There are so many types of condoms to choose from…

Protection is a crucial aspect of sexual health, whether you’re aiming to prevent STIs or unwanted pregnancy. We’ve all been in that situation, but do you realize just how many different types of condoms are available?

Regular Latex Condoms

These are your standard, everyday condoms, available in both lubricated and unlubricated options. Some even come with added spermicide for extra protection. However, if you have sensitivities or allergies, be cautious with spermicide, as it can cause adverse reactions.

Glow-in-the-Dark Latex Condoms

Who doesn’t want a lightsaber moment? (To the person dealing with their boyfriend swinging his glow-in-the-dark sheath around while making lightsaber sounds, I apologize! That might be on me.) These fun options are FDA-approved for preventing both pregnancy and STIs.

Colored Condoms

Inject some fun into your bedroom with colored condoms! They come in various hues, from solid colors to bi- and even tri-colored designs. You can also find holiday-themed options in mixed colors. Just remember, some colored condoms are purely for novelty, so always check the packaging to ensure they’re effective for pregnancy and STI prevention.

Flavored Condoms

You can find flavors like chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and fruity options such as grape and piña colada (and now you probably have that jingle stuck in your head!). Some quirky choices include bubblegum, mint, bacon, and cola. They’re generally affordable, too.

Important Note: If you plan to use flavored condoms for vaginal sex afterward, make sure they’re sugar-free to avoid the risk of a yeast infection—something to steer clear of!

Kiss of Mint

Kiss of Mint condoms offer a unique twist with a spearmint-flavored powder instead of lube. These are sugar-free, making them safe for both oral and vaginal sex.

Edible Condoms

Edible condoms are more for fun than for protection. They’re designed to be eaten off, not to provide any safety against pregnancy or STIs.

Studded and textured

These condoms feature specific shapes and textures designed to enhance sexual pleasure. Some are tailored for women, others for men, and some cater to both partners. Many have ribs at the top and bottom or tiny raised dots for female stimulation; if the dots are on the inside, they’re intended for male pleasure.

Certain condoms combine these features and offer unique shapes to increase pleasure for both parties. For instance, Trojan’s “twisted” condoms provide a distinct shape that stimulates nerve endings, enhancing sensitivity despite the latex material.

Since some of these can be novelty items, always check the packaging to ensure they effectively prevent pregnancy and STIs. Additionally, sensation condoms are shaped to create heat friction that aims to stimulate the G-spot—definitely worth trying!

Fire and Ice Condoms

These thin latex condoms feature a special lubricant that heats up during use. I’ve tried them, and they can be a lot of fun! Just be cautious if you have sensitivities. Tingling condoms often contain mint lubricants that create a tingling sensation—again, something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive.

Vegan

Vegan condoms lack the typical latex flavor and smell, making them a great option for oral sex if flavored condoms aren’t your thing. The Sir Richard brand donates one condom for every vegan condom purchased, which is a fantastic way to help others stay safe while promoting a vegan lifestyle.

Sensis Condoms with Quikstrips

I just discovered these! Sensis condoms are lubricated latex options featuring strips designed to help users put them on correctly and reduce user error. Think of it like applying a Band-Aid with pull tabs—it’s a similar concept. These condoms are relatively new to the market, and I’d love to hear anyone’s experiences with them. Fun fact: they represent the first new condom approved by the FDA in fifty years. That’s pretty wild!

Lambskin Condoms

Lambskin condoms belong to a category of animal membrane condoms but keep in mind they don’t protect against STIs. Still, they are great for those with sensitive skin!

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.

Remember to talk to your partners before engaging in sexual activities (Read more: HERE)