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Wikipedia - Condoms [internet]


Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condom


Varities

Most condoms have a reservoir tip or teat end, making it easier to accommodate the man's ejaculate. Condoms come in different sizes, from oversized to snug and they also come in a variety of surfaces intended to stimulate the user's partner. Condoms are usually supplied with a lubricant coating to facilitate penetration, while flavored condoms are principally used for oral sex. As mentioned above, most condoms are made of latex, but polyurethane and lambskin condoms are also widely available.

Materials

Natural Latex
Latex has outstanding elastic properties: Its tensile strength exceeds 30 MPa, and latex condoms may be stretched in excess of 800% before breaking. In 1990 the ISO set standards for condom production (ISO 4074, Natural latex rubber condoms), and the EU followed suit with its CEN standard (Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices). Every latex condom is tested for holes with an electrical current. If the condom passes, it is rolled and packaged. In addition, a portion of each batch of condoms is subject to water leak and air burst testing.

While the advantages of latex have made it the most popular condom material, it does have some drawbacks. Latex condoms are damaged when used with oil-based substances as lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, cooking oil, baby oil, mineral oil, skin lotions, suntan lotions, cold creams, butter or margarine. Contact with oil makes latex condoms more likely to break or slip off due to loss of elasticity caused by the oils. Additionally, latex allergy precludes use of latex condoms and is one of the principal reasons for the use of other materials. In May 2009 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the production of condoms composed of Vytex, latex that has been treated to remove 90% of the proteins responsible for allergic reactions. An allergen-free condom made of synthetic latex (polyisoprene) is also available.

Synthetic
SyntheticThe most common non-latex condoms are made from polyurethane. Condoms may also be made from other synthetic materials, such as AT-10 resin, and most recently polyisoprene.

Polyurethane condoms tend to be the same width and thickness as latex condoms, with most polyurethane condoms between 0.04 mm and 0.07 mm thick. Polyurethane is also the material of many female condoms.

Polyurethane can be considered better than latex in several ways: it conducts heat better than latex, is not as sensitive to temperature and ultraviolet light (and so has less rigid storage requirements and a longer shelf life), can be used with oil-based lubricants, is less allergenic than latex, and does not have an odor. Polyurethane condoms have gained FDA approval for sale in the United States as an effective method of contraception and HIV prevention, and under laboratory conditions have been shown to be just as effective as latex for these purposes.

However, polyurethane condoms are less elastic than latex ones, and may be more likely to slip or break than latex, and are more expensive.

Polyisoprene is a synthetic version of natural rubber latex. While significantly more expensive, it has the advantages of latex (such as being softer and more elastic than polyurethane condoms) without the protein which is responsible for latex allergies.

Lambskin
Condoms made from sheep intestines, labeled "lambskin", are also available, although they have been clinically shown not to necessarily keep out STDs compared to latex because of pores in the material, which are thought to be large enough to allow infectious agents to pass through; sperm is still blocked. Lambskin provides more sensation and are less allergenic than latex, but because of their comparatively less-safe nature, other hypoallergenic materials such as polyurethane are recommended for latex-allergic users and/or partners. Lambskin condoms are also significantly more expensive than other types, similar to polyurethane's comparative expense to latex.

Spermicidal

Some latex condoms are lubricated at the manufacturer with a small amount of a nonoxynol-9, a spermicidal chemical. According to Consumer Reports, condoms lubricated with spermicide have no additional benefit in preventing pregnancy, have a shorter shelf life, and may cause urinary-tract infections in women. In contrast, application of separately packaged spermicide is believed to increase the contraceptive efficacy of condoms.

Nonoxynol-9 was once believed to offer additional protection against STDs (including HIV) but recent studies have shown that, with frequent use, nonoxynol-9 may increase the risk of HIV transmission. The World Health Organization says that spermicidally lubricated condoms should no longer be promoted. However, it recommends using a nonoxynol-9 lubricated condom over no condom at all. As of 2005, nine condom manufacturers have stopped manufacturing condoms with nonoxynol-9 and Planned Parenthood has discontinued the distribution of condoms so lubricated.

