COLUMN: Fits like a glove

Let’s talk about cocks. We all know they come in a range of shapes and sizes and finding the perfect one for you can be quite a challenge. You’ll probably come across a few that are too big or too small, but hopefully you get a few that are just right.

So what about protection? Thankfully, condoms come in an equally impressive range of shapes and sizes and, like Goldilocks, time should be taken to test out a few before you decide on a particular brand, shape or size. Did you know that the size of a condom usually refers to the diameter of a condom, not the length. We all know how uncomfortable a wrong size shoe is, and trying to get off with that discomfort on your cock might be a little challenging. Because condom width varies between 42mm and about 57 millimetres it’s worth making sure that you have the right size on. Whilst the length of various condoms does vary, most of the focus is around the width, as you don’t want a condom that’s going to squeeze all the blood out of your cock or have it slip right off.

Condoms also come in a wide range of shapes. That’s right, there’s not just a ‘generic cock’ shape. There’s your straight fit condom, then there’s a flared condom for people with a larger head, and there is also a flared/baggy condom which is tight around the base but much wider around the head. There are lots of other shapes around; Lifestyles has a great shape chart which shows you visually the different styles of condom.

So how do you pick which condom is right for you? Well, much like trying on clothes, have a go and try on a few condoms. See which ones work for you and see which ones don’t. You could always just wing it and hope that your cock happens to be the exact size and shape of the ‘generic cock’ shape of the condoms you grabbed out of the club on the way home. However, it may be worth seeing which style suits you and making sure that you always have them on you when you go out. That way when you are getting hot and heavy with some guy, you know that you’re not going to have to shoehorn your dick into whichever size and shape condom is available.

My advice? Check out a bunch of different condoms and have a play to make sure you end up with a condom that fits your cock. And don’t forget the lube!

Ilan Werbeloff is a campaign manager with the Victorian AIDS Council.