When used properly, condoms can be a relatively cheap and easy form of contraception. However, all of the different brands out there beg the questions "What's the difference? And which one's best?"
Lucky for us, a handy little tool called Consumer Reports doesn’t just rate cars and computers - it rates condoms too! Based on research gained from extensive sampling and testing, the general public can now determine the best condom for them based on their own personal needs. The following conclusions were made based on information printed by Consumer Reports, as well as editorial content gleaned from user feedback.
There are two categories for top condoms: most effective at preventing pregnancy and most desensitizing. In the first category, Durex Extra Sensitive condoms emerged as the strongest during a test in which condoms are filled with air until they explode (wouldn't that be a sight to see?). Durex Extra Sensitive condoms are also 20% thinner than standard condoms, and are affordable for most individuals ($13 for a box of 12).
The best condom when it comes to sensitivity is Trojan Extended Pleasure. This brand is made with climax-control elements to sustain sex, which is intended to make the act more enjoyable for women. The reservoir tip actually contains benzocaine, a dull numbing agent, to slow the whole process down and give the female more time to climax. It also aids men in controlling issues related to premature ejaculation. Users have reported that Trojan Extended Pleasure works exactly as advertised and has facilitated longer love making – and a box of 12 costs just as much as its Durex alternative.
Of course, these aren’t the only quality condoms out there. Close runners-up include Kimono Micro Thin, Trojan Ultra Pleasure, Trojan Supra, Naturalamb, Pleasure Plus, Inspiral, and Durex Performax. When choosing a brand, focus on the strength ratings, which can be retrieved from Consumer Reports online. These scores will indicate a particular brand's ability to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of STDs.
Keep your eye on the expiration date on a box of condoms as well, as this can have a huge effect on their performance. They usually expire about two years after they are made, but this time period can shrink considerably if they’re exposed to extreme heat or cold, such as in a car or pocket. And remember, like any other item, once you find a brand that works for you consider buying an economy pack to save money.
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Shaina Gaul is a feminist and freelance writer living in Iowa. View more of her writing at http://www.couchSpud.net.