Condoms and condom sizes: ALL your questions answered

There are so many questions about condoms, condom sizes and penises. Starting from how they are made, to questions about choosing the right size, the right way to use them, to how to buy them.

In this blog post, we want to answer ALL your questions about the topic or direct you to where you can find a detailed answer to your question.

So, what are you waiting for? Better read through the post right now!

How is a condom made?

The production of condoms is quite simple but not easy. Before we get to the processing, let's first look at the milky juice (natural rubber latex) that is processed.

What material are latex condoms made of?

Natural rubber latex or natural rubber is a milky sap obtained from the bark of rubber trees. The bark is scored and the escaping milky sap is captured.(See Wikipedia)

The sap is mainly produced in Asia, where climatic conditions are ideal.

The natural rubber is then delivered to the factories where it is further processed.

What material are latex-free condoms for allergy sufferers made of?

Besides latex condoms, there are also numerous types of condoms that are latex-free and perfect for allergy sufferers. They are also ideal for people who do not like latex.

Among other things, the condoms are made of:

• Natural gut
• Nitrile rubber
• Polyurethane
• Polyisoprene

Or other more experimental condom materials such as:

• Collagen
• Nanoparticles
• Hydrogel
• AT-10
• Graphene
• Vytex

How is the natural rubber for condoms processed?

The latex is first further processed, stirred and matured in the factory before glass bulbs are repeatedly dipped through the latex.

In this way, the condom is built up layer by layer before being heated at over 100°C for several minutes. This process gives the latex condoms their elasticity.

Further steps then follow, such as powdering, electronic safety testing, rolling, moistening with lubricant, and packaging.

After all these steps, a sterile medical product called a condom is born.

How safe are condoms as a contraceptive?

The condom is one of the safest, most effective, hormone-free contraceptive methods currently available. (EK suggested wording ..is among the safest, most effective, hormone-free contraceptives (why this suggestion: This makes it the safest among hormone-free contraceptives).

First, because it reliably protects against pregnancy when used properly, and second, because it also protects against most communicable STDs.

This is an advantage that few other contraceptive methods have.

According to the Pearl Index, the percentage safety of condoms is 88 to 98 percent.

This means that for every 100 women who use this method regularly for more than 1 year, statistically between 2 and 12 will become pregnant.

Extremely important to note is that most pregnancies result from incorrect use, not faulty products.

What condom shapes, colors and special features are there?

Condoms come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, as well as other special features.

While the color and flavors (literally) of condoms are a matter of taste, the shapes and other special features play an important role in choosing the best condom.

This is because every penis and every person are unique and need something different.

For example, if you have a penis with a large glans, a condom with more space at the tip will be better for you than one with the classic cylindrical shape.

Or if you ejaculate very quickly or want anal pleasure, you could go for condoms that are numbing or made specifically for anal sex.

You can find out more about shapes, colors, flavors, wall thicknesses, etc. here.

What condom sizes are there?

Here we have a clear table with most condom sizes for you.

In the table you can also see for which penis circumference, penis diameter and penis length the different condom sizes are approximately suitable.

The penis length does not play a role for the selection of the suitable condom. Even if the condom only partially covers the penis, it protects against unwanted pregnancies as long as the right condom size is chosen.

Which condom size do I have?

To find out which condom size is right for you or your partner, the only way is to measure or try.

To find out your condom size before buying, there are several methods:

• Tape measure
• Ruler or folding rule
• smartphone app
• Measuring devices like the Condom Sizer

Here you will find an overview as well as instructions on the different methods you can use to find out your perfect condom size.

What is the average condom size in Germany?

Statistically, the average condom size in Germany is probably 57. (See average penis size further down in the article).

However, according to some sources, about 80% of men in Germany use condom size 52 or 53.

Who are condoms for? Singles? Couples in relationships? Kids?

Condoms are mainly used by singles, but in recent years they have also become increasingly popular in relationships as an alternative to hormonal contraception.

Especially if your partner changes frequently, condoms are absolutely necessary so that all parties involved can reliably protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections (STI's or STD's).

Because even if you and your partner don't have any symptoms, that doesn't rule out the possibility that you don't have an STI after all.

In particular, diseases like chlamydia or syphilis can often remain asymptomatic or asymptomatic.

There are currently no special condoms for kids or teenagers, which is why it is all the more important that the small condom sizes such as 45 or 47 are also available for purchase.

Are there condoms for women?

Yes, there are condoms for women. These condoms are called femidom and they have been around since the 1990s.

