If you like writing and making stories; If you are interested in the different meanings of “safe sex”; If you are passionate about open access to safer sex info that’s relevant to people’s diversity, Condom Monologues wants to work with you!

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To their credit, Origami Condoms has been applauded by the popular daytime show The Doctors (watch TV segment). Bigger still, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has titled Origami the leading condom innovator in the private sector. Gates blogs about it here.

Leading Condom Innovation

Head honchos aside, here are at least 4 reasons why this new johnny should turn your head.

It is the first of many things.

Origami Male Condom (OMC) via www.origamicondoms.com

Like…

1) It’s the first non-roll condom. This is the most striking feature. The bare physics of it are even more intriguing. Its folding “pleats” allow the condom to move and flex consistently with the body, unlike a roll-on condom which is engineered to clutch in place against movement. Another plus is that Origami is made of non-allergenic, soft silicon (here’s our post for more on non-latex options).  This video demonstration comparing a male latex condom to an Origami clearly shows the difference (YouTube).

warning: videos here may not be suitable for children or work environment

2) It’s the first to dress in under 3 seconds. The video shows why Origami boasts that it’s male condom can be put on faster and easier than a classic rolling latex. Departure from the rolling-down procedure is made possible by a folding, extendable sleeve. So there is less chance of snagging skin, choking and bunching up in the way of intimacy. The female and anal condoms will come with an optional insertion applicator if help is needed.

Origami Anal Condom via www.origamicondoms.com

3) It’s the first to focus on anal sex. Today, the only other option for protective anal sex, besides the standard roll on condoms, is the female condom. Yet, the FC2 (which is the only female condom available- more on that below) has not been approved by the FDA for anal sex. In fact, before Origami, there are no condoms which are tested and approved specifically for safe anal sex.

Origami Female Condom via www.origamicondoms.com

4) It’s a new female condom. This is good news given the very limited options of female condoms on the market. The FC2 is the only female condom available in North America and is made of nitrile rubber which carries few allergens. The silicon material of Origami has absolutely no allergies. Also, the flexibility of Origami may be more form fitting compared to the one-size-fits-all design of FC2 which does not favor everyone.

The Origami Condom designs are not only innovative; they’re inclusive of other sexualities and sex practices that are often overlooked in the safer sex industry.

This is my own speculation (and there has been no human testing done, so take with a grain of salt!), but perhaps due to the collar at the opening of the female and anal Origami, this design might open doors to a more effective condom at preventing STIs like HPV, of which standard male condoms are ust 70% effective (according to a study via New Scientist).

“Origami Wont’ Go Viral, But The Promo Should!”-  Danny Resnic, Origami inventor and owner

This is what the Origami inventor proclaims in his reach-out Indiegogo Campaign video.  Resnic explains that because this is a totally new barrier protection, it is crucial to communicate to the world how to use Origami correctly and consistently. However, Origami is facing serious marketing challenges due to FCC media restrictions.

Danny Resnic, inventor of Origami Condoms, seeks funding to produce a FCC compatible media promo via Indiegogo

The FCC will not allow a condom to be shown on TV and radio ads have language restrictions. This makes it really difficult to market a product that is so alternative and yet they cannot verbally or visually explain how to use it, nor can they mention anything relevant like buttholes and vagina or penis.

Thus Origami has launched a campaign to help raise funds to produce a 30 second TV and social media promo that is compatible with the FCC and delivers a clear message on correct and consistent use. Their goal is to reach $50,000 by the beginning of June. Check out their campaign on Indiegogo..

Visit the company website for news and sign up at the bottom of their page to be notified when Origami hits the market.  All images are provided by www.OrigamiCondoms.com

The post Non-Rolling Condoms Look Like This… appeared first on Condom Monologues.

While I know little about the discipline, I think it’s fair to place it in the sex-positive category. But where do practicalities of safer sex come into play? I mean, it’s not common to see condoms in erotic drawings of the Kama Sutra.  Do tantric sex coaches ever implement condoms when teaching “spiritual awareness”?

How do tantric professional approach issues of STIs? Of sexual health?

Follow Vena on Twitter @VenaRamphal

For Vena Ramphal, safe sex begins with emotional intelligence. Vena Ramphal (PhD) is a philosopher and teacher of erotic pleasure and romance. Her background is in yogic-tantric philosophy and the pleasure traditions of the Kama Sutra. She is also a twitter poet, offering insights into the subtleties of intimacy. We agreed to an interview and she shared her thoughts on sex positivity and safer sex.

How do you define “sex positivity” or sex positive approaches in education and counseling? How do you relate to this within your work?

For me, sex positivity is simple. It says, ‘Sexual pleasure as good not guilty.’ To be sex positive is to see physical intimacy as being good for people. This is a very different frame of reference to our dominant cultural understanding which see sexual pleasure in terms of morality.

