Durex Condoms and Lubricants

Discreet delivery on Durex condoms

Look, everyone and their nan has probably purchased protection at some point - but we understand that most people don’t want to advertise their purchase with brightly and obviously branded packaging. 

That was quite a week for returns.

You’ll be delighted to know that we will deliver your Durex condoms, lubricants and accessories in generic, nondescript packaging. Nobody will ever know it’s not just another of your many Amazon deliveries.

How do you choose the right size of Durex condom?

Because, like bodies and those organic wonky vegetables you can get in the supermarket, penises come in all shapes and sizes, Durex has developed ranges of condoms suitable for almost everyone.

While most men in the UK will find the regular size fits perfectly well (averages are averages for a reason), if you find the Durex ‘regular fit’ to be too tight or too loose, there are the ‘close fit’ and ‘large fit’ varieties available in most ranges. To help you make the right selection, we always clearly display the ‘nominal’ width of all the condoms we stock, however the worn fit of each size is roughly as follows (using the Durex Nude range as an example): 

• Close fit: 52.5mm
• Regular fit: 56mm
• Large fit: 60mm

Other condom conundrums

The right fit, like with all the best jackets, is just the first piece of the puzzle - you’ve also got to know how to wear it (pro tip: squeeze the tip and roll down - if it doesn’t roll, you’ve got it inside out). Making sure you’re applying your condom properly is how you know it will serve as an effective barrier, preventing pregnancy and the transmission of STIs.

Thankfully, as our products are all sourced directly from the manufacturer, our customers can be be sure that all of their Durex purchases are dermatologically (that’s skin stuff for anyone that hasn’t seen an Oil of Olay ad) and electronically tested to meet requirements for a CE mark and British Kitemark - meaning they meet outstanding levels of quality and are specifically fit for sale in the UK.

That does leave just one question you might be dying to know the answer to…

What are the best Durex condoms?

Alright, let’s admit it now - we’re not going to give you a single best product, but we might be able to point you in the right direction for the best product for you. As you’d expect for a brand that’s clocking a hundred years, Durex have an extensive range but, for the most part, they fall into the following categories:

Can Durex condoms break?

TL;DR? Absolutely. Durex condoms are made from very strong, resistant materials - that’s why they’re still at the top of the charts after a hundred years, but you could make prophylactics from steel and they’d still break or split if not used properly, stored correctly. Steel doesn’t have an expiration date to our knowledge, though, so the steel wins on that front. You shouldn’t use any condom past its expiration date.

Because we’re super helpful types, however, we have put together the following handy list of the most common causes of condom breakage, so you’ll at least know what not to do:

• Using the wrong condom size: you’re going to need to be a bit Goldilocks on your choices here - a condom that's too tight can break or tear because of increased tension and friction during intercourse (or just trying to get it on), but using a condom that's too big can end up with the condom slipping off during sex, which is just as bad.

• Lack of lubrication: too little lubrication increases the amount of friction on the condom - and this can cause the condom to break, but it can also cause pain and irritation for you and your partner (maybe not as much irritation as if it breaks, mind). The use of additional lube is always recommended with any condoms as this will combat the chances of dryness and increased friction. Thankfully, Durex condoms are compatible with all Durex intimate lubricants and, even more thankfully, you can get those here as well!

• Incorrectly stored products: both heat and direct sunlight can damage the structure of your condoms, and this can lead to breakage. This is true of all condoms, however, so whether you purchase Durex or any other brand, they should always be stored in a cool, dry place - nightstands are a good option, unless you have children, in which case we recommend investing in a box you can hide in the wardrobe (for the products, not the children). Although you can keep condoms in your wallet for a few hours, you should avoid using a condom that has been stored in your wallet or pocket for days - important information for all overly optimistic young men. 

• Using expired condoms: This is a biggie - expired condoms are no longer considered safe, and should be disposed of immediately. All condom foils (wrappers) carry a use-by date and, in addition, the outer packaging (box) should also clearly display a use-by date. We can’t say this enough - once this date has passed, the condoms must be discarded as the material they’re made from will begin to perish once the use-by date has passed, this increases the chance of breakages.

• Improper handling: look, we know you’ll likely have other stuff on your mind, but it is essential to pay attention when unwrapping and applying your condom. Tearing the foil wrapper with your teeth or using scissors to open it may puncture the condom. In addition, air left in the teat tip when rolling on the condom may cause it to break during intercourse or ejaculation, sharp jewellery can also damage it, and a condom placed incorrectly (inside out) may slide off or break due to insufficient lubrication.

