
They offer similar levels of protection as male condoms. Female condomsįemale condoms are a soft, flexible pouch coated with a silicone lubricant and inserted into the vagina. They contain small pores that are big enough to let viruses through that can cause STDs. Lambskin condoms are typically made of sheep intestines. The only condom made of a natural animal product, lambskin condoms prevent pregnancy but do not protect against STIs. Read on to determine the best condom for you: There are a few different types of condoms. Lambskin condoms protect against pregnancy, but should only be used if the risk of STDs isn't a concern. Polyurethane condoms offer similar levels of STI and pregnancy protection as latex condoms – but they are more likely to slip off.


The best ways to avoid transmission of an STI are to abstain from sex or be in a long-term monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. So even if you use a condom correctly every time you have sex, it doesn't completely eliminate your risk of acquiring an STI from an infected partner. Latex condoms are very effective at reducing your risk of STIs, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and somewhat effective at protecting against human papillomavirus (HPV). However, spermicide can cause irritation, making you more susceptible to STIs or a urinary tract infection. Because a condom can break, tear, or come off, you might want to use a backup form of birth control such as spermicide or the Pill.
