The Pros And Cons Of Different Condom Types
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Condoms reduce the risk of every STD, and when used correctly can prevent pregnancy 98 percent of the time. Even though condoms are quite effective, the CDC found that nearly a quarter of people who they interviewed for a survey hadn’t used a condom in the previous four weeks. Maybe you fall into that category. And maybe it’s you who is leading the charge on that choice, or your partner(s). It’s no secret that men don’t like wearing condoms. Probably every sexually active woman in the world has dealt with a man who tried to get out of using them and had a list of ridiculous reasons that he thought were logical. A lot of men will risk a life-changing event such as an incurable STD or pregnancy all for a little extra, fleeting satisfaction. It’s such a major issue that Bill Gates recently funded the creation of an ultra-thin condom, designed to not interfere with pleasure.
Perhaps people would be more prone to using condoms if they knew more about the various types. So many of us just know about the standard latex ones handed out in candy dishes at Planned Parenthood or sold discreetly in small boxes behind the cash register at the gas station. But the world of condoms has come a long way since your middle school sex ed class. Not every condom is right for every person, so exploring the different varieties could help you find a type that allows you to enjoy sex the most. Educating yourself on all the wide variety of this product also helps you understand your risks with each one. Here’s a look at the many condom types out there, and their pros and cons, starting with the one you all know the most.
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Latex male condoms
Pros: Most effective against STDs and pregnancy
Cons: Can reduce sensitivity or cause allergic reactions
Latex male condoms are the most common type of condom you’ll find at major retailers, and the most effective at protecting against pregnancy and STDs when used correctly. Keep in mind that some STDs like genital warts and HPV can be spread from skin-to-skin contact, so condoms cannot always protect against those. They’re best for STDs spread through fluids. Latex condoms are very affordable, averaging 50 cents to a dollar each, and can be even cheaper when purchased in bulk (just make sure you use them all in a good time so they don’t expire – a common condom mistake). Not everyone can use latex condoms, though, as research has found latex allergies are rather prevalent and can cause unfortunate side effects like itchiness, scratchy throat, and even difficulty breathing.
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Lambskin condoms
Pros: Do not interfere much with sensitivity
Cons: Do not protect against STDs and are not vegan-friendly
Sometimes called natural skin condoms, lambskin condoms are made from the intestines of lambs, which might seem a little odd. A lot of men like them though because they feel quite natural, transmit body heat, and don’t reduce sensation as much as other condoms. All that said, the same qualities that make these more pleasurable also reduce their effectiveness in protecting against STDs. Because lambskin condoms are quite porous, they can allow bacteria through that causes common STDs such as herpes and even HIV. While they do keep the sperm away and can prevent pregnancy, they aren’t a good pick for those who are worried about catching or spreading STDs.
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Source: Chonticha Vatpongpee / EyeEm / Getty
Polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms
Pros: Good for those with latex allergies and transfer body heat
Cons: Can be more expensive than latex
For those who do have allergies to latex but want to stay in the rubber family of products, polyisoprene and polyurethane can be good options. Both are thinner than latex and transmit body heat well, so they don’t impact sensitivity as much. Still, they are quite effective in protecting against unwanted pregnancy and STDs. Polyisoprene is said to be slightly more flexible than polyurethane, so there can be less risk of breakage with that material. Overall, men don’t report a major difference in sensation between these two types of condoms compared to latex condoms, though they might be slightly more expensive.
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Delay Condoms
Pros: Help men last longer in bed
Cons: Numbing agent can cause allergic reactions
While a survey found that the average man finishes in about five and a half minutes, those with premature ejaculation (PE) may struggle to even last one minute. This can cause dissatisfaction in a partner and embarrassment on a man’s part. Delay condoms (often called delayed climax condoms) are typically made with latex and contain a local anesthetic inside called benzocaine. This numbs the penis skin, reducing sensitivity and helping a man last longer. It is worth noting that some individuals can have an allergic reaction to benzocaine, so be hyper-aware of symptoms like itchiness, redness, inflammation, or any other irritation after use.
