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Why use a condom?
Most condoms are cheap and extensively obtainable available on the market with out requiring a prescription. Whereas there are a big selection of choices for contraceptives, condoms are at the moment the one contraceptive that may stop each unintended pregnancies and the unfold of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), together with HIV—and if this vital to you and your accomplice, it is likely to be a great choice to make use of throughout sexual activity or when utilizing intercourse toys.
Which STIs do condoms assist stop?
In keeping with the Facilities of Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), condoms can sometimes stop the transmission of STIs which might be transmitted by means of genital fluids, together with HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, for so long as they’re worn correctly.
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Which STIs are condoms much less efficient towards?
It’s vital to understand that condoms aren’t one hundred pc efficient towards stopping the unfold of sure infections. In keeping 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 vital?
Deciding on a condom that matches is vital for security and luxury. Commonplace condom sizes normally are available in commonplace, slim, and huge choices. An appropriately sized condom can improve pleasure whereas guaranteeing security. Select the fallacious measurement, and the condom can break if it’s too tight or slip and slide off if it’s too free.
The best way to choose an appropriately sized condom
There is not a one-size-fits-all resolution relating to condoms—and for those who or your accomplice have struggled to discover a condom that isn’t too tight or too free, taking one’s personal measurements is a method of guaranteeing {that a} condom suits excellent. Ideally, the dimensions 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 keeping 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 extensive whereas commonplace choices measure as much as 7.5 inches lengthy and as much as 2.1 inches extensive, and bigger condoms measure as much as 9 inches lengthy and up 2.3 inches extensive. Nevertheless, Dr, Rymland says, “Most individuals match into an average-size condom or a big one,” including that it could actually assist to strive a number of choices on for measurement. In the end, you need one thing that feels cosy, so it gained’t slide off throughout intercourse, with room on the tip to ejaculate, says Dr. Rymland.
What are condoms product of?
Usually, the commonest materials is latex, nevertheless, additionally, you will come throughout choices product of latex alternate options, like polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lambskin, that are perfect for those who or your accomplice have a latex allergy or both of you’re delicate to latex.
In keeping with Dr. Rymland, latex-free alternate options like polyurethane condoms (product of artificial plastic) and polyisoprene condoms (product of artificial rubber) aren’t as “easy” as latex condoms. Each supplies, nevertheless, shield towards the transmission of STIs, whereas sheepskin condoms, that are product of lamb intestines, don’t.
Many individuals may also expertise an adversarial response to a condom’s lubricant or the components in a lubricated condom, corresponding to warming or cooling brokers—and in case you are one in all them, you may wish to think about using non-lubricated condoms with your personal lube.
Along with these supplies, some condoms are additionally coated in spermicide. Spermicidal condoms typically comprise nonoxynol-9 (or N-9), a chemical that kills sperm. Nevertheless, 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 shield towards STIs are made with latex or latex alternate options, aren’t biodegradable—and matched with the truth that they’re single-use merchandise, on the lookout for an eco-friendly condom may seem to be a pipe dream, particularly if you wish to make your intercourse life extra sustainable. Fortunately, there are choices which you could really feel higher about utilizing.
You possibly can choose to make use of natural condoms, lots of that are made with much less dangerous chemical compounds and components. Simply understand that there’s at the moment no governing physique that certifies condoms as “natural.” If you happen to keep away from utilizing something with animal elements, it’s also possible to discover vegan condoms, lots of that are additionally cruelty free. Moreover, there are an growing variety of condom manufacturers that make use of Truthful Commerce Licensed practices.
16 Widespread Kinds of Condoms
Forward, discover 16 widespread forms of condoms, their execs and cons, and proposals 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 may also comprise different brokers, like warming or cooling brokers to advertise a tingling sensation.
2. Non-lubricated condoms
Professional:
- Best for those who’re delicate or allergic to lubricants utilized in most condoms
Con:
- Must be used with a separate lubricant
If you happen to or your accomplice are delicate or allergic to lubricants utilized in most condoms, you may favor utilizing a non-lubricant choice. Simply understand that this selection should be used with lube in order to stop breakage.
Trojan, ENZ Non-Lubricated Condoms — $13.00
One other latex choice, solely with out the lube, these condoms give you and your accomplice full management over which lubricant you wish to use. They’re offered in a pack of 5 with three condoms per pack.
3. Latex condoms
Professional:
- Accessible and inexpensive
Con:
- Unsuitable for individuals who have a latex allergy or are delicate to latex
Condoms product of 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:
- Best for folks with latex allergy symptoms
Con:
If you happen to’re allergic to latex, you may wish to think about using a condom product of a latex various, corresponding to polyurethane and polyisoprene. Polyurethane condoms are product of plastic, whereas polyisoprene condoms are product of artificial rubber—each supplies shield towards the transmission of STIs.
SKYN, Lubricated Latex-Free Condoms
One other latex-free variation, SKYN’s condoms are product of polyisoprene. With their ultra-thin design, they’re made to extend pleasure, in addition to consolation, due to the truth that they already comes pre-lubricated. What’s extra, the condoms can be found in three sizes—common (as pictured above), giant, and extra-large. The pack comes with 36 condoms and with a 4.6-star total score on Amazon after greater than 29,000 evaluations.
5. Lambskin condoms
Professional:
- Appropriate for folks delicate or allergic to latex
Con:
- Can’t stop the transmission of STIs
Lambskin condoms are product of the membrane of sheep intestines, and they’re thought of one other latex various. Dr. Rymland calls it the “unique condom,” and whereas she mentions that it could actually stop unintended pregnancies, it can’t stop the unfold of STIs.
