Condoms come in many different shapes, sizes, and purposes. However, the main use of a condom is to prevent pregnancy and the spread of STIs. However, some condoms come custom-made to enhance the sexual experience. For example, some are ribbed for pleasure while others are flavoured to make oral sex more enjoyable. In addition, some are made of lambskin, a great alternative for people who are allergic to latex. Knowing what each type of condom does is a great way to ensure you practise safe sex, even when you’re being whimsical.
1. Latex condoms
Standard latex condoms are the most readily available prophylactics on the market. Latex is non-porous which reduces the risk of spreading STIs and causing pregnancy. Because latex is rubber, you should only use water-based lube with latex condoms. Using oil-based lube or lotion, Vaseline, or baby oil can compromise the latex and make it porous. Relationships: Benefits Of Using Lube While Having Sex
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If you use latex condoms and experience itching, inflammation, redness, swelling, rashes, hives, and watery eyes, see your doctor and get tested for a latex allergy. In extreme cases, a latex allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. When you experience these symptoms, take a break from penetrative sex then switch to non-latex condoms.
2. Non-latex condoms
There are three materials used to make non-latex condoms. They’re made of lambskin, polyurethane, and polyisoprene. Polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms are made of synthetic materials. They can be used with oil and water-based lubes. Lambskin condoms are made using animal materials. They’re not great for the prevention of STIs but can prevent pregnancy. They also feel like skin.
3. Internal condoms
These are prophylactics placed inside the vagina. When you use them, your partner doesn’t need to wear an external condom. Using both increases the risk of breakage. Internal prophylactics can prevent pregnancy and STIs. Squeeze the sides of the inner rings together to insert it. Push the ring as far up as it will go until you feel the cervix. The outer ring remains outside the vagina. Ensure it’s not twisted and stop sex if you feel the penis slip between the vagina and the outer ring of the condom. When removing, twist the outer ring and pull it out.
Internal condoms aren’t completely effective in preventing pregnancies. For maximum protection, use it in tandem with the birth control pill, an IUD, or a patch. You can insert them eight hours before sex so they’re great for taking control of your sexual schedule. Women & Health: Did You Know That There Is A Panty Female Condom?
4. Flavoured condoms
Flavoured prophylactics are great for making oral sex more pleasant. The taste of latex can be unpleasant. They’re safe for penetrative sex but if you notice any irritation, switch to a different brand.
There are also edible condoms. You roll one on as usual then lick or suck it off. They’re meant purely for pleasure and don’t protect against STIs and pregnancy.
5. Spermicides
These external prophylactics are coated in products that kill sperm. They usually contain nonoxynol-9 which is a detergent. They prevent pregnancy and STIs. The detergent can irritate.
6. Glow-in-the-dark condoms
Using them is a great way to prevent STIs and pregnancy. To make them glow, they must sit in light for 30 seconds without putting it on. They’re made in three layers. The first two layers have latex while the third contains a safe dye that glows after exposure.
7. Ribbed condoms
These are condoms that contain external designs that are supposed to help your partner feel more pleasure during sex. They can add stimulation to the wearer too. If there is too much friction, add more water-based lube. These textures include ribs, and studs, which are located inside or outside the condom.
8. Ultra-thin condoms
These are some of the most popular prophylactics. They’re popular because of how close they feel to having raw sex. They’re not likely to break unless you use oil-based lube.
9. Lubed condoms
Pre-lubed latex rubbers are great for people with vaginal dryness or if you want to have anal sex and not worry about lube. They also help prevent breakage, and reduce irritation, and friction. Sex: Household Items That You Can Use As Lube (And Those To Avoid)
10. Sensation condoms
These are coated with materials meant to create a tingle in your genitalia. These are prophylactics that contain a mint formula or other substances that can make you or your partner enjoy sex more. They also make sex smell and taste better than latex.
Another type includes warming condoms. These are contraceptives that heat up when exposed to the body’s natural heat. Body fluids activate the specialised lubricant. It pleasures both partners.
Check out:
What To Do When A Condom Breaks While You Are Having Sex
Common Errors And Mistakes When Using Male Condoms
Male Birth Control; Are Men Aware of All the Options?
Questions To Consider Before Choosing A Birth Control Method
Health: Vasectomy – Benefits, Myths And Precautions
Women & Health: Did You Know That There Is A Panty Female Condom?
Relationships: Common Mistakes Men Make During Sex
8 Reasons Why Women Get On Birth Control Apart From Family Planning
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