Dear Anne
My sex life is non-existent and I'd like to enjoy having some sex in my life. However, I don't want to have sex without protection but condoms are way too big for me. I think the EU standard is a diameter of 52mm at the base, and the smallest I've been able to find is 49mm but this is still too big. What should I do? Dom
Dear Dom
Thank you for your letter. It's nice to know that you're going about your love-life intelligently and with thought for your own and your partner's protection.
Condoms do come in different sizes. You could write to the manufacturers and ask for some in your size. Or you could ask your partner if she'd be happy with the female condom. I'm told it is possible to use these with male partners too. For protection against sexually transmited diseases, this would be an equally good solution. For protection against pregnancy, condoms should be used in conjunction with a spermicidal cream or jelly as they are not 100% reliable. Knowing someone's sexual history is a good idea before you start a sexual relationship. If you know a female partner is healthy, she could use a Dutch cap, but this needs to be fitted at a clinic. These also need to be used with a spermicide.
I hope that soon you and your partner are enjoying a fulfilling relationship, sexually and otherwise. Good luck!
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