Condom Quality

Ways to measure condom quality:

There are a number of ways to measure condom quality including condom strength, elasticity (how much it stretches before it breaks), thickness, and effectiveness (in birth control and in preventing the spread of disease). They even use electrical impulse test to check for leaks. Each of these methods has their pros and cons. Without overstepping our breadth of knowledge we will describe each briefly and then give tips on how to make your condom use the most effective.

Condom Strength:

The strength of condoms can be measured in a couple of ways. One way that they are measured is burst pressure. The condoms are blown up like balloons and the pressure required to burst them is recorded. Higher burst pressures can indicate a stronger condom.

- Elasticity is the ability of the condom to stretch like a rubber band. Latex is highly elastic material. Other plastic materials can be stronger, but may not stretch as far before they break. Comparing latex to other plastics is similar to comparing a rubber band to a rope. A rope may be stronger than a rubber band. You make have to pull harder on a rope to break it, but you will have to pull a rubber band farther. Which is more important, strength or elasticity. We don’t know. At this point further information is required. For now we will continue to recommend latex condoms.

- Thicknes Thinner condoms, such as some condoms that claim improved sensitivity, generally score worse in strength tests than normal condoms. This is generally related to their decreased thickness. A thinner condom is generally weaker.
Some new condoms made from plastics other than latex promise improve strength and improved sensitivity. When we receive some reliable information about non-latex condoms we will post it here. At this time only manufacturers information is available. We will choose to wait for a third party opinion.

- Condom Age Some condoms may have problems. It is not unheard of for condoms to be defective or to age poorly. One thing to look for is condom that is slightly hard, does not roll smoothly, or may be brittle. If you come across a condom like this, throw it out and use a new one. Speaking from personal experience, don’t EVER have only one condom available because if that one condom is one of those brittle, hardened ones you are out of luck. Having a back up available is a good idea. To help prevent this, keep condoms in a cool place. Excess heat isn’t good for them. Also look at the expiration date on your condom packages. These things don’t last forever