How to Find a Condom for Anal Intercourse

Both heterosexual and homosexual couples can enjoy anal intercourse. Because anal sex tends to be rougher than vaginal and oral sex, the condom needs are different. Condoms designed for protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in vaginal and/or oral sex may not be strong enough to put up with the rigors of anal intercourse. Find the right condom for anal sex. This will maximize your protection against HIV/AIDS and other STDs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Know what material to look for. Condoms for anal intercourse should ideally be made of latex. The only reason to use another material is if you or your partner has a latex allergy. The safest alternatives to latex condoms are polyurethane condoms.
2. Read the labels or packaging carefully. Look for a claim of disease prevention, such as "helps to prevent sexually transmitted diseases," "designed for disease protection," or "designed to prevent disease." Novelty and pleasure-only condoms will not have these statements on the packaging, and you'll want to avoid these condoms.
3. Make sure the condoms you are considering do not contain nonoxynol 9 or other spermicides. These are effective only in preventing pregnancy and do not offer protection against STDs in vaginal, oral or anal sex. In addition, spermicides can cause irritation, which in turn can actually increase your risk of STDs in the event of tearing or bleeding.
4. Check for lubrication. You can either buy condoms that are already lubricated, or buy a bottle of lubrication separately. Because of the rough nature of anal sex, lubrication is very important to make sure the condom does not break or slip.
5. Go shopping. Now that you know what to look for in a condom designed for protection in anal sex, you can start shopping. Most superstores and grocery stores will carry a limited selection. For a larger selection, check out specialty sex shops. The sales associates in these stores are usually very helpful and discreet in their efforts to assist you.
6. Surf the web if you can't find condoms suitable for anal sex in local stores, or if you don't want to buy them in person. Most adult sites ship your purchases discreetly, using plain boxes that do not have the company's name, logo or other identifying information on the package.
7. Enjoy your new condoms, knowing they provide the best protection against STDs during anal sex.

Tips & Warnings

• Polyurethane condoms come in both a "male" version and a "female" version. Initial research suggests that efficacy rates are similar in the prevention of STDs during anal sex. However, more research is needed before any conclusive recommendations for the female condom can be made.
• Always check the expiration date on a condom before using it. Do not use condoms that are expired, as their protection against STDs cannot be guaranteed past this date.
• Always use lubrication for comfort and safety during anal sex.
• Condoms only reduce your risk; they do not eliminate it. The only way that is 100 percent effective in avoiding STDs is abstinence.
• Don't use lambskin or natural skin condoms for anal sex. These condoms are not effective in preventing STDs (they are recommended for pregnancy prevention only). They are also not as strong as latex or Polyurethane condoms.
• Lubrication, whether lubricated condoms or stand-alone formulas, should be water-based. Oil- or grease-based formulas can break down the latex and cause irritation, leading to less protection from your condoms (especially during anal sex).