As I have recently embarked upon a journey involving such actions that require condoms, I have noticed an amazingly large selection of condoms available. Ribbed, cross-hatched, latex, lambskin, polyurethene, lubricated, spermicadal, studded, the vareties are apparently endless. As neither my budged nor my partner are equal to the task of learning the ins and outs of them all first-hand, I ask the Dopers: what should I know about drug-store condoms? Do polyurethene condoms transmit sensation better? Is the built-in spermacide helpful at all? Are there any brands we should aviod?
I can’t comment on the brand differences, but one thing I know: The spermicide on condoms has never been shown to be enough to make them more effective than the non-spermicidal type. You’d be better off buying some spermicide separately to use with the condoms if you want some extra protection.
If you don’t want to learn the ins and outs, you have no business buying condoms.
The lambskin ones are not protective against HIV.
Ribbed for her pleasure? Forget it. Be selfish and wear them inside out.
The shaped ones with a waist at Mr. Happy’s neck are meant to prevent slippage. Ribbing is probably not perceptible by your partner. The thin ones have tested just as strong as the thicker ones, so go for the sensation. If your diameter is big enough that rolling on a condom feels like being in there, consider a larger size. Never use oil-base lube with a latex condom; it causes breakage. Astroglide is a wonderful thing, even if you think your partner is slick enough.
I always thought condom selection was sorta like coffee or cola, they all basically accomplish the same thing, the rests personal taste? Since I don’t wear them, I generally don’t purchase them.
Do be careful to grasp firmly when finished, to avoid those unfortunate search and rescue procedures.
I like bellybutton rings
You know, I came to the Straight Dope Message Board in search of the same answer when I realized that condom choice really does matter. If you search threads, here is what you’ll learn. Keep in mind that I am not a doctor, and these are just the experiences of friendly internet folk:
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Spermicide condoms cause irritation for those sensitive bits, which probably makes them less effective against preventing STDs. Even if that’s not true, most guys I know say it makes peeing painful afterwards. Skip 'em.
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Polyurethane condoms (e.g., Durex Avanti), the ones you buy when you or your partner has a latex allergy, are thinner and possibly stronger. Most important: they conduct heat, making them less detectable (more fun) the longer you go. If they fit right (they’re not as stretchy as latex), shell out the extra $$ and have a good time. They’re what I use.
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Thinner does not mean weaker. All condoms undergo the same tests.
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Flavored condoms are not intended for serious use; they cause irritation for women.
Conclusion:
Best: Durex Avanti (polyurethane), Durex Extra Sensitive (latex), Kimono Microthin (latex, and very difficult to find).
Since you mentioned budget concerns, I’d say Durex Extra Sensitive might be the one for you.
Also: Trojans are the Budweiser of the condom world. They have serious name recognition, but most who’ve experimented with different brands wind up with someone else.
I found the ribed/studded ones are a little too rough on my GF so she doesn’t like them.
Polyurethane is the best IMO but they are very pricey ($2 each Canadian).
What I did was go online to a local condom store (condom shack) and buy a large assortment of condoms for “trial” purposes. I bought $78 worth of condoms (about 50 in all) and we’ve been…err…testing them out.
I agree with Daniel on his points. Flavoured condoms gave me GF a rash!
We ended up loving Trojan Supra “Microsheer” polyurethane condoms.
I can’t feel the ribs at all on the ribbed ones. Don’t bother.
Lube. The lubricated ones just don’t cut it. Extra lube is a good thing. It makes it a whoooooole lot more comfortable. Also, I’ve heard some women can react to the lube, so it’s probably better to provide your own (one that she knows won’t irritate her, obviously.)
Like some have said, skip the spermicide. If you want backup, get on the pill or something; there are lots of options. I won’t have sex without being on the pill and using a condom.
I haven’t experienced the polyurethane ones, but they’re supposed to be really good for both.
Great idea… but I hope you’ve got a photo of the clerk’s face 
I really need to start previewing my posts; I had genders all screwed up here and there. But I think it’s pretty obvious who I mean would be the one on the pill.
How can you tell what size a condom is? I understand that Trojan Magnums are a bit wider, but how can one find a condom for something that’s, well, not too small, but rather a bit too thin? I mean, it’s not like I can paint it silver and call it a kickstand, but most of the condoms I’ve tried are a bit too loose.
I would just like to say that I find it quite appropriate that Dopers named fetus and Tentacle Monster have posted in a thread about condoms.
Carry on.
I know it’s a joke, but has anyone actually tried this?
When I used to use them I sometimes got a reaction to the spermicide of one brand, either Durex or Mates, but I forget which now.
In the UK, we can go to a family planning clinic and get huge handfuls of freebies, all different types, do you have anything like that available?
I used to swear by Ramses condoms. I looked for them online, but couldn’t find anything. From what I could gather, they were made by Durex. Anyway, you should check out their website, it’s pretty cool. In addition to some games you can download, there is a condom selector and a e-greeting card section where you can send a link to a customized flash card, where condom man is saying something witty. It’s pretty funny.
E3
Haven’t used them in a while but they certainly worked for me!
Just jumping here with a quick opinion. We use the Trojan ribbed, because my wide likes the feeling - so some people can feel them, it isn’t all marketing hooey.
Trojan also makes one called “Shared Sensation” that has ribbing on the inside. We didn’t find that they made much difference for me.
And when we tried polyurethane it tore once (I think it was the polyurethane ones) but I can’t recall the brand so I’m not much help there.
Some internet shopping emporiums of a sexual nature sell sampler packs.
Olma22, welcome to the SDMB.
Epeepunk, I hope your sweet thing is not reading this thread. That’s a bummer of a typo.
Worth noting: b/c polyurethane condoms aren’t as stretchy as latex ones, they have less of a “one size fits all” quality and are probably a bit more sensitive to abuse. The material itself is stronger, just not as flexible.
Consumers Reports did a report on condoms in recent years. You can probably find a copy in your local library.