The options for barrier methods of protection have expanded tremendously! Over the years new products have been developed and are now safer than ever. There are many different types of condoms. Using barrier protection could not be more important! With over 19 million new cases of STIs every year, everyone should be educated on the methods of protection.

Why STIs and not STDs?? The Center for Disease control changed the terminology a few years ago from Sexually Transmitted Diseases to Sexually Transmitted Infections. The word "Infection" seems more appropriate because many of the STIs are curable. Parasitic and bacterial infections are not only treatable, but curable. The term "disease" tends to mean a condition that is long term. However, many of the STIs are easily cured. Of course the viral infections can only be treated and not cured.

To learn how to properly put on a condom visit: http://hubpages.com/hub/Steps-to-Putting-on-a-Condom

So let's get to the condoms! 

The male condom is the most recognizable and most widely used. There are many types and brands of this product.

1) Flavored- Flavored condoms can be fun for oral sex. I have seen flavors like banana, strawberry, mint, chocolate, vanilla, and even pina colada! Why only for oral sex?? Flavored condoms contain a small amount of sugar. This sugar can promote yeast infections in women. For intercourse, use a regular lubricated condom. Of course if you have to choose between a flavored condom and no condom, use the flavored. A yeast infection is a lot easier to cure than an STI.

2) Glow-in-the-Dark - Oh these are fun! The condom should be held up to a light for no more than 30 seconds! Any more than that and it can degrade the latex! It will then last for about 15 minutes of green glowing fun! Leave the light saber jokes aside (not too sexy in the heat of the moment) and have a good time!

3) Studded and Ribbed- There are a few versions of this kind of condom. One claims to have over 250 little studs on the exterior. The purpose is to provide a stimulating texture to the female. Just make sure there is lots of lubrication in the equation! Or it won't be so comfortable.

4) Polyurethane- This is another option for those who are allergic to latex. Polyurethane also transmits heat better than latex. So even if ya ain't allergic to latex, give this one a try.

5) More room- Some condoms provide more room at the tip. The end of the condom kinda looks like the top of the Taj Mahal. This just can be more comfortable for some men.

6) Tuxedo- This is actually a marketed product of a particular brand. It is just a black condom. Of course condoms come in different colors, but for that special occasion why not try black? For those formal nights, this is an option. No, it doesn't have a design of a tuxedo, it's just black.

Some tips about the male condom. There are several steps to putting it on correctly. I'll be posting a hub about that soon. Make sure you know:

1) Only use one condom at a time! Don't "double bag" it! The friction will           cause the condom to break and defeat the purpose.

2) Treat a condom like a candy bar. Don't leave it in the sun, in a glove box, or in a wallet. 

3) When you dispose of it: Don't put it in the toilet! It will clog it! Wrap it in         a tissue and shove it to the bottom of the trash can. Warning! Animals like         latex. It would be an embarrassing trip to the vet if Fido swallows one!

Most people have never seen a female condom. Yes it looks cumbersome and quite large, but it is pretty cool and just as effective as the male condom.

The female condom is made of polyurethane. The female condom contains an inner ring (similar to the NuvaRing birth control but without the hormones) and an outer ring. It is inserted into the vagina and pressed up against the cervix. The outer ring stays outside the vagina providing protection to the labia. Most women I have talked to say it is fairly comfortable. 

Some cool features:

The inner ring provides stimulation for the male while the outer ring provides stimulation for the female.

It can be inserted up to 6 hours before intercourse. Going out to the club? Think you might get lucky? Want to put some spontaneity back into the bedroom?

It transmits heat quite well.

The downside:

It tends to be quite noisy, kinda like a grocery bag. So use a lot of lubrication!

Currently the company manufacturing the female condom is reworking it's design. So look out for a new, less noisy, version coming to a pharmacy near you!

I know it sounds like something a dentist would use in his office. Really a dental dam is a square piece of latex used for oral sex on a female. It is kinda strechy, but still needs to be held in place. Yes, some STIs can be transmitted through oral sex! They come in flavors as well, and since it is not being inserted into the vagina it is perfectly safe.

One word of advice, if you drop it on the floor by accident should you pick it back up and use it? 5-second rule? Nope! Get a new one! You won't remember what side you used, and all the germs on the floor, so just throw it away. 

Lube isn't just a special novelty item. It is actually useful for preventing the spread of infection. When there is a great amount of lubrication the microscopic tears that can occur during sex are minimized. These tears can cause a pathway for the infection to invade the body. So use lots of lubrication!

It comes in flavors as well, probably not a good idea for intercourse because of the sugar we discussed earlier. However, flavored lubrication is perfectly fine for oral sex! There is also lubrication that tingles or heats up. This can be fun. If you are sensitive "down there", be a little cautious. 

DO NOT use lubrication that is not water-based. Use water-based lubricant only! Oils can break down the latex. So don't use baby oil, aloe, cooking oil, or anything else that is not water-based.

You can also learn How to Put on a Condom.