  

Thankfully for many of us, the word pleasure is finally becoming part of the sexual health conversation. This is a shift in the right direction, as the type of condom that works best can differ from one partner to another. Talking openly with your partner about their preferences can really help a sexual experience. 

Again, for sex, communication is key. What may be ok for some people may not work for others. Women may experience irritation because of the latex quality or specific ingredients in condoms. Glyde is one of the few brands certified as vegan, lacking casein—a milk-derived protein that can cause irritation for some women.

While Trojan and Durex are the most common brands on drugstore shelves, their size offerings are somewhat limited. Durex focuses on variations intended to control speed rather than fit, with only seven types on the market. Trojan offers over 30 different types of condoms, making choosing the right one difficult. 

Choosing the right condom is a decision that involves knowing the ins and outs of size, texture, and even ethical considerations. Rather than going for the most accessible option in the store, take the time to discover what works best for you and your partner. An informed choice will not only enhance each others’ pleasure but also keep both partners safer, helping to reverse the concerning decline in condom use.

As the sexual health conversation evolves, prioritizing the overlooked subject of choosing the right condom is one of the best things we can do. After all, good sexual health is a shared responsibility, and the right condom is out there, waiting for you to just try it on.