To look at sex as a nurturing experience that engenders physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is a good basis on which to generate sex positive discourse. In my work I help people to reframe their attitudes to sex on this basis.

Does the use of condoms and other safe sex practices enter the discourse of sexual pleasure/awareness? How have you dealt with this in your work?

In my work the practicalities of safe sex – such as condoms and sexual health checks – are a base line. There are still a lot of people who don’t get regular sexual health checks – especially those in their fifties and above, so it’s really important to have this conversation.

However, I also coach people to think about safe sex more subtly – as a practice in emotional intelligence.

For example, it takes emotional intelligence to know what you want to do, and what you don’t want to do with your body; and to communicate during sex especially when your partner asks for something you don’t want to give.

Safe sex is about holding your own boundaries and respecting your partner’s boundaries – their body, their mood and their desires.

We need to integrate the idea of safe sex into discourses on sexual pleasure. The health and safety side of sex – condoms etc. – is still seen as inhibiting pleasure, so people are reluctant to talk about it. They’d rather talk about the fun stuff. Getting them to think about safe sex as an emotionally intelligent thing to do, gives them a new way of looking at the practicalities of wearing a condom.

What do you feel is an important problem in mainstream consciousness about “healthy sex” and how do you suggest to fix it?

I think the baseline problem is that in mainstream consciousness sex is still seen as forbidden fruit. This injects guilt into sexuality and however subconscious this might be, it creates a fundamentally unhealthy relationship with sex.

We need to change our cultural mythology of sex. It’s a big ask but I think we need to free sex of guilt. We’ll accomplish this by changing the way we think and feel about sex. Of course this is a multi-aspected task. Our cultural mythology is told through so many media, from language (swear words are an interesting example of how we damage our relationship with sex) to movies and sex education policy.

I think a good place to start is to develop the highest regard for your own body, irrespective of sex. This is something that we can all do for ourselves without external help. Replace critical thoughts and feelings about your body with appreciative ones. Give up saying anything disparaging about your looks. This is only a first step but its a significant one because your relationship with your body is the foundation for your sex life.

In the field of sex counseling and education, what sets you apart from common approaches and what defines your work?

I’m a philosopher of sex. To me, sex as an expression of self. The technicalities of good sex are only the first step. I think the really interesting questions are underneath the technicalities. Questions such as ‘How fully are you giving your attention to the point where flesh meets flesh?’
‘What sexual attitude do you bring to bed with you?’ ‘What effect does sex have on your emotions?’

For me, the flesh is the most immediate and complete expression of self, more than thoughts or words. When I’m educating people about the technicalities of good sex we discuss their intentions and attitudes towards sex and their partner.

Also I teach a self-centred rather than relationship-centred approach to sex. This isn’t about being selfish but about knowing what you want and what you don’t want. It’s about knowing how to read your own desire and listen to your body. On this basis you learn to hold your partner’s body and desires in the highest regard

What do you think it is about your identity that brought you into the field of sex education?

I think the human body is extraordinary. I’d say that my experience of the world is primarily kinaesthetic. I trained in classical Indian dance from the time I was seven, and loved it. My first career was as a dancer and choreographer. To me the body is precious because of its capacity to express who-I-am to who-you-are. Sex is the most intricate and intimate form of that expression.

I feel sad when I see people in poor relationship with their own sexuality. Its a missed opportunity. I’m glad to be able to help people improve their approach to erotic pleasure so they have more fulfilling sex lives.

More with Vena…

Follow Vena on twitter @VenaRamphal

For easy, practical tips on becoming sexier 28 Days to Being Sexier http://tinyurl.com/PassionTips

Vena’s blog http://venaramphal.wordpress.com/

Workshop ‘The Art of Conscious Romance‘ London, 26th May

Website http://www.venaramphal.com/

The post Condoms and Kama Sutra: An interview with Vena Ramphal appeared first on Condom Monologues.

(Un)Knowing HPV

Graph from the CDC. Fourteen million will become newly infected with HPV this year. This means that almost every sexually active person in the US will acquire HPV at some point in their lives.

When diagnosed with HPV, life as you know it is over. You face disturbing contradictions within the medical community . On the one hand, there are those who describe it as “this generation’s AIDS”. On the other side, you are faced with medical “experts” who don’t know their head from a hole in the ground and tell you that HPV is nothing to worry about.

Here is the kicker: Most HPV strands, like most cold or flu strands, really don’t do much of anything but chill out in your body having a viral party of genome development. The issue(s) arise when you get people who are knowingly infecting others with cancer causing strands- a crime of which I’m personally all too well aware. And then you have others who are unknowingly transmitting the STI. A major reason for this is because it is not standard practice to get tested for HPV- and there are no official tests made publicly available for males- despite the fact that HPV is the most prevalent STI in North America right now.

