Cordelia is here to give us some sex education about the different types of condoms available!
So we all know protection is an important part of sex, whether you’re protecting against STDs or pregnancy. We’ve all been there, we’ve all had to do it but are you aware of how many different kinds of condoms there are out there?
Regular latex –
This is your average, every day lubricated or unlubricated condom. Some condoms can contain added spermicide. If you have sensitivities or bad allergies, spermicide can cause some nasty reactions so be careful!
Glow in the dark latex condoms –
Because who doesn’t like a lightsaber dick? (To the person that now has to deal with their boyfriend swinging their dick around in a glow in the dark sheath while making lightsaber noises… I’m truly sorry. That was my fault.) – These guys are FDA approved for both pregnancy and STD prevention.
Colored condoms –
These are kind of fun. They make condoms in all sorts of colors, whether they’re solid patterns or bi-colored, some are even tricolored. There’s also various holiday themed condoms that come in mixed colors. Occasionally, these are only novelty condoms so make sure you double check the box to make sure the ones you’re using are to prevent pregnancy or STDs.
Flavored condoms –
I’ve never given head with one on but I can’t imagine putting a regular latex condom in my mouth. Nope, not going to happen. The good news is, there’s some decent flavors like chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, then a few fruity ones like grape, pina colada (if you like pina coladas…and getting bent over a bend… have fun now that I got that jingle in your head.) Banana, orange, a couple strange ones like bubblegum (makes me think of medicine…ew) or mint. They also have bacon or cola. Apparently, the colors match the flavors. They’re fairly inexpensive too.
SUPER IMPORTANT though, if you plan on using these for vaginal sex afterward, you need to make sure they’re sugar-free or you will give yourself a yeast infection. No one wants that.
Kiss of mint –
Kiss of mint condoms are a specific flavored condom. These ones don’t have a flavored lube on them but a flavored powder that tastes like spearmint. They’re also sugar-free so they’re safe to use for oral and vaginal sex.
Edible condoms –
Edible condoms are obviously novelty condoms and are in no way meant for protection against pregnancy or STDs. The condom is put on and they eaten off.
Skyn Condoms –
Skyn condoms are non-latex condoms that prevent pregnancy and most STDs. They also come in multiple sizes which isn’t the norm for other non-latex condoms.
Studded and textured condoms –
These condoms are both shaped and textured for sexual pleasure. Some are meant for females only, males only and then for both partners. Others have ribs on the top and bottoms of the condom or tiny raised dots for female pleasure, if the raised dots are on the inside, they’re for male pleasure.
Some condoms have a combination of these things as well as slightly different shapes to add pleasure for both parties. They also have condoms that are just ‘shaped‘ – an example of that are “twisted” condoms from Trojan. Various shapes allow for more stimulation of nerve endings and help sensitivity despite the latex.
Since these can sometimes be novelty condoms, it’s best to check the box and confirm they prevent pregnancy or STDs. Sensation condoms are also shaped to promote heat friction that is supposed to stimulate the g-spot (where have these been?!)
Fire and ice condoms –
These thin latex condoms have a special lubricant that heats up during sex. I’ve used these before and while they can be a hell of a lot of fun, be really really careful if you’re sensitive. Tingling condoms usually have some kind of mint lubricant that has a tingly sensation. Again, something to be weary of if you’re sensitive.
Vegan condoms –
Vegan condoms don’t have the latex flavor or smell, which, I’m betting makes for a great oral condom if flavors aren’t your thing. (The Sir Richard brand actually donates one condom for every vegan condom you purchase. I think it’s pretty cool they’re helping people keep safe.)
Sensis condoms with quikstrips –
These are new to me. They’re lubricated latex condoms that have strips on them. Those strips aid the user in putting the condom on and hope to avoid user error. Think of it like putting on a bandaid and using the little pull tabs, these are kind of the same. They’re relatively new to the market and if anyone has used them, I’d love to hear your opinion on them.) Fun fact: In my research I found these are the first new condoms approved by the FDA in fifty years. That’s pretty crazy!
Lambskin condoms –
Lambskin condoms are one of several animal membrane condons but they do not protect against STds and their effectiveness of preventing pregnancy isn’t very high.
French Ticklers –
These are ONLY novelty condoms and will NOT prevent pregnancy or STDs. That said, they could be fun to try! The tips of these condoms either have a rubber tip or soft jelly type with various extra stimulations (ribs, studs, etc.) the point to them is to “tickle” the vaginal wall to provide extra stimulation.
Novelty tattoo condoms –
Just in case you ever wanted a cock with art work but don’t have the balls to actually let a tattoo artist anywhere near your shlong with a tattoo gun 😉 These are meant for oral sex but I could not find whether they were effective at protecting against STDs or pregnancy.
Female condoms!
I talked about those more in this article about various birth control methods (HERE)
Not a condom type but condom thickness ranges from .0016 inches (Thiness) to .003 (thickest) – thickness can affect how some people feel the sensitivity so keep that in mind.
As always guys, practice safe, consensual sex, stay the hell out of my ER and remember to talk to your partners before engaging in sexual activities (Read more: HERE)
To reach Cordelia:
Email: cordeliamichaelson@gmail.com || Twitter: CMichaelsonblog
