A condom can provide a simple way to lower the chance of HIV, many STIs, and can be used to help prevent pregnancy. If you have trouble using condoms, having a brand or style that feels better than the rest might make it easier to reach for a condom in the heat of the moment.

With so many condoms to choose from, you might have to try a few different kinds to find the one that’s right for you. Remember, everyone is different, so the condom best for you might be different from the one that your friends or sex partners like — though it can be fun to compare notes!

So what are the most important things to think about when picking a condom? If you will be wearing a condom, you might first want to ask yourself how well does it fit? There is a variety in condom size, thickness and materials between brands. Different kinds might feel better or worse for both the person wearing the condom and their partner; sensation can be a big factor in which condom you like best. Lubrication, as well as condom material, texture, and tightness, can really impact the feeling of sex.

If a condom doesn’t fit well, it could slip off because it’s too tight or not tight enough, or allow semen to spill out because it’s too loose, creating the possibility of HIV transmission, other STI transmission, or, where possible, pregnancy. On the other hand, if a condom is too tight, it could break, which can also cause semen to spill out. It is also important to know that if you are putting a condom on a penis, it must be hard while it is put on, otherwise it is much more likely to slip off.

A condom that fits comfortably is going to feel and look better than the rest, so try out a couple to find the perfect one for your body. This is something you could do alone, or with a partner if you want to find one they love too.

 

Different types:

There’s so many more factors than just size to choose from! Check out the list below to learn about colours, flavours, textures and more fun twists on the classic condom.

Flavoured Condoms:
Yum! Depending on your taste, you might like using flavoured condoms and lube for oral sex, though they’re not recommended for anal or frontal/vaginal sex. Normally these condoms are thinner and don’t come pre-lubed. They’re lots of fun, but some of them can cause yeast infections or other forms of discomfort and irritation. Flavoured condoms can also be good for folks who experience dysphoria with their penis, as they are often coloured which can make people feel more like their penis is a strap-on.

Glow in the Dark Condoms:
It glows! Read the package to double check their thickness. Any condom marked “For Novelty Use Only” won’t prevent pregnancy, the transmission of HIV, or of some STIs.

Textured Condoms:
It tickles! Or maybe it touches somewhere new. Specially shaped and textured condoms can feel amazing for you and your partner.

Ribbed Condoms:
Like textured condoms, ribbed condoms can add some extra or new sensation for both partners. Try these out with a partner and discuss how you both found these new feelings!

Non-Lubricated Condoms:
Lube can taste funny sometimes. These condoms might make performing oral sex yummier, though you can also add lube for other kinds of sex, if you like. These can be good for folks with sensitivities or preferences with lube. Be mindful that both anal sex and vaginal/frontal sex can be painful without lubrication depending on your/your partner’s physiology. Check out our section on lube to learn more about your options for avoiding unwanted pain or discomfort during sex.

Condoms with Spermicidal Lubricant:
Added spermicide gives an extra layer of protection against pregnancy. However, spermicide can be harsh on your skin, and may even increase your chance of getting or passing along STIs.

Non-Latex Condoms:
Latex allergies can make most condoms off-limits. Luckily, there are condoms made out of other stuff, like polyurethane or polyisoprene, that work just as well.

Warming Condoms:
Some like it hot! If you like ribbed and dotted condoms, these come with the added fun of a warming sensation.

Lambskin:
These are made out of animal membranes, and though some people like the sensation, they don’t work very well in preventing HIV and other STIs and only protect against pregnancy.

Ultra-Thin
What it sounds like! These are made of a thinner material, but still protect you against HIV, most other STIs, and pregnancy. Some people like them because they give a different sensation.

It is always important to talk to your partner about the forms of protection you use, and this includes letting them know if you are using a condom that might come as a surprise to them or change the way they experience sex. If you prefer a type of condom that might not work as well for preventing pregnancy, STIs, or has a higher chance of causing irritation to them it is especially important you discuss if this is a choice you are both comfortable with and excited about.

Dysphoria and Condoms:
Barrier protection is complicated for lots of people especially those who experience genital dysphoria. There are some tips and tricks on how to use protection to elevate these uncomfortable feelings. When it comes to external condoms, it can be tough for a variety of reasons. One has to be hard to apply an external condom properly, but when you have been on hormones, some medications or any other number of reasons, that can be a challenge. To help with this try involving a partner, making it part of the act. There are also some toys that can help, try out a ring (cockring), which can hold the blood in the aroused area and then you can put on the condom. A fun tip is that for some, using a coloured condom can be helpful. This can create the appearance of a sex toy that can help disassociate that body part from the rest of the body. The most common coloured condoms are flavoured, and textured/ribbed. Alleviating dysphoria is different for everyone, and not every method will work for you. You can play around with different methods of minimising dysphoria during sex, and it can be helpful to talk about known triggers with sexual partners beforehand. In this section we lay out lots of protection and contraception methods, so you can take a look and see methods other than using condoms might feel better to you.

This section was adapted, with permission, from The Sex You Want Website
You can learn more about where we got this information from at: WHO
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references.