So What Can We Do?

www.hpvawakening.org.

Well, I started a nonprofit HPV Awakening Inc. I lecture all over the Florida and have done a few media interviews. I sit here now writing you about my experiences and I’ve launched a petition that needs 100,000 signatures by May 28th, 2013, so that it can go to the White House to get HPV male testing approved by the FDA. Sign the petition.

I have contacted several local media stations and sites. And I have tried moving my civil court case Tashia Ameneiro vs. Zamil Xavier Lopez to a criminal one in order to have the state acknowledge the fact that HPV cancer strands should be taken as serious as AIDS/HIV strands.

The Miami Dade DA has kindly informed me that, well, HPV isn’t mentioned in the Florida statute at all. Thus they can’t help me. This is in spite of the fact that my case is backed with the full support from the local police department that filed my report (Miami Gardens), and they are willing to facilitate the investigative work!

So here is where you the reader come in. What can you do? Well, if you have ever been diagnosed or know someone that has been- I can relate. It sucks and it isn’t easy. And fun (insert EXTREME sarcasm) questions and situations follow diagnosis.

From Why Me? To What I Will Do About It!

In my case, I had been a virgin with no sexual experience prior to my ex, so I didn’t have to go through the questioning phase of Who? But I did have to go through the constant questioning phase of Why? After I received my diagnosis and contacted my ex he kindly informed me that he had known but since it hadn’t directly impacted me he hadn’t cared.

But that wasn’t the only “Why”. The “Why me?” phase kicked in and it kicked in for several of my friends too. Because once you get sick, it isn’t just you. It’s you and those that care about you, or who know you in a caring light- family, acquaintances, associates, co-workers and strangers you disclose to- that are impacted.

I remember one conversation in particular with a friend of mine that went through a bad life phase (attempted suicide and was a bug chaser at one point in time) sitting on the stairs while we shared a smoke (a short lived habit I picked-up during that “Why be and Why bother” phase). He was crying because he couldn’t understand how “Good people like [me], who never do anything risky end up getting sick and people like [him], who have tried every way possible to be ill and die didn’t.” Easy answer: “I don’t know what a ‘good’ person is, but sometimes Shit Just Happens.” It is a matter of what you do with the situation that counts.

I finished the cigarette and realized that some habits aren’t worth starting or maintaining just to stay wallowing in self-pity.

For those of you that are still reading, I say Yay! Thank you in sharing in my past misery. It really does love company.

Please sign the petition to get HPV male testing approved by the FDA. Go to We The People to sign.

The post How I Contracted HPV and What I Did About It appeared first on Condom Monologues.

Dr. Jocelyn Elders. Image from US National Library of Medicine

1) The true poster child of Masturbation Month is former US Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders. Following a speech at the 1994 UN World AIDS Day, Elders was asked about masturbation as a way to discourage youth from engaging in partnered sex. She responded, “I think it is something that is part of human sexuality and a part of something that perhaps should be taught” (EmpowerHer, 2010). Gasp! The result: Elder was forced to resign from government.

But this sex shaming and conservative wrath backfired with a whole month dedicated to public talks, workshops, dancings, plays of all thing Masturbation! Thanks to Good Vibrations, the guru of sex toy shops. National Masturbation Month aims to encourage people to talk freely about it, to end the guilt associated with it and dispel the notion that it is “second-best” to “real” sex (Good Vibes’ official statement).

2) The celebration of #radical self-love has taken place every year since. The ever-so-climatic Masturbate-A-Thon is its biggest fundraiser. It encourages people to collect pledges and raise funds for sex-positive non-profits. Masturbate-A-Thon was originally hosted in San Francisco by Good Vibration and has spread to other cities like Portland OR, Washington D.C., London, England, and Copenhagen, Denmark. For it’s 14th Anniversary, the Thon will be held in Philly, PA, and funds will be used to benefit local LGBTQ inclusive sex-ed organizations, Pleasure Rush! and ScrewSmart. These guys established a CrowdRise fundraiser to help raise $3,000 from 1 May to May 27th, 2013, in order to help pay for the end of the month party, festively named Creamium.

Both Pleasure Rush! and ScrewSmart believe that the Philly Masturbate-A-Thon 2013 has the power to deliver the following:
-Reduce stigma and shame around sexuality.
-Promote sexual health Create a community of dialogue around the importance of pleasure. -Give you an excuse to jerk off for hours!” (Crowdraise).

Masturbation Month Poster made and sourced from The Buzz, Good Vibrations Magazine, www.GoodVibes.com

3) In honor of International Masturbation Month, the Center for Sex & Culture (CSC) in conjunction with Shilo McCade’s “I Masturbate…” photo exhibition (summary about the photo project), is facilitating a writing class on the power of masturbation. Participants will spend a few hours writing response to photos and sharing stories about orgasms, self-love, and other aspects of sexuality. Proceeds support the CSC.

