Condoms are important for a healthy sex life. But buying the right one can be difficult. Here’s everything you need to know about buying condoms!
Needless to say, condoms are your go-to item for protection against STDs or unwanted pregnancies. Apart from this, condoms also have the ability to make your sexy time more interesting. There are tons of different varieties available with different effects, sensations, and even flavors! But do you know how to buy condoms?
There are a number of condoms available on the market, each making different promises of protection and pleasure. So with all these countless brands, how do you choose? Today we answer several frequently asked questions to help you find the best condom that will suit you, literally and figuratively!
Types of Condoms You Can Buy
First, let’s learn about the different types of condoms available for purchase. Of course, we can’t list every single type of condom available.
But we will try our best to give you a detailed description of the different styles available in the market. So let’s see what types of condoms you can buy.
1. Ribbed condom
If you’ve ever looked at condoms for sale, you may have noticed that some of the boxes contain a hidden “for her pleasure” feature.
Ribbed condoms have raised ribs and ridge-like textures on the sides of the sheath, which add extra sensation for girls.
If you want extra sensation, ribbed condoms are a great option. However, if you or your partner are very sensitive, the extra friction may feel a little heavy or uncomfortable.
2. Lubricated condoms
Sometimes, you need extra lubrication to keep sex enjoyable. That’s why they invented the lubricated condom! These are the opposite of ribbed condoms; They have extra slippery lubrication on the outside which reduces the amount of friction you both feel.
If you’re both very sensitive, or generally need lube to help things along, these may be perfect. But if you’re planning to use extra lube, make sure you check that it’s compatible with condoms.
3. Spermicidal condoms
Some condoms contain a birth control substance that kills sperm, called a spermicide. Spermicide is about 80% effective at preventing pregnancy, and you can also use it as a form of birth control.
So, when you use it with another type of birth control like condoms, you can get up to 97% protection!
However, even though these condoms are coated with spermicide, it may cause some problems. Spermicides may make condoms more likely to tear during rough sex. It may also irritate your skin if you are sensitive to chemicals.
various condom ingredients
So, these are some of the different types of condoms. Along with there being different types, there are also different ingredients that differentiate some condoms from one another. Let’s take a look at the materials available and what you can expect from them.
1. Latex condom
Latex is the most common condom material. When you are purchasing condoms, you will find that most of them are made of latex.
This is because it is suitable for the job a condom is supposed to do! Latex is a non-porous material, meaning liquids cannot pass through it.
The most important things to consider with latex condoms are allergies and lubrication. At first, use only water or silicone-based lube with latex. Oil-based substances like Vaseline and body lotion can break down the condom and cause it to break.
2. Non-latex condom
Secondly, some people are allergic to latex. If you notice any itching, redness, or rashes after using latex rubber, consider switching to non-latex materials.
Non-latex condoms are made of polyurethane, nitrile or polyisoprene, which are gentle on your skin.
However, non-latex condoms are not as effective as latex condoms. The alternative materials they use are not as strong, so only choose these if you are allergic to latex.
3. Lambskin Condom
Lambskin condoms… are made from the skin of lambs. More specifically, they are made from animal intestines.
While this means they’re thin and natural-feeling, it also means they’re a lot more porous; Smaller viruses like herpes and HIV can still spread.
Apparently, they are also not vegetarian.
4. Female condom
Female condoms look a lot like male condoms. The only difference is that you insert them inside the vagina instead of rotating them on the penis.
For this reason some people call them internal condoms. They are made of soft synthetic latex and form a barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the uterus.
where to buy condoms
Next, let us know from where you can easily get condoms. There are many different stores and services that will happily sell you condoms.
Some people will even give them to you for free! Which one you choose depends on how confident you feel when buying condoms, how much money you have, and what type of condom you want to buy.
1. Buying condoms from websites
There are many websites that sell contraceptives, and some even specialize in condoms. You can buy practically any type you can imagine: latex, non-latex, lambskin, internal and even novelty condoms.
They’re usually the same price as condoms from IRL stores, but you’ll have to pay shipping on top.
The best thing about buying condoms online is the anonymity. If you’re shopping online, you don’t need to be face-to-face at the cashier or risk being spotted by your nosy neighbors. Most sites also offer plain packaging so that you don’t have to be embarrassed when you are collecting your parcel.
2. Buying condoms from the drugstore
The cheapest place to buy condoms is a drug store. All local drugstores and pharmacies will sell a wide range of condoms for just a few dollars per pack.
