Condom Buying Guide
With so many condom choices, how do I choose?
Shopping for condoms can be a little bit overwhelming. With all the different styles, sizes, colors, shapes, textures, flavors, and lubricants, how are you supposed to choose? We can’t tell you which condom is right for you because condom preference is a highly personal decision, but the goal of this Sinclair Institute Condom Buying Guide is to demystify condoms so you can make an informed choice and find a condom that meets all your intimate needs.
Condoms have been around for thousands of years, but their purpose has remained essentially the same. They are designed to be used during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). People are now using condoms to prevent the spread of STD's during oral and anal sex and to cover their sex toys for easy toy clean-up.
Although the purpose of condoms has not changed much over the years, thank goodness technology has! Condoms are safer, stronger, and more comfortable than ever, so protecting yourself and your partner by wearing a condom will not reduce sensation or the quality of your sex life.
Non-Latex Condoms
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Latex Condom Sampler
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Spermicidal Condom
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Flavored Condom
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Snug Fit Condom
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Studded Condom
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Erection Control Condom
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What Are Condoms Made Out Of?
There are basically three types of condoms:
- Lambskin Condoms
- Latex Condoms
- Polyurethane Condoms
- Lambskin Condoms
- Lambskin condoms are made out of lamb membranes. They are said to transfer heat and have a more “natural” feel during intercourse, but lambskin condoms DO NOT protect against STD’s, only pregnancy. The small pores in the membrane are small enough to prevent sperm from passing through, but not viruses like HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Latex Condoms
- The primary ingredient in latex condoms is sap from rubber trees. Latex Condoms are the most commonly known and used condoms to protect against pregnancy and STD’s. They are strong, stretchy, inexpensive, and with advanced technology, thinner for increased sensitivity. Latex condoms may not be appropriate for individuals with latex allergies.
- Polyurethane Condoms
- Polyurethane is a strong man-made plastic that is used to make very thin, strong condoms. Polyurethane condoms are odorless and protect against pregnancy and STD’s. Recent studies show that when used with proper lubrication and care, polyurethane condoms are comparable to latex condoms as a barrier to sperm and STD’s including HIV. Polyurethane condoms do not stretch like latex condoms and they fit the penis differently. Some users of polyurethane condoms have reported a higher incidence of condom slippage than that of latex condoms. While they are a little more expensive than latex condoms, for people with latex allergies or people looking for a thinner condom that is reported to have a more “natural feel” by some, possibly due to better heat transfer, polyurethane condoms may be worth the extra cost.
Am I Allergic to Latex Condoms?
When using condoms, some men and women experience itching, redness, irritation, swelling, rash, blistering, and even shortness of breath due to latex and/or spermicidal allergies. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a latex allergy and should discuss your reaction with your doctor. Allergic reactions vary from simple rashes that resolve on their own to asthma attacks that can threaten your life, so ask your doctor if you are allergic to latex before trying a latex condom or after any reaction, no matter how small. Minor allergic reactions after wearing condoms can be caused by a variety of things, so it is a good idea to find out what it is you are allergic to by ruling out possible irritants one by one.
Is it the lubricant, spermicide, or the latex? If you are using a pre-lubricated condom, read the box. Does it contain a spermicide? If so, you may be allergic to the spermicide and not the latex. Try a non-lubricated latex condom with a very gentle sexual lubricant like Wet Naturals Beautifully Bare Personal Lubricant or System Jo Women’s Lubricant. If you still experience irritation, then it is probably the latex you are allergic to and you should use a polyurethane condom instead of a latex condom. If you still experience pain or irritation with a polyurethane condom, talk to your physician or a health care professional.
NOTE: If you are allergic to avocado, potato, banana, tomato or kiwi fruit, you might be more prone to a latex allergy. These plants contain similar chemicals to the rubber plant. (Latex is made from the rubber plant.)
LATEX TEST:
This is hardly a definitive test, so be careful and discuss any reaction with your doctor.
- Buy a latex medical glove or get one from your doctor. (There are many types of medical gloves, so make sure the glove is latex and powder free.)
- Cut off the finger of latex glove and slip it on to a finger. If you begin to experience allergic symptoms, REMOVE IMMEDIATELY, wash hands, and contact physician if strong reaction occurs. If you can wear a latex finger for several minutes without reaction you may not be latex sensitive.
- Repeat this test with your partner.
Pre-lubricated Condoms?
Condoms are available with or without a sexual lubricant. Non-lubricated condoms are great for oral sex because they do not have an unpleasant taste. If you are going to use a non-lubricated condom for intercourse or anal sex, you will need to use a sexual lubricant. Condoms are more likely to break or tear during intercourse without adequate lubrication. The lubricant on pre-lubricated condoms is typically not enough to prevent condom tearing. Adding additional sexual lubrication helps prevent condom breakage and increases pleasure, comfort, and protection.