4) Ever heard of Betty Dodson? She is only the Queen of Masturbation and a pioneer in sexual liberation. Here is a great article by a woman who attended one of Betty’s 5-hour masturbation workshops and learned new types and ways of orgasm.

5) The student run news source, The Interloper @ USC is running its first ever masturbation writing contest. Winner gets a vibrator. You can read the first story: You Are Sleeping Inside Me.

6) Think you’re a master of masturbation? Test your knowledge with this 14 question quiz!

Taboo History Brief: Why we should celebrate

Image from article about Masturbation Month by William Bell @ BlogHer.com

Masturbation Month is growing in profile but it stems from a long history of societal hush-hush syndrome. In fact, masturbation didn’t receive any attention on prime time television until Seinfeld brought up the taboo topic in 1992. In the episode (wikilink), George Constanza is caught by his mother masturbating. He confesses to Jerry, Elaine and Kramer and the conversation results in the four entering a contest to determine who can go for the longest period of time without masturbating.
No one wins. What’s interesting is that while the topic is quite blatant and insinuates that everyone masturbates (often!), the word “masturbation” could not actually be spoken. NBC thought the topic wasn’t suitable for TV, so the taboo is described in a series of hilarious euphemisms.

As Good Vibrations writes, “Almost everyone masturbates, but all too few of us are willing to admit to enjoying this simple pleasure – mostly because of the taboo against masturbation in our society, which has its roots in historical misconceptions that have survived to the present day.” During the 18th, 19th, and 20th century in Europe and America, masturbation was believed to be a debilitating wastes on energy that could result in exhaustion, impotence, insanity, epilepsy, etc. People obsessed over ways to prevent and treat the destructive urge.

For example, Dr. John H Kellogg advocated that circumcision should be performed with no anesthesia in order to deter children from “self-abuse” (cracked.com). Yes, this is Kellogg of the Kellogg’s cereal. Grape-Nuts, and later Corn Flakes, were invented to prevent “fire in the blood”. As early as the 1800s, masturbation experts believed that certain foods stimulated the urge, so people were recommended certain diets that eliminated instigators like pickles, candy, and eggs, and designed non-stimulating alternatives like cold breakfast cereal.

For more investigation into the rabbit hole of bizarre anti-masturbation treatments, Cracked.com offers a great article that covers all methods from Boy Scouts’ cold showers, to leeches, and spiked penile rings, bondage belts, and clitoridectomy.

So Happy Masturbation Month Everyone!

Let’s be thankful that our notions and acceptance of the deed has evolved from spiked penis restraints to Masturbate-A-Thon fundraisers! It’s great that there are many more sex positive resources out there that help normalize masturbation for us all. In some ways, it is a political act. It’s the ultimate safe sex, it increases awareness of your body and own sexual response, it relieves cramps, and it’s fun! So celebrate!

Do you have any fun facts or masturbation resources to share? Please comment below.

It’s always nice to know if you like what you’ve read. Please let us know by tweeting this or liking us on Facebook.  

Special thanks to Good Vibrations, BlogHer, EmpowerHer, and Bitch Mag for the images and information.

The post Have a Merry Masturbation! appeared first on Condom Monologues.

Image from UndercoverCondoms.com

Caution Wear Corp is a relatively new American company- formed in New Hampshire in 2004.  They follow the “safety first” motto by making condoms slightly thicker and with a 100% manufacture guarantee.  So, if a condom breaks you can return the box for a full refund (not the used condom, of course!).

All Caution Wears are straight classic shape.  No funky flares or twists. The average size of these condoms is Flat width = 2.0” and Length = 7.0”, making Caution Wear a bit shorter than other leading US brands like Trojan, Durex, Lifestyles and Kimono (links to sizes charts).  Caution Wear makes one of the smallest condom on the North American market- Iron Grip- which we found to be the same dimensions as Durex Enhanced Pleasure (Flat width = 1.92”/Length = 6.7”). But it’s Lifestyles Snugger Fit that gets the award for smallest condom measuring almost an inch shorter than Iron Grip.

On the larger side: unlike other large condom that are both longer and wider than regulars, Caution Wear Grande maintains the same 7.0” length but is wider than regulars.  This is ideal for thicker than average men who aren’t particularly long. Check out our Fitting Solutions Guide for more comparative sizes and shapes.

Now, onto the size chart

Please note: While some links in this post are affiliate links that earn us a small commission, this is not a company endorsement! We are completely objective and independent, and do not support one company over another.

