Condoms might help in stopping being pregnant and defending in opposition to sexually transmitted infections. There are various sorts of condoms you and your accomplice can attempt.
You probably have an energetic intercourse life, you should be utilizing a condom as a protecting barrier. You simply use it each time you have got intercourse with the intention to 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 should have piqued your curiosity, there are many choices that you could attempt. Many extra sorts 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 choose the one which’s finest for you and your accomplice.
What are condoms?
They’re a type of barrier contraception used to stop 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 likewise cut back the danger of transmission of infections resembling HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea,” explains gynaecologist and IVF skilled Dr Shobha Gupta.
They will additionally shield individuals in opposition to ailments, together with Zika and Ebola viruses, that may get transmitted by intercourse, based on the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. Roughly, 98 % of girls whose sexual companions use male condoms appropriately throughout intercourse over one yr might be protected against unplanned being pregnant, as per the World Well being Group.
What are the sorts of condoms?
Listed here are some frequent sorts of condoms that you should use throughout intercourse:
1. Latex condoms
Made out of pure rubber latex, these are one of the vital frequent sorts 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 recurrently, and the danger of semen leaking from it was very low.
2. Polyurethane condoms
Made out of a skinny, robust plastic materials, these condoms are different for individuals with latex allergy symptoms. “The exterior condom, which is proof against water, and grease, nonetheless offers efficient safety in opposition to being pregnant and STIs,” says the skilled.
3. Polyisoprene condoms
These are constructed from artificial rubber and are one other latex-free possibility. They don’t have the allergy-triggering proteins which might be present in latex condoms, however supply 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, feminine condoms present barrier safety from being pregnant and STIs and can be utilized by ladies preferring to not depend on male condoms. A 2020 research revealed in BMC Public Well being 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 kind. “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 skilled.
6. Flavoured condoms
While you consider standard sorts of condoms, you should be visualising the flavoured ones. “These are designed for oral intercourse, typically constructed from latex, and are available numerous flavours to masks the style of latex,” says the skilled. It could actually make oral intercourse extra enjoyable for {couples}.
7. Textured condoms (ribbed or studded)
“Some of these condoms have added texture, resembling ribs or studs, to reinforce sensation for each the companions,” says the skilled. It could actually stimulate the nerves within the vagina higher than non-textured condoms, and so, they could improve pleasure.
8. Extremely-thin condoms
Made out of skinny latex, these condoms are designed to supply a extra pure feeling throughout intercourse. It virtually looks like skin-on-skin whereas having intercourse. “It nonetheless provides the identical degree of safety as commonplace sorts of condoms,” says Dr Gupta.
9. Thick or extra-strength condoms
These condoms are constructed from thick latex, offering additional sturdiness and lowering the danger of breakage, particularly throughout anal intercourse. A 2022 research revealed in Translational Andrology And Urology journal confirmed that such sorts 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 lot of these condoms glow at the hours of darkness. “In addition they add a enjoyable aspect to sexual exercise, whereas nonetheless being as efficient as commonplace sorts of condoms,” says the skilled. The glowing agent is definitely surrounded by latex, so it makes intercourse safer.
11. Non-lubricated condoms
Some of these condoms don’t have any lubricant and are sometimes utilized by individuals who desire to make use of their very own lubrication. Some use coconut oil as a pure lubricant throughout intercourse. Non-lubricated condoms may additionally 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 lot of these condoms enhance consolation throughout intercourse and assist stop breakage. They may also be simpler to placed on than the non-lubricated sorts of condoms. You may also use them throughout anal intercourse.
13. Delicate condoms
These are skinny condoms designed to extend sensitivity and improve pleasure. “Some of these condoms can keep the identical degree of safety,” says the skilled. These condoms will not be as sturdy as common sorts of condoms because of the thinner materials, resulting in the next threat of breakage.
14. Animal-skin condoms
Made out of lambskin, a lot of these condoms supply 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 possibility for contraception,” says the skilled.
15. Specialty condoms like warming or cooling
Some of these condoms comprise lubricants that create warming or cooling sensations to reinforce pleasure whereas having intercourse. “These condoms might comprise lubricants that trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some people, particularly in delicate areas,” says the skilled.
There are various sorts of condoms, however relating to effectiveness, male ones which might be worn on the penis present safety throughout intercourse.
Associated FAQs
Which kind of condoms is finest?
Latex condoms are thought of the most secure and simplest possibility for stopping being pregnant when used appropriately. They not solely supply dependable safety in opposition to being pregnant, but in addition cut back the danger of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), making them a complete technique of safety.
Do condoms expire?
Condoms normally have a shelf life of 1 to 5 years. Don’t use condoms after the expiration date, which is talked about on the package deal, as a result of they won’t work nicely and never assist in stopping sexually transmitted infections and being pregnant.
Why do condoms break?
Condoms might get broken whereas utilizing if they do not match correctly. Utilizing a lubricant with oil on a latex condom can have an effect on its effectiveness. Additionally, not utilizing any lubricant can injury condoms, because it creates extra friction throughout intercourse.
