Let’s Talk About Condoms!

Jan 15

When it comes to spicy time with partners, it’s important to use condoms or other barriers for protection. Whether your partnered, single, playing the field or practice polyamory, condoms, barriers and safety precautions are for everybody. The world of condoms has certainly changed since my sexual debut, and it’s not exactly a one size fits all world in the sheets. Besides helping to keep us safe from STI’s, condoms can also enhance sensation and keep things interesting. Who said protection can’t be fun?

Let’s start with the trusty latex condoms. I’m confident most are familiar or have used these at some point with a partner. But did you know there are things you should avoid using that might break down the latex? Things to avoid include lotions, massage oils, baby oils and Vaseline. Instead, water or silicone-based lubes are your best friends when it comes to keeping it slick in spicy playtime. But what if you’re someone with a latex allergy? Keep reading 😊
During sexy time is not when you want to find out that you have latex allergies. Fortunately, there are a few options for you; There are condoms made from synthetic materials that still protect you from potential18 yearlong commitments, as well as STI’s. Polyurethane and Polyisoprene condoms to the rescue and can be used with both oil and water-based lubricants. Another option is Lambskin condoms, which are (deep breathe) made from animal intestines which effectively does make them more porous. They unfortunately aren’t safe in protecting you from certain STI’s that can pass through the material and can also be less effective at preventing you from having future tax deductions.
Now if you’re a woman, who isn’t wanting to take birth control every day, get an IUD, use the patch, insert the NuvaRing or get the depo shot and still want to take charge of your reproductive rights without depending on a man to remember condoms, you can change the conversation by using female condoms! What is a female condom, you ask? It is a condom that you can insert before sex, so no awkward pausing and waiting on him to get suited up. Internal female condoms can be inserted anywhere from 2 to 20 mins before sex and are just as effective as typical male condoms. You might even be qualified to get them delivered to your door for free.
Oral condoms are a fun way to explore having genitals in your mouth, without any potential risks of catching an STI. If you’re unfamiliar with what oral condoms are, they are like saran wrap and can be flavored for the enjoyment of the person giving pleasure. You place the thin barrier over your partners genitalia before performing fellatio, cunnilingus or analingus. It’s a win-win!
Another fun way to make wearing condoms fun again is to try something novel like glow in the dark condoms. These exciting barriers sometimes have a requirement of needing to be “charged,” or exposed to light. However, 30 seconds after being exposed, the effects will last up to 30 minutes! Your partner will definitely be surprised if you pull a glow in the dark condom out for playtime!
A oldie but a goodie, are the textured condoms! Whether you want to check out ribbed, studded, or a combination of both, the purpose is for the person being penetrated to enjoy new sensations, via the vagina or anus, during playtime. When is the last time you used one of these? Maybe it’s time to bring them back!
Previously mentioned, but still is deserving of its own blurb, are flavored condoms! I bet there are many more flavors since the last time you dared to bring these along. In some variety packs, the flavor options will be listed on the box, but you won’t know which flavor you have until it’s being put to use! I know I don’t always love the smell or taste of latex, so flavored condoms are definitely a no brainer, and fun too!!
For the people who complain about not being able to feel anything while wearing a condom, welp, there’s a condom for that! Hyper thin condoms give you that skin-skin feel with none of the risk. It’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all! *said in Ned Flanders voice*. There are literally no excuses to go without using a barrier when these hyper thin condoms exist!
For those of us who want an extra layer of protection, condoms with spermicide are your best friends! When used properly, condoms with spermicide can be anywhere from 95% - 99% effective. If closing that gap is important to you, these are the condoms you’re going to want for all your contraception needs. One thing to note, is these condoms can be slightly pricier, and expire sooner!! Still, using one is cheaper than a 18 year tax deduction!
For those people who are into name brands, (admit it, you know people like that) there’s always the old reliable brands like Durex and Trojan.
Another fun and novel condom to try are those that provide different sensations beyond textures. Dual active lubricant condoms, like Fire and Ice condoms by Trojan, can provide a warming and tingling sensation for all parties involved. What a unique way to add another layer of fun and excitement to bedroom play!!
Were you aware the most condoms on the market are made for a standard or average sized penis? I have questions, how do they know the average size? As someone who has slept with men, they’re all different!! And one size fits all, it isn’t going to cut it for some people. It’s actually safer for all parties involved if the condom is custom made and tailored like a well fitted suit. But does that exist? Is it expensive? The answer is YES, they exist and NO they aren’t wildly expensive. ONE condoms are the way to ensure you have the perfect fit every time! They offer 10 different lengths, 9 widths and 52 condom sizes. On their website, they have a fitkit, where you print a ruler, record your measurement, get your specific code for the best fitting condoms of your life, and you get to try FREE samples to ensure they’re the best fit for you! I’ve known people who needed bigger sizes, and people who definitely should have been using smaller sizes. Now I’m no size queen, but I am a safe queen and knowing that my partner(s) are using equipment that best suits their needs, is sexy!!