Snug Fit/Latex

Caution Wear Iron Grip

One of the smallest latex condoms on the market.
Base width: 1.92”/49mm
Length: 6.7”/170mm
Head width: .6”/15mm

Large Fit/Latex

Caution Wear Grande

Caution Wear’s largest condom (wider than regular condoms, but regular length).
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm

Regular/Latex

Caution Wear Black Ice Ultra Thin

Caution Wears’ thinnest condom (slightly thicker than other brands of thin condoms)
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm

Caution Wear Wild Rose Ribbed

Ribbed straight shaped condom
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm

Caution Wear Classic Plain (a.k.a. PPE for “Premium Protection Everytime”)

Silicon-based Lubricant, straight shaped, clear color condom
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0/180mm
Head width: .6”/15mm

Caution Wear Slippery When Wet

Classic fit condom with double, silicon-based lubrication
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0/180mm

Mint Delight

Lubricated, flavored condom.
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm

Caution Wear Variety Pack

Contains 3 of Caution Wear variety: Ultra Thin, Ribbed and Classic Plain.
Experimenting is the best way to find the right condom!
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm

——————————————

Our size charts constantly updated, so please join our Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed to keep informed.

The Legal Stuff: Age of consent and medical advice

The size charts are made for you to consult and hopefully find the brand that suits within your size range and needs. If you cannot find the answer to your question, just ask in the comments below. But please be aware that we do not condone sexual activity of under-age persons in state or country. Also, we are not medical professionals. We offer opinions from personal experience and research. Professional advice should always be sought.

For a younger audience, here is one place to start: SEX etc., Scarleteen, and for all ages Planned Parenthood is highly recommended.

The post Caution Wear Condom Size Chart appeared first on Condom Monologues.

A study published in June 2012 argues that penis shape and size must be taken more seriously by public health officials and activists who aim to increase consistent and correct condom use to prevent transmission of HIV and other STIs.  Researchers Michael Reece and Debra Herbenick of Indiana University found a substantial percentage of men reported condoms being too tight, too loose, too short, too long, breakage, leakage….basically a general condom discomfort that can result in misuse or disuse.

The majority of condom products are fitted for “average” length at 6.4 inches when erect (see the Kinsey report and Durex scientific survey).  But as Reece and Herbenick found, length of the condom is not the greatest discomfort; rather, it is fitting around the head and shaft that scored highest among complaints, with penis base at a close second.  For example, of those men who reported that condoms were too tight, 66% reported tightness around the base, 70.4% around the glans, and 73% around the shaft.

The study concludes that HIV and STI practitioners must get involved with condom manufacturers to ensure that condoms are consistent with men’s experiences of fitting and pleasure.  Indeed, no matter what size, all men should have access to well-fitting condoms.

Jump to:
If “Condoms are too Tight”
If “Condoms are too Loose”
If “Condoms are too Short”
If “Condoms are too Long”.

Image from @TheyFitCondoms

Given the wide range of condoms on the market, prevention providers can play a valuable role in helping men to identify condoms that suit their size specificities, hence potentially increasing the likelihood of consistent condom usage.  For the large proportion of men who reported tightness around the glands (70%), for example, HIV and STI prevention providers may alleviate men’s perceptions that condoms are too tight by recommending condoms that are designed with a more bulbous head to reduce constriction.  As our chart shows below, Durex condoms tend to offer the most variety in contoured shapes and head room.

Here we have organized a list of condoms according to the 4 “problem points” identified in Reece and Herbenick’s study.  Under each complaint we provide a list of condoms by brand that may help alleviate discomfort.

Please note: External links may be affiliates that give us a tiny commission.  However, this is not a condom company endorsement!  We are completely independent and do not favor one company over another.  Due to the fact that the major North American brands are Durex, Trojan, Lifestyles, Beyond 7, and Caution Wear, our first aim is to gather these dimensions.

CONDOM FIT SOLUTIONS 

If “Condoms are too Tight”…

CAUTION WEAR

Caution Wear Grande

This is Caution Wear’s largest condom.  Unlike other large condoms, this one is wider than regular condoms, but maintains the same 7.0″ length.
Base width: 2.2″/56mm
Length: 7.0″/180m

TROJAN

Trojan Magnum XL

One of the longest and widest condoms on the market.  Made with an extra bulbous head and wider shaft width.
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.7″/68.58mm
Length:  8.12″/206mm

Trojan Magnum Original

Tapered at the base for a secure fit and extends wider up the head for comfort. Suitable for guys who find standard condoms too short and too tight.
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.5″/63.5mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm

DUREX

Durex XXL

The largest condom made by Durex
Classic straight shape
Compared to Trojan Magnum XL, Durex XL is wider at the base and longer, but smaller bulbous head than Magnums.
Base width: 2.3”/58mm
Length: 8.3”/210.8mm

Durex AVANTI Bare

Made of polyisoprene, the latest upgrade in condom technology. More thin, stretchy and flexible than polyurethane and latex.
Has the length of an average condom with wider base and shaft room. Suitable for the thicker than average guy, or men who find condoms to be tight around the glands.
Base width: 2.2”/55.8mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm

