Ribbed, nubbed, swirled, lambskin, flavored condoms or glow-in-the-dark condoms ? Condoms are a great way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI), but with so many options it’s difficult to know what to choose. Check out the pointers below to help guide you in the right direction. 

Three Condom Categories
All male condoms are made from one of three categories of materials: lambskin, latex, or polyurethane.

Lambskin condoms are literally made out of sheep intestines. Although they are an effective contraceptive, they should never be used for safer sex purposes. Viruses and bacteria that cause STIs are small enough to pass through the pores of lambskin material even though sperm cannot.

Latex condoms are the most inexpensive and widely available type of condom. These condoms vary a great deal in thickness, color, flavor, cut, and texture. They are a highly effective contraceptive and preventative for STI.

Polyurethane condoms are made from a thinner material than latex condoms, so some men report greater sensation. Polyurethane is also less stretchy, so this type of condom is cut slightly bigger. These condoms are ideal if you or your partner is allergic to latex. Polyurethane condoms are great for contraceptive and safer sex purposes.

Which Condom is Best?
With so many options no one can definitively say which condom is best for you. Masturbating with a variety of condoms is a great way to explore your options. Solo-sex with condoms also helps you gain confidence and become an expert in using condoms properly. Below are condom variations you’ll want to explore.

Cut
Different brands of condoms are cut differently. Some condoms are cut with straight sides, some with an indent below the head, and some are flared at the top and fit more snuggly at the base. Typically, a regular latex condom is cut less than two inches wide whereas a larger condom, such as Trojan Magnum, is cut greater than two inches around. Some men prefer a tighter fitting condom as this can help maintain erection. Uncircumcised men should choose condoms with a flared head.

Thickness
Condoms vary in thickness. For many men, the thinner the condom the greater the sensation. Thinner condoms, however, also break easier. I recommend starting with thicker condoms, such as LifeStyles Extra Strength, and going thinner until you find the thickness that works for you.

Textures
Textures vary from ribs, swirls, pouches, or raised dots. Some textures pleasure the penis while others are meant to provide extra pleasure to your partner. A texture can add a lot of sensation for some people and others don’t notice them at all.

Lubricated or Non-lubricated
I recommend using lubricated condoms as they are less likely to break and tend to be more comfortable than non-lubricated versions. Condom lubricants may contain warming agents or climax control, which is a desensitizing agent that numbs the wearer.
Caution: Some lubricated condoms contain a spermicide called Nonoxynol 9 (abbreviated N-9). We used to teach that N-9 helped prevent STI transmission because N-9 kills HIV in a test tube. We now know that N-9 is an irritant and therefore increases the likelihood of potential STI transmission. I don’t recommend purchasing condoms containing N-9. Keep in mind, however, that using a condom with N-9 is safer than not using a condom at all.

Have Fun!
With so many options of condoms the only way to find your right condom is to try out many. If one condom doesn’t feel good try another. Most importantly, have fun in the process and let me know what you discover!

Angela Towne, Sexuality Educator