Textured

Textured condoms include studded and ribbed condoms which can provide extra sensations to both partners. The studs or ribs can be located on the inside, outside, or both; alternatively, they are located in specific sections to provide directed stimulation to either the g-spot or frenulum. Many textured condoms which advertise "mutual pleasure" also are bulb-shaped at the top, to provide extra stimulation to the male. Some women experience irritation during vaginal intercourse with studded condoms.

Other

The anti-rape condom is another variation designed to be worn by women. It is designed to cause pain to the attacker, hopefully allowing the victim a chance to escape.

A collection condom is used to collect semen for fertility treatments or sperm analysis. These condoms are designed to maximize sperm life.

Some condom-like devices are intended for entertainment only, such novelty condoms may not provide protection against pregnancy and STDs.


Female Condom

Male condoms have a tight ring to form a seal around the p***s while female condoms typically have a large stiff ring to keep them from slipping into the body orifice. The Female Health Company produced a female condom that was initially made of polyurethane, but newer versions are made of nitrile. Medtech Products produces a female condom made of latex.


Condom Effectiveness

In Preventing Pregnancy
The effectiveness of condoms, as of most forms of contraception, can be assessed two ways. Perfect use or method effectiveness rates only include people who use condoms properly and consistently. Actual use, or typical use effectiveness rates are of all condom users, including those who use condoms incorrectly or do not use condoms at every act of intercourse. Rates are generally presented for the first year of use. Most commonly the Pearl Index is used to calculate effectiveness rates, but some studies use decrement tables.

The typical use pregnancy rate among condom users varies depending on the population being studied, ranging from 10–18% per year. The perfect use pregnancy rate of condoms is 2% per year. Condoms may be combined with other forms of contraception (such as spermicide) for greater protection.

In Preventing STIs
Condoms are widely recommended for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They have been shown to be effective in reducing infection rates in both men and women. While not perfect, the condom is effective at reducing the transmission of organisms that cause AIDS, genital herpes, cervical cancer, genital warts, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other diseases.[43] Condoms are often recommended as an adjunct to more effective birth control methods (such as IUD) in situations where STD protection is also desired.

According to a 2000 report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), correct and consistent use of latex condoms reduces the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission by approximately 85% relative to risk when unprotected, putting the seroconversion rate (infection rate) at 0.9 per 100 person-years with condom, down from 6.7 per 100 person-years. Analysis published in 2007 from the University of Texas Medical Branch and the World Health Organization found similar risk reductions of 80–95%.

The 2000 NIH review concluded that condom use significantly reduces the risk of gonorrhea for men. A 2006 study reports that proper condom use decreases the risk of transmission of human papillomavirus to women by approximately 70%. Another study in the same year found consistent condom use was effective at reducing transmission of herpes simplex virus-2 also known as genital herpes, in both men and women.

Although a condom is effective in limiting exposure, some disease transmission may occur even with a condom. Infectious areas of the genitals, especially when symptoms are present, may not be covered by a condom, and as a result, some diseases can be transmitted by direct contact. The primary effectiveness issue with using condoms to prevent STDs, however, is inconsistent use.

Condoms may also be useful in treating potentially precancerous cervical changes. Exposure to human papillomavirus, even in individuals already infected with the virus, appears to increase the risk of precancerous changes. The use of condoms helps promote regression of these changes. In addition, researchers in the UK suggest that a hormone in semen can aggravate existing cervical cancer, condom use during sex can prevent exposure to the hormone.

Causes of Failure
Condoms may slip off the p***s after ejaculation, break due to improper application or physical damage (such as tears caused when opening the package), or break or slip due to latex degradation (typically from usage past the expiration date, improper storage, or exposure to oils). The rate of breakage is between 0.4% and 2.3%, while the rate of slippage is between 0.6% and 1.3%. Even if no breakage or slippage is observed, 1–2% of women will test positive for semen residue after intercourse with a condom. "Double bagging," using two condoms at once, also increases the risk of condom failure.

