[ad_1]
Why use a condom?
Most condoms are cheap and extensively out there available on the market with out requiring a prescription. Whereas there are a wide selection of choices for contraceptives, condoms are at present the one contraceptive that may stop each unintended pregnancies and the unfold of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), together with HIV—and if this essential to you and your associate, it is likely to be a perfect choice to make use of throughout sexual activity or when utilizing intercourse toys.
Which STIs do condoms assist stop?
In accordance with the Facilities of Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), condoms can usually stop the transmission of STIs which might be transmitted via genital fluids, together with HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, for so long as they’re worn correctly.
Associated Tales
Which STIs are condoms much less efficient towards?
It’s essential to remember that condoms aren’t one hundred pc efficient towards stopping the unfold of sure infections. In accordance with Emily Rymland, DNP FNP-C, a nurse practitioner at Nurx with a give attention to HIV care: “Something outdoors of the place the condom has direct contact remains to be eligible to be unfold no matter condom use.” Suppose: herpes, genital warts, and human papillomavirus an infection (HPV).
Is (condom) measurement essential?
Deciding on a condom that matches is essential for security and luxury. Commonplace condom sizes normally are available in normal, slim, and enormous choices. An appropriately sized condom can improve pleasure whereas making certain security. Select the improper measurement, and the condom can break if it’s too tight or slip and slide off if it’s too unfastened.
The best way to choose an appropriately sized condom
There is not a one-size-fits-all answer with regards to condoms—and in case you or your associate have struggled to discover a condom that isn’t too tight or too unfastened, taking one’s personal measurements is a technique of making certain {that a} condom suits good. Ideally, the scale of a condom will comfortably accommodate the size of an erect penis (measuring from the bottom to the tip) and the thickest a part of the shaft.
In accordance with one condom sizing chart that compares the sizes of a number of trusted condom manufacturers, slim-fit condoms can measure up 7.5 inches lengthy and up 2 inches large whereas normal choices measure as much as 7.5 inches lengthy and as much as 2.1 inches large, and bigger condoms measure as much as 9 inches lengthy and up 2.3 inches large. Nonetheless, Dr, Rymland says, “Most individuals match into an average-size condom or a big one,” including that it could possibly assist to strive a number of choices on for measurement. In the end, you need one thing that feels comfortable, so it gained’t slide off throughout intercourse, with room on the tip to ejaculate, says Dr. Rymland.
What are condoms made from?
Sometimes, the most typical materials is latex, nevertheless, additionally, you will come throughout choices made from latex options, like polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lambskin, that are ultimate in case you or your associate have a latex allergy or both of you might be delicate to latex.
In accordance with Dr. Rymland, latex-free options like polyurethane condoms (made from artificial plastic) and polyisoprene condoms (made from artificial rubber) aren’t as “easy” as latex condoms. Each supplies, nevertheless, defend towards the transmission of STIs, whereas sheepskin condoms, that are made from lamb intestines, don’t.
Many individuals also can expertise an hostile response to a condom’s lubricant or the components in a lubricated condom, resembling warming or cooling brokers—and in case you are certainly one of them, you would possibly wish to think about using non-lubricated condoms with your individual lube.
Along with these supplies, some condoms are additionally coated in spermicide. Spermicidal condoms usually include nonoxynol-9 (or N-9), a chemical that kills sperm. Nonetheless, Dr. Rymland warns that spermicidal condoms can irritate delicate genital tissues, and within the worst-case conditions, really improve the chance of STI publicity ought to the condom break. What’s extra? “If a condom is used correctly, you shouldn’t want a spermicide,” says Dr. Rymland.
Are there eco-friendly condoms?
Most condoms that defend towards STIs are made with latex or latex options, usually are not biodegradable—and paired with the truth that they’re single-use merchandise, on the lookout for an eco-friendly condom would possibly seem to be a pipe dream, particularly if you wish to make your intercourse life extra sustainable. Fortunately, there are choices that you may really feel higher about utilizing.
