Do textured condoms heighten sexual pleasure?

Dear Reader,  

Textured condoms are indeed designed to increase sexual pleasure for the wearer or receiver. Whether or not that happens depends on your sexual preferences and if it’s used correctly. Additionally, some people experience more pleasure just from knowing that using condoms helps reduce the possibility of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy! 

How do condoms affect sexual pleasure? 

Sex can feel good because of the physical and emotional sensations that contribute to feelings of arousal and orgasm. People can experience a variety of sensations from condoms. Some find that they increase arousal, while others find that it reduces it.  

Condom manufacturers claim ribbed and dotted condoms are made to increase pleasure. For people with vulvas, textured condoms may stimulate nerves in the vagina, which may heighten pleasure. Textured condoms may also create more sensations that may feel enjoyable during anal sex. 

For the wearer, arousal caused from friction from the condom or their partner’s heightened arousal could make sex more enjoyable, too.    

What else should you consider when picking out condoms?  

In addition to ribbed, there are a number of other condom features that may affect the sex you have. Some of the options include: 

• Lubricated condoms reduce the need for lubricants but may cause allergic reactions. 
• Spermicide or nonoxynol-9 coated condoms provide extra protection against pregnancy but can irritate skin. 
• Flavored condoms can make oral sex more enjoyable, but should not be used for vaginal sex, as there’s an increased risk of yeast infection. 
• Warming condoms contain capsaicin, which creates a pleasurable warming sensation but can cause skin irritation. 
• Novelty condoms come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes although certain glow in the dark condoms aren’t approved for STI or pregnancy prevention. 
• Ultra-thin condoms are thinner to increase sensation but have a higher risk of breaking. 

How effective are condoms in protecting you from STIs and pregnancy?  

All condoms sold in the United States (US) are manufactured to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and are tested to make sure there aren’t any holes. Condoms are designed to prevent pregnancy and are 98 percent effective when used correctly. This means putting on a condom properly every time you have sex. 

However, not all condoms offer the same protection. Condoms can be made of different materials that affect how they function. Latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms do protect against STIs and pregnancy. Lambskin condoms protect against pregnancy but not STIs. That said, all condoms have some risk associated with them. While latex condoms are most common, there are people that may be allergic to them. Polyurethane condoms are less elastic, so they’re prone to slippage and leakage. And polyisoprene is a thinner material and can be prone to breakage. Whichever condom you choose, it’s important to check the material and description of the condom to make sure you’re covered.  

Whether standard latex or banana-flavored, hopefully you feel more confident to pick the best option for you!