I am 14 and I have a 8 inch penis. My girlfriend and I have been experimenting with oral sex and handjobs. I started masterbating when i was 13. What condom size should I wear?

Penis length isn't really a factor when it comes to condom sizes: I can stretch even the smallest condoms over my forearm (and I used to teach kickboxing, so they're no tiny twigs). When someone began masturbating also has no relevance when it comes to penis size or condom size or type.

With nearly every brand of condoms, there are not a wide range of sizes: there doesn't really need to be, since penis size doesn't vary that much, and latex and polyurethane are very stretchy materials. For the most part, you're talking about three sizes: a snugger size, an average size and a larger size.

All of those sizes vary primarily in width (circumference), because fit in terms of width can be an issue. Sometimes men with wider penises will find that the ring size -- the width of the base of the condom -- is too snug, which, because some of the condom usually remains rolled up, can pinch, reduce sensation, contribute to condoms ripping or just not work well at all.

So, in terms of your width -- how big around your penis is, at the base, where it meets your pubic hair -- the average condom is around 100mm or so -- just under 4 inches -- in girth. If your girth is smaller than or just around four inches, average size condoms may slip off, and you will want to buy a condom that says it has a snugger or closer fit. If your girth is closer to or over six inches, you will want to buy condoms which state they have wider ring sizes, or which say they are for larger men. Too, some men with wider or larger penises find that polyurethane condoms or the female condom work better for them.

For most men, however, an average size condom will work just fine, and finding out what preferences you may have with condoms in terms of fit and comfort is just a matter of trying different brands until you find the condoms that you like the best.

Just be sure to remember that using a condom properly isn't just about finding one that fits perfect! It's also about making sure you put them on correctly, using extra latex safe lubricant with them (which also makes them feel better for everyone: a drop inside will make things feel best for you, and lube applied more generously to the outside makes it better for your partner), and most importantly, that they are used consistently -- every time, from start to finish.

Here are a few additional links for you both on condom use, and that should be pretty helpful when you're just entering into sexual partnership:

• Condom Basics: A User's Manual
• Reciprocity, Reloaded
• Ready or Not? The Scarleteen Sex Readiness Checklist
• Safe, Sound & Sexy: A Safer Sex How-To
• Hey, Boyfriend! Male Reproductive Choices
• 10 of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Sexual Self (at Any Age)