Condoms
What types of condoms are available?
If you’re like us, you’ve experienced the stigma around talking and learning about sex and admitting your curiosity. In these articles, we hope to add excitement and enjoyment in your life, by answering the sexual health questions you're too afraid to ask. Have additional questions? Contact our friendly "sexperts".
All about condoms.
Male Condoms
A male condom is a thin sheath placed over the erect penis. When left in place during sexual intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex, male condoms are an effective way to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Male condoms are also an effective way to prevent pregnancy.
Condoms, also called rubbers, are usually made of latex, but some are made from polyurethane, nitrile, or lambskin. Latex, nitrile, and polyurethane condoms provide the most protection against STIs. Lambskin condoms DO NOT protect against HIV.
Male condoms are simple to use, inexpensive, and widely available. Male condoms are available with or without a lubricant and come in a variety of lengths, shapes, widths, thicknesses, and colors. Some condoms are textured to increase sensation.
Female Condoms
The female condom is a birth control (contraceptive) device that acts as a barrier to keep sperm from entering the uterus. It protects against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The female condom is a soft pouch that gently adheres to the vagina during intercourse. It has a rolled ring of nitrile on one end and a loose ring made of polyurethane on the inside of the condom.
One ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. The ring at the open end of the condom remains outside the vagina. The outer ring helps keep the condom in place and is also used for removal.
The FC2 female condom is made of nitrile, is pre-lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant and FDA approved in the U.S.
Dental Dams
Dental damns are flat sheets of latex that can be used over the vulva or anus during oral sex to protect against STIs.
A small amount of water-based or silicone-based lubricant can be used on the genitals to help the dental damn stay in place. Then, oral sex is performed over the barrier in order to protect the giver and the receiver from transmitting diseases or infections.