T O P I C R E V I E W
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 07-13-2012 02:20 PM
I want to buy condoms soon as a back-up along with the pill, as the condoms I have now (Trojan Magnum Large: Naked Sensations) are expired. I never had to shop around for condoms before, as my partner would have them or my university's health centre gave them out for free and I trusted that selection (the above brand). But, there are so many different brands and types of condoms out there; and I want to make the right purchase. After some research, I want a latex brand and would also like to stick with the Trojan brand above. I would like some user experiences and input on what brands are reliable; and I've read that there are "one size fits all" condoms - is that true? Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it!
Heather
Member # 3
posted 07-13-2012 02:28 PM
Well, no one condom is going to feel great for every wearer. I mean, technically, pretty much all condoms are one-size-fits-all, but kind of in the same way that tights or other clothing sized that way fit: they'll fit loads of people comfortable, but plenty of other people not so comfortably. Really, what I've always liked to do myself when buying condoms when I didn't have one partner, or didn't have a partner with preferences, is to buy sample packs, where you get a variety of brands and styles, or styles from one brand, should you like one given brand. You can get boxes of condoms like that at plenty of pharmacies, and online condom stores tend to sell more expanded variety packs. Just FYI, you can always look up Consumer Reports for any given year for many things, including condoms. On the whole, condoms effectiveness isn't that different from brand to brand: it's really more about proper storage and user-use than brands.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 07-13-2012 05:49 PM
Hi Heather! Thank you so much for answering my questions! It's good to think of condoms as tights - that comparison really helped me better understand how they work or feel. I ended up buying a Trojan brand similar to the one I had before; but I was just overwhelmed by the array of different brands and styles. It's so intimidating! I followed your advice and looked for sample packs; but the only one I saw there did not really meet my needs (I wanted large ones and not ultra-thin, and didn't want hot or cold or flavoured ones). I actually saw some that said they "only protected against pregnancy and not against HIV or STI's"... How is that even possible? I put that pack down fast! Thank you so much for your help! You are such an empathetic and helpful person!
Heather
Member # 3
posted 07-13-2012 06:04 PM
That pack was probably made of animal product, not latex or polyurethane. Those are the kind that don't offer STI protection. Also, not sure if not wanting ultra-thin is a sensation preference, but just in case you don't know, thinner condoms aren't less effective than thicker ones. In fact, because they reduce friction rather than increase it -- as a thicker material will -- they potentially may be less likely to break or split. (And cheers for such lovely compliments!)
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-05-2012 09:55 PM
Hi! My partner and I used these condoms for the first time, but he had trouble penetrating because he said the material was slipping. I was just wondering: how durable are condoms, anyway? The box said they were "tested three times" for stability or endurance or holes; but he was trying pretty hard. He told me it didn't break and I'm not too worried since I haven't missed a pill... It's just that it was our first time with condoms and I'd like to know from people who have used them how sturdy they are. He hates condoms; but we both want to use them for vaginal sex. I know he didn't ejaculate until later; so again, this is more of a "how strong are they?" and not a risk assessment question. I'm afraid to even handle the package for fear that they would get holes. Is there any way to make condoms "less slippery?" I kind of thought they'd do the opposite; especially since I'm on the pill and I have thicker discharge on average.
Karybu
Member # 20094
posted 08-06-2012 12:27 AM
Condoms are fairly strong, and it takes a sharp fingernail or something like a pin to put a hole in them. Normal handling of the package isn't going to do any damage. I'm not sure what you mean by "less slippery" - is it the lube on the outside of the condom causing problems, or is it that the condom is slipping around on him too much?
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-07-2012 01:14 PM
Thank you so much! That is a relief to hear! I also store them in a dark and dry place in a bag, so they're out of direct light. I'm honestly not sure - I think the material on the condom itself made penetration difficult. I think it was the lube on the outside of the condom; not that it didn't fit him properly.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 08-07-2012 06:19 PM
Did it feel too slippery, or too dry?
superstars
Member # 96428
posted 08-11-2012 03:40 AM
there are loads of condoms out there and its down to prefrence for me I like the ultra thin types
Ginseng05
Member # 95785
posted 10-15-2012 09:55 AM
Yeah, I picked up free condoms recently and when my boyfriend put one of them on he said that it was too small. He got it to fit over but I guess it was really tight, so we have to go condom shopping together now so that we can find a kind that fits and that we both like.