Condom Conundrum
Which rubber is the one for me?

The first step to choosing the perfect condom is to decide if condoms are the best form of protection for you and your partner. Condoms are very effective in preventing pregnancy if they are used for every sex act, every time. This means putting it on before penetration, taking it off soon after climax, and never re-using a condom. Even better is using a condom AND another form of birth control, such as the pill, Depo-Provera, or spermicidal film, foam, or jelly. Condoms are fairly good at preventing some of the most common STDs, but not all. Remember that if you or your partner have open sores on your genital or anal area, or cold sores, that it’s possible to transmit disease to your partner by touching areas not protected by the condom.

Next, what kind of condom material do you want? There are basically three types: natural, latex, and polyurethane. Natural condoms (often called "lambskin") do NOT protect you from STDs.

Polyurethane condoms are relatively new, and a bit more expensive than latex. They are also not as stretchy, but thinner than latex and very strong. They transfer heat really well, and the sensation is different. The Avanti (Durex), may not be good for very small or very large penis-owners as this condom only comes in one size --but it’s fine for the vast majority. The Female Condom is also polyurethane, isn’t constrictive like regular condoms, and gives more control to the woman. It also protects both partners from STDs a bit better because it covers more of the genital area. Both of these polyurethane condoms are good alternatives for people who are sensitive or allergic to latex.

Most condoms are latex, and come unlubricated, lubricated, and spermicidally lubricated. Unlubed rubbers are good for folks who are sensitive to lubes, for going down on a guy, and for cutting to make a dental dam for protection when going down on a woman. (To make a dam, cut an unrolled condom with scissors from the outer rolled edge to the center, not all the way! and then unroll.) Regular lubed ones are great for folks who don’t like or are sensitive to spermicide – and are a good choice for anal sex, where the more lube you’ve got the better! Sperimicidally lubricated condoms may seem like a good safeguard against pregnancy, but recent studies show no difference in failure rates between condoms with and without nonoxynol-9, the most common spermicide in the US.

There are many other categories of latex condoms. Some are flavored, making oral sex both safer and more fun. Some come in a variety of colors, some with textures. Some have reservoir tips and some don’t; considering the strength of most condoms is more than adequate for the actual force and amount of ejaculate in a guy’s climax, don’t worry about it. Ribbed or studded condoms can be fun if you like extra sensation, but how much you can feel it differs person to person. Shaped condoms, like the Enhanced Pleasure (Durex), InSpiral, and Pleasure Plus, provide different sensations for both partners compared to traditional condoms.

Be forewarned: if a condom says that it’s for novelty use only, believe it. These aren’t tested to the same degree and may not adequately protect you. They are just for fun, and best used by clean, monogamous couples. Try out different kinds to find the ones you like best. Have fun, be safe, and use your condom of choice EVERY TIME you have sex.

Where can I get more info?
There are a variety of good websites out there that can give you more information on safer sex, condoms, birth control, abstinence, LGBT safer sex, alternative sexual acts, and products for all of the above. Those which I find to be the absolute best for reliable information and confidential, reliable products are:

SafeSense, a guide to safer sex products and advice, including pictures of different condoms. Easy to navigate, great info.
Condom Country. The theme is a little hokey, but this site offers some products that others don't.
Condomania! Another source of different safer sex products, especially (you guessed it!) condoms. They also carry Penis Pasta! Check out their Condom Wizard to find the perfect condom for you.
Xandria. This site is mostly for "adult products," such as vibrators, sex toys, lubricants, and videos. Their shipping and billing is discreet -- no worries about roommates, parents, or the postman knowing what's in your package. (The same goes for all the websites above, promise!)
Go Ask Alice! A Columbia University-run site with the best info out there on sexual health and other health-related topics. A must see.
Positive.org. A sex-positive site that has fantastic, down-to-earth information about how to keep healthy while enjoying a fulfilling sexual life. Answers to just about any sex related question you could have, plus honest, fact-based answers. No rumors or guessing games here.

Please note that the above sites are not appropriate for minors. Depending on what state you live in, you must be at least 18 or 21 years old and consent to viewing material that is sexually explicit. These are great sites; don't let the legal jargon spook you away from getting the info you need. Enjoy!

Lisa M. L. Dryer is a fourth medical student and former head of AHA!, an AIDS/HIV Awareness group at Carleton College. She is anticipating beginning her residency in Ob/Gyn in July 2003.