You'd think that having an extra thick condom would make you extra safe, but that's not true. It's actually a combination of things that determine the safety of a condom.
Many things can make a condom weaker. Something that you may not have known about. I'm going to give you some tips on making sure you do not reduce the effectiveness of the condom.
Recommended Read: Condoms 101: Everything You Need to Know
I will also tell you about the most reliable condom, the strongest thin condom, and the thickest condom.
You need to protect yourself from STDs and pregnancy. That is why making sure you do not reduce the effectiveness of a condom is so essential.
Here are a few tips for you.
Expiration Dates
Expiration dates matter. It can be found printed on each individual package. There may be a manufactured date printed, but there should also be an expiration date.
61% of people never knew that there are expiration dates on each condom wrapper.
Most condoms are made of latex that degrades after some time. Each condom manufacturer has tested how long that period is. They then put an expiration date on the package.
Suppose you use a condom that has expired. The latex is considerably weaker and puts you at a greater risk of condom breaking.
Storage
Storage matters. Store your condom correctly. Do not place condoms in your wallet. If it's in your wallet all day, it's permanently exposed to your body heat every day.
Condoms are made of latex that cannot get too warm because the latex will degrade. Do not store your condoms in direct sunlight either, such as on your dresser right under your window.
The safest place to keep your condom is in a cool, dry spot, such as a dresser drawer.
Lubricants
Make sure you're using condom-safe lubricants. Condoms are easily damaged by oil-based lubricants, like petroleum jelly, which degrades the latex.
Instead, water-based lubricants should be used.
On the other hand, natural lubrication can be a problem (anal sex practicing, vaginal dryness, etc.). In those cases, the increased friction can also increase the chances of condom breakage.
Here you have a short selection of lubricants that can be of interest:
Pink Water - Water-Based Personal Lubricant
$9.99
$12.99
PINK Water: A Long-Lasting lube that never gets sticky PINK Water is our high-quality purified H2O-Based Lube that feels amazingly like your own natural moisture. Condomanics LOVE Pink Water Lube because it's... Unscented Safe for all Toys Paraben-Free Flavor-Free, Glycerin Free… Read More
Swiss Navy Water-Based Lubricant
$13.99
$15.99
Swiss Navy Premium Water-Based Lubricant Looking for a premium water-based lube that lasts longer and feels better? Swiss Navy Water-Based Lubricant is the answer! Here are some reasons why you'll want to add this lube to your bedroom essentials: 🌊… Read More
Use Correctly
Lastly, be sure you are using the condom correctly. If you'd like to read more about using a condom, click here!
When condoms are advertised as extra-thick, that alone doesn't make them extra safe.
You need to follow the above tips for a condom to be as effective as possible. Without following the steps above, any condom will be less effective, even the extra thick kind.
If you are looking for added protection, I would suggest following the above tips and purchasing one of the three condoms that I will talk about below.
Strongest Thin Condom
First, let's look at the strongest thin condom out there. You know those condoms that advertise their thinness and natural feeling?
Crown Skinless Skin Ultra-Thin Condoms
$5.49
$7.99
Crown Skinless Skin Condoms: Like Riding Bareback! The super-strong Japanese latex used in the Crown Skinless Skin Condom is the closest to wearing nothing at all you’ll find. At only .05mm thin, these condoms provide the most natural feel without… Read More
Do they ever make you a little leery? Well, me too. I did a little bit of research on which "thinnest" condom is the thickest.
While there are thinner condoms out there, Crown Skinless Skin condoms have been voted number one for 15 years for safety and feel.
Thicker Condoms
Sometimes, men just can't help themselves and have issues with early ejaculation. Especially if it's your first time. That's why there are extra-thick condoms to help you out with that.
Extra thick condoms reduce the feeling to help you not ejaculate too early. I've researched the thickest condoms and found that Lifestyle Extra Strength condoms are the thickest condoms.
These not only help with early ejaculation but can also provide extra protection against STDs and pregnancy.
LifeStyles 'Tough' Extra Strength Condoms
$7.99
$10.99
LifeStyles Extra Strength Condoms Introducing LifeStyles 'Tough' Condoms - Because Strong and Safe is Sexy! Are you ready to take your intimate adventures to the next level? Look no further than LifeStyles 'Tough' Condoms, the ultimate armor for your pleasure… Read More
They are also safer for anal sex. Anal sex causes more friction and can break condoms easier than vaginal sex. That is why it's best to use thick condoms when performing anal sex.
Most Reliable Condoms
Consumers Union did a test to find the most reliable condom on the market.
They tested 20 of the top condom brands. Condoms are typically tested by inflating them with 17 or 18 liters of air for test breakage. For Consumer Unions' test, they inflated the condoms to 25 liters.
They found three condom brands did not break in 500 to 600 tries; Lifestyles, Trojan, and Durex. They all proved to be about equally reliable.