Here's the latest information on how to determine the correct size condom for you and how to minimize malfunctioning while testing.

Use these four key steps outlined here and you won't make the $244,530.00 mistake... that's how much the United States Government says it costs to raise a child to age 18 - and that's without college.

Amazingly, there is no world standard when it comes to condom sizes. There is an ISO standard for manufacturing processes, but not sizes.

Even more interesting is the research that has been done to answer the popular and important question

"Which condom fits me properly?"

Yet the answer remains unclear in most condom users' minds.

According to a study done by British condom manufacturer Durex, 50% of the approximately 3,000 individuals in their study felt that the condoms they used regularly did not fit properly. Fully 35% stated the fit was "too tight" or "much too tight".

The World Health Organization notes in their study "The Male Latex Condom: Specification and Guidelines for Condom Procurement 2003" that there are only two major size classifications for condoms, "Wide" or "Narrow". The data in that study is based on studies in Australia, Thailand and the US. They mention that flat width of 51-54mm is their "Wide" and 47-50mm is their "Narrow", but 49-53mm is the range of the most common condoms. Study link: http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/m_condom/who_specification_04.pdf

At this point, the question "What size am I?" arises.

A large and detailed survey of actual size of men's private parts has been compiled over several years by Richard Evans of http://www.sizesurvey.com/result.html

Mr. Evans' study puts the measurement for erect diameter at: 37.43mm (Modest), 40.55mm (Average) and 43.86mm (Endowed).Study data has been converted from circumference to diameter to better relate to the data used in the WHO study and manufacturer sizing cited in this article.

So here's the problem. If you are of "X" diameter, let's say for example, 42mm - what size condom should you use?

With no statistical recommendation from manufacturers such as "10mm larger than you measure" and little accurate data regarding actual condom sizes, condom users are completely left unto themselves to determine proper fit.

Here are the four key steps to determining proper condom fit for you and minimizing malfunctions during your testing.

1) When putting the condom on pinch the teat end, then roll it down. That leaves room at the end and any air pressure built up won't put the condom at the bursting point. Be sure to roll the condom down the correct way - rolling it down inverted won't work at all. Make sure the condom gets rolled down fully. If not rolled down sufficiently, it could get pulled off during normal activity. Don't dim the lights too much at this step or you won't be able to see what you're doing.

2) Check for overall tightness. If the condom is too loose, slippage may occur. If it is too tight, breakage may occur. According to an Australian La Trobe University study by AMA Smith, breakage often occurs as a result of the condom users' girth (not length) being too large for the condom design.

If your issue with condoms is typically "They're too tight", try larger condoms which are less common but are produced by major manufacturers. These large condoms most likely won't be in your local drug store, but are available on specialty web sites such as http://biggercondoms.com.

3) Use lubrication - lots of it! Most condoms today are pre lubricated. This is not sufficient lubrication for extended activity. Use only water-based lube with condoms. Oil based lube will cause them to break. Be sure to have plenty handy. Lack of lube is a cause of many a condom rupture.

4) Start your "research" with a variety package. Buy one or two of a wide variety of condoms and make a note of which ones you liked. When you complete your "research" buy your favorite condoms in higher quantities.

Overall, you're looking for "Not too loose but not too tight." Seeking this proper fit with proper installation technique, sufficient lubrication and observation during activity as outlined above will likely be the most fun you'll ever have doing "research"

Copyright 2005 Matthew Biskup