Top 10 Best Condoms in India | Buyer’s Guide 2024

Buying a condom in India is considered a big task because talking about sex is still a taboo in India. And this is the reason for many unwanted pregnancies and sex-related diseases.
During my research, I got to know that most people buy condoms from a store which is far away from their home. And due to less knowledge of condom types, material, flavours, etc., they ask the shopkeeper for the condoms, and he gives the ones in which he gets the most commission. This results in people not getting satisfied in the process.
This results in people not getting satisfied in the process. So to help all those people, I have written the following condom buyer’s guide which will help you find the best one for the occasion.

Condoms in India: Nirodh (HLL Lifecare Limited, Government-owned PSU) was the first brand which produced condoms in India with the help of Japanese industries in 1966. The Indian government took the step because of the increase in the population growth rate, mainly in the low-income group. Initially, the government imported 400 million units from the US, Japan, Korea and relabeled them as “Nirodh” and sold them at 5 paise per 3 condoms (equal to Rs2 in 2020).
As of now, due to lockdown, India is expecting nearly two crore childbirths during December, January and February (World Health Organisation).

The material used to manufacture condoms:
1) Latex
– It is a type of rubber and considered the safest material which is used to manufacture condoms.
– It is less expensive and widely available in the market.
– It is thicker and tighter than other materials.
– It can cause allergy to some people.

2) Polyurethane
– It is usually expensive than other material condoms.
– It helps in increasing pleasure (warm sensation) because it transmits heat better than other materials.
– An excellent alternative to latex if you or your partner is allergic to latex.
– Both male and female condoms are available, unlike other materials.
– It is less tight than latex which increases the risk of breakage and slip-off.
– Prevention of pregnancy is less effective than latex.

3) Polyisoprene
– Another option for people allergic to latex.
– Made from rubber
– Stretches more than other materials.

4) Lambskin
– Natural, made with the intestinal membrane of a lamb.
– Only for men
– Not the safest material in terms of preventing pregnancies or STDs.
– Trojan is the only brand who still manufacture them.
– Price is nearly double than the standard condom.

Different types:
1) Plain
– As the name suggests, they are regular shaped condoms which don’t have any texture, basically a plain surface.
– Easy use, and comfortable.
– Most common in the market.

2) Dotted
– For the people who are fed up of old and boring plain condoms.
– Dotted pattern to increase friction, which ultimately means an increase in pleasure.
– Don’t use it if you have sensitive skin or broken skin because it can lead to rashes.

3) Ribbed
– Just like dotted condoms, it has raised ridges or bumps like texture.
– Works same as dotted condoms.
– It is always good to have more fun and pleasure.
– Combination of both dotted and ribbed condom is also available in the market.

4) Contoured
– The condom is narrowed just before the head to add extra comfort and pleasure for men.
– For the people, whos circumference of the penis head is broader than the shaft.
– Combination of contour with a ribbed condom is also available in the market.

5) Delay condoms
– As the name suggests, it delays the ejaculation process in men.
– It contains a special lubricant which numbs the penis head.

6) Flavoured condoms
– In this type of condoms, the manufacturer uses flavoured lubricants to coat the condom so that they give aroma/ flavour/ smell of a particular fruit.
– It is used to add fun and pleasure in oral sex.
– Various flavours like Mint, Grape, Banana, Strawberry etc. are available in the market.

7) Glow in the dark condoms
– It glows in the dark and increases the fun in the bedroom.
– It is made with three layers, the upper and lower layer is made of latex(the material used to make condoms), and the middle layer is filled with a pigment which glows.
– It is safe and follows all of the testing procedures.

8) Female condoms
– Worn inside the vagina or anus.
– Made of soft plastic i.e Nitrile.
– Also known as internal condoms.
– You don’t need it if you are using a male(external) condom.

” Different combinations of condoms mentioned above are also available in the market.”

Advantages and Disadvantages of male condoms:

Advantages
1. It forms a barrier and blocks the sperm from fertilizing the egg.
2. Prevent sexually transmitted infections.
3. It is widely available in the market.
4. Easily carried and doesn’t need planning or training of use.
5. The menstrual cycle of women is not affected.
6. May decrease premature ejaculation.

Disadvantages
1. It can reduce sensitivity in some men.
2. It can cause problems if used regularly.
3. Latex can develop an allergy in some men and women.
4. It has been said that the condoms are 98% effective, but due to mistakes during usage, its actual effectiveness is 82% only.

Frequently asked questions:
Q- Why should I use condoms?
A- Condoms help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However remember no form of contraception is 100% effective against pregnancy, HIV or STIs.

Q- Do condoms expire?
A- Most condoms usually have a shelf life of 3 years. Only use condoms that are within the expiry date.

Q- Do thin condoms break easily than standard condoms?
A- No, thin condoms don’t compromise on safety. They are subjected to the same levels of rigorous testing as standard condoms.

Q- What are lubes meant for?
A- Primarily meant for preventing vaginal dryness while intercourse, lubes can also be used for oral/anal sex.

Q- Can I use lube with condoms?
A- Most of the condoms are already lubricated, but you may add extra lube for a smoother experience. But excessive use of anything can be risky.

Q- Is lubricant paraben/ glycerin free?
A- Most lubes are paraben-free. They contain glycerin, gel-like, water-soluble and stain-free.