There are several considerations to keep in mind when choosing lubricated versus non-lubricated condoms. Lubricated condoms provide both protection and lubricant to minimize friction. However, they aren’t always the best choice. For example, they’re often less than ideal if you’re planning on oral sex.
This article discusses the differences between lubricated and non-lubricated condoms. It also covers how to decide which one to use.
Image Source / Getty Images
Lubricated Condoms
Lubricated condoms are thelatex condomsyou find most often in drugstores. They may be lubricated withspermicidesto kill sperm or a non-spermicidal personal lubricant.
Some people find that lubricated condoms are easier to manage and put on than non-lubricated condoms.
However, most lubricated condoms don’t contain enough lubricant for sex.
How to Properly Size a Condom
During Vaginal Sex
Lubricated condoms are often used for vaginal sex. However, you may need to use additional lubricant as well. Condoms cause more friction when rubbed against the skin than bare skin does.
Keep in mind that not everyone produces an equal amount of lubrication. So there’s nothing shameful about needing additional lubricant for sex.
If you use a separate lubricant, you need to make sure you’re using a condom-safe lubricant, either water- or silicone-based. Some couples might opt for spermicidal lubricant.
During Oral or Anal Sex
For oral sex, lubricated condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, they may not be ideal because many lubricants taste terrible.
In addition, the nonoxynol-9 in spermicidal lubricated condoms can make your tongue go numb. Unlubricated condoms or flavored condoms may be a better option for oral sex.
Lubricated condoms help protect against STIs for anal sex, as long as they don’t contain nonoxynol-9. However, you will also need additional water-based or silicone lubricant.
Non-Lubricated Condoms
Non-lubricated condoms can be a good choice for some people. First off, they’re generally better for oral sex. No need to worry about the lubrication tasting bad or making your tongue go numb.
And with non-lubricated condoms, you can choose your own lubricant. That means you can use the type you want and however much you want.
Non-lubricated condoms are the chameleons of the latex condom world. They’re useful precisely because of that versatility. For oral sex, they can be used as-is, or cut into adental damto use without ingesting lubricant. For vaginal or anal intercourse, they can be paired with the lubricant of your choice.
Avoid using oil-based lubricants with latex condoms. They can degrade the structure of latex and increase the risk of condom tears and rupture. Mineral oil is especially destructive.
Non-lubricated condoms are particularly useful if you are sensitive to one or more of the ingredients in commercial personal lubricants. When you use unlubricated condoms, you can find water-based or silicone-based lubricants that you like.
You can also use as much lubricant you want without worrying about irritation from what is already on the condom.
When using non-lubricated condoms, keep the following tips in mind:
Summary
Lubricated condoms and non-lubricated condoms both provide protection during sex. When choosing one to use, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Lubricated condoms can be easier to put on than non-lubricated condoms. However, they usually don’t have enough lubricant to reduce friction. You may choose to use additional lubricant with lubricated condoms.
Non-lubricated condoms may be preferable during oral sex. They can also be used to provide protection in vaginal and anal sex. To reduce friction, use a separate water-based or silicone-based lubricant.
A Word From Verywell
Lubricated and non-lubricated condoms each have their advantages and disadvantages. Choose the type that will work best for you and you can also select an appropriate separate lubricant as well. Wearing a condom is an important way to protect yourself and your partner.
How to Use a Condom Correctly
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Nonoxynol-9 ineffective in preventing HIV infection.Additional ReadingNational Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Condoms - male. Updated October 8, 2020.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condon effectiveness. Updated July 6, 2016.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing HIV. Updated December 2, 2019.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Nonoxynol-9 ineffective in preventing HIV infection.Additional ReadingNational Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Condoms - male. Updated October 8, 2020.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condon effectiveness. Updated July 6, 2016.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing HIV. Updated December 2, 2019.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
World Health Organization.Nonoxynol-9 ineffective in preventing HIV infection.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Condoms - male. Updated October 8, 2020.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condon effectiveness. Updated July 6, 2016.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing HIV. Updated December 2, 2019.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Condoms - male. Updated October 8, 2020.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condon effectiveness. Updated July 6, 2016.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing HIV. Updated December 2, 2019.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
