A Quick Guide to Types of Condoms

Condoms are an effective form of birth control, and they protect us from STIs. But, with different flavors, sizes, and even textures available, choosing the right type of condom can be extremely overwhelming. Fortunately, we have a quick guide to the different kinds of condoms for you to explore.

Before We Start

Remember, the best condom is one that you have on. After all, even with all of the fun, different types of condoms, the condom does nothing if you aren’t using it during intercourse. You’ll want to use the condom any time there is skin-to-skin contact during sex. You also want to make sure that any condoms you use are FDA approved, which will help ensure that the condoms are effective. 

As you read through this guide, keep in mind any of your personal preferences and limitations. For instance, if you are allergic to certain materials or flavors, you’ll need to keep that in mind and make sure that the condom of your choice does not contain the offending agent. 

Latex vs. Non-Latex

Latex is a common ingredient in many condoms, and it is what makes condoms so effective. While latex is perfectly fine for most people, a small segment of the general population does have a latex allergy. If you or your partner are allergic, you will need to find an alternative. Some alternatives to consider are polyisoprene, nitrile, and lambskin. 

Lambskin Condoms

Lambskin condoms definitely deserve their own subtype because they’re probably the most controversial. The appeal of lambskin condoms is that they are made from natural materials and can increase pleasure and arousal. However, lambskin condoms are not as good at preventing pregnancy and protecting from STDs because of the pores that occur in the lambskin. For this reason, lambskin is not recommended if you are worried about a sexually transmitted infection. You should also avoid this type of condom if you or your partner is vegan. 

Colorful Condoms 

Colorful condoms are plenty of fun and, these days, you can find condoms in almost every color imaginable. You can also find dual-color and tri-colored condoms to use as part of a theme or to mark a special occasion, or make a holiday extra festive. Most colorful condoms are FDA approved, and some may be latex-free. 

Flavored Condoms

Flavored condoms are pretty popular these days, and thanks to said popularity, you’ll be able to find plenty of flavors to enjoy, such as banana, grape, mint, banana, orange, chocolate, and even bacon and cola. In some cases, the color of the condom might match the flavor. 

Technically, the condoms themselves aren’t flavored, but they are more likely coated in a flavorful lube. 

With various flavors and aromas, these condoms are probably best used for oral sex. They can also be used for other forms of sexual activity, and many are FBA approved to protect sex. 

Edible Condoms 

Edible condoms typically come in packs of four, and they are definitely more of a novelty foreplay item than protection. While edible condoms also taste pretty good and come in a variety of flavors, they do not actually protect against STDs or pregnancy. So, if you’re getting these, keep in mind that you’ll also need to buy some condoms with actual protective properties if you want to be safe during sex. 

Glow-In-the-Dark Condoms

If you want a condom that’s fun, glow-in-the-dark condoms are a potential option. Most glow-in-the-dark condoms are FDA approved and are about as effective at preventing STDs and pregnancy as regular condoms. These condoms need to be put under a light for about 30 minutes to glow, so they require a little extra prep time. 

Glow-in-the-dark condoms are typically made with two layers of latex with a safe, pigmented layer in between so that you don’t have to worry about pain or damage if the condom happens to rip. However, if a condom rips, you should consider alternate forms of contraception and get tested for STDs if you’re unsure about your partner. 

Textured Condoms

Textured condoms are designed to increase pleasure during sex for one or both partners, depending on the design. In some cases, the condom may be designed with rubs on the top and at the base, which increases female pleasure. Others may be designed with multiple raised studs for both male and female enjoyment. Ribbed condoms are probably among the most popular textured condoms. 

When choosing a textured condom, you’ll want to find one that works for yourself and your partner. In some cases, you may choose to focus only on yourself or only on your partner for condom-increased pleasure. 

Lubricated Condoms

Lubrication is key to safe and enjoyable sex, so it is no surprise that some condoms come ready with their own lubricant. If you’re looking for an extra efficient condom, lubricated condoms are worth consideration. However, this type of condom may also be more difficult to put on correctly because it’s already slippery. If you’re thinking about experimenting with lubricated condoms, consider having a non-lubricated condom and some extra lubricant on hand if things don’t quite go as smoothly with the application process. 

Warming Condoms

These are technically a subset of lubricated condoms because they do contain lubricant. However, warming condoms are actually designed to warm up during sexual intercourse to increase pleasure in both partners. Remember, as with other lubricated condoms, that these condoms can be a bit slippery. 

Pleasure-Shaped Condoms

These condoms are designed to be wider in certain areas with pouchlike tips to increase the wearer’s pleasure or twists to increase both partners’ stimulation. 

While we’ve covered several different types of condoms, you may find that some of the best condoms often have more than one of the qualities mentioned above. For instance, you can probably find a colorful condom that is also textured or a warming condom that’s pleasure-shaped. 

Takeaways

• There are many different types of condoms to choose from. 
• When buying a condom, make sure that it is FDA approved.
• Edible condoms do not protect from pregnancy or STDs.