15 Types of Condoms

Condoms are essential for safe sex, as they protect a couple against STIs and STDs, as well as unplanned pregnancy. However, it is important to remember that not every condom is the same, and not every condom offers the same level of protection. So, in order to ensure that you are always safe during sex, you must explore and research different types of condoms and find the ones that offer the best protection for you and your partner!

With all of the different options available, it can be difficult to choose the right condom. With so many options available at any drug store and all of the different labels and attributes, it can be hard to figure out which condom is the best one to use.

However, you should not be worried! This article will teach you all about different types of condoms, their pros and cons, and how to pick the best condoms for a satisfying and safe sexual experience.

There are umpteen different kinds of condoms available at drug stores to choose from! If you have the right knowledge about them, you can easily find the perfect type depending on your needs and situation. Let us have a look at the following most popular types and categories of condoms that might interest you:

Lubricated Condoms

Lubricated condoms are essentially coated with a heavy dose of lubricant on the exterior. This makes them ideal, particularly for people who want to enjoy a more slippery, friction-free experience in bed.

You can find all sorts of condoms on the market today (including latex, lambskin, and polyurethane) that come pre-packaged with lube. If nothing else, lubricated condoms are more convenient because you don't have to reach for another lubricant product in the moment once you have slipped the condom on.

A little added lube may be necessary with condoms beyond what is naturally produced by the body because of the friction between the skin and condom material. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of, so don't hesitate to pick up some lube next time you're at the store!

Ribbed Condoms

Let's face it: when we were adolescents, most of us probably giggled at the phrase 'Ribbed for Her Pleasure' printed on condom packages. However, the truth is that a ribbed condom has textured lines running along its head and shaft. These added ribs are especially meant to increase the sensation both partners feel during sexual intercourse.

On the other hand, some condoms are also designed for the wearer's pleasure with internal ribs. These condoms have internal ribs around the frenulum, or glans, for added penile sensations, while others may have ribs on the outside as well. This provides a more pleasurable experience for the person wearing the condom.

Dotted Condoms

Dotted condoms, nubby condoms, and spiked condoms all serve the same purpose: they are meant to add new sparks or sensations during sexual intercourse. Whether you are looking for extra stimulation or just want to mix things up, these condoms can help you experience sex in a whole new way.

Some condoms have very few dots or nubs, but it is also possible to find more novel condoms that have fairly poignant raised spots all along the shaft and head for pleasure-giving. These raised areas can provide extra stimulation for both partners during sex and can make the experience more enjoyable for them.

Warming Condoms

Warming condoms can help prolong erections and make sex more interesting. By adding a new sensation, you may find that you're able to last longer and enjoy sexual intercourse with much more intensity. If you're looking for a way to add some spice to your sex life, warming condoms could be the answer!

Warming condoms are basically condoms that have a lubricant on them that contains ingredients that will cause a warming sensation for both partners—the one who is wearing the condom and their partner—when the skin comes into contact with the condom. Condoms with warming action are usually made from latex, so if you're allergic to latex or simply don't like the feeling of it, you might want to look for a different type of warming lube. 

Apart from that, most warming lube contains glycerol, which is a viscous sugar alcohol, so if you're concerned about sugar or alcohol content, you may want to check the label before using.

XL Condoms

Most condoms are made from a latex material that is very stretchy. As a result, they can be worn with almost any penis size. However, XL condoms are extra long to make sure that they will fit even the longest shafts.

Standard condoms can be uncomfortable for men who are larger than average. So, if you don't like condoms just because each one you have worn till now has been too tight or too short, XL condoms are something that you must try!

Female Condoms

Oftentimes, male condoms get all the credit and attention while female condoms are left in the dark, but if you're someone who's struggling to find a comfortable condom, female condoms are definitely a viable alternative worth considering. Female condoms are inserted into the vagina, which, however, may take some time and practice to get used to at first.

When used correctly, it must be noted that female condoms are nearly 98 percent effective at preventing unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, many users find them difficult to place properly, leading to a high rate of failure.

Spermicidal Condoms

Spermicide is a contraceptive gel that kills or paralyses sperm, preventing it from moving on to fertilisation. Some condoms are marketed as being 'spermicidal' and will come with a dose of the same contraceptive.

It is important to note that spermicide alone is not particularly effective at preventing pregnancy. Studies show that about 28 percent of women who rely solely on spermicide end up pregnant. However, when used in combination with a condom, the efficacy of spermicide goes up substantially, and it works really well.

