Barriers

Today we will be going over barriers ! For those of you who doesn't know what that means, we are referring to internal/external condoms and dental dams. I will be going over the different kinds as well as pros and cons. SOOOOO PAY ATTENTION.

External condoms or "male" condoms

These are the condoms that are most commonly used by majority folks. This condom is rolled down an penis  or phallic shaped item to provide protection from STD transmission. Most of the condoms will be found commonly in a local store and will be FDA approved. It is always important to find FDA approved options as they have been thoroughly tested to hold up for Contraception and STD protection. If you find any condoms that are thinner then the ones available in the US (for instance be sold on amazon), 9 time out of 10 they are NOT FDA APPROVED.  That means they may work for the prevention of babies but they may not save you from an STI. In worst cases they might not do either as they may have high chances of breaking because they are too thin.  Also it is important to note that Amazon does not have to regulate what is on their site, so you could easily be buying a counterfeit condom that will definitely not protect and in fact may harm you since who knows what it is made of !  For these kind of condoms it is important to find the one that works best for you. 

1. Latex condoms ; the most common sold and most cost effect. These are going to be very pliable and easiest to work with for the average person. The only thing to pay attention to is the fact that majority of people are allergic to latex. if you have ever experienced any swelling, itchiness, hives, yeast infections/BV frequently after using a latex condom, I highly recommend you try another and discuss that with your partner.  It is also important to note that even though most condoms come with lubricant you should still always apply more as it is still going to have friction against the skin, since ya know it's not skin lol. Latex will always smell of rubber and it will leave that smell on the skin. If someone is performing oral sex or engaging in penetrative sex this may be troublesome since the smell can be really bad . Latex condoms are also going to be the thickest option when it comes to material, because of this it makes it very prevalent that a barrier is being worn. Now, with that being said, latex condoms are going to be the most common option to be found making it the most accessible option and often handed out for free at most clinics or hospitals. It is also natural rubber which makes it the most pliable, as well as having a large array of sizing options. 
2.  Polyisoprene condoms; These are going to be the synthetic rubber condoms, often time with latex components removed.  This might be a good alternative for people who have a latex allergy, They function just the the same with a human-made chemical makeup. Now Polyisoprene does still have a smell but it is not as prevalent as latex, however this may still be an issue for some folks.  These condoms are generally around the same thickness as a latex option but just like latex there are options that are still thin while being FDA approved.  Polyisoprene also has a variety of options to pick from but it mostly has to do with style rather than size.  However it is the second best when it comes to variety. 
3. Polyurethane; This is like the only condom majority of folks that people have not heard of.  It is not made of any specific rubber at all, it is in fact made of very thin plastic !  This means no irritation for folks allergic to latex yaaaayyy !  However with it being made of plastic that means a couple cons, It is not made to be stretchable with it being plastic so someone has to be slightly more cautious when applying one as to not rip it.  Also there is no variety in size or style of condom. Currently there is only one brand, Trojan, to which they call them Supras, that sells polyurethane in stores. Polyurethanes are still FDA approved but with them being more expensive to manufacture they are slightly more tricky to find as well as you don't get the common amount you would find in latex condoms.  For example; you get 12 latex condoms in a pack for around $8, whereas with Trojan Supras you get 6 condom pack for around the same price. So supras may not be the most cost effective option and is often not given out for free like latex.  NOW with that being said, some of the pros are no smell, at all.  This makes it great for oral or penetrative sex as the smell does cloud the room, stick to your skin or stay in your mouth. As well as that, with it being a very thin plastic, it conducts heat better than a natural/synthetic rubber condom so the sense of a barrier is MUCH lower.  This means this is the option that is the least obvious as a barrier.  Now when it comes to variety of size, rubbers do have it beat BUT polyurethane condoms have the benefit of being sized LARGER than a Trojan Magnum XL but because it clings to the skin like cling wrap it fits standard size just fine.  SO if someone is putting it on anything that wears a Magnum XL, they will be JUST FINE( so don't listen to anyone who says it might be too small). Because Supras don't stretch they are going to feel more snug than a latex that is constantly readjusting with stretch but it is not damaging anything. if you compare them to jeans, its like someone where skinny jeans for the first time rather than straight fit, OF COURSE they are going to feel too small.  
4. Internal condoms; these condoms are mostly knows as "female" condoms but I don't call them that since they have a multi use for different folks.  These are commonly made of nitrile and have two outer flaps that cover the external area with a 2 rings. one ring on the outside of the opening, with one ring placed on the inside behind the pubic bone to keep it in place.  This one is a great option for people allergic to natural/synthetic rubbers as well. This one can also be used for vaginal or anal penetration, which is why I don't like to label it as a "female" condom.  This can be place beforehand in preparation of penetration and easy to remove after.  The main issue with this barrier is that it is available only by prescription.  It is available for purchase on amazon HOWEVER as mentioned before, they do not have to regulate so you want to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable vendor.  This method doesn't really protect from oral sex on a area not covered by nitrile,so it important to still use a separate barrier like a dam. These are another option that is not the most cost effective since a pack of 6 or 12 can run $20+ since they are difficult to obtain.  Pros for these are easier to apply, no scent. non-rubber and another option that conducts heat slightly better. 
5. Lambskin condoms; These are probably the least used options as they cross a lot of ethical and functional lines for people.  These are essentially made of lamb intestinal lining which makes them very thin.  However because of this, it does not protect against STD/STI transmission. This is best for folks who are sexually responsible and aware of their monogamous relationship.  Not to say they can not be used in non-monogamy HOWEVER you have to remember that not everyone or their partners may be as sexually aware/ responsible as you are. 
6. Dental Dams, finger cots and gloves; These barriers are mostly used for external play/and or light penetration.  Dental dams are used to preform oral sex on someone and are made of mostly latex.  It is possible to make a non-latex option by cutting a latex glove or a cling wrap into a square sheet.  Cots are used for penetration with individual fingers, they are often made of latex but can also cut fingers off of nitrile gloves for same effect. With finger cots you just have to be aware that the cot itself is not going to move or get pulled off. Lastly is gloves. Depending on the person it can be latex or nitrile and these are ideal for full barrier sex or kink scenes.  Gloves comes down to the person and their partners boundaries. The purpose of these barriers are just to help prevent any transmission of fluids between partners. 

NOOOOWWW with all that being said, I definitely recommend picking the option that works best for you and provides the protection that you need.  It is always important to remember that Barriers provide PREVENTION of STD transmission, it is NOT a fail safe ! Practice safe sex always regardless of relationship status !  Anyone sexually active regardless of relationship status should be getting tested a MINIMUM of every 3 months. ( even if funds are tight or lack of insurance there are plenty clinics that offer discounted or free std testing). There are a diseases that can be transmitted regardless of barrier present or not so please tread carefully.  As I close this I leave you with my golden rule;

If you have time to fuck, you have time to get tested.