Different modes of condom failure result in different levels of semen exposure. If a failure occurs during application, the damaged condom may be disposed of and a new condom applied before intercourse begins — such failures generally pose no risk to the user. One study found that semen exposure from a broken condom was about half that of unprotected intercourse; semen exposure from a slipped condom was about one-fifth that of unprotected intercourse.

Standard condoms will fit almost any p***s, although many condom manufacturers offer "snug" or "magnum" sizes. Some manufacturers also offer custom sized-to-fit condoms, with claims that they are more reliable and offer improved sensation/comfort. Some studies have associated larger penises and smaller condoms with increased breakage and decreased slippage rates (and vice versa), but other studies have been inconclusive.

Condom thickness is not associated with condom breakage, thinner condoms are as effective as thicker ones. Nevertheless, it is recommended for condoms manufactures to avoid very thick, or very thin condoms, because they are both considered less effective. Some authors even encourage users to choose thinner condoms "for greater durability, sensation, and comfort", but others warn that "the thinner the condom, the smaller the force required to break it".

Experienced condom users are significantly less likely to have a condom slip or break compared to first-time users, although users who experience one slippage or breakage are more likely to suffer a second such failure. An article in Population Reports suggests that education on condom use reduces behaviors that increase the risk of breakage and slippage. A Family Health International publication also offers the view that education can reduce the risk of breakage and slippage, but emphasizes that more research needs to be done to determine all of the causes of breakage and slippage.

Among people who intend condoms to be their form of birth control, pregnancy may occur when the user has sex without a condom. The person may have run out of condoms, or be traveling and not have a condom with them, or simply dislike the feel of condoms and decide to "take a chance." This type of behavior is the primary cause of typical use failure (as opposed to method or perfect use failure).

Another possible cause of condom failure is sabotage. One motive is to have a child against a partner's wishes or consent. Some commercial sex workers from Nigeria reported clients sabotaging condoms in retaliation for being coerced into condom use. Using a fine needle to make several pinholes at the tip of the condom is believed to significantly impact their effectiveness.


Prevalence

The prevalence of condom use varies greatly between countries. Most surveys of contraceptive use are among married women, or women in informal unions. Japan has the highest rate of condom usage in the world: in that country, condoms account for almost 80% of contraceptive use by married women. On average, in developed countries, condoms are the most popular method of birth control: 28% of married contraceptive users rely on condoms. In the average less-developed country, condoms are less common: only 6-8% of married contraceptive users choose condoms.

Condom use for disease prevention also varies. Among gay men in the United States, one survey found that 35% had used two condoms at the same time, a practice called "double bagging". While intended to provide extra protection, double bagging actually increases the risk of condom failure.


Use

Male condoms are usually packaged inside a foil wrapper, in a rolled-up form, and are designed to be applied to the tip of the p***s and then unrolled over the erect p***s. It is important that some space be left in the tip of the condom so that semen has a place to collect; otherwise it may be forced out of the base of the device. After use, it is recommended the condom be wrapped in tissue or tied in a knot, then disposed of in a trash receptacle.

Some couples find that putting on a condom interrupts sex, although others incorporate condom application as part of their foreplay. Some men and women find the physical barrier of a condom dulls sensation. Advantages of dulled sensation can include prolonged erection and delayed ejaculation; disadvantages might include a loss of some sexual excitement. Advocates of condom use also cite their advantages of being inexpensive, easy to use, and having few side effects.

Role in Sex Education
Condoms are often used in sex education programs, because they have the capability to reduce the chances of pregnancy and the spread of some sexually transmitted diseases when used correctly. A recent American Psychological Association (APA) press release supported the inclusion of information about condoms in sex education, saying "comprehensive sexuality education programs... discuss the appropriate use of condoms", and "promote condom use for those who are sexually active."