Glow-in-the-Dark Condoms

Do you ever have trouble finding your partner's penis in the dark? Or are you a guy who likes being able to see where his condom-covered penis is going in the dark? If so, glow-in-the-dark novelty condoms are a great way to light up the night.

Glow-in-the-dark condoms feature an interior layer of pigmented phosphorus, which makes them appear illuminated in the dark. Furthermore, most glow-in-the-dark condoms are green, but some fun magenta or orange colours are also available.

Delay Condoms

These condoms are basically designed to help guys with issues regarding premature ejaculation. On average, a man will only last about seven minutes before ejaculating or reaching a climax. Delay condoms help by desensitising the penis slightly, which in turn helps the man last longer in bed.

In fact, delay condoms, otherwise known as climax control condoms, contain a desensitising agent called benzocaine. This numbing agent absorbs into the skin of the penis to reduce sensations and help prolong ejaculation. Men who use these condoms are mostly looking to enjoy sex for a longer period of time.

Coloured Condoms

The majority of condoms produced globally are either clear or semi-clear, with a sort-of opaque appearance. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the production of novelty condoms that are colourful or decorative to match the preferences of those who purchase them.

Colored condoms are definitely a fun way to change things up in the bedroom! They can add a bit of excitement and spice up your sexual encounters. Whether you want to go for a classic red, a festive green, or something more daring like fuchsia or purple, there's definitely a colour to suit your mood and situation.

These days, condoms are available in a huge variety of colours and even have interesting graphics printed on them. So why don't you think of trying something new the next time you're looking to play around in bed?

Flavoured Condoms

Wearing a condom during oral sex helps to decrease sensitivity and allows you to enjoy the activity for a longer period of time. In fact, it is also a wise decision from a 'safe sex standpoint.' Considering flavoured condoms for your oral sex endeavours can simply add an extra layer of fun and excitement to the experience!

All in all, flavoured condoms is a fun way to add some excitement to your sex life! They come in all sorts of flavours, such as vanilla, chocolate, or fruity, and usually have a layer of lube on them that makes them extra pleasurable. However, like flavoured lubes, some condoms actually taste great, while others can be questionable.

Latex Condoms

When discussing various condoms and their intended purposes, it would be amiss not to first mention latex condoms. Latex condoms are often the first choice for many men—and for good reasons. You must be surprised to learn that latex condoms are about 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and highly effective against STIs when used properly.

Furthermore, if you experience any irritation after using a latex condom, it could be due to a latex allergy. Standard latex condoms should be used with only water- or silicone-based lube, as lubes with oil bases can cause latex to break down.

Polyurethane Condoms

For guys who are allergic to latex and not so keen on the idea of using lambskin as condoms, other options exist, such as polyurethane or polyisoprene. Both polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms are made of latex-free, thin rubber material.

The main difference between the two is that polyurethane is less elastic than polyisoprene, meaning it could potentially break more easily. However, polyurethane is also less likely to give rise to allergic reactions in individuals who are specifically allergic to latex.

Some men find these alternatives to be more comfortable than latex since the materials are thinner and less likely to interfere with sensitivity. Plus, both materials are great at conducting body heat!

Polyurethane Condoms

If you look into the history of condoms, you'll learn that lambskin sheaths are one of the oldest forms of condoms. However, over time, synthetic condoms have become more popular because they are less controversial and more successful.

Lambskin condoms are actually made of the intestinal skin of lambs, which can be off-putting to some men. However, the material is still preferred by some because it feels more natural and readily transmits body heat. Further, it must be mentioned that lambskin condoms aren't very effective in preventing STIs or pregnancies because the skin is porous and microscopic particles can slip through.

Ultrathin Condoms

Ultrathin condoms, which are also marketed as 'extra-sensitive' condoms, are often the best choice for people whose main concern about wearing a condom is that they don't feel enough during sex. Most ultrathin condoms on the market are made of polyurethane, though you can find latex options as well.

Thin condoms often get a bad rap for being more likely to break, but the truth is they're no more likely to break than regular condoms. The number one reason condoms break is improper use, so as long as you use them correctly, you can feel confident that they'll hold up!

Conclusion

Condoms are one of the most popular birth control methods in the world. However, they are also one of the most divisive! Some people love them, some people hate them, and many people are indifferent. 

But no matter what the general public feels, there will always be a need for condoms, and therefore a need for those who understand condoms to help others learn about them. Furthermore, we hope you found this article interesting and helpful, and we would love to hear your thoughts and questions about the topic!