Similar to male condoms, the femidom is a hormone-free contraceptive method that protects against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.

Which is the best condom for me?

To find the best condom for you, you first need to measure the circumference of your penis and take a closer look at your penis shape. This information will then help you choose the condom that fits you best.

What are the different penis shapes?

Every penis is unique, whether circumcised or uncircumcised, straight or curved. The good thing is that condoms are flexible enough to fit the penis perfectly, no matter what shape it is.

The only important thing to find the perfect condom is the circumference or diameter of the penis. If your glans is bigger than the penis shaft, this could be another important point for you.

An overview of 6 different penis shapes and their importance for the character of the wearer, you can find here.

What is the average penis size in Germany, Europe and the world?

If you've ever wondered what the average penis size is in Germany, in Europe or around the world, here's a comparison for you:

• In Germany, the average penis size is 14.61 cm long with 11.8 cm girth
• In Europe, the average penis size is 14.27 cm in length with a girth of 11.70 cm
• In France, the average is 15.48 cm in length and 13.63 cm in girth. This means that Frenchmen have the longest and thickest penises in Europe
• In Greece, men are on average 12.18 cm long and 10.19 cm in circumference
• A table with information and comparison of penis lengths worldwide, you can find here: https://www.laenderdaten.info/durchschnittliche-penisgroessen.php.

How do I use a condom?

Using a condom correctly is not witchcraft, but there are some things you should pay attention to even before you use the condom:

1. The plastic wrapping of the condom should be undamaged.
2. The condom should not be expired
3. You should use the right condom size
4. It should be latex free if you are allergic to latex.
5. You should have clean hands

If all these things fit, you can start putting it on.

How do I put the condom on correctly?

For detailed instructions on how to put on a condom, as well as the most important mistakes and problems, read this article.

It is important that you have the right condom size so that the condom fits tightly, but not too tightly, and you should unroll it as far as possible towards the base of the penis.

Can I use condoms and lube together?

If you want to use lube together with condoms, you must make absolutely sure that you do not use any oil-based lubes and that you do not have anything else containing grease or oil on your fingers.

This is because fats and oils dissolve condoms, making them porous and therefore fragile and unsafe.

You generally can't go wrong with water-based and silicone-based lubricants.

Tap here, for a comparison of lubes and a guide on how to find the best lube for you.

How long do condoms last, can condoms expire?

Condoms typically have a shelf life of up to 5 years, after which they begin to become porous and thus lose their security.

Some companies play it safe with the expiration date and specify fewer years.

Expired condoms should not be used because the protection is no longer there.

It is also important to note that certain factors can shorten the shelf life of condoms.

When should you stop using condoms?

You should stop using condoms when:

• You put it on your penis the wrong way around
• You had sperm or drops of pleasure on your fingers when you unwrapped it
• The rubber package is damaged
• The expiration date of the condom has expired
• The condom has been exposed to a lot of light or heat
• The condom is too small
• The condom is too big
• You have used the condom before (always use it only 1 time)
• You had it for ages in your purse or handbag
• Oil-based lubricant, massage oil or other fats and oils got on the condom.

Where can I buy condoms?

You can buy condoms locally at most pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets and discount stores, as well as many online stores.

At gas stations or condom vending machines you could buy condoms on a Sunday.

Just have a look at our store section, there you will find the most important retailers for each condom size.

From what age can I buy condoms?

There is no age limit for condoms, that means basically every child, teenager and adult can buy condoms online or in stores.

Which condoms should I buy as a woman?

Which condoms you should buy as a woman depends on whether you want to buy condoms for your vagina (femidom), for your current partner's penis or for potential partners.

If you want to buy a rubber for your current or potential partner, you should first find out the condom size.

If you or the penis wearer do not know the size, the penis size should be measured briefly.

If you have frequently changing partners, it's best to have the most common sizes at home or buy a few test packs where there are several condom sizes.

The history of condoms

Did you know that the first "clothed" penises can be seen on cave paintings from about 14,000 years ago?

Or that the first condom was made from a goat bladder in Greece?

Many other exciting facts about the history and development of condoms from antiquity to the present day can be found in this article.

Why the condom is called condom you can find out here.

Conclusion

We hope that we could answer all your questions about condoms, condom sizes and contraception with condoms.

If you still have questions, feel free to send us an email or write us on our social media profiles.

Otherwise, you should waste no more time and download our free measuring tape to determine the right condom size.

Mister Size
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