5 attributes of the best condom

We present the 5 key factors to look for when buying a condom.

As a relatively new entrant into the world of sex, you might be looking to buy your first condoms. Or you could be bored of your usual brand and wondering what else is out there that you haven’t tried before. Whatever your reasons for buying condoms, these are the 5 key attributes to check:

1 The right size. Size is often the most important determinant when buying a condom. The condom must fit like a snug glove when worn on the erect penis. If it is small, then it will be tight and uncomfortable. If it is large, then it will be loose and may slip off during sex. Pick a leading condom brand  and experiment with different sizes to find the perfect one. When you do, it would be wiser to stock up on them if you are about to travel – US and UK condom sizes are different from Asian sizes.

2 Many variants.It will not do to find just the right size and use a generic, basic condom all the time. Leading condom brands like Durex have different kinds of condoms to elicit a range of experiences during sex. Some are aimed at increasing pleasure for the woman to heighten her sexual responses, while others can pleasure both the partners at the same time. Try a thin condom to get a natural skin-on-skin feel during sex, or a performance condom to prolong your pleasure, or a ribbed and dotted condom for her pleasure. You can even try flavoured condoms for good oral sex.

3 Compatibility with lubricant. You will use lubricant with the condom at some point during or before sex. While women use lube to reduce pain during sex, men can use a drop or two of lubricant inside the condom to reduce discomfort between the penis and the condom. However, the lubricant must be such that it does not affect the condom body or performance in any way. Water- or silicone-based lubes are best with latex condoms.

4 Easy to use. Though you can slip a condom on quite easily if you have enough practice with it, the condom itself should be easy to wear. You don’t want to spend precious moments during sex to wear a condom slowly – the easier it is to wear, the faster you can get back to what you were doing before you paused to wear the condom! You will find that condom brands like Durex have the best condoms in terms of ease of use.

5 The right price.The price of the condom may also determine whether you choose one condom brand over another. Some might be more expensive than others, but they may also offer better protection and more variants. Once you find the right condom, you will not care too much about how much it costs – because whatever the cost, you still have to use a condom for sex. Why compromise on safety and pleasure just for the price?