A Beginner’s Guide to Condoms

In this day and age, there’s no excuse for not protecting yourself and your lover. And with so many different colors, textures, and varieties available, using condoms can even enhance your play!

If still curious about all things condom, we’re here to answer all your questions.

From success rates to sizing, read on to learn more about the wonderful world of condoms.

What is a Condom?

A condom is a form of external contraception worn by penis owners.

It’s the only form of contraception that also prevents pregnancy and the spread of STIs to/from the wearer.

What are Condoms made of?

Most condoms are made of very thin latex (rubber), helping them fit comfortably over the penis.

You can also get non-latex condoms if you or your partner has an allergy.

What are Condoms used for?

Condoms are a common form of contraception and protect against unwanted pregnancies. But, did you know they can also:

• Protect against sexually transmitted infections
• Enhance play with textures and/or flavors
• Revolutionize and improve sexual happiness

How should a Condom fit?

When it comes to choosing condoms, size definitely does matter.

Condoms should fit around the penis without being loose. If the condom is too big, it could slip off during sex, decreasing its effectiveness as a contraceptive/STI barrier.

But you don’t want the condom to be too tight either, as this can be uncomfortable and may lead to the latex tearing.

To help make sure the fit is right, many brands make condoms in a range of sizes.

If you’re bigger than average and find that regular-sized condoms don’t provide the comfort and fit you need, extra-large condoms are the perfect option for you.

If you find that regular-sized condoms feel loose or uncomfortable during sex, discover the perfect fit with small condoms. Offering a close snugness for great security, safety, and pleasure during lovemaking, small condoms can make a big difference.

Choosing the right size condom can make a world of difference to both you and your partner’s pleasure and sexual health, so take some time to work out the best fit for you.

For more advice, including tips for putting on a condom, check out our How to Use a Condom guide.

Different types of Condoms

At Lovehoney, we have condoms for everyone, from ribbed latex ones to condoms that glow in the dark.

If you’re wondering which condom to use, acquaint yourself with the different types below:

Are condoms 100% effective?

While they’re the most common form of contraception, condoms aren’t 100% effective.

But, don’t panic! Condoms are 98% effective, meaning they are pretty darn effective. And, since they’re external, you can combine them with other contraceptive methods like the pill or the implant (IUD) to minimize the risk of pregnancy.

Condoms are also the only contraceptive that prevents the spread of STIs, so they are still worth using during anal or oral sex.

Condom FAQs

How long are condoms good for?

All condoms have an expiry date which should be printed on the packet. After this date, the condom becomes a lot less effective and can be damaged more easily, so be sure to check the packaging before use.

Can condoms cause infection or irritation?

While most people should be okay to use latex condoms, they can cause irritation if you have an allergy. If that’s the case, try out some non-latex condoms to see if that helps. If the irritation or infection comes back, speak to your doctor.

How often do condoms fail?

Since they’re 98% effective, condoms don’t fail that often. When they do fail, it could be for several reasons such as being expired, getting torn or getting damaged from oil-based products like vaseline or oil-based lube.

Can you re-use condoms?

No! Condoms are single-use and should be thrown away once you’ve finished. Re-using condoms can lead to the spread of STIs and even pregnancy.

What does a condom look like on?

The condom should cover the penis, from the head to the base, with a little space at the tip to collect the semen.