The One Disadvantage of Ribbed and Dotted Condoms — and How to Prevent It

Enhanced feeling! More enjoyment! Better sex!

That’s the tagline behind textured condoms.

But there’s a detail that those ads for ribbed and dotted condoms often omit.

What’s the situation?

While the added texture can, for some people, heighten the experience, folks with extra-sensitive areas may find them maddeningly irritating.

Texas-based sex educator Goody Howard notes that a bit of friction during penetrative sex can feel great — even orgasmic. After all, that’s why teens are into humping and grinding: friction can feel amazing.

But there’s a narrow margin between “take me to the O-zone” friction and actual genital chafing.

(Clenching your thighs just reading that? Same.)

Because the anus doesn’t self-lubricate, a rug-burn-like reaction is especially likely during penetrative anal sex when textured or ribbed condoms are used.

“Typically, textured and ribbed condoms irritate because there’s insufficient lubrication to reduce uncomfortable friction and promote glide,” Howard explains.

How can you address it?

Lube, lube, lube — and reapply it before you actually need to.

“If you’re not using sex toys, a silicone-based lubricant like Pjur Light silicone lubricant will be your best bet,” Howard says.

Silicone lubes generally outlast water-based varieties. Uberlube and Sliquid Silver are solid options as well.

That said, if you’re using silicone toys or are prone to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, pleasure-affirming educator Reba Corrine Thomas suggests a water-based lube such as Good Clean Love or Coconu water-based, both available online.

Are there upsides to textured condoms?

For starters, they’re still condoms!

And condoms are the only method that simultaneously lowers the chance of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevents pregnancy, says Kecia Gaither, MD, who’s board-certified in OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine and directs perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.

Give it up for multi-taskers!

Also, textured condoms can deliver on their promise to amplify sensation.

Wondering how? Howard explains: “For people with vaginas, it’s the vulva — the external parts — that’s extremely sensitive,” not the vaginal canal that typically gets the focus during penetration.

“A textured condom can stimulate the nerves in the vulva more effectively than a smooth condom, potentially boosting pleasure,” Howard says.

Thomas adds that the ribs and studs can feel particularly good if the penis or dildo is rubbed along the clitoris between thrusts. Fun!

And Thomas notes textured condoms can “produce a wildly pleasurable sensation when used during anal sex.”

What if you try again and still get irritated?

Loaded up on lube and you still feel like you’ve been sliding against sandpaper?

Stop using the textured glove!

You don’t have to tolerate irritation just to achieve:

• pregnancy prevention
• lowered STI risk
• heightened sensation

There are many other ways to make penetration more enjoyable.

Check for latex sensitivity

“Most textured condoms on the market are latex,” Howard says. “So it’s worthwhile to confirm you’re not having a latex allergy or sensitivity that’s causing irritation.”

If latex leaves you red and rashy, she suggests trying the Skyn extra-studded polyisoprene condom, which is sold online.

If that still irritates, switch to nontextured, nonlatex options like Skyn Original polyisoprene or Trojan Bareskin polyurethane, both available online.

Thomas also mentions internal condoms as an alternative; they’re latex-free and can be worn inside the vagina or anus to lower pregnancy and STI risk.

Try a vibrating cock ring

A vibrating cock ring can slip over a penis or dildo to add buzzing stimulation for both partners.

During penis-in-vagina play, “you can position the ring upward so it presses against the receiver’s clit with each thrust,” Howard says. Or place it downward to stimulate the wearer’s testicles.

“You can also slip your fingers through the ring and use it manually to stimulate a clit or shaft,” Howard adds. Versatile indeed.

Some vibrating cock rings available online include:

• Lelo Tor 2
• We-Vibe Verge
• Colt vibrating cock ring

Or use your favorite vibrator

“If your position isn’t hitting your hotspot, don’t hesitate to bring out your go-to vibrator,” Thomas advises.

For clitoral stimulation, she recommends the FemmeFun Ultra Bullet, which is powerful and fits between bodies, or the Unbound Squish, which varies intensity with each squeeze — both available online.

If your hotspot is the butt, choose toys with a flared base, such as the b-Vibe rimming plug or the We-Vibe Ditto, which are sold online.

Consider a CBD lube

“Anecdotally, people report increased pleasure with CBD-infused lubes during penetration,” Thomas says.

Most CBD lubes are oil-based and incompatible with latex condoms, so check labels. One water-based option is GoLove CBD, available online.

Any textured-condom picks?

Want to test whether textured condoms are “mmm” or “meh”? Try these textured picks:

• Trojan ultra-ribbed lubricated condoms
• Rough Rider studded condoms
• One Super Studs

What’s the takeaway?

For some people, textured condoms elevate sex to next-level bliss.

For others, dotted and ribbed condoms provoke rashes and irritation.

Thankfully, textured condoms aren’t the only route to heightened sensation, more enjoyment, and a better sex life — there are many alternatives, like exploring condom alternatives or reconsidering lubricant choices (don’t use vaseline as lube with condoms).