Let’s talk about condoms!
Depending on the type, condoms can be used to help less the chance of pregnancy and lower the risk of catching certain STI’s. There are a couple types of condoms to choose from, however each condom type has its potential ups and downs.
The first type of condom is latex which is probably the most popular type of condom. Latex is in the vast majority of condoms found at pharmacies. An important note about condoms is that most come pre-lubricated to make sex more pleasurable for the parties involved in most cases the lubricant is silicone based so be careful about using silicone on your sex toys, because depending on the material it might melt the toy.
Another concern when getting condoms is the the type of lube to use with condoms (if any is being used, but I highly suggest using lube to make sex more pleasurable). latex condoms break when exposed to oil based lubes, so it is important to use a water, silicone or hybrid based lube. The second type of condom is lambskin. Lambskin condoms are made of sheep cecum, which is a part of the intestine. Praised for their skin like feeling, they are thinner than latex. While lambskin condoms are oil compatible, their pores are too big to prevent the spread of STI/STD’s.
However they are effective at potentially stopping any unwanted to pregnancies. Therefore lambskin condoms are suggested to be used for monogamous couples that have been throughly screened for STI/STD’s. The third type of condom is polyurethane. These condoms are thin and are the preferred choice for many people that have latex allergies. The majority of female or insertable condoms are made of polyurethane and they are oil compatible and body safe
The fourth type of condom is polyisoprene which are also thin. They are oil compatible and okay for people that have latex allergies. The fifth type of condom is Nitrile another thin alternative to latex. Many of these are female or insertable condoms and they are also oil compatible.
Always practice safe sex, get tested so you know your status and don’t be afraid to have a conversation about sex or sexual health with your partners.