Using condoms correctly and consistently during sex reduces the risk of sexually transmitted disease as well as unwanted pregnancy.  It’s as simple as that. But the choice of condoms available these days can be quite overwhelming. They come in all flavors and styles, from fancy chocolate to banana, ribbed to ultra thin. Sure, the fancy condoms can certainly add some spice to your fun, and people have been coming up with novel ways to use them. It’s important to remember though, that the fancy types are for play and entertainment only, and are intended to be removed before actual intercourse. That being the case, they do not offer any protection against disease or pregnancy. For actual intercourse use, stick to the FDA approved varieties and you won’t go wrong.

Three Basic Types of Condoms

There are basically three types of condoms: Latex, Polyurethane, and natural skin (made from animal tissue). Natural skin types are the most expensive of the three, and very effective in preventing pregnancies. But since they are made out of natural membrane, they contain tiny pores that may allow microscopic AIDS virus to pass through, making them ineffective for preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Polyurethane condoms are less expensive than natural skin but a bit more expensive than latex. They are the newest kind out in the market. The material is a type of plastic that is more durable, and thinner. It also transmits heat better and enhances sensitivity, making it more pleasurable to use. They are however, less flexible than latex, and more lubrication is necessary. With polyurethane condoms, one can use both water and oil based lubricants. They are also looser fitting, having the tendency to slip off during use. They are mostly recommended for people who have allergic reactions to latex. As for latex, these condoms are the cheapest in the market. They have the disadvantage of having a short shelf life, low conduction of heat, and a tendency to inhibit sensitivity.  Also, latex condoms can only be used with water based lubricants.

Varieties of Condom Shapes

There are a variety of shapes to choose from when picking condoms.

• Regular shaped, straight on the sides
• Form fitting and depressed below the head of the penis
• Flared and wider over the head of the penis

Most condoms have a reservoir tip, but some do not. Ribbed condoms are textured with bumps to increase the sensation. All these differences in shapes are to allow for heightened pleasure, and suite personal tastes and preference.

Types of Lubrication and Spermicides on Condoms

Lubricants on condoms are intended to help make the condoms easier to wear and also more comfortable to use, as well as minimizing the possibility of rupture. There are condoms that are non-lubricated and are useful for oral sex and for people with allergies or sensitivities to lubricants. Those that are lubricated either use a silicone, water or oil based substance.

Some manufacturers even coat the inside of the condoms with a spermicide  such as Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) for supposedly greater protection against pregnancy. Recent studies have shown, however, that the amount of spermicide contained in a condom might not be enough to actually prevent pregnancy, and there are issues that spermicide may actually facilitate HIV transmission.
In choosing your condom, as with any matter in sex, it is best to communicate well with your partner as to your needs and preferences so that your enjoyment of the sexual experience is unhampered by any feelings of discomfort or unease.

How to use a Condom

1. Open package at one corner, being careful not to tear into the condom... sharp fingernails or rough handling can damage the latex. Be sure package and condom appear to be in good condition. Check the expiration date if it has one.

2. Squeeze the tip of the condom. This is to eliminate air bubbles as you unroll it onto an erect penis. Leaving the tip empty helps reduce the chance of breakage and allows room for the ejaculation fluid (cum).

3. Unroll the condom fully, to base of penis, if possible. The proper fit is important and there are a lot of different styles available. There ARE different sizes of condoms available. If you are having problems with fit check out our condoms for the size that might suit you better.

4. After intercourse, withdraw while the penis is still erect, and hold onto the base of the condom to prevent contents from spilling.

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