In a study published in STI online, Michael Reece and Colleagues empirically assessed the relationship between men’s penis size and their perception of condom feel and fit. Such perception is particularly important for the promotion of correct and consistent use of condom by men, and consequently their efficacy to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

1,661 men self-reported penile dimensions ranging from 4 to 26 cm in length and 3 to 19 cm in circumference and were consequently grouped in 3 different dimension groups, “shorter,” medium and “longer” (not short, medium and long!).

Unsurprisingly, men in the longer group reported condoms being to short whilst men in the shorter group reported “unrolled” latex at the based of the penis. Those with larger penis circomference complained of condom’s tightness, while those with smaller penis circumference reported loose condoms.

“Longer penile length and larger penile circumference were both significantly associated with men’s reports that condoms are too short and too tight, longer length and larger circumference both associated with perceived tightness along the penile shaft, and perceived tightness on the glans and base associated only with larger circumference. Men with shorter penile lengths described having some unrolled condom left at the base of the penis after application. However, while some may find this to be an undesirable  characteristic of condoms, some have suggested that this unrolled latex may offer protection against condom slippage.”

There were several limitations in this study, self reporting not the least, but it is clear that having latex hanging about, or feeling squeezed like haggis in sheep’s stomach is not encouraging to use condoms. What is also striking is that men do not seems to be aware that condoms come in different sizes or shapes. Could it be that men are too embarrassed when buying condom to check the packaging for the size (whilst they check the size of their package) or that it is women, often mislead by men when it comes to size, who buy condoms?

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