THE MALE CONDOM: WHAT IS A CONDOM?

A condom is a thin, latex rubber covering that a man wears on his penis when the penis is erect, that is when it is hard or stiff. A condom looks a bit like a balloon without any air in it, and it fits very closely over the penis like a second skin. Condoms are shaped like a tube that is closed at one end.

Generally condoms are a light creamy brown colour, with a thin rim at the open end, and the closed end is either plain and rounded, or has a little teat- or nipple-shaped space right at the tip.

Are there different types of condoms? You can get lots of different types of condoms. They come in a range of colours … red, blue … black. You can choose special flavours like strawberry and banana. There are several different shapes. You can get straight, flared, or contoured and some have ribbed or dotted textures. Condoms can have different shaped ends, and you can get them already lubricated, or lubricated with spermicide.

Fancy condoms are not always as reliable as the plain ones and it is a good idea to read the label on the packet to be sure they are meant to be used for protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and not just as novelty items.

Some condoms are made of stronger, thicker latex than others, and some are made of very fine latex. Generally they are one size fits all. That is because although penises are different sizes when they are soft, when they are erect they all tend to be about the same size. You can get condoms that are a tighter fit, and condoms that are contoured may suit men who want them slightly smaller. Condoms that are flared sometimes suit men who want them slightly larger.