Sizing up the manhood

Dear Dr. G,

I am a novice in sex and really hope to get advice from the Guru.

I am 22 years old and have been involved in a (non-sexual) relationship with my girlfriend over the last six months.

In recent weeks, the intimacy has intensifies. At this rate we are fast “inching” into the ultimate sexual relationship imminently.

Before engaging in sex, I am really facing some psychological barriers. Firstly, I am terrified of getting my girlfriend pregnant. After all, both of us are still in college. Secondly, I have certain phobia of catching some diseases through sex. Don’t get me wrong, I trust her. But since we only know each other for half a year, I am still a bit uptight about sexually transmitted infections.

I have been to the store and attempted to get some condoms. The problem is, I am having difficulties “sizing up” my asset for the right condom.

I have bought a few “range” of the rubber, but I am unsure how snug should the condom be? Truthfully, the condoms tend to feel a bit loose. Do you think the wrong size can compromise my sexual performance?

I see fit to put Dr. G on the spot this week to address the issues of sizing up the manhood for the purpose of a well-fitting condom.

How important is a good fitting condom? How snug should I feel?

Incidentally, how effective are condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies?

I really hope you can give me guidance for safe sex.

Look forward to your pointers!

Regards,

Dicky

A male condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device utilised during sexual intercourse for the purpose of contraception and reduction of sexually transmitted infection. The statistics revealed the proper use of male condoms reduces the pregnancy rates in female partners by 2% per-year. The studies also demonstrated reduction of sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and HIV significantly. However, the protection has lesser extent against syphilis and human papilloma virus (HPV).

The rates of condom use are higher in developed nations with Japan being the leading country using condoms for contraception, followed by the UK and the USA. Up to 9 billion condoms are sold every year. In developing nations, the rate of condom utilisation can be as low as 6%.

In Asia, the use of a sheath at the glans penis, for the prevention of pregnancies were recorded even before the 15th century. In China, such sheaths are made of oiled paper and lamb intestines. In the late 16th century, the Dutch traders began to introduce condoms made from fine leather, intestines and bladder. Despite the condoms being available to the affluent societies, the selections of sizes of condoms during these periods were limited.

In 1855, the American founder of Goodyear Tire Company, Charles Goodyear discovered a way of vulcanisation of rubber. Such process allows the condom to be stretched and resist tearing when used. The development evolves to the present day condoms, typically made from latex and polyurethane with various thickness, roughness, sizes and even flavours.

Finding the right size condoms may be a big tricky and requires a great deal of honesty! If a condom is too small, it is obviously constrictive and uncomfortable, which can impair the male sexual performance. A small condom may also tear during vigorous penetration. If a condom is too big, it may result in slippage, causing leakage of semen during sexual intercourse. Trying to weed through different sizes from the range may be challenging and enjoyable; therefore self-sizing may not always be necessary.

For the perfectionist wanting to size up the asset, the most important of measurement for picking up the right condom is to take the measurement of the length and the girth of the erected penis. Men are usually advised to use a tape measure to size the penis from the base to the tip of a rigid penis, and taking the measurement of the width around the mid shaft.

A report from King’s College London examined 17 studies comprises of 15,000 men, revealed the average penis to have the length of 3.6 inches from the base to the tip, with the circumference measured around 3.7 inches when flaccid. When erect, the average man’s rigidity increases the measurement to 5.2 inches in length and 4.6 inches in circumference. Considering most condoms range from 6.5″ to 8.5″ in length and 3.8″ to 4.0″in girth, this is more than sufficient to protect the average men, even for some men who are slightly “compromised”.

When a young man is embarking on a journey of sex, it is not unusual to have challenges and self-doubts. Taking responsible measures in protecting oneself and the partner is the first step towards a responsible adulthood. The American Statesman and General, Colin Powell once said: “The Healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting above average effort”. Since, the vast majority of us has the average size penis, when Dr. G is asked about the important of sizing up the manhood for a snugging condom, his response is: “The healthiest attitude in safe sex is when a responsible average man win by putting above average effort in sex”. On that note, happy trying to get the right snug!