'Longer-lasting' condom launched

Durex is also launching a narrow-fit condom

A new range of condoms designed to help lovemaking last longer is being launched in the UK.

The Performa condom, from Durex, contains an anaesthetic which delays a man's orgasm by "minutes", the company says.

The condom is coated with benzocaine, and in tests 89% of couples said they liked the brand because it prolonged sex.

The company is also launching two other brands of condom - Close Fit, which comes in three different sizes - and Sensation, which has a dotted texture to enhance sensation, particularly for women.

Performa is already on sale in Europe

Performa will be available in the UK from Christmas, and is already available in Italy, Spain, Greece and France.

Jon Gray, European marketing director of SSL International, the company which owns Durex, told a national newspaper: "We are talking minutes rather than seconds."

The Close Fit range is available in 49mm, 52mm and 54mm widths.

'Different shapes and sizes'

It is a narrower fit, which Durex says offers the benefits of a firmer hold and less slippage.

A company spokesman said: "It is no longer the case that one size fits all."

Dr Mark Gabbay, a senior lecturer at the University of Liverpool, told BBC News Online: "There are a huge number of things which have been suggested to affect condoms coming off or breaking - one of the things is inadequate sizes.

"They do need to fit well to reduce the risk of splitting."

He added: "Anything that helps to ensure people do use condoms is to be welcomed."

Anne Weyman, chief executive of the Family Planning Association told BBC News Online: "Men come in all different shapes and sizes, so it's great that condoms do too.

"Any developments that encourage people to use condoms and extend contraceptive choice are welcomed by fpa."