What is generally called a condom is the ‘male’ condom, a sheath or covering which fits over a man’s penis, and which is closed at one end. There is also now a female condom, or vaginal sheath, which is used by a woman and which fits inside her vagina. We here will talk only of male condoms.

Condoms come in a variety of shapes. Most have a reservoir tip although some do have a plain tip. Condoms may be regular shaped (with straight sides), form fit (indented below the head of the penis), or they may be flared (wider over the head of the penis).Ribbed condoms are textured with ribs or bumps, which can increase sensation for both partners. Condoms also come in a variety of colors.

It’s up to you which shape you choose. All of the differences in shape are designed to suit different personal preferences and enhance pleasure. Some condoms are flavored to make oral sex more enjoyable. They are also safe to use for penetrative sex as long as they have been tested and approved. We will discuss all these types in length, a little later in the article.

Condoms have an expiration (Exp) or manufacture (MFG) date on the box or individual package that tells you when it is safe to use the condom until. It’s important to check this when you use a condom. You should also make sure the package and the condom appear to be in good condition. Condoms can deteriorate if not stored properly as they are affected by both heat and light. So it’s best not to use a condom that has been stored in your back pocket, your wallet, or the glove compartment of your car. If a condom feels sticky or very dry you shouldn’t use it as the packaging has probably been damaged.

Condoms are made in different lengths and widths, and different manufacturers produce varying sizes. There is no standard length for condoms, though those made from natural rubber will in addition always stretch if necessary to fit the length of the man’s erect penis. The width of a condom can also vary. Some condoms have a slightly smaller width to give a “closer” fit, whereas others will be slightly larger. Condom makers have realized that different lengths and widths are needed and are increasingly broadening their range of sizes.

There are larger condoms and then there are smaller condoms. One needs to completely understand what his requirement is. Here is how you can check: if the circumference of your penis (take a measurement at one inch above the base) is more than five and a quarter inches, chances are you need a larger condom. Don’t buy large condoms if they’re not needed, and don’t buy them to show off! If they’re not filled completely, they can slip off or leak, leaving both of you unprotected. If your penis happens to be a bit smaller (length and width in the lower 4 inch range), you need a smaller condom. There are condoms available that are smaller in both length and width.

Condoms also differ with respect to their texture, like there are condoms made from Polyurethane:  these are an alternative for those allergic to the commonly used material called latex. It is claimed to be more sensitive. These condoms are heat conductive, meaning there’s more sensation. They can also be used with oil-based lubricants–something you can’t do with latex condoms. They have no taste or smell, which makes them a good choice for oral sex.

Lambskin: these condoms are again an alternative for those allergic to latex. As these are porous, which means they have microscopic holes, which allows semen to pass through, which is not really safe for prevention of pregnancy or any kind of STDs.

Often the lubes provided on the lubricated condoms are spermicide- which kills the sperm or the bacteria entering so it’s important to take extra care while using non-lubricated condoms. And if you decide to use lube after all, make sure it’s a water-based lubricant. Oil based lubes like Vaseline can cause the condom to tear.

In the coming article we will elaborate on the different types of condoms available in the market, and how each condom is suited for a particular purpose, thereby enhancing your pleasure in a special way.