I’ve been one of those girls who leaves it up to the guy to choose them, acquire them, and bring them to the occasion. All the while, I’ve been known to spend an unreasonable amount of time deciding which lingerie to wear to said occasion. The priorities could use some adjusting, I know.
Because while I have plenty of opinions about what goes on my body, I’ve apparently outsourced the decision about what goes in it. And considering condoms can affect comfort, sensation, and protection, “whatever you brought” probably shouldn’t be my entire selection process. Sure, you don’t need a favorite condom or an encyclopedic knowledge of latex to be set up for success.
But knowing your options gives you more say and autonomy in sex and the experience as a whole. Condoms come in plenty of materials, fits, and even glow-in-the-dark or edible options, and there are some very important differences in what each option protects against. So, in the interest of taking a more active role in my own sex life, I asked sexual health and wellness experts to explain the different types of condoms, what they’re used for, and how to choose.
Turns out, there’s more to discuss than whether someone remembered to bring one. Consider this our overdue education. Some categories describe the material, others describe where the condom goes, and others describe features intended to change how sex feels.
There’s overlap: A condom can be latex, ultra-thin, and ribbed, for example. Most options below are external condoms, which cover the penis. Internal condoms are worn inside the body.
Latex and synthetic condoms help prevent pregnancy and reduce STI risk, but protection isn’t absolute. Infections including herpes, HPV, and syphilis can spread through contact with skin a condom doesn’t cover. Understanding those limits is part of using protection—not a reason to skip it.
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