Love gloves. Rubbers. Shrinks. Cock socks. For something that 44 percent of people rarely or never use, condoms sure have acquired a lot of nicknames.
While the evidence is clear that condoms are highly effective at preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy — when used properly — we spoke with a few sexual-health specialists to see whether there are any viable alternatives for those who avoid condoms.
Condoms remain the only reliable STI protection for penile sex
This covers penile-to-oral, penile-to-vaginal, and penile-to-anal activity.
“Condoms don’t remove the chance of STI transmission completely, but they do markedly lower the risk,” says Felice Gersh, MD, author of “PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist’s Lifeline to Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones and Happiness.”
That’s because condoms offer limited protection for infections spread mainly by skin-to-skin contact.
In recent years entrepreneurs have experimented with condom substitutes, such as the Galactic Cap, the Scroguard, and the Condom Thong, but there isn’t a true substitute for condoms when it comes to penile sex at this time.
If it’s the sensation you dislike, there are choices
“If someone complains that sex feels worse with a condom, I’d suggest trying newer ultra-thin condoms, which many users say feel nearly identical to condom-free sex,” says Gersh.
Try one of these: Trojan Bareskin, Lola Natural Ultra Thin, Lubricated Skyn Elite. Shop Trojan, Lola, and Skyn condoms online.
If sensitivity is a concern
For penis-holders who reach orgasm sooner than they’d like, there are products that may help delay overstimulation.
“For people struggling to last, desensitizing condoms are a great option,” says sex and relationship specialist Jamie LeClaire, who suggests Durex Prolong condoms, available online.
“There are also thicker condoms that can reduce sensation, like Lifestyle Extra Strength or Trustex Extra Strength, roughly twice the thickness of thin varieties,” they add.
Find Lifestyle and Trustex Extra Strength condoms online.
If you’re allergic to latex
If latex causes a reaction, safer sex is still possible. LeClaire recommends polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms.
Shop for polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms online.
If pregnancy prevention is your only goal, lambskin condoms are another option; find them online.
“Lambskin has pores large enough for infectious particles such as HIV or chlamydia to pass through, so it doesn’t guard against STIs,” warns Gersh.
Another alternative is the FC2 female condom, available online. Latex- and hormone-free and FDA-approved, this internal condom is pricier but offers about a 79 percent effectiveness rate.
If you hate fiddling with it and want something sexier
What’s sexy? Being able to avoid pregnancy when you don’t want one.
To make condom use feel playfully erotic, try ONE condoms, which LeClaire says feel fun and flirtatious. Buy them online.
You might also like Maude Rise Latex, Lola Ultra Thin, or Lelo HEX for a sleek look and feel.
Find Maude Rise, Lola Ultra Thin, and Lelo HEX condoms online.
“The single most important thing to avoid fiddling is knowing how to put a condom on properly,” LeClaire says. “If you’re unsure how to apply or remove one, watch some instructional videos.”
There are options for oral-to-vagina or oral-to-anal sex
For cunnilingus or rimming, dental dams — thin, flexible latex sheets — can help reduce fluid exchange and the chance of STI transmission.
Many dental dams sold online are flavored, which LeClaire appreciates because “not everyone wants to taste plain latex.”
You can also make a barrier from a latex condom. To transform a condom into a dental dam, cut off both ends, slit it down the side, and open it flat with lubricant-side down over the vulva or anus.
You might have heard that cling film can be used as a barrier for oral-to-vagina or oral-to-anal sex, but LeClaire cautions, “Please do not use plastic wrap. It tears easily and degrades over time.”
Additionally, microwave-safe wrap contains tiny vents to release steam that microscopic pathogens could pass through.
There are alternatives for manual stimulation, too
Although the risk is lower, STIs can be transmitted via manual sex.
Gersh explains: “A hand can serve as a carrier. Touch someone with an STI and then touch your own genitals and an infection spread by bodily fluids can transfer.”
If a partner wants to use one hand to stimulate themselves while stroking you, ask them to stick to their other hand and not switch back and forth.
If you have an open wound on your hand and they have one in their genital area, fluid-borne infections can pass between you.
Because of their size, internal and external condoms aren’t practical for manual sex.