You may choose to make use of natural condoms, lots of that are made with much less dangerous chemical substances and components. Simply remember that there’s at present no governing physique that certifies condoms as “natural.” In the event you keep away from utilizing something with animal elements, you may as well discover vegan condoms, lots of that are additionally cruelty free. Moreover, there are an growing variety of condom manufacturers that make use of Honest Commerce Licensed practices.
16 Frequent Sorts of Condoms
Forward, discover 16 frequent forms of condoms, their professionals and cons, and suggestions for every:
1. Lubricated condoms
Professional:
- Prepared to make use of out of the field
Con:
- Some is likely to be delicate or allergic to the condom’s lubricant
These condoms come pre-lubricated to minimize friction and improve pleasure for everybody concerned. Lubricated condoms also can include different brokers, like warming or cooling brokers to advertise a tingling sensation.
2. Non-lubricated condoms
Professional:
- Very best in case you’re delicate or allergic to lubricants utilized in most condoms
Con:
- Needs to be used with a separate lubricant
In the event you or your associate are delicate or allergic to lubricants utilized in most condoms, you would possibly want utilizing a non-lubricant choice. Simply remember that this feature should be used with lube in order to stop breakage.
3. Latex condoms
Professional:
- Accessible and inexpensive
Con:
- Unsuitable for individuals who have a latex allergy or are delicate to latex
Condoms made from latex, a cloth sourced from pure rubber, are normally extensively accessible and inexpensive. They’re, nevertheless, unsuitable for people who find themselves delicate or allergic to latex, which may result in signs that vary from delicate to extreme.
4. Latex-alternative condoms
Professional:
- Very best for folks with latex allergic reactions
Con:
In the event you’re allergic to latex, you would possibly wish to think about using a condom made from a latex different, resembling polyurethane and polyisoprene. Polyurethane condoms are made from plastic, whereas polyisoprene condoms are made from artificial rubber—each supplies defend towards the transmission of STIs.
SKYN, Lubricated Latex-Free Condoms
One other latex-free variation, SKYN’s condoms are made from polyisoprene. With their ultra-thin design, they’re made to extend pleasure, in addition to consolation, because of the truth that they already comes pre-lubricated. What’s extra, the condoms can be found in three sizes—common (as pictured above), massive, and extra-large. The pack comes with 36 condoms and with a 4.6-star general score on Amazon after greater than 29,000 opinions.
5. Lambskin condoms
Professional:
- Appropriate for folks delicate or allergic to latex
Con:
- Can’t stop the transmission of STIs
Lambskin condoms are made from the membrane of sheep intestines, and they’re thought of one other latex different. Dr. Rymland calls it the “unique condom,” and whereas she mentions that it could possibly stop unintended pregnancies, it can not stop the unfold of STIs.
Trojan, NaturaLamb Latex-Free Luxurious Condoms — $9.00
These lambskin condoms are one other different to latex varieties, although it’s solely ultimate in case you and your associate aren’t involved concerning the publicity to STIs. Whereas it could possibly’t provide the extent of safety that different choices on the checklist would possibly afford you, Amazon reviewers find it irresistible for its skin-like really feel. For underneath $9, you’ll obtain a pack of three individually-wrapped condoms.
6. Natural condoms
Professional:
- Usually accommodates much less chemical substances and components in its elements checklist
Con:
- There’s at present no governing physique to certify any condom as natural
If you wish to avoid undesirable chemical substances and components, take into account natural condoms, that are made with fewer elements. Nonetheless, as talked about earlier, there’s at present no governing company to certify condoms as “natural”—which is one thing to remember as you store.
Maude, Rise Condoms — $12.00
Freed from glycerin, parabens, and dangerous chemical substances, Maude’s condoms are a worthy decide. They’re made with one hundred pc pure latex, cornstarch, and a silicone-based lubricant as their major elements. What’s extra? They elements are vegan-friendly, too. Store the condoms in two choices, together with a plus-sized variation.