Are thinner condoms more likely to break?

In short: no. In fact, the thickness of the condom has little impact on its resilience, and as long as it is used and stored as instructed, a thin condom is only as likely to break as any other.

What lube is available from Durex?

Condoms aside, Durex also manufactures a range of intimate lubricants, with Durex Play being the most popular. All lubes from the brand fall in one of the following categories:

Durex water-based lubricants

Super light and non-sticky, the water-based lubes from Durex are suitable for most people - even those with sensitive skin. They are easy to clean when you’re done, and don’t stain fabrics. Most water-based lubes from the brand are also suitable to use as massage gels, though probably not at the same time - at least not without training and valid insurance. 

Your options include:

• Durex Play: the most popular intimate lubricants from Durex, this category includes a number of water-based lubes, including some with warming and cooling effects, 2-in-1 massage and intimate lubes, and a range of edible flavoured lubes, though we recommend these only as part of a balanced diet.

• Durex Naturals: specifically formulated for use by people with sensitive skin, this range of lubricants have a neutral pH (that’s the thing from chemistry lessons with the litmus paper) and contain no perfumes or colouring. The range currently features three options: Naturals Pure, Naturals Extra Sensitive, and Naturals Moisture. All lubes in this range are made with 100% natural ingredients.

• Durex Sensilube: a fragrance-free, colourless gel, the Sensilube range has a thicker consistency compared to Durex Play, and tends to last longer while having a very delicate action - it is also suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Silicone-based lubricants

Ideal for those who need more moisture, or a longer-lasting lube, silicone lubes from Durex last much longer than water-based counterparts. Despite a thicker formula, however, they don’t feel greasy or sticky on the skin, and are ideal for all types of sex. Options include Durex Perfect Glide and Durex Feel, both of which are compatible with all Durex condoms.

When to use Durex lube

There’s no one reason to use lube during sex (well, there’s the need for lubrication, but we mean there’s no one reason to need lubrication). However, some of the most common reasons include: cases of vaginal dryness (when your or your partner's body doesn’t produce sufficient natural lubricant) and during anal sex.

One of the most frequent is for women both during and post-menopause, but symptoms including pain during, soreness after, burning inside the vagina and recurring urinary tract infections can occur in any woman and would indicate the need for better lubrication at any stage of life.

Durex lubes can also help to restore the natural balance of this delicate area before and during intercourse, which reduces the risk of irritation and pain - though lubes can also help to make sex more pleasurable for women regardless of a specific need, and can also be used if you want to make sex more exciting and pleasurable. The advantages of using a lube include:

• Heightened pleasure during foreplay and intercourse for a more powerful climax;

• Help to make a seamless transition from foreplay to intercourse;

• Increased pleasure when using toys, or massages.

How much lubricant should I use?

There are really no rules. You can use as little or as much lube as you want. It’s especially good for indoor luge, if difficult to clean. If you have good natural lubrication, you and your partner may prefer using a smaller quantity, but you can still use a lot of it for foreplay, and lube can help to reduce irritation even in those who may see no need.

In the same way, you can use as much lube as necessary to combat dryness - the main consideration is always going to be comfort. If you're not sure how much lube you’ll need, simply squeeze a little lube onto your fingertips and gently apply it, adding more until you achieve the desired lubrication.

What Durex accessories are available?

As well as their market-leading range of condoms in all shapes and sizes (wonky veg), Durex are also known for their compact and innovative range of toys - from bullets to rings, this range of discreet toys can be an excellent addition to bedroom activities.

In addition to battery-powered accessories, Durex offers Intense Gel - which is ideal for ensuring you both reach climax during intercourse. Condom compatible and dermatologically tested, Intense Gel is a great addition in the bedroom.

Where can I buy Durex condoms and lube?

The best place to buy Durex condoms online is, obviously, right here at Condoms.uk. That’s not an idle boast, though - with a huge selection of brands, and products only ever sourced directly from either the manufacturer or approved suppliers right here in the UK, when you place your Durex order with us, you'll receive the real deal every time (not to mention quickly and discreetly - okay, we did mention it, twice, but we sort of have to).

We also offer completely FREE, Royal Mail 48 Tracked delivery in the UK on all orders over £25. So what are you waiting for? Get to shopping our range of Durex condoms and lubricants now!