COMDOMANIA

An inquiry I’ve received frequently throughout my sex talking time is: “What is the best condom?” To which I usually respond, “Best condom for what?  Does best indicate most effective or most pleasurable?” There is really no one correct answer to this age old question, but it is important to sort out your prophylactic priorities and become informed of what is the best barrier method for your body.

            There are many factors to consider in what condom is best for any individual: what activity are you using this for (vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, or if you put it on a sex toy to be inserted in a particular orifice), how sensitive does it leave the wearer, does it add pleasure with texture, or a sensation inducing lube, is it lubricated, do you want spermicide, does it smell like latex, does it taste like banana, can it make an erection last longer, will it break, are you or your partner(s) allergic to latex, is it big enough, is it small enough, is it a male or a female condom? All relevant questions.  Now, when looking into condoms, female condoms are never rated well; they decrease sensitivity, are more difficult to use, and there is a higher rate of human error, however they do supply certain advantages in certain partnerships.

            As far as the questions listed above, there are some condoms that stand out against the rest as fulfilling many sought after condom qualities.  For all around effectiveness, sensitivity, and mutual enjoyment Crown Skinless Skin Condoms, Durex Extra Sensitive, and Beyond Seven Condoms are fantastic options. A newer condom on the market, Lifestyles X2s, are lubricated inside and out with “excite enhancement gel” which increases blood flow and can help keep the wearer erect longer. Trustex Extra Large Condoms are great for people working with a larger phallus who want a thinner, yet reliable condom. There are condoms that are flared for those who need a little more head room, like LifeStyles Ultra Sensitive Sheer Pleasure Condoms or Durex Love Condoms, which both coincidentally have extra lubrication.  Also, if you or your partner(s) are allergic to latex there are excellent Polyisoprene and Polyurethane options like LifeStyles SKYN and Durex Avanti Bare Condoms. Ribbed or studded condoms can add pleasure, as they increase friction, however are not enjoyed by everyone; Impulse Bare Pleasure Condoms are both ribbed and studded, as well as very highly reviewed.  If you’re using condoms for anal sex the stronger the better, as tearing is slightly more likely, so any reliable, lubricated, latex condom will do. It is important, however, that a condom being used for anal sex not contain Nonoxynol-9, which is a spermicidal agent present in some lube that can cause damage to the rectal tissue.

            A few general rules on the condom front: Trojan may have an aggressive add campaign, but you can do better, they smell like latex and most of their condomd don’t test as well in pleasure or effectiveness. Durex condoms tend to have the least amount of latex odor. Flavored condoms should ONLY be used for oral sex. If you add lube to condoms make sure that it is water based, as oil based lubricants can disintegrate latex. Look into Japanese condoms; they’re doing interesting things over there.  Always check the expiration date and air bubble. Always get condoms for free when you can.  If you must buy condoms, buying online is much cheaper than in a store. Never use two condoms at once, or one condom more than once. If you use condoms with ribs, studs, warming or tingling lube, or any of those fancy options, be sure to warn your partner and make sure they are down with the added sensations.

            With those rules in mind, finding the right barrier protection for you is a matter of trial and error. There are also some interesting, lesser-known ways to use latex protection.  Dental dams, for instance, can be used while giving oral sex to a female bodied person, or, I think more effectively, can be used when rimming (giving oral pleasure to someone’s anus). When using dental dams for oral sex with a female bodied person they can be kind of difficult to use correctly and to keep in place, making them not the most effective in eliminating fluid exchange, but if you are giving oral sex to a partner with an STI or if you’re unsure of their status it’s best to be safer rather than just risk it. Female condoms are also gaining popularity within the gay male or MSM community, but can be used effectively by any body receiving anal sex if properly inserted into the rectum before penetration. The thing with the female condom, whatever orifice you’re putting it in, is that you have to make sure they stay in place as they can easily slip out of place and are this less effective.

I hope with this brief condom manifesto that your eyes have been opened to the prophylactic possibilities before you. Go and be safe!