However, “finger condoms and medical gloves provide a barrier that prevents contact with bodily fluids,” says Gersh. “They also protect your partner from bacteria on your hands and under your nails.” Plus, they’re easy to clean up.
Shop for latex finger condoms and gloves online.
Gersh notes: “These won’t prevent pregnancy if slid onto a penis, but if you aren’t engaging in penis-vagina intercourse and are doing manual sex, pregnancy isn’t a risk.” Point taken.
Never improvise with household items
Condoms of all types are engineered to fit securely and remain in place during sex.
“Please don’t attempt to impress your partner by MacGyvering a makeshift condom from things around the house,” LeClaire says.
Items like sandwich bags, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, balloons, or similar household objects won’t function as condoms.
“They won’t stay on the penis,” Gersh says. Worse, they can cause harm.
The rough edge of a plastic bag or the abrasive surface of foil can produce tiny tears in vaginal tissue. And “a balloon can cut off circulation to the penis,” Gersh warns.
If pregnancy prevention is your only concern, other options exist
Yes — if you and your partner(s) are fluid-bonded, you can skip barrier protection.
But for penis-in-vagina intercourse, you may want an alternative method to avoid pregnancy.
Nonhormonal methods
While many contraceptives use hormones, several effective hormone-free choices are available.
Diaphragm
A reusable, prescription barrier for people with vulvas, the diaphragm is cup-shaped and placed in the vagina up to 24 hours before sex.
“It’s meant to physically block sperm from reaching the egg,” says Gersh. When combined properly with spermicide, it can be up to 96 percent effective.
Cervical cap
Made of soft silicone and resembling a tiny cap, the cervical cap is inserted with spermicide prior to intercourse. This prescription-only device fits over the cervix and prevents sperm from getting to the egg.
LeClaire says the perk is you can have sex multiple times within 48 hours once it’s in place. The drawback: it’s only 77 to 83 percent effective.
Sponge
Sold in many pharmacies, the sponge is foam-like, saturated with spermicide, and inserted into the vagina before penetration.
“When ejaculation occurs, sperm are trapped and neutralized in the sponge,” explains Gersh. It’s single-use and roughly 76 percent effective.
Fertility awareness methods (FAM)
FAM involves tracking menstrual cycles to identify fertile days (around ovulation) and avoiding intercourse or using another method during that window.
Although hormone-free, LeClaire cautions, “FAM requires meticulous tracking and a predictable routine, so it has a relatively large chance of human error.”
Withdrawal (pull-out)
The pull-out method relies on withdrawing the penis before ejaculation, which demands precise timing. The CDC estimates it’s about 78 percent effective.
Hormonal contraception
Hormonal methods work by delivering low doses of estrogen and/or progestin to suppress ovulation and thus prevent pregnancy.
Birth control pill
The most commonly used reversible method in the U.S., oral contraceptives can be 98 to 99.7 percent effective when used correctly. Pills come in combined estrogen-progestin formulas and progestin-only versions — discuss options with your clinician.
Patch
The patch delivers hormones through the skin and is worn for three weeks of each cycle.
“You apply a new patch weekly and skip wearing one during the fourth week to have a period,” Gersh explains. When used correctly it can be up to 99 percent effective.
Vaginal ring
Marketed as NuvaRing, this prescription ring is placed in the vagina for three weeks at a time.
“It’s simple to insert and remove, but you may need backup contraception during the ring-free week,” LeClaire says. Effectiveness is about 91 percent.
Shot
The contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera) requires a clinic visit every 12 weeks for a progestin shot.
When administered on schedule, it’s about 99 percent effective.
Implant
Often called Nexplanon, the implant is a tiny rod placed under the skin of the upper arm by a clinician.
It protects against pregnancy for up to three years and is roughly 99 percent effective. The insertion is a quick outpatient procedure using local anesthetic.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a provider, the IUD works primarily by disrupting sperm mobility.
“IUDs are over 99 percent effective and can remain in place for several years,” LeClaire says. They are removable whenever you decide to try for pregnancy.
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The bottom line
For preventing both STIs and pregnancy, condoms are the safest choice. If your only concern is avoiding pregnancy, discuss other contraceptive options with a healthcare professional to determine what’s best for you. Also consider checking a condom size chart to find a better-fitting option that may improve comfort and sensation.
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