There are generally three types of condoms: external, internal, and dental dams.
External condoms go over a penis Internal condoms go into a vagina Dental dams are placed over the genitals for oral sex
Each type of condom can have different features—for example, some are made with textured materials, while others are coated with flavors.
When looking for a condom, think about what you need it for. Do you plan to use a condom as contraception, for STI protection, or for sex play?
This article will go over the types of external condoms, including those that offer contraception and STI protection, as well as condom types that can make sex more enjoyable.
Key Points for Choosing Condoms
Here are a few key points to keep in mind when you’re picking out condoms:
If you plan to use condoms to prevent pregnancy or STIs, make sure that the product you pick has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these purposes. Condoms expire, so the FDA requires that condoms are labeled with an expiration date. If you or a partner has allergies, find out what the condoms you’ll be using are made from. The materials are usually listed on the product package. For example, some people are allergic to latex, which is a common material for condoms.
Non-latex condoms are a general category of external condoms that other types can fall under. For example, there are non-latex flavored condoms.
Like latex condoms, non-latex options protect against pregnancy. Latex alternatives protect against STIs, however, lambskin condoms do not due to their porous nature.
Like non-latex condoms, spermicidal condoms are in a larger category of condoms that other types may fall under. There are ribbed spermicidal condoms, for instance.
Using spermicidal condoms can help prevent pregnancy and STIs. However, nonoxynol-9 may cause irritation and some individuals may be allergic to this ingredient.
To make them glow, expose the external condom to light for at least 30 seconds before putting it on.
Glow-in-the-dark external condoms are usually non-toxic and made in three layers:
The first two layers, inner and outer, consist of regular latex (a material in most rubber products, to which some people are allergic). The third layer, sealed between the first two layers, contains a safe dye that glows after being exposed to light.
Popular condom flavors are mint, grape, orange, banana, strawberry, bubblegum, chocolate, vanilla, bacon, and cola.
Sometimes, the condoms are colored to match the flavor, such as yellow for banana and red for strawberry.
Flavored external condoms are generally used for oral sex. In addition, many of the brands are also FDA-approved for their durability and protection.
Often, these products are advertised as being “ribbed for pleasure.”
Textured condoms may have:
Ribs: Some condoms have ribs on the top and at the base. This placement adds stimulation, which can make penetration more enjoyable. Studs: When the raised studs are on the inside of the condom, it’s meant to enhance the enjoyment of the person wearing the external condom. When the studs are on the outside, they are meant to offer more stimulation for the partner.
Studded and textured external condoms tend to be wider, have bulb-like tips, and have a more contoured shape. These attributes increase comfort and pleasure for the person wearing the external condom.
This type of condom usually contains a warming lubricant that is activated by natural body moisture, which means it heats up during sexual intercourse.
The gentle sensation of warming external condoms is designed for mutual pleasure.
The wider tips of this kind of external condom allow for more friction because the extra latex stimulates the tip of the penis.
Some pleasure-shaped condoms, like Trojan Twisted, also introduce a winding, twisting shape that allows for more forceful action. This type of condom design boosts sensitivity for both partners.
Dual-color external condoms are fun to use during the holidays—for example, black and orange for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, and pink and red for your valentine.
Many colored condoms are FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and STIs, but always check the label to make sure.
QuikStrips are meant to help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to condom failure.
Here are the steps for using external condoms with QuikStrips:
Remove the Sensis condom from its foil packageLocate the ridged ends of the pull-down strips located on the top side of the external condomFeel for the ridges with your fingersHold the QuikStrips and pull down the external condom to put it onDiscard the strips
External condoms with QuikStrips are also available in thin and micro-dot ribbed options. These types have a contoured shape for a comfortable fit. The dots and ribbed rings are designed to provide pleasure for both partners.
These external condoms tend to be a little bit wider than average condoms and have a flared tip that balloons out to allow for heightened sensation for the person wearing them.
Mint external condoms are a favorite for safe oral sex. They are also FDA-approved for pregnancy protection.
Ticklers are novelty condoms and are not intended to protect from pregnancy or STIs.
However, they can be used with hormonal or permanent birth control. You can also wear an external condom under a tickler to ensure you are protected.
For example, Durex’s Tingle brand condoms are made with a safe, spearmint-flavored, tingling lubricant and have a fresh, minty scent.
Edible external condoms are for novelty use only. They do not provide any protection against pregnancy or STIs.
Whichever condom type you choose, always check the materials and expiration dates before using them.
However, some flavored condoms are only approved to be used for oral sex and should never be used for vaginal intercourse. Read the packaging carefully to make sure you know how a condom should (and should not) be used.