7. Vegan condoms
Professional:
- Made with out animal elements
Con:
In the event you keep away from consuming, sporting, or utilizing merchandise with animal elements, you would possibly admire the existence of vegan condoms. As a plus, you may as well discover choices are cruelty-free, which implies that they’re made with out animal testing.
Glyde, Extremely Condoms — $17.00
These condoms from woman-owned model Glyde aren’t simply made with out animal elements (or glycerin, parabens, or dangerous chemical substances, for that matter), in addition they adhere to cruelty-free practices. Whereas a pack of 12 condoms will price you $17, it is likely to be properly well worth the funding in case you’re on the lookout for condoms which might be higher to your physique and the planet in the long term. The FDA- and CE-approved condoms can be found in three sizes: Commonplace (as pictured above), Slim, and Massive.
8. Honest Commerce Licensed condoms
Professional:
- Prioritize sustainable practices and prioritizes staff
Con:
In case you are specific about how condoms—or any product, for that matter—are made, you would possibly wish to take into account buying condoms which might be made in accordance with Honest Commerce Licensed practices.
Maintain, Extremely-Skinny Latex Condoms — $6.00
Maintain prides itself in creating condoms from pure latex which might be made in a Honest Rubber Licensed plantation. They’re additionally FSC Licensed, which verifies that their merchandise are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Not simply fantastic for the planet, the condoms are additionally made with out animal elements and probably dangerous nitrosamine. They’re out there within the Extremely-Skinny model pictured above, in addition to Tailor-made Match, Consolation Match, and XL, which all fluctuate in measurement.
9. Delay condoms
Professional:
Con:
- Unsuitable for these delicate to desensitizing brokers, like benzocaine or lidocaine
Delay condoms normally include benzocaine or lidocaine, which in accordance with Searah Deysach, a intercourse educator and the proprietor of Early To Mattress, are “elements that may desensitize the penis which may delay ejaculation.”
10. Prolonged pleasure condoms
Professional:
- Made for longer-lasting intercourse
Con:
- Don’t provide a skin-like really feel
“For individuals who wish to keep away from numbing elements [in delay condoms], utilizing a thicker condom might present an identical impact with out desensitization,” says Deysach. Also called prolonged pleasure condoms, these are an alternative choice that may promise longer-lasting intercourse.
Existence, Further-Power Condoms — $12.00
In the event you and your associate wish to avoid desensitizing brokers, you may as well take into account a thicker condom like these ones. The lubricated condoms are made from latex that’s 90 micrometers thick. Plus, they’re low cost. For underneath $12, you’ll obtain a 48-pack.
11. Skinny or ultra-thin condoms
Professional:
Con:
- Could be unsuitable if you’d like extend intercourse
On the opposite aspect of the spectrum, you could find skinny or ultra-thin condoms, that are ultimate in case you and your associate wish to improve sensation. Whereas they is likely to be thinner than the typical, this doesn’t imply they’re extra liable to breakage.
12. Textured or ribbed condoms
Professional:
- Improve pleasure throughout intercourse
Con:
- Would possibly result in undesirable friction for some
“Ribbed or textured condoms can present a little bit extra sensation for each companions and might improve pleasure,” says Deysach. The raised studs, dots, or ridges could be positioned on the surface and/or the within of the condom.
13. Further-Headroom Condoms
Professional:
- Extra consolation for the wearer
Con:
- Is available in an atypical form that may not enchantment to everybody
One other condom that may flip up the pleasure are ones made with further headroom. With wider suggestions, these can present extra consolation for the individual sporting it whereas creating extra (nice) friction for everybody concerned.
One Condom, One Pleasure Dome Condoms — $0.70
These condoms include the advice with Deysach, who says their ‘baggier’ suggestions can improve pleasure for the wearer. “It leads to extra friction on the consumer’s frenulum,” she says. They’re made out of latex and coated in a silicone-based lubricant. One factor to remember is that they’re offered per piece at $0.70 every.