When using a polyurethane condom, you can use almost any kind of sexual lubricant such as water, silicone, or oil based sexual lubricants. NEVER use an oil based lubricant with a latex condom. Oil-based lubricants react with the latex and cause the condom to break. Water based sexual lubricants like Sinclair's Satiny Smooth Personal Lubricant or Better Sex Gel Lubricant will not break down latex condoms.
REMEMBER: Only use water-based lubricants with Latex Condoms. Think Latex=Water.
For your safety and protection, always use a personal lubricant that is designed for sexual intercourse and is compatible with the type of condom you are using. Below is a list of commmon oil-based products that are NOT SAFE to use as sexual lubricants with latex condoms.
DO NOT Use with Latex Condoms
- Aldara cream – prescription for genital warts
- Baby oil or baby cream
- Balms - Bag Balm, Tiger Balm, Aquaphor
- Body Lotion
- Butter or Margarine
- Clindamycin 2% vaginal cream
- Cold cream
- Edible oils – Any nut oil like olive oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, etc.
- Face Lotion
- Hand Lotion
- Massage oils
- Mineral oil
- Petroleum jelly
- Rubbing alcohol
- Shortening - Crisco, Lard
- Suntan oil and Suntan lotions
- Vaginal yeast infection medicine – some medications are not latex compatible. Check with your doctor regarding your specific medicine.
- Whipped cream and Dairy Toppings
Should I Use A Condom That Has Spermicide?
Condoms are available with and without spermicide. The most common spermicide used on spermicidal condoms is Nonoxynol-9. It is a detergent that is said to immobilize sperm and is often used on condoms as added level of protection to prevent pregnancy. Because many people are sensitive to Nonoynol-9, we suggest spot testing a small area prior to use. If you experience any irritation or rash, discontinue use. Using products with Nonoxynol-9 several times a day for vaginal or anal intercourse may irritate tissue and result in sores that make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases. If you are having frequent sex, you may want to avoid Nonoxynol-9 and condoms with spermicide.
Are Flavored Condoms Safe?
Flavored condoms are designed to make oral sex more fun for both partners and to encourage safe oral sex practices. Read the label closely because not all flavored condoms are approved for intercourse or anal sex, they may only be appropriate for oral sex. Flavored condoms may be coated with sugar, corn syrup, or fructose. These all alter the pH of a woman’s vagina and can result in a yeast infection. After oral sex and before intercourse, you may want to switch from flavored condoms to non-flavored condoms.
Why Are There So Many Condom Shapes and Sizes?
Manufacturers realize that people have different needs and have started making condoms in different lengths and widths, like Lifestyles Snugger Fit Condom and Magnum Condoms. Increased condom selection is great news because it increases the chances that you will find a condom that fits and feels great, but it can make condom selection a little difficult. We can’t tell you what size and shape condom is going to be best for you, but we can tell you the best way to find out is to read product descriptions and reviews and try different condoms. A condom sampler is a great way to try a wide variety of condoms in different sizes, styles, flavors, and textures.
Are Novelty Condoms Just for Fun?
Studs, nubs, ridges, and colors…the choices abound. Condoms that multi-task and do more than just provide safe sex are often called novelty condoms. Novelty condoms are a simple way to add fun and excitement to your sex life. Ridges, studs, and nubs all add extra stimulation and increase pleasure for both partners, while colored condoms are playful and exciting. If your partner is hesitant about wearing a condom, the extra pleasure or excitement a novelty condom promises can be a great way to get them to wear one and practice safe sex. While most novelty condoms are safe for intercourse, make sure you read the packaging to verify that the condom is intended for sexual activity.
What Are Specialty Condoms?
Specialty condoms have evolved out of a demand for new and innovative products to improve sexual performance or provide an alternate solution for safe sex. Durex Performax Condoms are specially designed to prolong a man's erection and increase sexual satisfaction. The Reality Female Condom is the only condom designed for women to use as a barrier to protect themselves against pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Condoms For Sex Toys?
Many of our customers use condoms on their sex toys. No, sex toys can’t get you pregnant, but they can be a source of disease and discomfort if they are not kept clean. Condoms make adult toy clean-up a breeze. Sex toy design is changing and adult toys are becoming more involved and complex. These new designs can make clean up a hassle, so we suggest using condoms on your toys. After using your condom covered toy, simply throw away the condom and use a toy cleaner to insure that your toys are clean and safe.
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