In the United States, teaching about condoms in public schools is opposed by some religious organizations. Planned Parenthood, which advocates family planning and sex education, argues that no studies have shown abstinence-only programs to result in delayed intercourse, and cites surveys showing that 76% of American parents want their children to receive comprehensive sexuality education including condom use.

Male Condoms [internet]

**Please note that this link contains drawn diagrams of the steps required to put on a male condom. Please view at your own discretion. Also, things in [ ] are my own edits.


Taken from: http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/malecontraceptives1.html


What is the [Male] Condom and How Does It Work?

The male condom is a sheath worn over the p***s during intercourse. It prevents pregnancy by acting as a barrier and preventing the man's semen from entering the woman's v****a, so sperm can't reach a woman's "egg". Use of condoms allows males to have an active part in preventing pregnancy. Condoms also lessen the chance of males and females getting a sexually transmitted disease, including HIV. They act as a barrier to some organisms that carry sexually transmitted diseases, so these organisms cannot pass from one partner to another.

There are dozens of sizes, styles, shapes and features of condoms to choose from, some more effective than others. Condoms can be made out of latex, polyurethane, or lambskin (natural). Condoms may be lubricated or unlubricated. Some condoms used to contain spermicides, but most do not. It it is best to use condoms without spermicide.

Males [can be] the ones who wear condoms, but you can always keep some on hand if you are in a sexual relationship. Then you will have contraception available, and you can always practice safer sex.


Where Can I Get Condoms?

Condoms, which are very cheap (about 50 cents each), can be bought at drug stores, many campus bookstores, and family planning clinics. You can also get them through Student Health Services at many colleges. Talk to your health care provider.


Does It Matter Which Type of Condom I Use?

Yes. The best type of condom to use is one made out of latex. It provides the best protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. However, if you are allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are still a good method. They provide just about the same protection against pregnancy and also give some protection against STDs, although they break and slip more often than latex condoms. Lambskin condoms, or natural condoms, are effective against pregnancy, but not effective in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It's up to you if you use lubricated or unlubricated condoms, although most teens prefer lubricated.


How Effective Is the Male Condom Against Pregnancy?

If women use the male condom every time they have sexual intercourse and follow instructions every time, it is 97% effective. This means that if 100 women use the male condom all the time and always use it perfectly, 3 women will become pregnant in a year.

It's obvious that the male condom is most effective against pregnancy when it is used all the time and always used correctly. If women use the male condom, but do not use it perfectly, it is 86% effective. This means that if 100 women use the male condom, but do not use it perfectly every time, at least 14 women will become pregnant in a year.

When used all of the time and when used correctly, condoms are very good at preventing pregnancy. Most condom failures are because of improper use. Using out-of-date condoms is another reason that condoms break. Always make sure you have a prescription for Emergency Contraception (Plan B) or know where to buy it from a pharmacy over-the-counter.


How Effective is the [Male] Condom Against STDs?

The answer to this question partly depends on which type of condom used. Latex condoms provide excellent protection against some STDs. Polyurethane condoms provide some protection against STDs, although it is still not clear just how much. Remember, lambskin condoms, or natural condoms, don't protect against STDs. The pores are too large to protect against the small particles that cause some STDs.

The answer to this question also depends on which type of STD. Latex condoms protect against only certain types of STDs. STDs can be spread by sexual activity in a few different ways. They are effective against STDs that travel in bodily fluids (blood or semen), such as the HIV/AIDS virus, hepatitis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Condoms are much less effective against STDs that are caused by organisms that live in sores on the genitals, such as syphilis. STDs such as herpes and human papillomavirus (also known as genital warts) that occur on the genital skin can get passed from one partner to another even if a condom is used. Condoms still lessen your chance of a STD.

Most importantly, the effectiveness of a condom against STDs depends on whether the condom is stored correctly, and is used correctly and all of the time.

Latex and polyurethane condoms are not 100% effective in preventing STDs, so your best protection is not to have sex. If you make a decision to have sex, condoms are your best protection. You can also lessen your chance of getting an STD by having sex with only one person who does not have an STD and who is not having sex with anyone else.


