The real reason men don't like condoms...

[hilululu]

IT TURNS out that condom sizes are all wrong.

Despite the well-known fact that condoms are the only birth-control method that protects against most sexually transmitted diseases, condom usage in Australia is on the decline.

A recent study of single, heterosexual men in Australia found only one in three (35 percent) used a condom at their last sexual encounter with a casual partner.

And a report from the Centre for Social Research in Health found that less than half of the gay and bisexual men surveyed (47 percent) always used condoms with casual partners.

Men often complain of discomfort, diminished sensation, and poor fit when it comes to wearing them - and apparently, it is because standard condom sizes are too big for the average penis.

Until recently, standard condoms had to be at least 6.69 inches (17cm) long, but studies find the average erect penis is roughly 2.5cm shorter, the New York Times reported.

"The idea was it had to be long enough to fit most men, and excess length could just be rolled," Debby Herbenick, a sexual health expert at Indiana University told the publication.

She and her colleagues published a study of 1661 men living throughout the United States that found that 83 percent had penile lengths shorter than standard condoms. The average length was 5.57 inches (14.15cm).

According to a more global study by British researchers published in the BJU International journal of urology, the average penis is 13.12cm in length when erect.


Now, a custom-fit condom company in the US, Global Protection Corp., has rallied the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and industry standards associations for changes, allowing them to open the door to the condom equivalent of bespoke suits, the New York Times reports.

The Boston-based company has begun selling custom-fit condoms in 60 sizes, in combinations of 10 lengths and nine circumferences. It has succeeded where many other ideas for improving condoms have failed, impeded by the costs of testing required to satisfy the FDA, which considers condoms to be medical devices.

"If they bought a small condom before and it was still too big, it's horrible for men to have that experience," Global Protection Corp. president, Davin Wedel told the New York Times. Within hours of going on sale, he added, customers had ordered condoms in all 60 sizes.

In a study called Errors and Predictors of Confidence in Condom Use Amongst Young Australians Attending a Music Festival, which surveyed people between 18 and 29 who attended a northern New South Wales music festival, 48 percent had seen a condom slip off during intercourse in the past year and 51 percent had had a condom slip off when withdrawing the penis.

The custom condoms, marketed under the brand name myONE Perfect Fit, come in lengths of 4.9 (12.45cm) to 9.4 inches (23.88cm) and circumferences of 3.5 (8.90cm) to 5 inches (12.7cm). Standard condoms are typically 6.7 (17cm) to 8.3 inches (21.1cm) long and 3.9 (9.9cm) to 4.5 inches (11.43cm) in circumference.

However, to protect a man's modesty, the measurement guide for the custom condoms use randomly ordered letters and numbers, rather than inches or centimeters. One man might be B17, for instance.


The idea for custom condoms was originally born in Europe in 2011 and sold by a company called TheyFit. Global Protection purchased the company but it took years of pressing the FDA and two standards organizations, ASTM International and ISO, for the devices to reach the United States.

However, while Mr. Wedel says the bespoke condoms are flying off the shelves, not everyone is convinced that they will be the solution to declining condom usage rates.

Dr. Herbenick said condom education, along with tips like adding lubricant, are more important than access to 60 sizes.

She and her colleagues published a study that found custom-fit condoms less likely to break but, for some men, more likely to slip.

Some men might "prefer a condom that they think fits their penis," she told the New York Times. "But for the most part, men and their partners are fine with existing condoms."

[antonio123]

I’ve got to say, the biggest issue I’ve had with condoms is definitely the fit. I remember trying different brands over the years, and most of them just felt uncomfortable. It’s kind of frustrating because I want to be responsible, but it feels like I’m sacrificing pleasure every time. Honestly, I didn’t know that standard condoms were too big for most men until I read about it in that study. I mean, who would’ve thought that something as simple as the right size could make such a difference? It really explains a lot for me.

I recently tried the custom-fit condoms, and I have to admit, they’ve made a noticeable difference. It wasn’t a huge difference, but there was definitely less slippage and it felt more secure. The idea that they offer 60 different sizes is a game changer. I didn’t even realize how much discomfort I was putting up with before. But, on the flip side, I also agree that it’s not just about the size. Adding a little lube can go a long way in making the experience more enjoyable, so I think a combination of education and better options is key.

It’s a bit disappointing, though, that so many guys just stop using condoms because of discomfort. I get it, but it’s also a little irresponsible. There’s a lot more at stake when it comes to sexual health, and sometimes we can’t let short-term discomfort dictate our decisions. Maybe with better education and these new options, men can find a better balance between pleasure and protection.

I do think we need to keep talking about it, though. The more we open up about it, the more normal it becomes for men to discuss what works best for them. Condoms are essential, and if this new shift toward custom-fit options means more people will use them, I’m all for it.

[deigo123]

The whole condom thing is a classic dilemma for me. I’m someone who loves to stay safe but feels like I’m constantly fighting with a piece of rubber. I’ve tried different types of condoms, and honestly, none of them really felt right. They were either too tight or too loose. After hearing about the average penis size being shorter than the standard condom, it all made sense. It always felt like there was too much extra material, and it took away from the feeling.

