Oral condoms are a barrier method that you can use to protect your mouth when engaging in oral sex. Oral condoms work both ways — protecting you and your partner from unwanted fluids and, in turn, protecting you from STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and unwanted pregnancy.
To be direct, it’s important to practise safe oral sex (cunnilingus and anilingus) if you have mouth ulcers or sores. Oral sex with someone with ulcers is one of the most common ways to contract or pass on an STI.
Condoms are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from risk.
Table of Contents:
- Why Use Condoms for Oral Sex?
- Reducing the Risk of Unwanted Pregnancy
- Increasing Overall Sexual Health and Well-Being
- Partner’s Comfort and Peace of Mind
- Types of Condoms for Enhanced Oral Sex
- Tips for Using Condoms During Oral Sex
- Alternatives to Condoms for Oral Sex
Why Use Condoms for Oral Sex?
The short answer is for protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You often asked us whether you can get an STI or STD (sexually transmitted disease) from oral sex with a condom; the answer is no.
If you use an oral condom correctly, you can protect yourself and your partner from infections such as Clymida, Gonorrhoea, Herpes, and HIV — to name a few common STDs.
Reducing the Risk of Unwanted Pregnancy
It might sound strange to worry about pregnancy if you’re having oral sex, but the point is sex is sexy, and you can get carried away; any contact between semen and genitals could result in an unplanned pregnancy or unwanted pregnancy.
Increasing Overall Sexual Health and Well-Being
Safe sex is all about confidence and maintaining good sexual health. If using a condom makes you feel happier — do it and enjoy enhanced well-being in the process. Oral sex may be safe without a condom, but why take the risk?
Partner’s Comfort and Peace of Mind
Combining comfort and peace of mind is the recipe for fantastic sex, and if you’re wondering, “How does oral feel with a condom”, we can only suggest you try it and find out.
Types of Condoms for Enhanced Oral Sex
Flavoured Condoms
Flavoured condoms are great for oral sex — they protect while adding fun and excitement to the proceedings. Here are some pros and cons…
Pros:
- Explicitly designed for oral sex as opposed to other forms of sex.
- A variety of flavours enhances the experience and adds a fun element.
- Mask the taste of latex (which isn’t pleasant).
Cons:
- Not recommended for vaginal or anal intercourse (well, you can’t have everything).
Non-Lubricated Condoms
Pros:
- No lubricant taste, but they still taste of latex (unless you use non-latex or polyisoprene condoms).
- You can use non-lube condoms with a different or complementary flavoured lubricant for a customised and enhanced experience.
Cons:
- They may require additional lubrication for comfort during other sexual activities (because they aren’t just designed for oral sex).
Standard Lubricated Condoms
Pros:
- You can use them for all types of sexual activities.
- Widely available and commonly used for all kinds of sex, including oral sex.
Cons:
- The included lubricant may taste unpleasant — not great for oral sex.
Tips for Using Condoms During Oral Sex
Choose the right condom for you (this may take trial and error, but you can have fun doing it). Check the expiration date before use; never use an expired condom — read more about why you shouldn’t use an expired condom.
Open the condom package carefully to avoid damage — don’t use scissors or rip the foil; open in the intended place as indicated on the foil wrapper.
Apply flavoured or non-flavoured lube (if you want to) for enhanced sensation and taste. Ensure proper application and fit on your penis or sex toys — read more about condom application.
Alternatives to Condoms for Oral Sex
The alternative to condoms is dental dams. Dental dams are also a barrier method for protection during cunnilingus and anilingus.
People have been known to fashion their dental dams from plastic wrap or flattened-out condoms as a makeshift barrier (not as effective as dental dams) or as pleasant.
Practising safe oral sex (cunnilingus and anilingus) with condoms is essential for maintaining sexual health and a great attitude towards oral sex. Choosing the best condom (chocolate flavour is a hot favourite) and following proper usage tips will enhance the experience.
Open communication with your partner can lead to a more enjoyable and satisfying oral sex experience — most importantly, have fun and know you have choices — in answer to your question, “Are you supposed to use a condom during oral”, the answer — ultimately it’s up to you.
The best news is you have choices; a wise man once said, “Learning to choose is tricky. Learning to choose well is challenging. Choosing well in a world of unlimited possibilities is the hardest task of all — but at least you have a choice.”