Where Should I Keep Unused Condoms?

Keep unused condoms in a dry, dark place at room temperature. Extreme heat or cold can weaken the material. Sunlight or humidity can also break down latex, causing condoms to break or tear more easily. Condoms should not be carried in a wallet or stored in a car glove compartment for more than two weeks, because the material will weaken and be more likely to break or tear.


How Long Are Condoms Good For?

Always check the date on the box. Some condoms are marked by the manufacture date (MFG = manufacture date). You can use these condoms for up to four years after the date of manufacture. Other condoms are marked EXP, which means expiration date. You should not use condoms anytime after the expiration date. If you are not sure how old the condom is, throw it away and use a new one. Never use condoms that are brittle, sticky, damaged, or an unusual color.


How Do You Use a [Male] Condom?

First of all, use a new condom every time you have vaginal, a**l, or oral sex. Be careful when opening a condom package so that you do not tear or nick the latex with your teeth, nails, or rings. Do not unroll the condom before putting it on the p***s, because it can weaken the latex and make the condom difficult to use. You can put a condom on a male or he can put it on himself.

Gently press out air at the tip of the condom before putting it on. Make sure to leave space at the tip (about one-half inch) to collect the semen, so it will not leak out the side of the condom. You can use a water-based lubricant (such as glycerin or lubricating jellies) during intercourse to prevent condoms from breaking. If you put a drop of lubricant inside the tip of the condom (such as KY-Jelly), you can increase both sensation and safety.

Never use an oil-based lubricant, since it will weaken the latex and make it break. Examples of oil-based lubricants are Crisco, lotion, Vaseline, or baby oil. Medications used to treat women's yeast infections can also weaken condoms.

Hold the tip of the condom between your thumb and forefinger against the head of the p***s. If the p***s is uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before putting on the condom. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent the condom from bursting. Put the condom on when the p***s is erect. Unroll the condom over the entire length of the erect p***s.

[See link for the diagram on how to use a condom]

After the male has ejaculated, he should pull out while the p***s is still hard, since the condom can easily slip off when the erection is lost. He should hold the condom at the base of the p***s while withdrawing so semen doesn't spill out. Gently, roll the condom toward the tip of the p***s to remove.


What Should You Do With a Used Condom?

You should wrap the used condom in a tissue and throw it away in a waste container. Do not flush it down the toilet, since it can clog plumbing. Condoms cannot be reused, so use one condom for each time you have sexual intercourse and then throw it away.


What if the Condom Breaks or Tears?

First of all, don't panic. Make sure you know how to get Emergency Contraception (Plan B) before you need it.

The p***s should be withdrawn immediately. (If you are going to keep having sexual intercourse, make sure that you use a new condom.) Women should not douche because douching can cause infections. Figure out why the condom broke so that it won't happen again. If you aren’t using another method of birth control such as birth control pills, you should strongly consider taking Emergency Contraception to prevent pregnancy. If you cannot get in touch with your health care provider, you can call the Emergency Contraception Hotline (1-888-NOT-2-LATE). If you might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, contact your health care provider.


How Often Do Condoms Break?

Condoms hardly ever break if they are stored and used correctly. Studies show that latex condoms break only about 0.4% (4 out of 1000) of the time during the first five uses, and polyurethane condoms break 4% (4 out of 100) of the time during the first five uses. Couples using polyurethane condoms are 9 times more likely to experience breakage than those using latex condoms. When condoms break, it is usually because space for semen was not left at the tip of the condom, the condoms are out-of-date, they have been exposed to heat or sunlight, or they have been torn by teeth or fingernails. Also, using oil-based lubricants, rather than water-based, weakens latex, causing condoms to break. So if you store and use condoms properly, it is very unlikely that your condom will break.


What if the Condom Comes Off and I Can't Remove It From My v****a?

Don't panic! You can usually reach it with a finger in your v****a. If not, contact your health care provider for an appointment.


