Experiences of Condom Fit and Feel Among Men in Five European Nations

Background: Findings from recent studies in the United States indicate that substantial proportions of men report problems with the fit and feel of condoms. These perceived problems have been found to be associated with actual penis size and non-use of condoms. Information on condom fit and feel in international settings is lacking.

Methods: The research project was conducted by researchers in the U.S. in collaboration with a range of community partners in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain. Researchers developed an internet-based survey instrument, including The Condom Fit and Feel Scale, which was translated from English into the official language of each nation. A total of 2239 men completed the survey. For comparative purposes, random sub-samples of 100 men were drawn from each nation and analyzed using multivariate techniques.

Results: A substantial number of men reported a variety of problems with the fit and feel of condoms. In particular, men in the Netherlands were least likely to report that condoms fit fine (p<.001) and most likely to report that condoms were too short (p<.001) and too tight (p<.001). Men in Spain were most likely to report that condoms were too long (p<.01).

Discussion: The fit and feel issues identified in this sample may be contribute to their likelihood of using, or not using, condoms consistently and correctly. A better understanding of fit and feel factors will be beneficial to condom manufacturers and health professionals who seek to increase condom use for sexual health promotion, particularly those in the Netherlands.