Latex Condoms
What are latex condoms?
Latex condoms are condoms made of natural rubber latex. This name is typically used when referring to natural latex condoms only. Polyisoprene condoms, which are made of a synthetic type of latex, are also technically latex condoms. However, all brands and specialists use the polyisoprene name when talking about these condoms.
Are latex condoms safe?
Latex condoms are one of the safest protection methods against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. With perfect use, natural rubber latex condoms are 98% safe. This means that 2 in 100 women will remain pregnant when using latex condoms.
The rate drops with typical use to around 87%, mainly because men tend to touch the women’s vulvas with their penises before putting on the condom. The drops of semen that lubricate the penis before intercourse contain sperm, thus the possibility of accidental pregnancy.
Improper condom is another reason for condom failure. If you’re using a condom that is too small or too large, you’re risking that the condom will break or fall off during intercourse. In both cases, the risk of accidental pregnancy and catching or transmitting STDs increases.
The lack of lubrication may also cause condom breakage. In case of vaginal dryness or anal sex, it is recommended to apply additional lubricant – use a condom friendly lubricant that is water-based or silicone-based. Most users claim that adding more lube improves the experience even if natural lubrication is sufficient.
Which latex condoms are safest?
Thanks to the new technologies involved in the manufacturing process, all latex condoms are very safe to use as long as you follow the instructions. If you simply want to feel safer because you don’t trust thin condoms, you can use thick latex condoms.
Types of latex condoms
Back when latex condoms were invented, they were nothing but rather thick sheaths meant to prevent semen from reaching the womb. Over the decades, the condom industry evolved, and today’s condoms are much more than prophylactic.
People nowadays use condoms to improve their sexual experience or to bring new sensations between the sheets. Here are some of the most common types of latex condoms you can find right here at Condoms.uk.
Standard condoms
These condoms are the closest you’ll find to the original latex condoms. They are much thinner, usually with a thickness under 70 microns – which means they are thinner than a strand of hair. These condoms are unscented and unflavoured, and they have a smooth, silky texture.
Standard condoms are preferred by those who want to protect themselves from pregnancy and STDs but otherwise want to keep the experience as natural as possible.
Options vary from anatomical shape condoms such as EXS to condoms with straight walls, like Pasante. Durex also has a variety of standard condoms with different shapes.
Most standard condoms have a regular size that can vary from 52mm to 56mm in nominal width.
Thin & ultra thin condoms
These condoms are similar to the standard variety, but they are thinner. Most condoms in this category have a thickness under 55 microns.
Thick condoms
On the opposite side, thick condoms have a thicker wall compared to standard condoms. More often than not, they’re at least 80 microns thick, although there are exceptions. Thick condoms can be lightly or extra lubricated and are typically recommended for anal sex. That said, you can use thick condoms for any type of sex if you feel safer with a thicker sheath.
Extra lubricated condoms
This category includes any type of condoms that have more lubricant than standard condoms. They are an excellent choice for anal sex or to combat the symptoms of vaginal dryness. Durex Thin Feel Extra Lubricated is a fine example of extra lubricated condoms.
Cooling condoms
These condoms are coated with a cooling effect lubricant. The lube can coat the condom exterior or both its sides, depending on what effect the condom should achieve. Cooling condoms can have a tingling effect during vaginal intercourse and a slight numbing effect on the penis and anus area, helping delay ejaculation and facilitating anal penetration. Vitalis Delay and Cooling condoms are designed with both partners in mind and are lubricated on both sides. You can also find cooling condoms from EXS and Pasante.
Delay condoms
If you want to delay ejaculation without the cooling effect, you can try the delay condoms. These condoms contain a drop of lidocaine 1% or benzocaine 5%. Both substances are anaesthetics that have a numbing effect on the penis. Lidocaine is more powerful than benzocaine and is indicated to men who want to combat premature ejaculation. Condoms containing lidocaine include Pasante Infinity and EXS Delay Endurance.
Durex used benzocaine, which is milder, for its Mutual Climax and Extended Pleasure condoms. Mutual Climax condoms are not only delaying condoms; they are also textured.
Warming condoms
Designed to heighten the sensations and make intercourse more pleasurable, these condoms are coated with a warming effect lubricant. Similar to cooling condoms, this type of condom delivers tingling sensations.
Textured condoms
There are three categories of textured condoms: ribbed, dotted, and ribbed and dotted condoms.
- Natural rubber latex ribbed condoms are designed with his pleasure in mind. Raised ribs are usually placed near the condom base and towards the condom head, intensifying the sensations for the wearer.
- Dotted condoms are designed with her pleasure in mind. Raised dots are usually placed along the shaft. Some brands use a specific pattern that places the dots in such a way to stimulate the G-spot.
- Ribbed and dotted condoms bring the best of both worlds. These condoms are designed to increase pleasure for both partners and provide you with a fun way to ward off routine.
Flavoured condoms
These condoms were invented to make safe oral sex more enjoyable for the giver. Many people don’t like the taste and smell of latex, and these condoms provide a sweet taste and pleasant scent. Due to their huge popularity, most flavoured condoms nowadays can be used for all types of sex.
