# Sensation Loss as a Result of Condoms: Doper Guys, I Ask for Advice **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 28, 2003, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903 "2003-05-28T00:06:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Orange\_Skinner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3be4f8/32.png) [@Orange\_Skinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orange_Skinner)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/1 "2003-05-28T00:06:41Z")
Considering the very nature of a condom, it seems very logical that sensation is going to be inhibited at least a little as a result of wearing one. Coating anything in a layer of latex is bound to cause the loss of at least _some_ feeling. What I was wondering was this: compared with, well, “condomless” sex, how much sensation _is_ lost? In your experience, which brands of condoms seem to keep this loss at a minimum? ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/2 "2003-05-28T00:30:44Z")
I’m not sure how to quantify “sensation loss”. Also, depending on how old you are, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. 🙂 As for brands, my experience is that the ultra-thin brands which are supposed to maximize sensation also break more easily. Something to keep in mind… ---
**Author:** ![easy\_e](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/eb8c5e/32.png) [@easy\_e](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/easy_e)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/3 "2003-05-28T01:02:44Z")
I am not a guy, but I would think that sex with a condom would be better than no sex at all (which, depending on your partner, may be your only alternative). I hear that putting a little bit of lube inside the condom before putting it on is supposed to help. Also, there are polyurethane condoms which are thinner than latex, which are also supposed to help with sensation. ---
**Author:** ![kevja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/aeb1de/32.png) [@kevja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kevja)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/4 "2003-05-28T01:04:10Z")
The sensation loss is not that big a deal compared to “comdomless” sex. And yeah, I’ve had a lot of experiece. Always have safe sex. You’ll never regret it. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/5 "2003-05-28T01:36:56Z")
My suggestion is to try a few different brands and see what suits you best. Regular Trojans didn’t do the trick for me, neither did Durex, but the Lifestyles ultra sensitive were pretty good. As much as the thinness matters, so does the fit, so buy a variety of singles or 3 packs and go find your favorite condom! ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/6 "2003-05-28T02:03:20Z")
Kimono Microthins. Great feeling (as good as condoms can be) and tough little fuckers too \. I’ve yet to have one break on me. ---
**Author:** ![scott\_evil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@scott\_evil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scott_evil)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/7 "2003-05-28T03:00:42Z")
Another vote for the Lifestyles ultra sensitive (they come in a gray box up here). But then again, I use them with (on?) my boyfriend-husband-guy. :eek: 😛 ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/8 "2003-05-28T03:34:39Z")
I’ll say that it is a noticible difference, but after having to go through the long, never fun in any way, process of an abortion, I can say that in no way is it worth the consequences that can result from it. Trojans are not that good, they are too thick, and have a very stong latex smell. I used them for the longest time because I prefer the magnum sized, the regular sized ones were a little snug and actually very difficult to put on. But now I use the large version of the Kimono Microthins…still not quite as big as I like, but the better feeling and less latex smell is worth it. ---
**Author:** ![stuyguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/9 "2003-05-28T04:51:20Z")
To steal a line from the musical _Anything Goes_: **bouv** ain’t testifying. He’s advertising. [Grinny] ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/10 "2003-05-28T05:00:18Z")
37.4% sensation lost, according to the latest readings from my penometer. Usually use Durex or Trojans. Durex feel a little better and although one has never broken on me, they seem like they would break more easily than Trojans. ---
**Author:** ![OxyMoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@OxyMoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OxyMoron)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/11 "2003-05-28T14:19:50Z")
Another possibility is the Avanti, which is made from polyurethane instead of latex and seems to transmit heat better. The disadvantages is that they’re much more expensive than regular condoms, and anecdotally at least they seem less reliable for buttsex (latex stretches better). Consequently, some folks I know at the New York Blood Center informally recommended that gay boys _not_ use them - but if you’re mainly engaging in vaginal sex, that’s not so much of a problem. ---
**Author:** ![MeanJoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanjoe/32/5693_2.png) [@MeanJoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanJoe)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/12 "2003-05-28T15:25:29Z")
I think there is a significant difference but it has been so long since I’ve used one I couldn’t make a fair comparison now. I think the two biggest factors are wet and warm. You can fix the wet with a couple drops of lube inside the condom before putting it on. Warm probably has to do with thickness of the condom and I have not used them in so long I can’t comment on what, if any, brands help with this. For the record, I’m married and don’t use condoms anymore. When I was dating it was normal to use them. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/13 "2003-05-28T15:28:31Z")
It’s like having a bath with your shoes on. ---
**Author:** ![JohnBckWLD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d6d6ee/32.png) [@JohnBckWLD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnBckWLD)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/14 "2003-05-28T16:40:29Z")
Trojan makes a Supra Microsheen Poly Condom. They don’t smell like a Dr.'s glove and as mentioned above, have better 2-way heat transmission. The used to mail free samples when you went on their website or called their 800# on the package, but that well over a year ago. ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/15 "2003-05-28T17:11:09Z")
I can’t feel a damn thing with a condom on. Once upon a time there was a very embarrassing moment when I asked: > [@](#): > > Is it in yet? :::::::long silence:::::::: her reply: > [@](#): > > You know,… I swore to myself many many years ago that I’d never say that to a man. Ever. It never occurred to me I’d end up on the _receiving_ end! ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/16 "2003-05-28T17:16:47Z")
**easy e** > [@](#): > > I am not a guy, but I would think that sex with a condom would be better than no sex at all Nope. I’ll do “just cuddles” or put on a bit of fingerplay, but I won’t do condoms. ---
**Author:** ![Tomcat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Tomcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tomcat)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/17 "2003-05-28T17:35:08Z")
I’m close to **Ahunter3** in this. After having to use them again for the past year, I HATE CONDOMS. I won’t go so far as to choose nothing, but I definitely lean towards oral or handwork vs. condoms. Wifecat and I have to use them now that she is nursing and doesn’t want to go back on the pill, but I mainly do it for her. This can also be a bad thing because it can take me forever to come with a condom and she can get uncomfortable. I can’t stand condoms. I use the ultra-thins with extra lube both on the inside and out, but there is still a huge difference in feeling. They don’t sell the magnums here, which I tried awhile ago and they seemed better (more room to slide around in?). But ugh, I can’t wait to go back to natural. -Tcat ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/18 "2003-05-28T19:31:23Z")
I thought I’d chime in with MrWhatsit’s take on this issue. He definitely prefers condomless sex, but has found a brand of condom that he can at least tolerate. They’re called Okiedos, and I think they’re Swedish. We get them at the Rubber Rainbow, which is a condom specialty store here in Seattle. Tried Kimonos, tried Avantis, tried pretty much every brand on the market, and he thinks Okiedos are far and away the best. Also have never had one break. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/19 "2003-05-28T19:37:11Z")
It’s a world of difference. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Griffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e480ec/32.png) [@Peter\_Griffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Griffin)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903/20 "2003-05-28T19:41:28Z")
Uncomfortable is the nicest way I can put it. Actually to me condoms suck big time. I can’t feel a thing and all those jokes about fucking through a shower curtain are quite accurate. The other thing is my g/f can’t stand them either. She says they are just as uncomfortable for her and the longer it takes for me to “get there” is just that many more seconds she is wanting it over 😉 Think I am gonna find some of the thinner ones mentioned in this thread. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensation-loss-as-a-result-of-condoms-doper-guys-i-ask-for-advice/177903.md?page=2)