They sit in the same aisle as school supplies in CVS and come in different colors, flavors, textures and sizes.
With their bright packaging, condoms appear to be more novelty than practical. However, with the risk of incurable sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy, condoms are as much for safety as they are for fun.
One in two sexually active individuals will contract an STI by the age of 25, according to the American Social Health Association, a national non-profit organization devoted to preventing STIs.
With all the different styles and brands of condoms available, finding the right kind can be difficult. The Post investigated how to pick the right condom.
Latex, lambskin and lubrication
When used consistently and correctly, the male latex condom can reduce the risk of many STIs including HIV, gonorrhea and herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Latex condoms are the most effective for protecting against STIs because they do not have pores, unlike condoms made from lambskin, said Maxwell Ciardullo, information coordinator for the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, an organization that promotes sexual education, health and rights.
The pores in lambskin condoms allow for pathogens such as the HIV virus to pass through, Ciardullo added.
While all latex condoms are an effective barrier to pathogens, an ultra-thin latex condom may be more prone to breaking than a thicker latex one, said Amanda Childress, assistant director of health promotion at Ohio University.
This isn't the case for all ultra-thin condoms. The label on the package will tell you if the effectiveness is decreased, Childress said.
Unlike the thickness of a condom, texture should not change the effectiveness, said Kaleena Schmidt, graduate assistant for health promotion.
The only purpose of texture is to increase sensations for one or both partners, Schmidt said. -
Schmidt said.
The problem is when people use a condom that is too large and it slips, which increases the risk of contracting an STI or getting pregnant, she said.
A properly fit condom is more comfortable for the man, Schmidt added.
More important than brand or type of condom is using it correctly, Ciardullo said.
In 2002, 40 percent of college-age males did not leave space in the tip of the condom, according to a study conducted by- 17
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Nikki Naab-Levy
What condom is right for you?
