Condoms

Some call them "rubbers," some call them "raincoats," but a condom by any name is vitally important for protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to public health experts, condoms, when used correctly, are almost 100 percent effective in preventing the transmission of STDs. If you're trying to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, condoms are about 88 percent effective. And when condoms do fail, it's usually because of improper use, rather than breakage.

Almost as many women as men buy condoms these days and there are plenty to choose from. When considering a condom purchase, savvy shoppers should weigh a variety of features including strength, sensitivity, size, lubricant, age, and condom material.

Key Features of Condoms

Condom Strength

Your best bet for strength, say experts, is to use a latex condom made by a major, reliable brand. Breakage is usually related to misuse, so be sure you know how to put on a condom correctly. Some condoms are labeled "extra strength," but there are no regulatory standards defining what that means. Some condoms labeled extra-strength are made of thicker, and presumably stronger, latex, but others aren't.

Condom Sensitivity

A loss of sensitivity, understandably, is one of the biggest gripes about condoms, so many are now marketed as "extra sensitive." But, as with extra-strength condoms, there is no clear definition of sensitivity that can help guide consumers. Some extra-sensitive condoms are thinner than average, some aren't. Some give a snugger fit, while others just add a little extra lubricant.

Condom Size

Yes, size counts. A condom that is too small is more likely to break, and one that is too large may slip off. One survey found that the average erect penis is 6.4 inches long and 5.2 inches around. For men of these dimensions (or close), most condoms will fit just fine. If slippage is a problem, look for a condom labeled "snug fit," or "form-fitting." Extra-large varieties can be 20 percent longer than average, but don't purchase these to stroke your ego at the risk of losing your protection.

Lubricant

A lubricant on the inside or outside of a condom can enhance pleasure for both partners. Some lubricants have an active ingredient (nonoxynol-9) that also acts as a spermicide. If you'd rather supply your own lubricant when using condoms, be sure to use something made for that purpose, such as K-Y Jelly. Some petroleum-based or mineral-oil-based products weaken latex.

Condom material

Nearly all condoms are made of latex, which provides the best protection. For people allergic to latex, lambskin is an alternative, but unfortunately, lambskin has microscopic holes. Sperm, which are relatively large, can't get through the holes, but tinier viruses can, so don't count on lambskin for disease prevention. (One solution is to wear a latex condom over a lambskin condom.)

New polyurethane condoms, called Avanti, offer another alternative to latex. The manufacturer, Durex, claims Avanti condoms are "thinner and more sensitive than latex." The condoms, while FDA approved, are still being tested, so their efficacy in preventing pregnancy and disease are not known.