Trojan, NaturaLamb Latex-Free Luxurious Condoms — $9.00
These lambskin condoms are one other various to latex varieties, although it’s solely perfect for those who and your accomplice aren’t involved in regards to the publicity to STIs. Whereas it could actually’t provide the extent of safety that different choices on the listing may afford you, Amazon reviewers like it for its skin-like really feel. For below $9, you’ll obtain a pack of three individually-wrapped condoms.
6. Natural condoms
Professional:
- Typically accommodates much less chemical compounds and components in its elements listing
Con:
- There’s at the moment no governing physique to certify any condom as natural
If you wish to avoid undesirable chemical compounds and components, contemplate natural condoms, that are made with fewer elements. Nevertheless, as talked about earlier, there’s at the moment no governing company to certify condoms as “natural”—which is one thing to bear in mind as you store.
Maude, Rise Condoms — $12.00
Freed from glycerin, parabens, and dangerous chemical compounds, Maude’s condoms are a worthy decide. They’re made with one hundred pc pure latex, cornstarch, and a silicone-based lubricant as their main 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:
If you happen to keep away from consuming, carrying, or utilizing merchandise with animal elements, you may admire the existence of vegan condoms. As a plus, it’s also possible to discover choices are cruelty-free, which signifies 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 compounds, for that matter), additionally they adhere to cruelty-free practices. Whereas a pack of 12 condoms will price you $17, it is likely to be nicely definitely worth the funding for those who’re on the lookout for condoms which might be higher on 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. Truthful Commerce Licensed condoms
Professional:
- Prioritize sustainable practices and prioritizes employees
Con:
If you’re explicit about how condoms—or any product, for that matter—are made, you may wish to contemplate buying condoms which might be made in accordance with Truthful 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 Truthful Rubber Licensed plantation. They’re additionally FSC Licensed, which verifies that their merchandise are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Not simply great for the planet, the condoms are additionally made with out animal elements and probably dangerous nitrosamine. They’re obtainable within the Extremely-Skinny model pictured above, in addition to Tailor-made Match, Consolation Match, and XL, which all differ in measurement.
9. Delay condoms
Professional:
Con:
- Unsuitable for these delicate to desensitizing brokers, like benzocaine or lidocaine
Delay condoms normally comprise 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-Energy Condoms — $12.00
If you happen to and your accomplice wish to avoid desensitizing brokers, it’s also possible to contemplate a thicker condom like these ones. The lubricated condoms are product of latex that’s 90 micrometers thick. Plus, they’re low-cost. For below $12, you’ll obtain a 48-pack.
11. Skinny or ultra-thin condoms
Professional:
Con:
- Is perhaps unsuitable if you would like delay intercourse
On the opposite aspect of the spectrum, you could find skinny or ultra-thin condoms, that are perfect for those who and your accomplice wish to improve sensation. Whereas they is likely to be thinner than the common, this doesn’t imply they’re extra vulnerable 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 slightly extra sensation for each companions and may improve pleasure,” says Deysach. The raised studs, dots, or ridges could be situated 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 which may not attraction 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 particular person carrying 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 ends in extra friction on the person’s frenulum,” she says. They’re made out of latex and coated in a silicone-based lubricant. One factor to bear in mind 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 various choices which might be nonetheless artificially flavored, it’s also possible to discover choices that use pure elements.
Glyde, Extremely-Skinny Condoms — $16.00
With Glyde’s tasty assortment pack, you gained’t must decide to anyone taste. It contains blueberry, strawberry, wildberry, licorice, and vanilla-flavored condoms, and also you’ll obtain a complete of 12 individually-wrapped condoms together with your buy. You may additionally admire that the lubricated latex condoms pass over synthetic flavors, components, and dangerous chemical compounds.
15. Inner condoms
Professional:
Con:
- Just one FDA-approved choice obtainable available on the market
In contrast to exterior condoms, inner condoms are inserted into the vagina or anus, they usually have a 79% % effectiveness charge (which is 8 % lower than exterior varieties) however they will likewise stop undesirable pregnancies and the transmission of STIs. At the moment, there is just one FDA-approved choice obtainable within the US.
16. Dental dams
Professional:
Con:
- Not perfect for sexual activity or intercourse toys
Another 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
If you happen to plan on utilizing your personal lubricant, think about using a water-soluble lubricant. “[Using] water soluble lubricants are protected for condoms,” says Dr. Rymland. Nevertheless, for those who favor utilizing an oil-based lubricant, understand that it gained’t play nicely with latex condoms (the condom will break). In any case, Dr. Rymland considers lubricant as a should relating to condom utilization. “It’s tremendous crucial that there’s all the time sufficient lubricant on a condom,” she says. “Lubricants stop tearing.”
How To Safely Retailer Condoms
Hold it away from excessive warmth or chilly
In keeping with Dr. Rymland, condoms are vulnerable to wreck 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 vulnerable 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 vital to be conscious 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 speculated to be rubbed,” says Dr. Rymland, “What occurs is the friction from one condom really tears the opposite condom.”
What are essentially 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 truthful sport.
How can I discuss to my accomplice about utilizing a condom?
If you wish to discuss to your accomplice about condom utilization, Deysach says that honesty is the very best coverage. “Inform your accomplice why utilizing condoms is vital to you and discover out why they’re resistant. It may well 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.
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