Safe condoms and safe sex go hand in hand, it’s essential to take your sexual health seriously, and condoms do that — used correctly, condoms are 98% foolproof, protecting you from STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.
In this blog, we will talk about everything you need to know about extra-safe condoms, what condoms are the safest for anal sex and other kinds of sexual activity, and we will bust some myths and react to some negative comments about the safety of condoms.
We will recommend the safest condom brand and review the safest Durex condoms — all in all, this post will put your mind at rest, help inform you how to use a condom correctly for the best effect and help you choose the right condom for your adventures.
Table of Contents:
- What Condoms are the Safest?
- Latex vs Non-Latex Condoms
- Which Condom is Safest for Anal Sex?
- How to Use a Condom Effectively
- Which Brand is the Safest Condom Brand?
- What are the Safest Durex Condoms?
What Condoms are the Safest?
The safest condoms are made from high-quality materials that are electronically tested for safety, approved by British and European standards, and bear the CE mark, UKCA mark, or the Kitemark — most brands comply with all these standards.
Latex or polyisoprene condoms are the safest and offer the best protection from STDs and unwanted pregnancies. There are various forms of condoms made from many materials brands make with different jobs in mind.
Here’s a list of the less obscure material used to make condoms:
- Latex rubber
- Polyisoprene or non-latex
- Polyurethane also non-latex
- Lambskin
Latex and polyisoprene are the most popular condoms. Polyurethane and lambskin are less popular because they are less safe than latex and polyisoprene. We don’t sell lambskin condoms as they don’t protect from STDs, and we prefer to see lambs wearing their skin — that’s the best place for it.
In the battle for the safest condom title, we need to discuss a couple of things before we award the accolade starting with the difference between latex and polyisoprene condoms.
Latex vs Non-Latex Condoms
Latex condoms are readily available, easy to purchase, and affordable. Customers who choose latex condoms say they are stretchy, durable, and comfortable. The bad news about latex condoms is some people are allergic to rubber.
You can’t use latex condoms with oil-based lubricants like massage oil, and latex doesn’t like the heat, which makes them prone to breakages, which can be difficult if you’re holidaying in the Caribbean, Greece or even Torquay on a sunny day.
Meanwhile, non-latex condoms are great for those with latex allergies or issues; polyisoprene or non-latex is compatible with massage oil and is more heat-resistant. Polyisoprene has the bonus of being thinner than latex, offering a more natural feel.
The bad news is polyisoprene, or non-latex condoms, can be more expensive than latex (not always). Some brands of non-latex materials may not be as stretchy as latex, making them less comfortable for some people to wear.
Both latex and non-latex condoms are safe as long as you use them correctly, in the way the manufacturer intended you to use them. Safety includes using the right kind of condom for specific types of sex.
Which Condom is Safest for Anal Sex?
Brands such as Durex, Adore, Pasante, Mates, EXS, Vitalis, and ON all make strong condoms designed for anal sex. This leads to the question, are extra-safe condoms safer? And the answer is yes, but only if you use them correctly.
How to Use a Condom Effectively
- Make sure the condom has not expired.
- Check that the wrapper is sealed and not damaged in any way.
- Open the foil wrapper carefully, don’t use scissors or rip the foil. Open in the place indicated on the packet.
- Put on a condom before any sexual contact occurs.
- Pinch the tip of the condom (to leave room for semen) and unroll it down to the base of your penis.
- Use lubricant with condoms that are not lubricated and use more than usual for anal sex.
- Please dispose of the condom in the bin and never flush it down the toilet.
Click the link if you’re unsure how to choose a condom for your size and if you need more information on expired condoms and ways to store condoms properly.
Which Brand is the Safest Condom Brand?
All condoms are safe. We would not be allowed to sell them if they didn’t meet the required standards. So rather than ask which brand is the safest condom brand, it might be more beneficial to ask which brands sell the best oral condoms.
Condoms for oral sex are flavoured condoms and dental dams. Durex, EXS, Skins and Glyde all make great flavoured condoms that excite your sexual adventures. You can use flavoured condoms with sex toys made from non-latex materials.
However, flavoured condoms are not the safest type of condom to use for any other sexual practice apart from oral and sex toy play.
The most well-known condom brand in the UK is Durex — Durex is an excellent brand, but they are no safer (when used as intended) than the other brands we sell. It comes down to personal taste and marketing rather than cold hard facts.
What are the Safest Durex Condoms?
We sell 21 different kinds of Durex condoms — here’s a list of the top eight favourites and bestsellers:
- Durex Invisible Extra Sensitive Condoms
- Durex Extended Pleasure Condoms
- Durex Thin Feel Condoms
- Durex Pleasure Me Ribbed & Dotted Condoms
- Durex Surprise Me Variety Pack (40 Pack)
- Durex Real Feel Condoms
- Durex Mutual Climax Condoms
- Durex Extra Safe Condoms
To answer the question, what are the safest Durex condoms? We would have to say number 8 — Durex Extra Safe Condoms — they do what they say on the packet.
All condoms are safe if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but they will only ever protect you 98% of the time. Finally, it’s worth remembering that you can catch 24 sexually transmitted diseases through unprotected sex, and many STDs go undetected because they have no symptoms.
While the condom story appears to be all doom and gloom, there’s a positive reason to use condoms. Condoms make sex better; check out Durex Extended Pleasure Condoms or Durex Pleasure Me Ribbed & Dotted Condoms for a more pleasurable extended experience.
