Types of condoms: Know which one you should use

In case you have an energetic intercourse life, you should be utilizing a condom as a protecting barrier. You simply use it each time you might have intercourse so that you could get safety in opposition to undesirable being pregnant in addition to sexually transmitted infections. Nevertheless, you don’t must depend on simply latex condoms. Whereas feminine condoms and flavoured ones will need to have piqued your curiosity, there are many choices you could strive. Many extra kinds of condoms can be utilized throughout sexual actions. Nevertheless, not all of them are efficient, and a few of them are meant for use throughout oral intercourse solely. Check out the alternatives and decide the one which’s finest for you and your associate.

What are condoms?

They’re a type of barrier contraception used to forestall being pregnant and shield in opposition to sexually transmitted infections throughout sexual activity. “They work by making a bodily barrier that stops sperm from coming into the vagina and reaching an egg, and in addition cut back the chance of transmission of infections corresponding to HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea,” explains gynaecologist and IVF knowledgeable Dr Shobha Gupta.

They will additionally shield folks in opposition to illnesses, together with Zika and Ebola viruses, that may get transmitted by way of intercourse, in accordance with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly, 98 p.c of ladies whose sexual companions use male condoms appropriately throughout intercourse over one 12 months will likely be protected against unplanned being pregnant, as per the World Health Organization.

What are the kinds of condoms?

Listed here are some frequent kinds of condoms that you should utilize throughout intercourse:

1. Latex condoms

Created from pure rubber latex, these are some of the frequent kinds of condoms. A 2004 research revealed within the Contraception journal confirmed that the male latex condoms not often broke or slipped off throughout intercourse. Researchers additionally discovered that this condom offered excessive contraceptive efficacy, particularly when used often, and the chance of semen leaking from it was very low.

2. Polyurethane condoms

Created from a skinny, robust plastic materials, these condoms are different for folks with latex allergic reactions. “The exterior condom, which is proof against water, and grease, nonetheless gives efficient safety in opposition to being pregnant and STIs,” says the knowledgeable.

3. Polyisoprene condoms

These are produced from artificial rubber and are one other latex-free choice. They don’t have the allergy-triggering proteins which can be present in latex condoms, however provide comparable safety and luxury because the latter. If you wish to make your intercourse life safer, and are allergic to latex, go for polyisoprene condoms.

4. Feminine condoms

Inserted into the vagina, female condoms present barrier safety from being pregnant and STIs and can be utilized by girls preferring to not depend on male condoms. A 2020 research revealed in BMC Public Health confirmed that the usage of feminine together with male condoms was simpler than use of solely male condoms in stopping STIs.

5. Spermicide-coated condoms

These are latex or polyurethane condoms coated with spermicide, which normally is available in a jelly type. “It provides additional being pregnant prevention by killing sperm earlier than they will attain the egg, however they could result in irritation in some customers,” says the knowledgeable.

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6. Flavoured condoms

Once you consider well-liked kinds of condoms, you should be visualising the flavoured ones. “These are designed for oral intercourse, usually produced from latex, and are available numerous flavours to masks the style of latex,” says the knowledgeable. It could actually make oral intercourse extra enjoyable for {couples}.

7. Textured condoms (ribbed or studded)

“A lot of these condoms have added texture, corresponding to ribs or studs, to boost sensation for each the companions,” says the knowledgeable. It could actually stimulate the nerves within the vagina higher than non-textured condoms, and so, they could improve pleasure.

8. Extremely-thin condoms

Created from skinny latex, these condoms are designed to supply a extra pure feeling throughout intercourse. It virtually seems like skin-on-skin whereas having intercourse. “It nonetheless presents the identical degree of safety as commonplace kinds of condoms,” says Dr Gupta.

9. Thick or extra-strength condoms

These condoms are produced from thick latex, offering additional sturdiness and decreasing the chance of breakage, particularly throughout anal intercourse. A 2022 research revealed in Translational Andrology And Urology journal confirmed that such kinds of condoms bodily protect and prolong the time of penile erection, and overcome untimely ejaculation to enhance the standard of intercourse.

10. Glow-in-the-dark condoms

Coated with a luminescent layer, a majority of these condoms glow at the hours of darkness. “Additionally they add a enjoyable component to sexual exercise, whereas nonetheless being as efficient as commonplace kinds of condoms,” says the knowledgeable. The glowing agent is definitely surrounded by latex, so it makes intercourse safer.

11. Non-lubricated condoms

A lot of these condoms haven’t any lubricant and are sometimes utilized by individuals who favor to make use of their very own lubrication. Some use coconut oil as a natural lubricant throughout intercourse. Non-lubricated condoms may be utilized by those that have sensitivities to the lubricants sometimes utilized in condoms.

12. Lubricated condoms

Coated with a lubricant to scale back friction, a majority of these condoms enhance consolation throughout intercourse and assist stop breakage. They will also be simpler to placed on than the non-lubricated kinds of condoms. It’s also possible to use them throughout anal intercourse.

13. Delicate condoms

These are skinny condoms designed to extend sensitivity and improve pleasure. “A lot of these condoms can preserve the identical degree of safety,” says the knowledgeable. These condoms is probably not as sturdy as common kinds of condoms because of the thinner materials, resulting in the next threat of breakage.

14. Animal-skin condoms

Created from lambskin, a majority of these condoms provide pure sensation however don’t shield in opposition to STIs, making them unsuitable for these involved about an infection prevention. “They’re additionally sometimes dearer and are usually not a dependable choice for contraception,” says the knowledgeable.

15. Specialty condoms like warming or cooling

A lot of these condoms comprise lubricants that create warming or cooling sensations to boost pleasure whereas having intercourse. “These condoms might comprise lubricants that trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some people, particularly in delicate areas,” says the knowledgeable.

There are numerous kinds of condoms, however on the subject of effectiveness, male ones which can be worn on the penis present safety throughout intercourse.