What If My Partner and I Have an Allergic Reaction When We Use a Condom?

Some people may have an allergic reaction to condoms. It could be due to the spermicide or latex. Make sure the condom does not have spermicide on it. If you think it might be due to the latex, you should try a polyurethane male or female condom. Talk to your health care provider.


Do We Need to Use Others Forms of Contraception With the Male Condom?

It's a good idea to always use two forms of contraception to increase protection against pregnancy, such as birth control pills and condoms.

Types of Condoms [internet]


Taken from: http://www.avert.org/condom.htm


What shapes are there and which should I choose? What about flavoured condoms?

Condoms come in a variety of shapes. Most have a reservoir tip although some have a plain tip. Condoms may be regular shaped (with straight sides), form fit (indented below the head of the p***s), or they may be flared (wider over the head of the p***s). Ribbed condoms are textured with ribs or bumps, which can increase sensation for both partners.

It's up to you which shape you choose. All of the differences in shape are designed to suit different personal preferences and enhance pleasure. It is important to communicate with your partner to be sure that you are using condoms that satisfy both of you.

Condoms also come in a variety of colours. Some are flavoured to make oral sex more enjoyable. They are also safe to use for penetrative sex as long as they have been tested and approved.


What about the condom size?

Condoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes Condoms are made in different lengths and widths. Different manufacturers produce varying sizes.

There is no standard length for condoms, though those made from natural rubber will always stretch if necessary to fit the length of the man's erect p***s.

The width of a condom can vary. Some condoms have a slightly smaller width to give a 'closer' fit, whereas others will be slightly larger.

The brand names will be different in each country, so you will need to do your own investigation of different names


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Taken from: http://contraception.about.com/od/malecondom/tp/CondomTypes.htm


Picking out condoms can be a fun experience, yet with so many kinds on the market, how do you choose between the different condom types? An important thing to consider is whether or not you plan to use the condom as a contraceptive or if you are just want to use it for sex play. If you need a condom for protection, make sure to read the condom label to see if it is FDA approved for use against unplanned pregnancy and STDs. Also, make sure to check the expiration date to make sure that the condom is safe to use. Here are some of the different types of condoms available.


Night Light: Glow-in-the-Dark Condom
This particular brand is the only FDA approved glow-in-the-dark condom that is intended to prevent pregnancy and STDs. The Night Light condom is non-toxic and will glow after about 30 seconds of exposure to ordinary light (be sure to do expose it to the light before putting it on). The Night Light Glow-In-The-Dark Condom is made of three layers. The inner and the outer layer consist of regular latex while the third layer contains a safe pigment that begins to glow and is sealed between the two latex layers. This condom makes for a fun surprise.

Flavored Condoms
Many condom brands claim that their condoms have great flavors and tantalizing aromas. The flavor may be contained in the lubricant or directly on the condom. Some flavored condoms are even colored to match the flavor (such as red for strawberry flavor, yellow for banana). Flavors can include mint, grape, orange, banana, strawberry, and even chocolate, vanilla, and cola. These condoms are meant to add a yummy dimension to oral sex, and many of the brands are also FDA approved for strength and protection. If you are planning to use these condoms for vaginal sex, make sure they are sugar -free as sugar flavored condoms can throw off the pH in the v****a, which can lead to yeast infections.

Studded Condoms
These condoms are shaped and textured to increase pleasure for either the female, male or both partners (depending on where the raised studs and/or ribs are). Some of these condoms have two sections of ribs, on the top and at the base, which adds stimulation in just the right place for females. Others contain hundreds of raised studs, on the outside for female satisfaction and/or on the inside to enhance male enjoyment. The condoms that are marketed for mutual pleasure tend to be wider, have bulb-like tips, and a more contoured shape, which increase male comfort and allow nerve endings to remain at their most sensitive state (thus adding significantly more pleasure for him). Make sure to check for FDA approval (most are).