Durex PleasureMAX

Ribbed and studded for extra stimulation
Slightly wider contoured shape at base and bulbous head without the extra length of most XL condoms.
Base width: 2.15”/53mm
Length: 7.9/200mm

LIFESTYLES

SKYN Large

First ever large-size polyisoprene condom.
Strong as latex but softer, more flexible material- the latest in condom technology.
Ideal for people with latex allergy or sensitivity
Wider base and shaft than the Magnum, but not quite as long.  Slightly longer than average LifeStyle condoms.  Ideal for broader, thicker than average guys.
Base width: 2.2”/55mm
Length: 7.8”/200mm

Lifestyles THYN

Popular contoured shape that flares at the top.  Suitable for males who find condoms tight around the glands and need more head room.
Standard length.
21% thinner than standard latex condoms; made of polyisoprene- the latest in condom technology.
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm

Lifestyles KYGN

Wider and longer than regular Lifestyles condoms.  Not quite as long as Trojan Magnums, but wide base.
Flare shape for wider end.
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 7.8”/200mm

Lifestyles Pleasure Shape

Exclusive oversized tip for more head room, but with the average length.
Stimulates most sensitive areas for both partners
Base width: 2.01”/51mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm

Lifestyles 3SUM

Extra ribbed, ultra studded, uniquely shaped.
Wide shaft, contoured at head for his pleasure
Regular fit at base and width
Base width: 2.1”/53mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm

If “Condoms are too Short”…

TROJAN

Trojan ThinTensity Lubricated

25% thinner than Trojan’s standard condom
Close comfort fit around the shaft. Has the same long length as Magnums with snug fit around the shaft and slightly less head room and snug .  Good if one is looking for longer length, but not wider width.
Base width: 2.0″/50.8mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm

Trojan SUPRA

Has the width of a regular size condom, but is made for the longer than average male.
Made of Polyurethane, which is more elastic than latex and has higher tear resistance.
Base width: 2.0”/50.8mm
Length: 7.9”/200mm

Trojan Magnum XL

Is one of the longest and widest condoms on the market.
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.7″/68.58mm
Length:  8.12″/206mm

 Trojan Magnum Original

Tapered at the base for a secure fit and extends wider up the head for comfort. Suitable for guys who find standard condoms too short and too tight.
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.5″/63.5mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm

Trojan Magnum Thin

Thinner than the regular Magnum condoms
Base width: 2.1″/53.34mm
Head width: 2.5″/63.5mm
Length: 8.12″/206mm

DUREX

Durex XXL

The largest condom made by Durex
Classic straight shape
Compared to Trojan Magnum XL, Durex XL is wider at the base and longer, but smaller head than Magnums.
Base width: 2.3”/58mm
Length: 8.3”/210.8mm

Durex Maximum Love

20% thinner than standard latex condoms
Unique easy-on design shape to roll on smooth.
Contoured at the head with a flare shape to the tip.
On the larger side of the regular condom sizes in both width and length.
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 8”/205mm

Durex Natural Feeling

Ultra smooth water-based lubricant
About 1.0 to 1.5 inches larger in length and width than regular size condoms
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 8”/205mm

Durex Sensi Thin

Durex’s thinnest latex condom
Longer than the average condom, with slightly snugger width at the base.  Suitable for guys who are looking for more width without the extra length.
Base width: 2.0”/5.1mm
Length: 7.9”/200mm

LifeStyles

SKYN Large

First ever large-size polyisoprene condom.
Strong as latex but softer, more flexible material- the latest in condom technology.
Ideal for people with latex allergy or sensitivity
Wider base and shaft than the Magnum, but not quite as long.  Slightly longer than average LifeStyle condoms.  Ideal for broader, thicker than average guys.
Base width: 2.2”/55mm
Length: 7.8”/200mm

Lifestyles KYGN

Wider and longer than regular Lifestyles condoms.  Not quite as long as Trojan Magnums.  Suitable to those fit in between regular and XXL length.
Flare shape for wider end.
Base width: 2.2”/56mm
Length: 7.8”/200mm

If “Condoms are too Long”…

CAUTION WEAR

All Caution Wear “regular” sizes are 7.0″/180mm long, which is shorter than other popular brands.

