2008 Woodie Awards
The best tactics for choosing prophylactics
Issue date: 3/27/08
Condoms have been in use for over 500 years, with latex condoms first appearing in 1912. With such a noble history, its no surprise that there are many varieties to choose from in 2008. Condoms are generally considered the easiest and cheapest form of contraceptives among college students, though the gap between condoms and the No. 2 choice, birth control medication, is tightening.
There are three main areas of condom-culture that yield opinions from condom users: styles and textures, brands and sizes.
One female student I spoke to claimed that "most girls have a favorite - and not just a favorite brand. They have a specific favorite type, with all five adjectives or whatever. We're all picky, but you usually don't hear about it because it's too much work to find specific condoms when you're a dumb guy." Sadly, this seems to be true. Too many college students settle for the most accessible and cheapest options, but there is certainly something to be said for the upscale, fancy types as well.
It's unfortunate that the size determination issue is not more frequently addressed.
The vast majority of condoms are generally the same size, but Trojan makes Magnum and Magnum XL sizes, and Durex makes an XXL version. Magnum ones aren't that much longer than a regular condom, but they are wider. Magnum XL, however, increase both the length and diameter of the condom - 30 percent larger, according to their Web site. Durex's XL also increases both size and length.
The differences which are often discussed, debated and sometimes argued about are the various brands. Nine out of the 11 people I spoke to mentioned their hatred for Lifestyles, unprompted. However, they are still used frequently, especially on college campuses, since they're cheap at drugstores and free at some clinics and in the dorms.
The Durex-Trojan debate can get pretty hot. Everything from the shape to the chemical composition of lubrication is up for discussion. Of the same 11 people, five were for Durex, and another five for Trojan. One student struck out on a limb and expressed a preference for Kimono. And as the expert, I cast my vote vehemently for Durex, which leaves us with a clear cut victory over Trojan's supposed monopoly.
There are three main areas of condom-culture that yield opinions from condom users: styles and textures, brands and sizes.
One female student I spoke to claimed that "most girls have a favorite - and not just a favorite brand. They have a specific favorite type, with all five adjectives or whatever. We're all picky, but you usually don't hear about it because it's too much work to find specific condoms when you're a dumb guy." Sadly, this seems to be true. Too many college students settle for the most accessible and cheapest options, but there is certainly something to be said for the upscale, fancy types as well.
It's unfortunate that the size determination issue is not more frequently addressed.
The vast majority of condoms are generally the same size, but Trojan makes Magnum and Magnum XL sizes, and Durex makes an XXL version. Magnum ones aren't that much longer than a regular condom, but they are wider. Magnum XL, however, increase both the length and diameter of the condom - 30 percent larger, according to their Web site. Durex's XL also increases both size and length.
The differences which are often discussed, debated and sometimes argued about are the various brands. Nine out of the 11 people I spoke to mentioned their hatred for Lifestyles, unprompted. However, they are still used frequently, especially on college campuses, since they're cheap at drugstores and free at some clinics and in the dorms.
The Durex-Trojan debate can get pretty hot. Everything from the shape to the chemical composition of lubrication is up for discussion. Of the same 11 people, five were for Durex, and another five for Trojan. One student struck out on a limb and expressed a preference for Kimono. And as the expert, I cast my vote vehemently for Durex, which leaves us with a clear cut victory over Trojan's supposed monopoly.
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