Top 12 Reasons to Use Condoms or Barrier Methods in 2025 – Affordable Protection Guide

Curious about internal condoms? Considering adding love gloves to your intimate moments? Want to understand the benefits of dental dams? This comprehensive guide is crafted just for you, offering clear facts about barrier methods that protect and empower.

1. The Only Reliable Way to Prevent STIs

Internal and external condoms remain the sole effective methods to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during penetrative sex, according to Dr. Kecia Gaither, a double board-certified OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Similarly, dental dams provide essential protection during oral sex, and finger cots or gloves safeguard against infections during hand play.

2. Effective Pregnancy Prevention

Both internal and external condoms significantly reduce pregnancy risk. External condoms boast 98-99% effectiveness with perfect use but average around 85% in real-life scenarios due to human error. Internal condoms can be up to 95% effective, with typical use effectiveness around 79%. Proper usage tips include checking expiration dates, avoiding double-bagging, applying before any genital contact, and using compatible lubricants to reduce breakage.

External Condom Best Practices

• Never double bag
• Use before genital contact
• Leave 1-2 cm space at the tip
• Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants (avoid oil-based)
• Switch condoms if erection fades
• Use a new condom every time

Recommended Lubricants

• Sliquid Sassy
• Uberlube
• Sutil Lube
• Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Lube

Internal Condom Usage Tips

1. Check expiration date
2. Keep the inner ring inside
3. Insert before any skin contact
4. Use only one internal condom at a time
5. Avoid twisting
6. Hold in place during penetration
7. Twist outer ring before removal if semen is inside
8. Use a new condom each time

Internal condoms are an excellent alternative for those with latex allergies, as most are made from polyurethane.

3. Additional Layer of Contraception

Barrier methods can complement other contraceptive options, which vary in effectiveness: diaphragms (up to 96%), cervical caps (77-83%), sponges (76%), and vaginal rings (91%). While hormonal methods like IUDs and pills can reach 99% effectiveness, user error can reduce their reliability. Combining with condoms offers enhanced protection.

4. Low Risk of Side Effects

Only about 1% of people are allergic to latex. Fortunately, non-latex condoms made from polyisoprene, polyurethane, or polyethylene provide equally effective protection against pregnancy and STIs. Popular non-latex options include Skyn Original, Durex polyisoprene, and Trojan Bareskin condoms. Note: Animal skin condoms protect against pregnancy but not STIs.

5. Easy Accessibility

Condoms, gloves, and finger cots are widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and clinics without prescriptions or appointments. Internal condoms and dental dams may require online purchase but remain accessible.

6. Cost-Effective Protection

Many local health departments and clinics provide free condoms, including internal options. This affordability contrasts with the higher costs of hormonal birth control or IUDs. Use CondomFinder.org to locate free condom sources nearby by entering your ZIP code.

7. Enhance Sexual Pleasure

Contrary to myths, barrier methods can improve sexual experiences by reducing anxiety about STIs and pregnancy. Stress-free intimacy allows for greater enjoyment. Some condoms feature ribbed or dotted textures to boost sensation. Additionally, latex can be a source of fetishistic pleasure for many.

8. Prolong Penetrative Sex

For those seeking longer-lasting intercourse, condoms may help delay ejaculation, enhancing satisfaction for all partners. Remember, all sexual activities, including oral and manual, are valid expressions of intimacy.

9. Reduce Other Infection Risks

Using condoms during penetrative sex can lower the risk of bacterial vaginosis by preventing semen from altering vaginal pH, thus supporting healthy bacteria balance.

10. Simplify Cleanup

Condoms facilitate quick and easy post-sex cleanup by containing fluids, making them ideal for spontaneous encounters or when time is limited.

11. Safe Transition Between Anal and Vaginal Sex

Using a new condom when switching between anal and vaginal sex prevents harmful bacteria transfer, protecting against urinary tract infections and vaginal pH disruption.

12. The Bottom Line

Condoms and barrier methods are multitasking heroes, simultaneously preventing pregnancy and STIs. Gloves, dental dams, and finger cots uniquely reduce infection risks during hand and oral play. Embracing these protective tools empowers safer, more enjoyable sexual experiences.

Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a queer sex educator and wellness journalist dedicated to helping people feel empowered and informed about their bodies. Her work appears in Healthline, Shape, Cosmopolitan, and more. When not writing, she coaches CrossFit, explores nature with her dog, and co-hosts the podcast Bad In Bed. Follow her on Instagram @Gabriellekassel.

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