17 Types of Condoms: How to Pick the Best One for You (and Your Partner)

Condoms aren’t perfect, but they’re one of the most effective ways to protect yourself during sex. People use condoms to prevent pregnancy, and to protect themselves from getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs — like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). But when it comes to choosing the right condom, the options can be overwhelming. Latex or plastic? Snug, regular, or extra-large? Internal or external? 

Using the right type of condom — and making sure it fits well — is the best way to get both maximum protection and pleasure. But with so many choices, where do you even begin? 

Let’s take a closer look at 17 different types of condoms. We’ll learn more about what they do and how to find the right one for you — so that you can use condoms confidently (and enjoyably) in your sex life.

1. Internal or female condoms

This is a thin tube with a flexible ring at either end. One end of the condom is inserted into your vagina or anus. The other end stays on the outside of your body. You can insert it ahead of time — before sex or foreplay. Internal condoms are only available in one shape, size, and material. And they're only available by prescription. 

Internal vs. external or male condoms

There are a few differences between internal (female) condoms and external (male) condoms. External condoms aren’t inserted into the body. They’re worn outside the body, on the penis. They cover the head and shaft of the penis, but not the testicles. External condoms can only be put on at the time of sexual intercourse — once the penis is erect (hard). 

External condoms are available at stores, health centers, and online. You don't need a prescription to buy them. These condoms come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials (as discussed in further detail below).

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2. Latex

The latex condom is the best all-around option for most people — unless you have an allergy to latex. These condoms are made from natural rubber and are the strongest type available. They’re also the best at protecting you from HIV and other STDs. It’s important to note that you should only use water-based lubricants with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants, Vaseline, and many lotions can cause latex condoms to weaken and break.

Latex condoms are good for vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The ONE condom is a latex condom that has been specifically marketed for use in anal sex. But keep in mind that it’s not any different from other external condoms — it’s just labeled as a condom that’s safe to use in anal sex.

3. Non-latex

Non-latex condoms also provide good all-around protection, but break a little more often than latex ones. They’re a good option if you or your partner(s) have a latex allergy. Non-latex condoms are made from materials like polyurethane, polyisoprene, and nitrile. Oil-based lubricants, Vaseline, and many lotions can also cause these condoms to weaken and break. 

4. Lambskin

Lambskin condoms aren’t a great option for most people. These condoms have small pores that allow bacteria and viruses to pass through, meaning that they can’t protect you from STDs like HIV and gonorrhea. Lambskin condoms only block the passage of sperm, meaning they can only protect against unwanted pregnancy. Some people say that lambskin condoms feel more natural during sex than latex or non-latex condoms.

5. Ribbed, studded, or textured

Textured condoms are designed to increase sexual stimulation. The ribs or studs on textured condoms increase friction and sensation, which can make sex more pleasurable for some people. Textured condoms give you the same level of protection against pregnancy and STDs as non-textured condoms. 

6. Spermicidal

Spermicidal condoms are coated with a gel that inactivates sperm upon contact. These condoms are supposed to provide extra protection against unwanted pregnancies. But research shows that spermicidal condoms are no better at preventing pregnancy than regular condoms — and they expire faster. Spermicide may also increase the risk of getting HIV, cause vaginal irritation, and increase the risk of getting urinary tract infections (UTIs) for some people. 

7. Flavored or scented

These are regular external condoms that are simply coated in flavored or scented lubricant. These lubricants are supposed to make oral sex more enjoyable by masking the taste of latex. But because many flavored condoms contain sugar, they can increase your risk of getting a yeast infection if used for vaginal sex. 

8. Glow-in-the-dark

Glow-in-the-dark condoms are novelty condoms with a phosphorus powder mixed directly into the latex. The phosphorus powder absorbs and then reflects light, causing it to glow in the dark. Because the phosphorus powder is only mixed into an inner layer of the condom, these condoms provide the same protection as any other latex condom. 

9. Thin or ultra-thin

Thin or ultra-thin condoms are made with thinner latex to help you feel more sensation during use. Some people prefer being able to feel more during sex, while others prefer regular condoms so that sex can last longer.

Thin condoms provide the same level of protection as regular condoms and are just as strong. Even though they have thinner latex, they don’t break more easily than regular condoms.

10. Lubricated

Lubricated condoms are coated with a water-based lubricant to decrease friction during sex. This can make vaginal or anal sex smoother and more enjoyable. But most lubricants have a bad taste, so these aren’t a great choice for oral sex. 

11. Tingling or Cooling

These condoms have special lubricants that create a cooling or tingling feeling on your skin or inside your vagina, anus, or mouth. Some people enjoy this feeling during sex. 

Because condoms usually don’t list their ingredients, it’s hard to know what chemicals are being used in most of these condoms. This often makes it difficult to evaluate the safety of these types of condoms.

