FACT SHEET: Does condom size really matter?

Understanding why an expanded range of condom sizes can increase pleasure, acceptability,
and use of condoms. Key implications for public health.

Penis length and width varies a lot, but current condoms available on the U.S. market do
not cover a large range of men.

A 2008 study of 820 men from all 50 states found erect penis lengths ranged from 50 to
260 millimeters (1.97 to 10.24 inches) and circumferences ranged from 30 to 190
millimeters (1.18 to 7.28 inches). The mean length was 141.4 mm (5.57 inches) and
mean circumference was 122.2 mm (4.81 inches).1
In a sample of 1,661 men in the United States, the mean erect penile length ranged from
40 to 260mm (1.57 to 10.24). The mean erect penile circumference ranged from 30 to
190 mm (1.18 to 7.48). The mean length was 141.5mm (5.57) and mean
circumference was 122.3mm (4.81).2
A 2015 analysis of penis length from studies around the world involving 15,521 men
found the average length of an erect penis to be 131.2 mm (5.16) and the average
circumference to be 116.6 mm (4.59). 3
Prior to myONE Perfect Fit condoms launching the U.S., the minimum required
condom length set by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) was 170 mm
(6.69 inches)with the introduction of myONE, condoms will be available starting at
125mm (4.92) inches. The allowed condom width set by ASTM prior to myONE was
47-57mm (1.85 to 2.24 inches). MyONE widths will range from 45-64mm (1.77 to 2.52
inches).

Average Penis Pre-myONE

myONE Size Range
Measurement USA Standard

140mm 170mm - 210mm 125mm - 208mm

Length
(5.5) (6.69 - 8.27) (4.92 - 8.19)

51.5mm 47mm - 57mm 45mm - 64mm

Width (2.03) (1.85 - 2.24) (1.77 - 2.52)

See page 5 for a visual representation of myONE sizes versus ASTM standards and
currently available condoms.

1
Reece M, Herbenick D, Sanders SA, et al. Breakage, slippage and acceptability outcomes of a condom fitted to penile dimensions.
Journal of Sex Transm Infect. 2008; 84 (2):143-149.
2
Herbenick D, Reece M, Schick V, and Sanders SA. Erect penile length and circumference dimensions of 1,661 sexually active men
in the United States. J Sex Med 2014;11:93101.
3 Veale D, Miles S, Bramley S, et al. Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis

length and circumference in up to 15,521 men. BJU International 2015; 115(6): 978-986.

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Nonuse of condoms often is the result of not having a condom that properly fits.
A study conducted by Australian researchers found 5 major factors why men report
dissatisfaction with condoms, all regarding the condom not fitting properly:
Condom was too loose.
Condom broke.
Condoms slipped off penis.
Condom was too tight.
Condom was too short.4
In the study conducted by Australian researchers, they found: Of the condoms used in
this study, nearly one in 5 was described as either too loose, too tight or too short.
This high prevalence of a perception of poor fit and its impact on mens liking for
condoms underlines the need for a more comprehensive range of condoms to be
made available.
Men with poorly fitted condoms have more difficulty with orgasm for them and their
partners with reduced pleasure for both partners. Men with poorly fitted condoms have
more difficulty with erection and are more likely to remove their condom prematurely.5 If
a condom is removed prematurely, the condom loses its effectiveness in preventing
unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
A 2006 study found men are more likely to experience condom-associated erection loss
if they lack confidence to use condoms correctly. More than one-half of the participants
(53%) in the study indicated their loss of erection was due to problems with fit or feel.6
Researchers from Hunter Colleges Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training
(CHEST) surveyed nearly 500 gay and bisexual men, finding that variation in self-
reported penile dimensions was significantly associated with men's attitudes toward the
typical/average condom, difficulty finding condoms that fit, and the experience of
condom breakage. Researchers found only 38.7% of men reported that finding
condoms that fit their penis is easy. 7

See 7 Signs Youre Using the Wrong Size Condom on page 6.

Research also shows that men who wear condoms that do not fit properly are more likely
to report slippage and breakage of the condom.
In controlled, event-specific, analyses of 436 men, those reporting ill-fitting condoms
(44.7%) were significantly more likely to report breakage and slippage. 8
The CHEST survey found: 42.2% of respondents reported condom slippage during sex,
and almost a third (31.7%) reported condom breakage in the previous three months.
Those who experienced slippage and/or breakage were more likely to indicate that
condoms feel too tight.

4 Smith AM, et al. Factors affecting mens liking of condoms they have used. Int J of STD and AIDS 1999; 10: 258-262
5 RA Crosby et el. Does it fit okay? Problems with condom fit as a function of self-reported poor fit. Sex Transm Infect 2010 86:
36-38.
6
Graham CA et al. Erection loss in association with condom use among young men attending a public STI clinic: potential correlates
and implications for risk behaviour. J of Sex Health. 2006; 3(4):255-260.
7
Grov C et al. Self-reported penis size and experiences with condoms among gay and bisexual men. Arch Sex Behav. 2013;42(2):
313-322
8 Crosby RA et al. Does it fit okay? Problems with condom fit as a function of self-reported poor fit. Sex Transm Infect 2010;86:

36-38.

