The first recorded – in history – condom was designed in 1564 by the Italian anatomist Gabriel Fallopius from linen and rubber. It was tested on more than 1,100 men and none contracted syphilis. Centuries have passed since then until we reach the 20s when Alfred Trojan put his irritated penis in hot rubber and pioneered the rubber condom (don’t ask what happened to his mole, he doesn’t want to remember either). This was the beginning of a large condom industry that even today has incredible sales worldwide.
Thin or long, which one to choose?
With so many colors, sizes and shapes you don’t know what to choose first. Remember that the best condom is the one you use. Every time there is skin-to-skin contact during sex (mouth, genitals, anus, etc.), using a condom will save your sexual health and significantly contribute to the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. And of course, when used correctly, they protect against pregnancy by 98%. So when it comes time to choose the type of condom these are the types you will find.
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1 LATEX
It is the most common condom and is a reliable choice to help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. But if you notice any itching, redness, or rash after using such a condom, get tested for latex allergy. Irritation can also be caused by other factors, such as the use of a lubricant or excessive dryness.
2 NON-LATEX
If, after all, you really have a latex allergy, you have an alternative. The World Health Organization reports that latex-free condoms have a higher rate of breakage compared to common latex, being about 95% effective. What exactly are they made of? The most common material is polyurethane, but some brands use polyisoprene or nitrile.
3 XL
The circumference of the penis (in centimeters) determines the application of the condom. Medium size condoms fit a circumference of 10 to 13 cm. But do you really need an XL condom when a latex condom can stretch 800% and hold at least 9 gallons of air?
4 With lubricant
Lubricated condoms (water or silicone based) are designed to facilitate penetration and minimize friction or the risk of tearing. But the possibility of slipping increases. However, if you decide to use lubricant, keep in mind that not all lubricants are compatible with condoms. Products like baby oils can break the condom.
5 Super minutes
Ultra-thin latex condoms don’t completely dull the senses. But does thinner material mean it’s more likely to break? Not necessarily. Most “accidents” occur when a condom is not used soon enough after being put on.
6 Lambskin
You know the story about Charlie Sheen. What you don’t know is that he insisted that his sexual partners use lambskin condoms during sex, which are believed to not protect against AIDS. This type of condom is perhaps the most controversial. Thanks to this natural material, some people feel them better than latex condoms, making them better for arousal and pleasure. But they don’t protect against STDs and aren’t as effective at preventing pregnancy.
This is because natural resources are large enough to allow certain viruses (such as HIV and herpes) to enter. If the idea of the skin of another animal does not seem strange to you and you are aware of the risks, you can certainly find them in e-shops, mainly abroad.
7 With spermicide
Spermicide contains a chemical that immobilizes and destroys sperm and comes in multiple forms (gels, foams, creams, or suppositories) and is often combined with a barrier method (in this case a condom). The substance has a 70% to 80% effect and when combined with a condom it reaches up to 97%. You should also be aware that it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
8 Phosphorize
You’ve bought a whole box of condoms in the dark but you don’t think they’re really safe to use, do you? If they are made of latex, they are just as effective and have various innovations. May the force be with you!
9 With perfume
Many latex condoms are scented but if you feel any weird reaction down there skip wearing them next time to see if that was the culprit.
10 Female condom
You won’t find them often, probably because they have been proven to be less effective than male condoms since the failure rate is 21%. Only when used correctly are they 95% successful in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, making them less effective than male condoms. Female condoms are best combined with contraceptives or spirals, for optimal protection against pregnancy.
The good thing about this contraceptive option is that you can insert it up to 8 hours before sex, which means you don’t have to stop at the best spot for your boyfriend to put on a condom.
