Condom shopping is a lot like shoe shopping and can be just as much fun. Think about it: color! Texture! Patterns!
While getting creative with style, it is still important to think practically about durability, comfort, and fit. Just like there is a shoe for every foot, there is a condom for every… one. And yes, glow-in-the-dark is an option.
Flavor and fragrance do not really apply to shoes, like they do condoms, but we’ll let that one slide.
In recognition of Her Campus partner Bedsider’s “Thanks, Birth Control!” campaign, HC Boise State is taking this opportunity to say thank you to birth control ourselves.
And so, we’ve prepared a condom style-guide just for you, collegiette!
Most Boise State collegiettes have stumbled upon or at least heard of Ozone, aka Boise’s Best Condom Shop (whose business is Sensual Health, for your information). Located on Broadway Avenue, this local gem is right on the way to campus or Dutch Bro.’s depending on which direction you’re coming from. If you haven’t checked it out before, I say it’s high time you did!
According to Caryn Thompson, the owner of Ozone, birth control is all about embracing sexual health and taking responsibility for one’s future.
“We need to normalize this topic, because society has made it naughty. There’s no reason why this can’t be fun,” Thompson said.
The overwhelming assortment of condom varieties sold at Ozone can indeed be, well, overwhelming… like the Macy’s shoe department. Sigh. But fear not! HC Boise State has got you covered ;) Here’s everything you need to know.
Brand & Fit
Trojans, Durex, SKYN, Kimono, Okamoto… there are a million different condom brands out there. How do you know what to buy and what to use?
“People blame condom breakage on the condom itself, but really it’s about your interaction with the condom,” said Thompson.
According to Thompson, there are a few simple steps to follow to make sure condoms work right for you and your partner:
1. Pinch the tip.
2. Lubricate.
3. Roll to base.
All condoms are FDA approved and tested with electronic testing before packaging. That said, all condoms are not created equal for everyone.
Most importantly, the condom needs to be a good fit. This is where brand comes in. There is not necessarily a “best” brand of condom out there. Different brands and types of condoms work for different people. Think of it exactly like a committment to a shoe brand: I’m a Nine West gal myself. Talk to your guy about what condoms he has used in the past and what brands work best and are most comfortable for him. There are “snug” and “full” fit condoms, among others, to experiment with, too.
Material
Latex is the most common type of condom, and most condoms produced in the United States are in fact, latex. However, latex is not an option for all people… allergies, anyone? Here are the alternatives:
1. Polyurethane — common alternative to latex and with similar effectiveness in STD and pregnancy prevention.
2. Lambskin — “natural” alternative to latex. WARNING: lambskin condoms are not effective in preventing the transmission of STD’s or HIV.
Colors, Flavors, and Fragrance
Condoms come in every color of the rainbow. Like Skittles. Single, dual, and tri-color condoms are all available at Ozone. Why NOT mix it up once in a while? There is also a wide assortment of flavors, ranging from chocolate to banana to mint, to chocolate-mint. Condoms are also offered in various fragrances, which have a similar purpose to flavors. Because of the close association between taste and smell, a minty smelling condom and a minty tasting condom essentially serve the same purpose, but some people have a preference for one type over the other.
Textures
Here’s where it gets really exciting. From ultrathin to ribbed, there is a huge variety of textures and sensations to experiment with. These are supposed to be fun! Don’t be afraid to try something new. Some people may be hesitant to use microthin condoms because they are afraid they are somehow less effective than a normal condom. This is not true; condom effectiveness primarily depends on the user. Some tips and tricks to follow for safe use and safe sex:
1. Check expiration dates… condoms have them!
2. Don’t open condom packages with teeth.
3. Don’t carry condoms around in wallets or other compartments that may have large amounts of friction, as this can contribute to condom wear-and-tear.
There you have it, collegiettes! Birth control is serious business, but there is no reason why you can’t have some fun with it. Just remember:
…and practice safe sex. Do you get it?