Warming Condoms
There are different brands of edible condoms that you can choose from. They usually come in packs of four and are available in a variety of flavors. The condom is rolled on, and then can be eaten off! Edible condoms are for novelty use only -- they do not provide any type of protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

Pleasure Shaped
The idea behind pleasure-shaped condoms is that they tend to be looser with enlarged, pouch-like tips. These wider tops allow for more friction because the extra latex stimulates the nerve endings at the tip of the p***s. Some of these condoms, like the Inspiral brand or the Trojan Magnum Twister, also introduce a winding, twisting shape that allows for more vigorous action. This type of design stimulates nerve endings and heightens sensitivity for both women and men.

Colored Condoms
Condoms are available in almost every color; in fact, you can even find tri-colored condoms that feature the national colors of 36 countries, such as America, France, Spain, Russia and Italy. Dual-color condoms are also available, which may be fun to use during the holidays – like a black and orange condom for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, and pink and red condom for your Valentine. Many of the colored varieties of condoms are FDA approved for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, so make sure to read the label on the condom.

Kiss of Mint Condoms
These condoms, made by LifeStyles, are non-lubricated and are coated with a mint flavored powder that provides a sweet spearmint taste. Although these condoms tend to be a real favorite for safe oral sex, they are FDA approved for pregnancy protection as well. These condoms tend to be a little bit wider than average condoms and have a flared, reservoir tip (it balloons out a bit) which allows for heightened male sensation.

French Ticklers
These condoms either have a soft rubber tickler tip or are made of soft jelly. Tickler condoms fit over the p***s and come in various styles of nodules, nubs, and ridges and shapes that provide stimulation by "tickling" the inner walls of the v****a. These condoms are considered to be novelty types, so they do not provide prevention of pregnancy or disease. Perfect for couples where the woman is using a hormonal or permanent birth control method. If not, a man can wear a regular condom underneath the tickler to ensure contraceptive protection.

Tingling Pleasure Condoms
Some condoms, like Durex's Tingling Pleasure brand, contain a safe spearmint tingling lubricant as well as a minty scent. These condoms are formulated to provide an intensifying, tingling experience for both partners.

Vibrating Condom Rings [internet]

** This sticky contains information on some accessories that are safe to use with condoms. However, always be sure to check the label of the product to make sure it has been FDA-approved and is safe to use with condoms.


Taken from: http://www.everything-condoms.com/condom_fun/vibrating_condom_ring.htm


The vibrating condom can help you stimulate you lover, by sending vibrations through your p***s. With the vibrating ring, each time you thrust into your partner you will send an instant wave of extreme pleasure, right where it counts. The tiny vibrating head will, when it touches the clitoris, send a wonderful feeling of extreme pleasure at just the right time. The Vibrating Condom gives the ultimate stimulation for both you, and your partner.

Strong vibrations provide exciting stimulation for both partners. Most vibrating condoms run for up to 18 minutes and is recommended for one to two uses. The vibrating condom can be turned on or off at any time and is powered by a light battery that is safely enclosed with a soft silicone shell. The vibrating condom can be used with any condom.

Along with added pleasure for both partners, the vibrating condom has also been shown to prolong erections and help lengthen sexual fun.

Vibrating condom rings are a great buy because you can use them with any condom you currently use. Just slide the vibrating condom ring over the condom on your erect p***s and you're ready to have some fun smile .

Be sure to look for a vibrating condom ring that offers adjustability if you're wider or narrower then the average size. If it's too tight it can cut off your circulation and make it uncomfortable. If it's too loose the vibrator will move around and no longer sit in it's most effect spot for your partners stimulation.


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Taken from: http://www.lifestyles.com/category/vibrating-devices/


Dial up the intensity with subtle waves of pleasure! Vibrating Rings enhance stimulation by providing pulsating sensations for both partners.

•Ring covered with stimulating pearls to provide extra stimulation
•Flexible silicone comfortably expands to fit all men
•Use with or without a condom
•Easy on/off switch for multiple-uses – each ring lasts 20 minutes
•Battery included

Reserved.