Is it possible to have a penis that’s too small for a condom?

Dear Reader, 

What do penises and snowflakes have in common? No two are exactly alike! The short and sweet answer to your question is: yes, if a condom is too large, it’s possible for it to slip off. If this happens, it may increase you and your partner’s risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. A condom that is too loose can also interfere with pleasure and sensation, which can make it harder (no pun intended) to get or maintain an erection.  

Many condom brands provide information on the length and width of their products. Getting to know your own measurements can help you find a fit that works and feels best for you. Using a ruler or measuring tape along the top of the shaft, you’ll want to measure from where the erect penis joins the body to the tip of the head for length. For circumference or girth, you can wrap a piece of string around the thickest part of your erect penis and then measure the string on the same ruler or measuring tape you used to check the length. To find the width, divide the girth measurement by 3.14 (also known as pi). This is sometimes indicated as the “nominal width” on condom packaging.  

Bigger isn’t always better—or even true at all! Studies have found that men tend to underestimate the size of their penises when comparing themselves to other men. Although most men believe that the average erect penis is longer than six inches, the mean length of an erect penis is likely closer to 5.1 to 5.5 inches. “Standard” condom sizes fit best for penises that are five to seven inches long, with a girth of four to five inches. It’s helpful to remember that condoms are supposed to be tight but not uncomfortable. When worn, they should also have a little extra space at the tip to collect semen.  

Condoms that fit penises which are larger or smaller than this standard size are also commonly sold. This includes condoms that fit micropenises. Those with micropenises have a rare condition that causes an adult stretched penile length (SPL) to measure less than 3.67 inches from tip to base when gently stretched.  

If you lose your erection while wearing a condom (a common occurrence for many folks), it’s best to take the condom off and roll on a new one once your penis is hard again. If the condom breaks or slips off and your partner(s) has the possibility of becoming pregnant and isn’t on another form of birth control, emergency contraception may help to prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sex.  

Even if penis size isn’t your dilemma, it could be someone else’s, so thank you for asking!