Scarleteen

So I need to get some condoms for the first time and I went on a website that said I need some called mysize 47mm. I'm in U.K. and can't find this brand anywhere but really don't want to order online. Can I just buy the durex ones in the shops???

Hi Andy,

Yep, the condoms you can find in the shops will work just fine. If you're concerned about them fitting correctly, you can try buying a few different sizes to give you some options. You may also find our map to the condom aisle helpful: Your Map to the Condom Aisle

Ok thanks, the ones I've found are mainly 56mm so I'll try some of those ones.

You're welcome!

Does anyone else have any thoughts?

I would suggest the same thing as Sam did: to try a few different brands and sizes, to see what fits you and feels right on you. A condom should fit around the erect penis snugly and firmly, without feeling uncomfortable. (Extra room in the length is fine; width is what should be snug.) If it stays on well and feels alright, it's likely fine for you. If it's uncomfortable or it doesn't stay on properly, you'd be better off trying different brands and sizes until you find some that are right for you.

Usually, various different condoms will be absolutely fine for a person. There's definitely no need to try to find only one particular brand that a website told you was the right one for you: trying different brands and fits that are available in shops where you are is fine.

Is there something else that you're needing, when you ask for more thoughts?

I just thought the recommended ones are quite a bit smaller than the shop ones so I wanted to understand how much difference there is I guess.

And I've heard it's all to do with how thick you are?

Yes, condom size is about how thick the penis is (when it's erect). Condoms have a ring around the open end, and the size difference is about how large or small that ring is.

There isn't a super-big difference between the different sizes of condom, and most people will find that an average size works fine for them. Some people, though, will find the average size is too large or too small: if the condom is uncomfortable or it doesn't stay on properly. The only way to know for sure is to actually try on a condom yourself - although, of course, estimates can be a helpful suggestion for which size to try first.

Smaller-sized condoms may sometimes be described as "snug" on the packaging, rather than being described as "small".

Did you know you can get condoms for free from lots of different places in the UK, rather than having to buy them? That might help you out, because then you could get a selection of different condoms, rather than buying a whole packet of the same and maybe being concerned that it'd be a waste if they're not right for you. Brook is a really great sexual health and information service for UK under-25s; this is their list for where you can get free condoms: https://www.brook.org.uk/your-life/condoms#how-to-get

I've measured and I'm 4.5 inches long and almost 4 inches around. Do you think the regular durex ones will be ok? Or should I try to find snug ones

Hi Andy!

I would recommend getting both and trying them.

Thanks, it's just I'm trying to get a feel for how I compare to other guys coz I'm not really sure.

Hi Andy,
If you're wondering how you compare size-wise to other people, this article can help you get a better sense of that: Shown Actual Size: A Penis Shape & Size Lowdown

I know it sounds weird but I'd really appreciate more opinions rather than links to masses of info that's hard to get my head round!

No worries! From the size you've given us, you right around the average length and size, which means you've got the same penis size as lots and lots of other guys (which means the standard condom size will likely fit fine, but as Jacob mentioned there's no harm in buying two sizes and seeing which fits better).

Brilliant thanks, the shops near me don't really sell snug ones so it's good to know the regular ones will be good. Thanks!!