When it comes to buying condoms, these days we’re faced with a massive choice. No longer do they come in one uniform size or shape, but they’re available in a rainbow of colours, flavours, sizes and styles. Buying condoms can become a mind-boggling task, as there’s so much to choose from! So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choice of condoms, here’s a rundown of the key types available and their own unique qualities.  

Ribbed

As the name suggests, ribbed condoms have ribs down the length. The idea is that adding an extra element of texture will improve the pleasure. In most cases they certainly do work successfully, but the ribbed variety doesn’t suit everyone.

Dotted

These are similar to the ribbed variety. The condom has little tiny dots dotted around, with the theory being that they’ll add to the pleasure. Some makes even combine both ribs and dots to maximise the pleasure.

Sensitive / Extra sensitive

Sensitive and extra sensitive condoms are designed so that they’re thin and give a high level of sensitivity to wearers. They’re still just as strong as normal condoms, but the experience is heightened.  

Flavoured

Ah, the good old flavoured condoms! Designed to make oral sex even better, flavoured condoms literally do some in all sorts of flavours – fruity, chocolatey, minty and even glow in the dark!

Extra safe

If you’re keen to stay super safe and avoid unnecessary pregnancy, or protect yourself from STDs, then extra safe is the condom for you. They do just what their name suggests and are made from extra thick latex. Some extra safe condoms also have extra lubrication too.

Natural

Again, this is similar to the sensitive or extra sensitive condoms. The condom is made to mimic nature, so that you feel like you’ve having natural sex, but you gain the added protection benefit that a condom brings.

Performance

These condoms are specially designed to prolong love-making. They usually have a small amount of lubricant cream – called Benzocaine - in the tip of the condom, which gradually disperses with body heat. It temporarily de-sensitizes the tip of the penis, delaying orgasm and making love-making last longer. It’s useful for men prone to premature ejaculation, but is also great if you want to wait and climax with your partner.

Non-spermicidal

Whilst many condoms have a spermicidal lubricant added to them, others don’t. Some men don’t get on with the spermicide and it can cause irritation or allergies on their penis, so non-spermicidal condoms are an ideal alternative. They work in exactly the same way as other condoms, provide the same performance and are available in extra thin/sensitive/natural options. 

Close / tight fit

These are made so that they’re narrower than standard condoms and provide a tight fit. Many men like these for the extra confidence they provide.
With so much to choose from, there’s surely a condom out there that will suit you! Discussing it with your partner can help, as perhaps they’d like to try an option you’ve not thought of. If you’re in any doubt about what’s best, then why not buy a variety and test them out (now there’s an excuse you can’t miss!) one by one to see which suits you best? In fact, many people do find that variety is indeed the spice of life and that different moods call for different condoms.
To find out more about the history of condoms and the forms they used to come in, read this informative article - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condom