Relations between penile dimensions and perceptions of condom fit and feel

Background: HIV prevention workers continue to focus on increasing consistent condom use among sexually active individuals. However, both anecdotal reports and previous research indicate that some men remain resistant to condoms and assert that they do not fit properly or feel comfortable. Methods: A total of 1,594 adult men from 50 U.S. states provided two measures each of erect penile length and erect penile circumference and completed the Condom Fit and Feel Scale, a measure of men's perceptions regarding the fit and feel of condoms they have used over their lifetime. The univariate general linear method was used to establish parameter estimates and model relations between penile dimensions and perceptions of condom fit and feel. Results: Significant relations between penile dimensions and perceptions of condom fit and feel existed, particularly for those men who more strongly reported condoms being “too long” (p = .004), condoms being “too short” (p = .000), condoms being “too loose” (p = .047), and condoms being “too tight” (p =.000). Conclusions: These analyses are among first to provide empirical documentation of the relations between bivariate penile dimensions (length and circumference) and men's perceptions of condom fit and feel. These findings have important implications for condom manufacturers, distributors, and those who provide sexual health programs and clinical services. Men who complain about condom fit and feel may benefit from an assessment of their condom-related concerns and from assistance with finding condoms more consistent with their penile dimensions that they may find better fitting and more comfortable.