You will also have the opportunity to read the package and find out which type suits you best. You can also seek help from a pharmacist or shop assistant if you are confused.
Of course, if you want to take this option you will have to be quite courageous. If you are in any way embarrassed to buy condoms, this kind of face-to-face transaction will be absolute torture for you.
3. Buy special condoms from an adult store
Adult stores, also known as sex shops, are a great place to look if you are looking for specialty condoms. Some rare, exotic types of condoms will only be available at specialist sex stores.
Nowadays, all these stores also sell online, so you don’t even need to have a store nearby.
These stores offer plain packaging to protect your blush, and you won’t even need to talk to anyone. However, you’ll usually have to pay a premium, plus shipping charges on top.
4. Get free condoms from a local health organization
Do you have a sexual health clinic? Most of these organizations provide free condoms if you ask for them. So, if you are not able to buy condoms, just buy some from your local health organization.
This is an especially good way to get condoms if you’re a teen, in college, broke, or anywhere else you can’t find condoms.
How to actually buy condoms
Now for the important part: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Condoms. If this guide seems short, it’s because buying condoms is actually very easy!
You just have to stay calm and follow our advice to keep yourself safe. so let’s get started!
1. Buy the right size
Most condom manufacturers make their condoms in a standard size that fits most people. There are also small and XL sizes that fit other people better. However, make sure you know which size will fit you.
Requiring a larger or smaller size doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you, so don’t feel embarrassed about it.
The condom should fit snugly around your penis. Not so tight that it’s uncomfortable, but also not so loose that it slips out during sex.
If it is too tight, the condom is more likely to tear. But if it’s too loose, it’s more likely to slip and accidentally release sperm.
2. Don’t get distracted by all the options
Sometimes, there is such a thing as too many choices. Have you ever been to a supermarket and felt overwhelmed by the millions of different products available there, not knowing how to choose? The same thing can happen when you are buying condoms.
So, don’t get distracted by all the options. Do your research before you go in. *Yes, reading this feature matters!*, and make sure you go in with exactly the type of condom you were looking for.
3. Keep your head cool
Remember, buying condoms is normal. Most people who have sex need contraception, which means most people have to buy condoms. Keep in mind that no one will stare at you or make fun of you for doing this normal adult thing.
The more nervous you look, the more attention you will attract. So if you’re feeling a little shaky, remember that buying condoms is common, and try to keep yourself calm.
4. Check expiry date
Finally, check the expiry date. If you keep the condom for too long, grease, dust, or the packaging may damage the latex material. Poor latex is much more likely to tear during sex – and that’s the last thing you want to happen.
If you want to be safe, always check the expiration date, and don’t use old condoms.
5. Buy condoms before you need them
Don’t wait until you need one to think about buying condoms. Even if you don’t think you’re going to have sex today, it’s still worth stocking up on condoms if you’re near a place that sells them.
There’s nothing worse than rushing out to buy condoms before a hot date, only to discover that the shelves are empty of your favorite type of condom.
6. Buying condoms in bulk to save money
This is especially important to consider if you’re buying condoms online. Most of the time, it is cheaper to buy condoms in larger quantities than to buy them in smaller quantities.
So, if you think you’ll need a lot of condoms over the next few weeks, consider buying them in bulk. This way, you will save shipping costs.
Sometimes, condom sellers will give you a better price if you are purchasing a large quantity of condoms. Perhaps consider purchasing a larger box that you can store and use gradually over time.
7. Think about your partner
You’re not just choosing the right condom for your dick. You also need to consider your partner’s body parts and what will work best for them. Some people are allergic to latex, so it will be very uncomfortable for them to have sex with their partner while wearing a latex condom.
Be sure to find out if your partner has any important preferences when it comes to purchasing condoms. This is a joint decision, so don’t forget to ask them about their feelings.
8. Buy colored, flavored or scented condoms for added fun
Different types of condoms will give you different sensations. Colored condoms are a fun novelty, and you can even get special finishes like glitter or glow in the dark.
If you have a playful partner or you often do this with the lights off, this could be a weird way to spice things up.
Scented condoms also enhance the multisensory experience by bringing a pleasant smell.
You can also get flavored condoms, which are perfect for oral sex. These are particularly versatile; You can also cut them in half and use them as dental dams. However, make sure your partner doesn’t have sensitive or allergic skin before trying novelty condoms.
9. Girls can also buy condoms
As we said before, it takes two to tango. Girls may also be responsible for purchasing condoms, so ask your partner if he or she would mind purchasing condoms as well.
Of course, men…
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