Planned Parenthood Federation of America

The most memorable information about condoms you've received probably involved a banana and some awkward moments in a high school health or gym class.

We're not sure who needs to hear this, but too little is known about this very effective, easy-to-access form of birth control.

And since it's National Condom Week, we're starting right here, right now.

Here are the quick facts:

Condom
Condoms help protect you from STIs. Use another birth control method with your condom for even more pregnancy preventing power.

A gif of a condom being unwrapped on a dark blue background. Next to the condom it says '87% effective', 'No prescription required', 'Costs around $2 per condom but can be $0', and 'Put it on before sex'

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Internal Condom
Internal condoms help protect you from STIs. Use another birth control method with your internal condom for even more pregnancy preventing power.

A gif of an internal condom being unwrapped on a dark blue background. Next to the internal condom it says '79% effective', 'May need prescription', 'Costs around $2-$3 per internal condom but can be $0', and 'Put it in before sex'

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That's right, there's an internal condom. There are also three different types of external condoms: latex, plastic (aka latex-free), and lambskin. So what's the difference?

Latex condoms

Made from rubber
The most common type of condom
Help protect against both pregnancy and STIs
Can be used with water-based or silicone lubricant only (Oil-based lubricant will break the latex condom!)

Plastic condoms

Usually made from plastics like polyurethane, polyisoprene, or nitrile
Help protect against both pregnancy and STIs
Safe to use for people who are allergic to latex
Can be used with water-based or silicone lubricant
Oil-based lube can be used with polyurethane and nitrile condoms, but should not be used with polyisoprene condoms.

Lambskin condoms

Made from the lining of animal intestines (usually sheep)
Only help protect against pregnancy
Safe to use for people who are allergic to latex
Can be used with any kind of lubricant

Want to test out your new or refreshed knowledge? Take our condom quiz!

– Planned Parenthood

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