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Source: Chonticha Vatpongpee / EyeEm / Getty
Lubricated condoms
Pros: Can increase comfort for women with vaginal dryness
Cons: Can be messy
Lubricated condoms are often made with latex, polyurethane, or lambskin, so they shouldn’t feel too foreign to most condom users. What sets them apart is the fact that they contain pre-applied, additional lubrication. While that sounds fun and kinky, it may also be important for a woman’s comfort. We can think of vaginal dryness as something that mostly afflicts post-menopausal women or postpartum women, but actually, 17 percent of women between the ages of 18 and 50 complain of struggling to self-lubricate. Using lubricated condoms can reduce the need to reach for bottled lubricant at a pivotal moment during foreplay. They can also prevent issues such as vaginal tearing from increased friction, so they’re practical for several reasons. Just keep in mind that if taken out of their packaging early, these can make a bit of a mess on sheets and clothes.
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Source: Adene Sanchez / Getty
Sensis QuickStrips
Pros: Assist with proper condom application
Cons: A bit more expensive than others
Research has found that 32 percent of individuals can lose their desire to have sex during the act of putting on the condom, and 30 percent have put it on incorrectly. Between passionless sex and potential pregnancy, those are two pretty major risks that occur when traditional condoms are difficult to put on. Sensis QuickStrips have pull tabs that make it easy to quickly identify the right way to put on a condom, so as to not ruin the moment. They’re made from latex, so most new users should be accustomed to the feeling. They also come in varieties like ribbed and lubricated.
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Source: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty
Spermicidal condoms
Pros: Provide additional pregnancy prevention
Cons: Can cause allergic reactions
If pregnancy prevention is your main concern with unprotected sex, then you might turn to spermicide, which kills or paralyzes sperm upon contact, making it unable to make its journey into your reproductive system. But if that’s your only form of birth control, you may face an unfortunate surprise as the CDC reports 28 percent of women who only use spermicide become pregnant. When this product becomes particularly effective is when it’s combined with a condom. Spermicidal condoms contain a dose of spermicide, so if the condom itself breaks or fails to do its job in some way, there is the added protection that any leaked sperm was probably destroyed before it was released.
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Source: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty
Female condoms
Pros: Take the responsibility off the male
Cons: High incidence of incorrect usage, some discomfort
If you can’t count on your male partners to wear their condoms, then as a woman, you can wear yours. Female condoms are made of latex or synthetic latex and placed inside the vagina before sex. An outer ring keeps them in place. It’s important to note that, when used correctly, they’re 95 percent effective in preventing STDs and pregnancy, making them slightly less effective than latex male condoms. And speaking of correct usage, the CDC reports that 21 percent of women use these incorrectly, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy or STDs substantially. Some women also complain that the outer ring feels uncomfortable to them and to a partner.
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Source: Christine von Diepenbroek / Getty
Tingling sensation condoms
Pros: Pre-lubricated and can increase pleasure
Cons: Can cause allergic reactions
For Trojan, it’s their Fire & Ice. For Durex it’s Tingle. For KY it’s Intense. Most of the major condom companies have their version of a tingling sensation condom, which have special lubrication on the inside and outside designed to create – you guessed it – said tingling sensation for both parties. Check the ingredients list to confirm you don’t have any sensitivities before using these, but if you typically do well with bottled lube meant to create a tingling sensation, you will likely respond well to these. Note that some users – including myself! – have reported the sensation feels more irritating than pleasurable.
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Edible and flavored condoms
Pros: Make oral more enjoyable
Cons: Edibles don’t offer any protection
There are two types of condoms designed specifically for oral play, but keep in mind that one provides actual protection against STDs and pregnancy, and one does not. Edible condoms are really just like Fruit Roll-Ups that are designed to roll onto the penis and be eaten off. They are only meant for oral sex and should never be used for anal or vaginal as they provide zero protection against STDs or pregnancy. Flavored condoms are coated with edible, flavored lubricant and can protect against STDs and pregnancy. As with tingling sensation condoms, the ingredients in the lube can vary so it’s important to make sure you do not have any allergies to your chosen variety. A whopping 34 percent of Americans report using no type of protection during oral sex, but flavored condoms can make the experience more enjoyable for women and encourage safety during this act.
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