Caution Wear Classic Plain

Silicon-based lubricant, straight shaped condom
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0/180mm
Head width: .6”/15mm

Caution Wear Black Ice Ultra Thin

Caution Wears’ thinnest condom (slightly thicker than other brands of thin condoms)
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm

Caution Wear Wild Rose Ribbed

Ribbed straight shaped condom
Base width: 2.0”/53mm
Length: 7.0”/180mm

TROJAN

 Trojan does not manufacture condoms shorter than 7.5”/190mm

DUREX

Durex Enhanced Pleasure

Contoured shape for tapered fit around the base and shaft. Is one of the shortest condoms on the North American market.
Base width: 1.92”/49mm
Length: 6.7”/170mm

LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles Snugger Fit
Smaller width and length than regular sizes
Unique shape hugs better around shaft and head
The smallest condom available on the market, along with Caution Wear Iron Grip condoms.
Base width: 1.9”/48.26mm
Length: 6.3”/160mm

Beyond Seven

All Beyond Seven Condoms, except Crown, are less than 7.5 inches long.  They are also the thinnest latex condoms on the market.

Beyond7 Ultra ThinClassic straight shape condom.  Slightlly shorter than standard regular condoms
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm

Beyond7 Aloe Enriched

4X more lubricant than standard latex condoms.
Base width: 2.0″/51mm
Length: 7.2″/180mm

Beyond 7 Studded

The thinnest condom makers offer studded condoms for those who love extra stimulation.
Studded along the shaft
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm

“Condoms are too Loose”

CAUTION WEAR

Caution Wear Iron Grip

One of the smallest condoms on the market.
Straight classic shape.
Base width: 1.92”/49mm
Length: 6.7”/170mm
Head width: .6”/15mm

TROJAN

Trojan Twisted Pleasure

Special twisted shape and ribs for sensual friction
Regular length of Trojan condoms, but is 0.25” slimmer at the base than regular Trojan condoms for a snug grip round the shaft.
Base width: 1.75″/44mm
Length: 7.8″/198mm

DUREX

Durex Sensi Thin

Durex’s thinnest latex condom
Slightly snugger width and longer length than most regular sizes.  Suitable for long and slender guys.
Base width: 2.0”/5.1mm
Length: 7.9”/200mm

Durex Enhanced Pleasure

Contoured shape for tapered fit around the base and shaft. Is one of the snuggest (and shortest) condoms on the North American market.
Base width: 1.92”/49mm
Length: 6.7”/170mm

LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles Snugger Fit
This is The smallest condom on the North American market.
Unique shape hugs better around shaft and head
Base width: 1.9”/48.26mm
Length: 6.3”/160mm

Beyond Seven

All Beyond7 condoms are approximately 2.0 inches base wide.  Check out their condom size chart for more detailed measurements on all their products.

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Our size charts constantly updated, so please join our Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed to keep informed.

The post Fitting Matters: Solutions for Condom Size Problems appeared first on Condom Monologues.

Beyond Seven Condoms. Image from UndercoverCondoms.com

Beyond Seven is the fourth largest condom brand in the world and has been around since 1937 starting in Tokyo, Japan.  Standard latex condoms are typically .007 inches thick- but the “Sheerlon” latex of Beyond Seven can measure as thin as .004 thickness, offering one of the thinnest condoms (if not the thinnest!) on the market.  These condoms tend to have a standard width of 2.0 inches (measuring the condom laying flat) and to be on the slightly shorter side of standard regular condoms (see our guide on standardized condom sizes).  These condoms are perfect if you prefer a snug and thin fit.  The best thing to do is experiment with different styles to find the right condom for you.

Beyond Seven Ultra Thin

Classical shape, straight walled condom made of Sheerlon latex
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm

Beyond Seven Aloe Enriched

4X more lubricant than standard condoms with natural aloe extract for lasting smoothness
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm

Beyond Seven Crown

Super thin latex makes this a very popular condom
Larger than other Beyond7 products
Classic straight shape
Base width: 2.1”/51mm
Length: 7.5”/190mm

Beyond Seven .004

Zero Zero Four measures the success this condom trumps as being the thinnest condom on the market!  Where standard latext condoms are .007, Beyond7 is .004 thickness.
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm

Beyond Seven Studded

The thinnest condom makers also offer studded condoms for those who love extra stimulation.
Studded along the shaft
Base width: 2.0”/51mm
Length: 7.2”/180mm

Beyond Seven Assorted Pack

Perfect those who want to try all that’s offered from Beyond Seven.  This sampler contains 24 condoms including Ultra Thins, Crown, Crown .004, Aloe Enriched, Studded, and Assorted Colors.

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If you are experiencing specific condom fitting problems, check out our fitting solutions guide.  Or you can leave a comment below and we’ll help you out.

Our size charts constantly updated, so please join our Facebook, Twitter or RSS feed to keep informed.

The post OKAMOTO Beyond Seven Condom Size Chart appeared first on Condom Monologues.

“What do you do when you’re detained by powerful officials, everything you say is presumed deceptive, arbitrary “evidence” is held against you, and you’re treated like a moral deviant? And what if its 2013, you’re a woman, and the “evidence” is that you possess condoms?”- Clay Nikiforuk 

Say no to condoms as legal evidence. Image from Photobucket.