12. Warming

Warming condoms are coated with lubricants that create a warming sensation when used. Typical latex condoms provide insulation against the normal warmth of sex, while warming condoms can make sex feel more natural. Some people may enjoy the feeling of warming condoms, while others may find the feeling uncomfortable.

13. Edible

Edible condoms are novelty items used as gags or during foreplay. They don’t provide any protection against STDs or unwanted pregnancy. Edible condoms should not be used during sex.

14. Natural

Natural condoms are free of any added chemicals, dyes, or fragrances. They can reduce irritation and are hypoallergenic. This makes them a good option for people with sensitive skin. 

Because they don’t have additives, they’re also considered vegan. Natural condoms are made from latex, a natural rubber. 

15. Numbing or extended pleasure

Extended pleasure condoms contain local numbing medications like lidocaine or benzocaine. These are local anesthetics, similar to the numbing medications you might get at the dentist or when having stitches placed in the skin. Using these condoms causes you to feel less sensation during sex. Some people like feeling less during sex so they can last longer.

16. Dental dams

Dental dams are sheets of latex or plastic that protect you during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. You can place the dental dam on the vagina or anus to create a barrier from the mouth. Dental dams protect against STDs that can spread during oral sex. 

You can buy dental dams online or at a pharmacy. You can also make your own dental dam at home using a regular external latex condom. Simply cut off the tip and base, then unroll it into a rectangular sheet of latex.

17. Finger condoms

Finger condoms are placed over your finger and are used during digital penetration, or fingering. While fingering is a very low risk type of sexual activity, it’s still possible to spread STDs. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes can be spread by fingering. Even HIV can be spread by fingering if you have cuts on your fingers. Finger condoms protect against these risks. 

You can buy finger condoms online or at a pharmacy. If you can’t find a finger condom you can also use a nitrile or latex glove. These go over the whole hand and provide the same level of protection as a finger condom.

How do you choose the best condom for you?

The “best” condom for you is one that:

• Fits well

• Feels comfortable while you’re wearing it

• Doesn’t irritate you (or your partner’s) skin or genitals

• Doesn’t interfere with sexual pleasure

• Meets your goals for STD and/or pregnancy prevention

• Makes you feel good about using it

Why is it important to find the right condom for you? If the condom you choose fits well and feels comfortable, you’re more likely to wear it. And a well-fitting external condom is less likely to slip off, break, or leak.

What size condom do you need?

Penises come in all shapes and sizes — and so do external condoms. A condom that fits well will: 

• Cover the entire length of your (or your partner’s) penis

• Leave about a half-inch of loose material at the tip

• Feel snug but not uncomfortably tight

One strategy for finding the right fit is to experiment with different sizes and see what feels comfortable.

How to choose the correct size condom

You can also use the “toilet paper roll test” to give you a general idea of what sizes to try. To do this, place an empty toilet paper roll on your erect penis to compare the thickness (girth) of your penis to the roll: 

• If there’s a lot of empty space around your penis, try a snug condom. 

• If your penis is about as wide as the toilet paper tube, try a regular condom. 

• If your penis can’t fit comfortably in the tube, try a large or extra-large condom.

Looking for a more precise approach? Check out this online guide to measuring (link contains explicit content) the length and girth of your erect penis. Your girth is usually what’s most important when choosing a condom size.

Recommended condom fit by size

Based on your girth, you may want to try the following size:

• Snug fit: For girths of 4.7 inches or less

• Regular fit: For girths between 4.7 and 5.1 inches

• Large or extra-large fit: For girths of 5.1 inches or more

Length doesn’t matter as much for most people because it’s okay to leave some of the condom rolled up near the base of your penis. And keep in mind that most regular-sized condoms are about 7 to 8 inches long, even though the average erect penis is about 5 inches long.

Sizes can also vary between condom brands. But most brands include measurements on the box to help you choose the right size.

Finally, if you’re having trouble finding a condom that fits well, custom-sized condoms are always an option. They cost about $1 and come in 60 different length and girth combinations for the perfect fit. 

Are external condoms less effective if you pick the wrong size?

Condoms are stretchy, but they work best — and feel best — when you choose the right size.

Here are some things that can happen if you use the wrong size external condom:

• If the condom is too small, it can be uncomfortable. You might also struggle to put it on your penis. A condom that is too small is also more likely to split or break. 

• If the condom is too large, it might become loose — or even slip off — during sex. Semen may also leak out of the condom. 

Where can you buy condoms?

Condoms are easy to find. You can buy them at:

• Supermarkets

• Drugstores

• Convenience stores

• Online 

Anyone of any age can buy condoms, even if you don’t have an ID card. Condoms usually cost about $1 each, depending on how many you buy at once. But you can often get them even cheaper — or for free — from your city, state, or a local clinic or health center. 

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Written by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Dr. Nahvi is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works clinically at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and is a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Prior to this, he worked as an ER physician and clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and the Manhattan VA. He is a graduate of Cornell University and NYU School of Medicine.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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