Types of condoms: Find out which one you should use

If you have an active sex life, you should use a condom as a protective barrier. You simply use it every time you have sex, so that you have protection against unwanted pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections. However, you don’t have to rely on latex condoms alone. While female condoms and fragrances must have piqued your interest, there are plenty of options to try. Many more types of condoms can be used during sexual activities. However, not all of them are effective and some of them are meant to be used only during oral sex. Take a look at the options and choose the one that is best for you and your partner.

What are condoms?

It is a form of barrier contraception used to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections during intercourse. “They work by creating a natural barrier that prevents sperm from entering the vagina and reaching an egg, and also reduces the risk of transmitting infections such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea,” explains gynecologist and IVF specialist Dr Shobha Gupta .

They can also protect people from sexually transmitted diseases, including the Zika and Ebola viruses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 98 percent of women whose sexual partners use male condoms correctly during sex for more than a year will be protected from unplanned pregnancy, according to the World Health Organization.

What are the types of condoms?

Here are some common types of condoms you can use during sex:

1. Latex condoms

Made from natural latex rubber, these are one of the most common types of condoms. A 2004 study published in Contraception The magazine showed that male latex condoms rarely broke or slipped during sex. The researchers also found that this condom provided high contraceptive efficacy, especially when used regularly, and the risk of sperm leakage from it was very low.

2. Polyurethane condoms

Made of a thin, strong plastic material, these condoms are a good alternative for people with latex allergies. “The outer condom, which is resistant to water and fat, still provides effective protection against pregnancy and STDs,” says the expert.

3. Polyisoprene condoms

These are made of synthetic rubber and are another latex-free option. They don’t have the allergy-causing proteins found in latex condoms, but offer similar protection and comfort. If you want to make your sex life safer and are allergic to latex, go for polyisoprene condoms.

You may also like it

4. Female condoms

Inserted into the vagina, female condoms provide barrier protection against pregnancy and STDs and can be used by women who prefer not to rely on male condoms. A 2020 study published in BMC Public Health showed that using female condoms along with male condoms was more effective than using male condoms alone in preventing STDs.

5. Condoms coated with spermicide

These are latex or polyurethane condoms coated with spermicide, which usually comes in gel form. “It adds extra pregnancy prevention by killing sperm before they reach the egg, but they can lead to irritation in some users,” says the expert.

6. Flavored condoms

When you think of popular types of condoms, you must visualize flavored ones. “These are designed for oral sex, often made of latex, and come in different flavors to mask the taste of latex,” says the expert. It can make oral sex more fun for couples.

7. Textured (ribbed or studded) condoms

“These types of condoms have added texture, such as ribs or studs, to enhance sensation for both partners,” says the expert. It may stimulate the nerves in the vagina better than condoms without texture and thus may enhance pleasure.

8. Ultra thin condoms

Made of thin latex, these condoms are designed to provide a more natural feel during sex. It almost feels like skin to skin while having sex. “It still offers the same level of protection as standard types of condoms,” says Dr. Gupta.

9. Thick or extra strength condoms

These condoms are made of thick latex, providing extra strength and reducing the risk of breakage, especially during anal sex. A 2022 study published in Translational Andrology and Urology The journal showed that such types of condoms physically maintain and extend penile erection time and overcome premature ejaculation to improve sex quality.

10. Condoms that glow in the dark

Coated with a luminous layer, these types of condoms glow in the dark. “They also add a fun element to sexual activity, while still being as effective as standard types of condoms,” says the expert. The glow factor is actually surrounded by latex, so it makes sex safer.

11. Non-lubricant condoms

These types of condoms have no lubricant and are often used by people who prefer to use their own lubrication. Some use coconut oil as a natural lubricant during sex. Lubricant-free condoms can also be used by people who have sensitivities to the lubricants commonly used in condoms.

12. Lubricant condoms

Coated with lubricant to reduce friction, these types of condoms improve comfort during intercourse and help prevent breakage. They may also be easier to put on than non-lubricated types of condoms. You can also use them during anal sex.

13. Sensitive condoms

These are thin condoms designed to increase sensitivity and enhance pleasure. “These types of condoms can maintain the same level of protection,” says the expert. These condoms may not be as durable as regular types of condoms due to the thinner material, which leads to a higher risk of breakage.

14. Animal skin condoms

Made from lambskin, these types of condoms offer a natural feel but do not protect against STDs, making them unsuitable for those concerned about preventing infections. “They are also usually more expensive and not a reliable choice for contraception,” says the expert.

15. Special prophylactics such as heating or cooling

These types of condoms contain lubricants that create sensations of warmth or coolness to enhance pleasure during intercourse. “These condoms may contain lubricants that cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially in sensitive areas,” says the expert.

There are many types of condoms, but in terms of effectiveness, male condoms that are worn on the penis provide protection during sex.