ONE Condoms to launch 56 'perfect-fit' condoms this fall

BOSTON - ONE Condoms on Tuesday introduced 56 perfect-fit condom sizes to the United States. These include sizes larger and smaller than those currently available, marking a historic shift in the range of condoms that are cleared for sale by the Food and Drug Administration. 

 

ONE has also acquired TheyFit Condoms, a popular European brand that will be relaunched as myONE Perfect Fit condoms this fall.

 

Research consistently shows that many men avoid condoms because they do not fit or are uncomfortable. In studies dating back to 1993, as many as 45% of men have suffered problems with fit or comfort from "one-size-fits-all" condoms. Common complaints include the condom being too loose, tight, long or short, resulting in loss of erection, de-sensitivity and difficulty achieving orgasm.

 

Safety may be compromised due to improper coverage if the condom is too short. Research also shows that men who wear condoms that do not fit properly are more likely to report slippage and breakage of the condom. In a large condom study of 820 men conducted by Indiana University researchers, fitted condoms broke half as often as one-size-fits-all condoms. The study also found users of fitted condoms were much more likely to purchase or recommend a fitted condom over a one-size-fits-all condom.

 

"We believe that condom fit is the next great frontier when it comes to increasing use and acceptability," said Davin Wedel, president of Global Protection Corp., parent company of ONE Condoms. "We're very excited to bring this solution to millions of men who are frustrated by condoms that just don't work for their bodies."

 

When myONE is made available in the United States this fall, customers will measure their penis using a FitKit and receive a unique product code that corresponds to their myONE size. Purchases may be made at onecondoms.com and authorized resellers, and product is shipped discreetly to customers.

 

The introduction of myONE required an expansion to condom sizes permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Condoms are classified as Class II medical devices, and must conform to standards set by American Society for Testing and Materials. The new myONE sizes come after years of advocacy to update condom testing standards to more accurately reflect penis size.

 

"In order to sell myONE, a considerable amount of time was spent with the FDA, researchers and ASTM over the past few years to show that the current range of sizes just wasn't enough for a majority of consumers," said Wedel. "Years of effort have been put into updating the American standards, which had not been updated since 2003."

 

Prior to myONE, the minimum allowed condom length set by ASTM was 6.69 inches — with the introduction of myONE, condoms will be available starting at 4.92 inches. The allowed condom width set by ASTM prior to myONE was 1.85 to 2.24 inches. MyONE widths will range from 1.77 to 2.52 inches. In contrast, studies show that penis size varies greatly, with lengths ranging from about 1.57 to 10.24 inches and widths ranging from about 0.5 to 3.16 inches.

 

This fall, myONE will offer an array of 56 condom sizes, with combinations of 8 condom lengths and 9 condoms widths. The company selected its sizes based on data from TheyFit, a popular European brand which it acquired in 2015.

 

"When we reviewed the data, it was surprising to see that only 12% of purchases were within the current American standard," said Jared Maraio, senior director of brand strategy. "Based on the data, myONE will offer sizes properly fitting 80% of condom purchasers. Another 10% will find a substantially improved fit over regular condoms. It's our goal to ensure that myONE supports the great majority of men, and we'll continue to develop the product as we gather more information."

 

"Providing an expanded range of condom sizes has powerful implications for increasing condom use and making a positive impact on public health over all," said Wedel. "We're looking forward to working with our partners in the health community to identify strategies to eliminate barriers to condom use with myONE, particularly among at-risk populations."