Which condom is best for me?

Condoms come in different sizes, thicknesses, flavours and are made of rubber (latex) or plastic (polyurethane). There’s the more common ‘male condom’, but also the ‘female condom’. Try various sorts to find what’s best for you. Any condom should only be used once.

Rubber or polyurethane?

Most condoms are made of latex (a kind of rubber). One brand (called Avanti) is made of polyurethane (a soft plastic, like cling film).

Advantages of polyurethane condoms:

• Useful for people allergic to latex
• Not as tight
• They feel thinner, giving more sensation
• You can use any type of lubricant with them

Disadvantages include:

• More expensive (up to £2 or more each)
• They may be more likely to break
• Not sold in the many places or varieties that latex condoms are

Smaller or bigger?

Penises come in different sizes; so do condoms. There’s a 1.5cm difference between the smallest and largest condom. Too small and a condom feels too tight and can split; too big and it’s more likely to come off.

Shop around for the best fit. Smaller condoms are labelled ‘trim’ or ‘snug fit’, larger ones ‘XL’, ‘XXL’ or ‘Magnum’. Avanti condoms are the largest and least tight. Not all shops sell different sizes – the internet has the biggest selection.

Regular strength or thicker?

The thinner the condom, the more sensation. For more reassurance some people prefer thicker condoms (sometimes called ‘extra strong’ or ‘ultra strong’). These were once recommended for anal sex but we now know that regular (thinner) condoms are just as safe.

With or without spermicide?

Condoms often come covered in ‘spermicide’ (something that kills sperm). One spermicide called Nonoxynol 9 (or N-9) irritates the skin inside the body, making it easier to pick up infections (including HIV). A condom with Nonoxynol-9 is better than no condom but where possible it should be avoided (the packaging says if condoms contain it).

Standard or novelty condoms?

Condoms come shaped, coloured, flavoured, with or without teats at the tip to collect semen. All these are usually OK for sex but some novelty condoms may not be. The packaging should say so.

‘Male’ or ‘female’ condoms?

Regular (‘male’ latex) condoms rely on men being prepared to use them but ‘female’ condoms (large, baggy and made of polyurethane; sold in the UK as Femidoms) give control to the woman.

Advantages of Femidoms:

• The woman is in charge. She puts it inside her vagina before sex, possibly some time before (instructions are in the pack)
• Men might prefer them because it means they don’t have to wear a latex condom

Disadvantages of Femidoms:

• More expensive than male condoms (about £1.50 each)
• Some say they are too noticeable or more likely to break