Custom condoms: one size doesn’t fit all

King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Q: I’m head over heels for my new significant other, but he hates using condoms. I trust him, but with all the STDs going around, I just have to insist on it. How can I make it a better option for him?—Gladys K., Brooklyn, New York

A: The second-best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and practice birth control while you’re at it is for the man to wear a condom. Unfortunately, many guys say that, for one reason or another, the prophylactics are uncomfortable: too big, too small, too tight, not tight enough. But that doesn’t mean you or he can skip using one!

You are smart to be concerned about STDs. This past year in the U.S., cases of chlamydia increased by 4.7 percent to 1.5 million cases; gonorrhea is up 18.5 percent to more than 460,000 cases; and primary and secondary syphilis is up 17.6 percent to almost 28,000 cases. And we haven’t even mentioned human papillomavirus (HPV)—it’s virtually universal among sexually active people. Fortunately, there’s a new product that might help make condoms a more appealing form of protection.

After getting Food and Drug Administration approval, an American company named ONE has started marketing custom condoms in 60 different sizes, under the brand name myONE Perfect Fit. (They’re an extended partner of the U.K.-based company TheyFit, which has 66 different sizes.)

The Long and the Short of It: The company offers a downloadable measuring kit on their website or you can enter your own numbers if you know them (length and girth). They also provide recommendations. Sources claim that soon after myOne came to market, customers had ordered condoms in all 60 sizes ranging from 4.9 to 9.4 inches long and 3.5 to 5 inches in circumference.

We hope that helps, Gladys, and good luck with your new beau.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.