WORDS PROFESSOR DR CHRISTOPHER HO CHEE KONG
![]() PROFESSOR DR CHRISTOPHER HO CHEE KONG Consultant Urologist School of Medicine Taylor’s University |
#1 ALLERGY
- A man could be allergic to the latex present in a condom.
- Some men may be allergic to the lubricants or spermicide present in the condom.
You may be allergic to condoms if you experience the following:
- Itchiness and/or redness of the penis when using a condom.
- Watery eyes and/or nose while using a condom.
- In severe cases, breathing difficulties and anaphylactic reaction.
An anaphylactic reaction is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly, usually within minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to, like peanuts, bee stings, or certain medications.
During anaphylaxis, the body overreacts to the allergen, causing symptoms such as:
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If you are allergic to condoms, you can consider the following alternatives:
- Lambskin, polyurethane, polyisoprene, or nitrile condoms if you’re allergic to latex condoms.
- Alternatively, your partner could use protection such as the silicone-based female condom.
Some important things to note:
- The alternatives to latex condom are still effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
- However, they may be more costly.
- They also may not fit snugly, so there is also a risk of them slipping off during sex.
#2 LOSS OF OR REDUCED SENSATIONS
Try Lube
- Add lubricant, especially to the tip of the condom. This helps to increase sensation and pleasure.
- Avoid oil-based lubricants as they may degrade the condom.
Experiment with Different Types of Condoms
- Thinner condoms can help improve sensation.
- Some men find that a looser condom allows for more movement of the penis in the condom, therefore increasing sensation.
- Condoms with ridges can give added pleasure.
- Condoms with a large pouch at the tip, which can roll around the head of the penis, may also increase sensation.
#3 FIT
Some men may find that their condoms do not fit snugly and are too loose, or the length is inadequate to cover the entire penis.
To avoid this situation, it is important to try the different condoms to find the one that offers the best fit.
- If the girth or circumference of your penis is below 4.7 inches or 11.9 cm, try SNUG FIT.
- If the girth is 4.7 to 5.1 inches (11.9 to 13 cm), try REGULAR FIT.
- If the girth is more than 5.1 inches (13 cm) try LARGE FIT.
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How Do You Measure the Girth of Your Penis?
- Take flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the thickest part of your erect penis.
- Make sure the wraparound is snug, but not too tight—you shouldn’t be feeling any discomfort while doing this.
- Mark the point at where the measuring tape overlaps, then lay it flat to determine the girth of your penis.
#4 “CONDOMS FOR NOT ‘FUN’!”
There are ways to make the inclusion of a condom a natural, spontaneous, and fun part of sex.
Putting on a condom can be a part of foreplay, for example.
Just be creative and have fun!
This article is part of our series on tips and advice on men’s health, sex life, and fertility. |