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 In a larger condom study conducted by Indiana University researchers of 820 men, who
used nearly 6,000 condoms, compared TheyFit condoms to standard-size condoms. Key
findings included:
Breakage for fitted condoms (0.7%) was significantly less than for standard-sized
condoms (1.4%).
For anal intercourse, total breakage with fitted condoms was approximately one-
fifth that of standard-sized condoms (1.2% versus 5.6%).
Complete slippage of fitted condoms during anal insertion was significantly less
(0.8%) than for standard-sized condoms (1.1%).
Breakage for fitted condoms was significantly less for men with long penises
(>160 mm) for both vaginal (0.5% versus 2.5%) and anal (3.0% versus 9.8%)
intercourse.9

Using a condom that fits helps increase acceptability of condoms.

In a large condom study of 820 men, conducted by Indiana University, users of fitted
condoms were much more likely to personally purchase or recommend to a friend to
purchase a fitted condom over a standard condom. Men having anal sex expressed
significantly higher levels of confidence in efficacy of the fitted condom as compared to a
standard condom.10

Years of TheyFit data and customer feedback show fitted condoms increase
acceptability, comfort and use.
The European brand TheyFit, which has provided custom-fit condoms for years,
regularly evaluates customer feedback through surveys. As of February 2015:
92% of respondents rated TheyFit as better than other condoms.
96% would recommend TheyFit to a friend.
93% consider themselves more likely to use condoms, as a result of TheyFit.
Years of customer reviews from TheyFit customers also highlight the importance of
providing condoms that have proper fit. Examples:

At 44 years old I've had a happy and varied sex lifebut this is the first time I have ever
had satisfying sex with a condom on. I had thought I hated condoms, when it turns out I
just hate condoms that don't fitI will definitely be ordering more soon. My wife also
thanks you!

Being slightly smaller than average I needed something that didn't slipstandard
condoms had too much excess at bottom. I found the exact size I needed and it's
perfect, no movement at all and even makes me feel a bit bigger rolling the full lot down
my shaft! Thanks!"

9
Reece M, Herbenick D, Sanders SA, et al. Breakage, slippage and acceptability outcomes of a condom fitted to penile dimensions.
Journal of Sex Transm Infect. 2008; 84 (2):143-149.
10 Same as above.

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 Reviews continued:

Being on the larger scale I have always struggled to fit into condoms found in shops
even XL condoms and King size were no use to me. But when I was told about TheyFit I
thought I had to try it. They really are truly amazing and I can now enjoy sex without my
condom being too tight. Thanks TheyFit!

I have never found a condom that truly fitted until I found you. Thank you!

This product is the best thing ever invented. I always had trouble in the past getting
condoms that fitted perfectly and searched everywhere for different types. Theyfit
condoms have a feeling like no other and almost feel like having nothing on. I myself
know that typical condoms don't feel great and I have had unprotected sex due to
this."

My previous condoms had often felt too tight, which meant that I lost sensation or they
were even painful to wear if I didn't roll them on just right. Being able to measure myself
and order some to match my width has been great.

I just assumed condoms were supposed to be tight and difficult to roll on, especially the
ring at the base, and that wearing a condom meant you wouldn't feel much. It's not really
something you ask your friends about, so I didn't know for ageseventually I discovered
that my girth was the issue, but large over the counter condoms were not much
different. Measuring up to the right size has made so much difference with the sensation
that I feel during sex, and they are really easy to roll on. They also feel more secure as
they roll right to the bottom of my erection.

Measured-to-fit condoms also have implications for public health.

In the peer-reviewed published study of 820 men, conducted by Indiana University,
researchers concluded: Fitted condoms may be valuable to sexually transmitted
infection prevention efforts, particularly for men with larger penile dimensions. That
fitted condoms slipped more for some men provides insights into the need for unique
educational materials to accompany such products. Findings also highlight the need
for participatory approaches between public health, condom manufacturers, and
the retail industry to integrate fitted products into our work successfully.11
In a study of 1065 gay and bisexual men from 2012 found men with above average
penises reported significantly higher incidence of viral skin-to-skin STIs, specifically
HSV-2 and HPV. In essence, although when compared with other men, men with above
average penises reported similar rates of condom use, and statistically similar numbers
of sex partners, improper condom fit (i.e., not being able to roll the condom all the way
down), breakage, or irritation (caused by wearing a condom that may be too tight) may
be exposing some men to skin-to-skin STIs. 12

11
Same as above.
12Grov C, Parsons J, Bimbi D, The Association Between Penis Size and Sexual Health Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Arch
Sex Behav 2010; 788797

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 CHARTS: Current condoms do not cover a majority of men

Before the launch of myONE in the U.S. and the expanded range of condom sizes:
The pre-myONE American standards (ASTM standards) for both length and
width do not cover a large range of men.
Most condoms currently available on the U.S. market do not cover the vast range
of penis size.
MyONE sizes will properly fit about 80 percent of condom purchasers. Another 10
percent will find a substantially improved fit over regular condoms.

The charts below use sales data of TheyFit condoms from Dec. 2011 through April 2016.

Condom Length - myONE vs.Previous Standards and Currently Available Condoms

18%

14%
Percent of Customers

9%

5%
myONE

Former ASTM Standard

Most
Condoms
0%
J A L I E B S M O N D Z U G
myONE Length Codes

Condom Width - myONE vs.Previous Standards and Currently Available Condoms

18%

14%
Percent of Customers

9%

5%

myONE

Former ASTM Standard

Most Condoms

0%
33 44 55 66 77 88 99 11 17 21 22 31
myONE Width Codes

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