14. Flavored condoms
Professional:
- Could make oral intercourse extra pleasurable
Con:
- Sure flavors or components is likely to be unsuitable for delicate genital areas
Flavored condoms can actually sweeten the pleasure, they usually’re provided in flavors starting from strawberry to mint and chocolate. Whereas there are lots of choices which might be nonetheless artificially flavored, you may as well discover choices that use pure elements.
Glyde, Extremely-Skinny Condoms — $16.00
With Glyde’s tasty assortment pack, you gained’t need to decide to anybody taste. It contains blueberry, strawberry, wildberry, licorice, and vanilla-flavored condoms, and also you’ll obtain a complete of 12 individually-wrapped condoms along with your buy. You may additionally admire that the lubricated latex condoms pass over synthetic flavors, components, and dangerous chemical substances.
15. Inner condoms
Professional:
Con:
- Just one FDA-approved choice out there available on the market
In contrast to exterior condoms, inside condoms are inserted into the vagina or anus, they usually have a 79% p.c effectiveness price (which is 8 p.c lower than exterior varieties) however they will likewise stop undesirable pregnancies and the transmission of STIs. Presently, there is just one FDA-approved choice out there within the US.
16. Dental dams
Professional:
Con:
- Not ultimate for sexual activity or intercourse toys
An alternative choice that Dr. Rymland calls out are dental dams, that are skinny sheets that may be positioned over the vulva or anus to stop the unfold of STIs from the genitals to the mouth. Whereas these are available for buy, Dr. Rymland says Saran Wrap might are available in clutch.
Utilizing Lubricant With Condoms
In the event you plan on utilizing your individual lubricant, think about using a water-soluble lubricant. “[Using] water soluble lubricants are secure for condoms,” says Dr. Rymland. Nonetheless, in case you want utilizing an oil-based lubricant, remember that it gained’t play properly with latex condoms (the condom will break). In any case, Dr. Rymland considers lubricant as a should with regards to condom utilization. “It’s tremendous vital that there’s at all times sufficient lubricant on a condom,” she says. “Lubricants stop tearing.”
How To Safely Retailer Condoms
Maintain it away from excessive warmth or chilly
In accordance with Dr. Rymland, condoms are vulnerable to break from excessive warmth or chilly. “They need to be in locations which have a constant temperature that’s like room temperature,” she says.
Simply as importantly, keep away from utilizing a condom previous its expiration date
One other professional tip from Dr. Rymland? Pay shut consideration to a condom’s expiration date as a result of previous its prime, a condom is extra liable to breakage.
FAQs About Condoms
How lengthy do condoms final?
Condoms can final anyplace from one to 5 years, relying on the fabric and for so long as you know the way to retailer condoms correctly. In any case, it’s essential to be aware of its expiration date to make certain, which you’ll discover listed on the package deal.
Can you employ two condoms for double the safety?
Put it plainly and easily, no. “You’re simply rubbing two textures collectively that aren’t purported to be rubbed,” says Dr. Rymland, “What occurs is the friction from one condom really tears the opposite condom.”
What are probably the most trusted condom manufacturers?
Trojan, Durex, and Existence are a couple of trusted condom manufacturers that Dr. Rymland recommends, although she says something that’s FDA-approved is honest sport.
How can I discuss to my associate about utilizing a condom?
If you wish to discuss to your associate about condom utilization, Deysach says that honesty is the perfect coverage. “Inform your associate why utilizing condoms is essential to you and discover out why they’re resistant. It may possibly take attempting a couple of completely different manufacturers for folks to seek out ones they like, however that ought to not cease you from defending your self towards being pregnant and STIs. It’s also completely okay to make condom use a requirement to having intercourse with you,” says Deysach.
Our editors independently choose these merchandise. Making a purchase order via our hyperlinks might earn Properly+Good a fee.
[ad_2]