Here at Condoms.uk, we stock a wide range of flavoured condoms that are safe to use for oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Flavours include:
- Banana
- Bubblegum
- Blueberry
- Chocolate
- Cola
- Coconut
- Mint
- Strawberry
- Wildberry
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Vanilla
Snug fit condoms
Snug fit condoms are condoms designed for those who need a smaller size. These condoms have a nominal width between 47mm and 49mm, whilst their length varies between 160mm and 175mm. Most snug fit condoms have a smooth texture and are not flavoured. However, there are some options for flavoured and coloured condoms in this range.
Large size condoms
The opposite of snug fit, large size condoms have a nominal width between 56mm and 60mm. Condoms in this category vary from plain to textured, including flavoured and other types of sensation condoms. An exception to this category is Durex, whose 56mm condoms are considered regular in size.
Extra large condoms
Larger than the large, these condoms have a nominal width between 60mm and 69mm. They suit men with very generous dimensions or can be used with G-Lover style rings. Most condoms in this category have a smooth texture and are plain (odourless, tasteless, and colourless).
Why do condoms hurt me?
Condoms come in a variety of types and sizes, yet it is surprising how many people complain about them being uncomfortable. Before giving them up, check out the following:
- Check the condom size: A condom that is smaller than you need might hurt you. Due to the pressure the condom has on your penis, wearing a small size condom over and over again could lead to erectile dysfunction. If you’re not sure what condom size is right for you, grab a tape measure (or a string and ruler) and use our Find Your Size quiz to figure out which condoms to buy.
- Check how you’re putting on the condom: Not leaving enough space at the tip or not removing the air in the teat before rolling on the condom can be uncomfortable and can lead to a popped condom. Always follow the instructions when putting the condom on.
- Consider when you’re putting on the condom: Condoms are meant to roll on an erect penis. If your penis is flaccid, putting on the condom can be uncomfortable, and the condom may end up hurting your erect penis.
- Check how you store your condoms: A common mistake is that of keeping your condoms in a pocket or wallet for days (sometimes even weeks or months) before use. Improper condom storage may alter the structure of latex and dry off the lubricant. Stiff condoms can hurt you, and they are unsafe to use.
- You may have a latex allergy: If you’ve ruled out all of the reasons above, but the condoms still hurt you, there is a chance you’re allergic to latex. Latex allergy manifests with rashes and irritation, but you may also have systemic symptoms similar to hay fever. If you’re allergic to latex, you will have to switch to a non-latex variant. Polyisoprene condoms are very similar to natural rubber latex condoms but are hypoallergenic and safe to use by people with sensitive skin. At Condoms.uk we have a large range of latex allergy condoms from all the trusted condoms brands like SKYN, Durex and Pasante.
Why do condoms burn my girlfriend?
It is a common misconception that men are the ones who don’t want to use condoms. However, in many cases, women prefer avoiding condoms too. People with vaginas know how easy it is to damage the delicate balance of the genital area, and condoms may alter a vagina’s pH or cause irritation. Here are a few common reasons why condoms can burn your girlfriend and how to solve them:
- Insufficient lubrication: Most condoms on the market come pre-lubricated, and everyone knows that vaginas are self-lubricating. However, this lubrication may not be enough. Vaginal dryness is a common issue that can affect women of all ages. If your partner has vaginal dryness, you have to use an abundant quantity of lubricant to make sex pleasurable for her. Water-based lubricants and vaginal moisturisers could become your best friends.
- Vaginal or urinary tract infections: In some cases, a burning sensation after sex may be caused by a pre-existing infection rather than a condom. Yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginosis may cause burning sensations after sex or while urinating. Your partner should check if there are any abnormal discharges. The odour can also be an indicator – healthy vaginas have a slightly tangy or sour odour comparable to sourdough bread or yoghurt. This smell is the result of good bacteria that dominate healthy vaginas. Bad smells, including fishy, meaty, or coppery, can all be a sign of infections. Some sexually transmitted infections like herpes and chlamydia can also cause burning sensations.
- Latex allergy: Like men, women can be allergic to latex. Latex allergy symptoms are usually more severe in women, so if the burning sensation is accompanied by rashes, hives, sneezing, coughing, or irritation, your partner should get tested. A good latex-free alternative option is polyisoprene condoms, which are similar to rubber latex but made from synthetic latex.
- Allergy to lubricant: Some women may be allergic to one or more of the ingredients in intimate lubricants. Switching to a natural-based formula will usually solve this issue.
Where can I buy condoms discreetly?
If you want to protect your privacy and buy condoms discreetly, you can do so right here at Condoms.uk. We stock a wide range of latex condoms sourced directly from brands or their official suppliers here in the UK, and we offer discreet delivery for all orders.
All you have to do is browse our range of condoms, add your favourite products to the cart, and proceed to checkout.
If you want to save on your purchase and make sure you’ll never run out of condoms, you can even sign up to Subscribe & Save. As a Condoms.uk member, you’ll get 15% off your condoms. When subscribing, simply choose the quantity you need and the renewal period.
We’ll only charge you for the first order up front, then charge your payment method before each renewal. After two renewals, you can opt out or change your settings. Subscription or not, you’ll get free standard delivery on all orders of £25 or more.
