There’s nothing dull about safe lovemaking, particularly when it comes to the vast selection of barrier protection types offered on the market. This is good news, as safe lovemaking is a vital component of male organ health, as is a vibrant and flourishing intimate life. Barriers come in different sizes and shapes, and some have special features. Some of a couple’s decision-making process about which protection to opt for will be based on safety considerations, and others on preference. This guide to the three S’s – sizes, shapes and special features – will help men get their bearings in the barrier aisle, and both partners’ rocks off in the bedroom.

Sizes

Choosing the appropriate barrier size for a man’s male organ is important both for comfort and safety. Too much or too little room can lead to slippage and/or breaking. There are barrier size charts men can use that require them to measure the circumference of their members and match this up with a barrier size.

As a general rule of thumb, men with male organs with a circumference under 4.7” may want to opt for smaller varieties. A girth between 4.7” and 5.1” will likely be best accommodated by regular barriers. A circumference beyond 5.1” usually merits larger barriers.

Shapes

The shape of a man’s barrier is also worth considering, both for safety and for fun. The following are standard shapes:

• Straight: Straight barriers feature a uniform width up to the rounded end, which contains a reservoir tip for catching seed (this should be pinched when the barrier is put on to avoid an air bubble that may burst during lovemaking). These work for most people, but may not be comfortable or secure for men whose male organ girth varies notably from shaft to head.

• Flared: This barrier variety has more headroom, tapering narrower down to the base of the shaft. Some men find the extra room at the top more comfortable; these may also be best for men with large heads and shafts that narrow toward the base.

• Snug: The snug fit barrier contours around the head of the member, then tapers to fit nice and snug underneath it along the shaft. Men on the smaller end of the spectrum may find these ideal.

Special Features

Barriers come with several features that couples can consider trying out. These include:

• Lubricant: One of the main causes of barrier breakage is lack of adequate lubrication. While some couples enjoy putting lube on separately, others like to have it included on the barrier itself.

• Seed-killing agents: These are chemicals that kill seed, and may boost a barrier’s ability to prevent pregnancy. On the downside, they can irritate the male and/or female organ.

• Texture: Some barriers come equipped with special textures like ribs, twists or studs that manufacturers claim will boost her pleasure, though there’s no hard science supporting this claim. Couples should discuss whether these are something they’d like to experiment with.

• Warming/tingling additives: Some couples like to add some heat to the lovemaking act, literally. While warming or tingling ingredients can certainly create a new experience, they also have the potential to irritate the sensitive sensual skin of both men and women.

Barriers aren’t the only valuable products a man can place on his pecker. Some men find a male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to be a beneficial addition to their care regimens. A cream packed with essential nutrients like L-arginine and vitamin C can help promote healthy circulation, supporting performance ability. Also look for Shea butter and vitamin E on the ingredient list – these moisturizers will restore softness and hydration to manhood skin that has seen its fair share of friction throughout a night of vigorous use.