Questions and answers

The effectiveness of a condom largely depends on how it is used. When used properly, quality condoms are a very safe way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. They are produced according to strict safety regulations and quality standards. If a condom fails, i.e. tears or slips off, this is usually always due to improper use.

It is often helpful for a guy to practice putting on a condom alone at first, to make things easier when it really matters and he may be nervous or not that experienced. But girls should also practice in advance how to properly unroll a condom. In addition to its correct use, the expiration date and proper storage (Question 5) also need to be considered to avoid damage and material failure. Moreover, condoms may only be used with non-fat and water-soluble lubricants (Question 8) to be able to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Condoms naturally adapt to the size of the penis to a great extent. Our BILLY BOY condoms comply with the European standard measurements of ISO 4074, conforming to a length of 170-180 mm, a width of about 53 mm when the condom is laid out flat and a wall thickness of about 0.06 mm. This makes all condoms from MAPA’s range of products far thinner than human skin!

Never! The idea that condoms get in the way of pleasure is at most purely subjective. Putting on a condom can be made part of the foreplay in such a way that it becomes an erotic ritual rather than a turn-off. Unwanted pregnancy, sexual diseases or an HIV infection affect the quality of life far more than an ultra-thin condom could ever affect making love!

The expiration date is always printed on both the packaging and the foil wrapper of every single condom (see also question 7). After they are packaged, condoms usually last four years. Always make sure not to use it after the expiration date.

Yes. But proper use and responsible behaviour together with your partner will prevent this from happening in the first place. In accordance with the European standard ISO 4074, every condom has to withstand testing with 18 litres (dm³) of air being pumped into it without bursting!

According to the European standard, condoms are medical products that are intended exclusively for vaginal intercourse! If a condom is used for oral sex, there is an increased risk of damage to the condom caused by teeth, piercings, braces, etc.

Condoms should be kept in a cool, dry place protected from heat and direct sunlight. It is also possible to safely store condoms in the fridge. Every quality condom has additional storage instructions on its packaging. The expiration date is also printed on both the outer packaging and the foil wrapper. Always make sure not to use it after the expiration date. If the storage instructions or the expiration date are ignored, a loss of quality near the limits of the condom’s capacity cannot be excluded. When stored correctly, condoms last up to four years after they are packaged.

We principally advise against using additional lubricants such as organic fat or oil-based products (e.g. Vaseline, baby oil, body lotion, massage oil, cooking oil, etc.). These may affect the condom, possibly causing it to tear. Lubricants have to be approved by their manufacturer for use with condoms. We recommend the BILLY BOY lubricant, as it is water-based and therefore does not affect the condom.

There is no reason why not: Basically, it is always possible to use condoms in combination with the birth-control pill, a diaphragm or spermicidal foam, as long as the contraceptive of choice is labelled »condom-compatible«. Therefore, make sure you always read the instructions on the products!

That is not necessary. When used properly, one condom provides sufficient protection. Wearing two condoms at once may even have adverse effects. First of all, it increases the risk of condom slippage and other »uncontrolled movements«. Secondly, it may lead to tension and friction between the condoms, especially with dry condoms. In this case, the risk of tearing the condoms is considerably greater.

Natural rubber latex has a distinctive smell that may vary from production to production. Some users find the smell of natural rubber latex unpleasant. This is why BILLY BOY offers a range of flavoured condoms. The condoms of BILLY BOY’s »white« line undergo a special washing process that reduces the smell of the latex to a great extent.

A condom is made from natural rubber latex and is thus a natural product. It decomposes with the help of light and oxygen and can therefore be disposed of in the garbage or even in the compost. However, please do not throw used condoms in the toilet, this can clog treatment plants!

Basically, yes. Condoms usually cost less than € 0.50. Using condoms costs about as much as taking the birth-control pill (€ 7–10 per month based on an average consumption of 12 condoms per month). Considering their benefits when compared to a pint of beer or a cinema ticket, condoms are actually very affordable.

Yes, there is, but the female condom never really caught on. Apart from that, a condom is a product for both men and women!

As a general rule, anything goes! However, the quality of condoms may become affected by water after a certain period of time. As result, every condom becomes less safe the longer you stay in the water. Bath additives, especially organic oil-based ones, affect the tensile strength of condoms, making them less effective in the protection from unwanted pregnancy and infectious diseases. Additionally, the correct fit of the condom may also be affected by moving about in the water.

The term »flavoured« refers only to the scent of our condoms and not to their taste.

Unfortunately, we are not hiring any “condom testers” as such. Nevertheless, we are very interested in the opinions of our condom users. After all, this is the only way for us to adapt and improve our product range according to our consumers’ wishes on an ongoing basis.

Condoms usually do not affect the organism and cause no side effects. However, if intolerance occurs, you should consult a physician to check you for any potential allergies.