Nowadays, condoms come in a variety of sizes, colors, and even flavors.
There are small ones, skinny ones, purple ones, strawberry ones,
peppermint ones...you name it, and it probably exists. Soon, we might find that
we already have as many types of condoms as Hallmark have cards. There
used to be a time in another era when there was only one kind of condom
out in the market, as far as the texture (or nubbing) is concerned.
That has changed in monumental fashion. Nowadays, they can be adorned with
latex or they can be ribbed. Some of them can just be on the exterior
but some are studded both inside and outside. Presumably, this is also
to provide the user with added enjoyment.
Exactly how many different kinds of condoms are out there? Are there in
fact any significant differences at all? Basically, all condoms would
fall under 8 categories in general, based on the primary consideration.
These do not include the ones that would be invented tomorrow (knowing
the ingenuity of today's generation, they will come up with something).
The first is the material; it is either made from polyurethane or
latex. Second is the size that involves the width and not the length.
However, those available in convenience shops are standard-sized. Third is
the kind of lubrication where different substances are used for
different brands of condoms. Fourth is the spermicidal. Spermicidal lubricant
is sometimes used to lessen the probability of pregnancy. One of the
more common is called nonoxynol-9. Some individuals are sensitive to this
and in fact, if used a lot of times, may heighten HIV-infection
possibility. Fifth is the Ribbed. There are many people out there, espe
cially young people, who utter in disgust "if AIDS is not so
prevalent, I would never use this...I cannot feel a thing." This type is the
heaven-sent condom for them. It has ridges making sex more "feel-able" for
the couple. Next is color, enough said, it's self-explanatory. Seventh
would be flavor, obviously, this is for those daring individuals who
have a propensity for oral sex. Tastes can range from strawberry to god
knows what else! However, these condoms should not be used for
vaginal/anal sex. Eighth and the last, is the reservoir tipped. Most condoms in
fact have a reservoir-like end to hold the semen as opposed to the few
others which have plain tips. For the reservoir type, make sure that you
pinch the tip before dressing it on. This is more or less mandatory
because if air gets in, it could easily break when you are busy and that
is what you wouldn't like to happen. Actually, there is another one, but
since our topic is men's condoms, a simple mention of it would su
ffice. This is the female condom (If you are a guy reading t!
his and you are the kind who is so averse to putting on condoms, this
should give you an idea, right?)
Now that we are through enumerating them, let us go to the more
important part which is to answer the question "what are the qualities of a
good condom?" In terms of material, latex is probably the best; avoid the
naturally made ones (lamb membrane for example). Some unenlightened
souls claim that a few viruses can go thru latex that is absolutely
untrue. Those made from natural materials are porous and so there is a
probability of virus-transmission. Another would be the presence of
lubricants. Picking the water-based ones is best like those that are
pre-lubricated with spermicidal gel or foam. Petroleum, baby oil or cream used as
lubricant is risky. These types have the tendency to weaken condoms,
even latex. Packaging is also an invitation. (Not only vis-à-vis colors
although to some people, color is paramount, they are probably the
reason why the glow-in-the dark type was born.)
More specifically, what do women want in a condom? Some condoms are
packaged to look like tampon containers and a few women are attracted to
this. Form also counts - to illustrate, French ticklers (condoms having
long appendages) have popular appeal as these (just like the ridges)
increase pleasure during intercourse. For this same purpose, some women
would insist that their husbands/boyfriends buy the ultra thin type. Of
course, not all nationalities are alike. Japanese women in fact, are
insistent on using condoms over pills but they are not particular over
the kind or form of condom to be used. For as long as she gets assured
that it would not break, she probably would not actually care on what
specific kind of condom is being used. If you are an American though, a
piece of advice: bring your own, the size being manufactured in there
might not be to your liking.
Lastly, the most interesting though, according to one expert on the
topic (she came out with a hilarious yet enlightening piece) - women
generally, do not care about the ridges, ribbing or the lubrication. The
problem she claims is that condoms are designed by men. She asserts that
if women were to be the ones to do this designing, they would just make
"padded" condoms. Length may not really be crucial, but according to
her, width does and that is where the padding comes in naturally.