I’ve heard about these custom-fit condoms, and I’m intrigued. I mean, 60 different sizes? That sounds like the answer we’ve all been waiting for. But part of me wonders if it’s just another gimmick. I’d like to try them, but I also think there needs to be more education about how to properly use condoms in the first place. It’s not just about finding the perfect size, but also about making sure they stay on and don’t break. Lube definitely helps, but you still have to know what you’re doing.

Also, let’s not forget the price. These custom-fit condoms seem like they’re a premium product. For many of us, the cost could be a turnoff. I mean, it’s already hard enough to convince someone to use condoms if they’re uncomfortable, but now you’re talking about a more expensive option. I think it would be great if these options became more affordable and more accessible to everyone.

At the end of the day, I feel like it’s about striking a balance. If you can get the right fit and make it feel more natural, that’s great. But we can’t let our personal comfort overshadow the bigger issue of sexual health. We still need condoms to protect ourselves and our partners, and if these new options help, then we should embrace them.

[amravat123]

I’ve always found condoms to be a bit of a mood killer, to be honest. The whole sensation just isn’t the same, and for some reason, they never seem to fit right. I always thought it was just me, but after reading about the research, it turns out it’s a common issue. I didn’t realize how many guys feel the same way – the standard sizes are just too big. That’s why I think the whole custom-fit idea is pretty revolutionary. If it makes the experience better, I’m all for it.

But I’m not entirely sold on these custom-fit condoms. They sound promising, but I wonder if the added variety in size is going to be enough to make up for the overall sensation issue. I mean, even with a better fit, it’s still a condom, right? There’s always going to be a level of reduced feeling. But if it helps with comfort and security, then I’d definitely give them a try. The fact that they’re being sold in such a wide range of sizes is pretty cool. I’ve never had the option to try something that actually fits properly.

The slip-off issue is another reason why guys don’t like condoms. It’s embarrassing and annoying when that happens. The idea that these custom condoms might reduce that problem is a huge plus. I can see how it would make guys more likely to actually use them. There’s nothing worse than worrying about a condom slipping off mid-action, and I think this is one area where the new technology could really make a difference.

But ultimately, it comes down to habit and education. Even if the perfect condom exists, it won’t solve the bigger issue of guys not using them. We need to keep pushing the message about the importance of safe sex and make sure that using condoms doesn’t feel like a chore.

[piciossa]

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t always use condoms. It’s not that I don’t care about safety; it’s just that condoms are uncomfortable for me, and I don’t like the way they feel. I don’t know if it’s the size or just the material, but there’s always a bit of discomfort when I wear them. I get why so many men are hesitant to use them. After reading about the whole issue with condom sizes, it makes sense. Most condoms just don’t fit well, and that takes away from the experience.

I’m curious about the custom-fit condoms, but I’m also a little skeptical. I mean, it sounds great, but how much of a difference can it really make? I think part of the issue is that guys don’t always know how to put them on properly or how to use them with lube to get the best result. Maybe more education on that would help a lot. If the right fit combined with some extra lubrication can make it feel better, I’d be willing to give them a shot. But I don’t want to get my hopes up too high.

I also think the way condoms are marketed is part of the problem. They’re often seen as a hassle or something that ruins the mood. Maybe if there was more of an emphasis on how they can enhance the experience and feel more natural, guys might be more likely to use them. The custom-fit options could be a step in the right direction, but we need more than just better options. We need a shift in how we view condoms altogether.

In the end, it’s about finding a solution that works for everyone. If custom condoms make a difference in comfort and security, then I think they could be a good option. But let’s not forget the bigger picture: we need to keep talking about safe sex and finding ways to make it easier and more comfortable for everyone.

[hanar123]

I think the real reason guys avoid condoms is because of the loss of sensation. The idea of using them is great, but when it comes to actually wearing one, it just feels like something is in the way. I don’t think most guys are against condoms in principle; we just don’t like how they feel. I’ve definitely had my share of experiences where I’ve been less than thrilled with the fit or feel. But after reading the study, I realize it’s not just me – it’s the design.

The custom-fit condoms are definitely intriguing, though. I don’t think I’ve ever had a condom that fit perfectly, and that’s part of the issue. The fact that they come in so many sizes seems like it could be a game changer. If I could get a condom that fits better and stays in place, I think it might actually change my outlook on using them. I mean, I want to be responsible, but if they’re uncomfortable, I’m less likely to reach for them.

One thing I’m wondering is if these custom condoms will also feel more natural. I know the fit is important, but what about the material? I think part of the problem is that most condoms feel like they’re just there to check off the box of protection, not to enhance the experience. If custom-fit condoms could make that feeling better, it would be a win-win.

I hope this whole movement toward custom-fit condoms catches on. It seems like the industry is finally starting to recognize that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work for everyone. Hopefully, this will lead to more men being willing to use condoms and, ultimately, better sexual health for everyone.