In March 2013, Clay Nikiforuk was detained at the Quebec/Vermont boarder under suspicion of being a sex worker.  The evidence: about 8 condoms and some sexy underwear.  Hours of questioning passed over the possible relationship between her lingerie and condoms. Clay was eventually allowed into the US, but found out two weeks later that she had been flagged as a suspected sex worker.  A series of consequences followed including limited visa permits, about $1000 in extra travel fees, and more police interrogations.

It’s easy to point at the sexist double standard here.  If a young, stereotypically “masculine” man traveled with a pack of condoms and nice underwear his moral integrity would not be questioned.  But there is something else at play than slut-shaming alone. Condom policing reinforces standards of what is appropriate female and male sexuality (a.k.a. heteronormativity).  And wrapped up in those messy assumptions are racial and class stereotypes.

We have posted other monologues about condom policing before.  The NYPD’s tactic of condoms-as-evidence systematically results in gender-based violence.  The victims are overwhelmingly non-white transsexual women. This discrimination occurs daily.  The news media picks it up from time to time- maybe once a year by questioning whether condoms-as-evidence of sex work is constitutional.  In fact, a bill to stop this legal practice has been struggling to pass congress for nearly a decade.

But when condom policing happens to a white, educated young woman (read privilege) the media takes up the issue in a new way- through innocence.  Clay writes a response to the media’s representation of her story on Rabble.ca.

“I wasn’t featured nationally in Metro as “Uneducated girl is accused of sex work” but rather as “UBC student.” I didn’t join CBC’s Daybreak show as “Sex worker/adulteress treated as second class citizen” but rather, “Woman files complaint after border crossing nightmare.” So long as I was positioned as privileged, and, sometimes by proxy, innocent, my story had shock value. Because when bad things start happening to innocent, educated white people, they could happen to anyone — or rather, other privileged people. And that is very, very scary.”

“….I’ve stopped answering the point-blank question of whether or not I am, was, or ever will be a sex worker. I like to entertain the half-mad fantasy that no matter whom one has consensual sex with or why, one is irrevocably a human deserving respect and rights. The point is: when sex and sexuality are criminalized, people are made illegal and their rights made moot.”

“….If I were a sex worker, I might have “deserved” the treatment I received, or my detainment might have “made sense.” If I were from a minority group or were not as educated in the English language, my story might not have provoked the shock and outrage that it did. And rather than receiving the reaction “That should never happen to anyone,” often the reaction I still get is “That should never have happened to you.”

Read the entire article at Rabble.ca  For more information on the campaign to stop condoms as evidence by police and in court, check out The Red Umbrella Project and End the Use of Condoms as Evidence.

The post The “Condom Girl”: Condom Policing is Gender Policing appeared first on Condom Monologues.

A fact we need to face:

When you insist on using a condom you are doing the right thing!  Condom usage is about caring for yourself and caring for your partner.  Many people get uncomfortable in the condom situation or give-in to not using one because the other doesn’t want to.  It is your right as a human being to assert your health needs with your partner.  As Heather Corinna puts it: “Asking someone to care for you in any way is not a barrier to intimacy: it’s not asking that keeps space between you…sexual health or even just how to use condoms and use them in a way that works for both of you is not something that keeps people apart, but that brings people closer together.”

In other words, caring for yourself should be a caring partner’s want.  If your partner can’t respect your desire to be safe than that is a relationship-red-flag.

Here are some responses you can give to whatever your partner dishes out.  Some of these scenarios are from sex educator, Laci Green.  For more advice, check out her post and watch her entertaining and informative video on how to deal with sex safety.

Responses to Condom Hate

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Partner: “It doesn’t feel good.”  ”I can’t feel anything”.
You:“I can’t enjoy sex if I don’t feel safe.” “The safer I feel, the hotter the sex.”

Note: Those who say that they can’t feel anything with a condom are a) being dishonest and/or b) have a lack of experience and are not using condoms properly.  Check out our post on the myths of condom hate.

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Partner: “You think I have an STD”. “You don’t trust me.”
You:“This isn’t about me thinking that here is something wrong with you; this is about both our health.” “Don’t you care about the same thing?”

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Partner: “I want to be closer to you/feel you.”
You:“I can’t feel close to you if I don’t feel safe.”

_________________________

Partner: ”Just this one time.”
You: “We’ve got all these condoms.  Let’s do it more than once!” “Once is one too much for me.”

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Partner: “They never fit.”
You: “There are so many styles of condoms, let’s try them out and see which ones are best!”  ”If it’s too big for a condom, it’s too big for me.”- Laci Green

Note: Check out our condom fitting solutions chart for help finding the right condoms. 

_________________________

For more advice and ideas check out Laci Green’s website.  Scarleteen is pretty great too.

What other excuses and responses are out there?  What have you experienced?

The post Advice: Dealing with condom rejection appeared first on Condom Monologues.