Let’s talk condoms. As much as we shy away from openly talking about them, knowing a thing or two about condoms can only be beneficial for all couples. Shockingly, a 2021 study by the Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy revealed that only 8.5% of university student respondents have adequate knowledge of contraception methods. More than just knowing how to use a condom properly, equipping yourself with knowledge of the types of condoms helps improve the quality of your sex life. For those who are too embarrassed to raid the shelves at the condom section of your local pharmacy, here are the best condom choices and brands in Malaysia you can buy, segmented by type.
Which Condoms Are Safest?
If safety is priority No.1, look for condoms made from latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane. These types of condoms offer the best protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) spread by fluids. They are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like HIV, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia.
Do Condoms Have Sizes?
You will typically find condoms in three fits—snug, standard, and large. Getting the right fit is crucial to ensure its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and STIs. Not only that, a poor-fitting condom can cause discomfort during sex. Too small, it may break. Too large, it can slip off the penis.
The Best Condom Brands To Buy In Malaysia According To Type
Different types of condoms serve different needs. Know what you and your partner want (and desire) to get the best result.
1. Thin & Ultra Thin Condoms
These condoms are designed to offer an intimate skin-on-skin sensation for an enhanced sexual experience. A common misconception of thin condoms is they break easily, which isn’t true. In fact, they are no more likely to break than standard condoms.
Best ultra-thin condom choices in Malaysia:
- Durex Invisible Extra Sensitive Condoms
- P’Sang Zero Buttercup Condom (extra thin)
- ONE Zerothin Condoms
2. Non-latex Condoms
Even though the vast majority of condoms are latex-made, they might not be suitable for all as some people have allergic reactions to the material. If you are one of them, you can opt for condoms made of polyurethane, polyisoprene, nitrile, or lambskin, to name a few examples.
Best non-latex condom choices in Malaysia:
- Durex Real Free Condoms
- SAGAMI Original 0.02 Non Latex Condom
- Okamoto 0.02 Hydro Polyurethane Condom
3. Textured Condoms
Textured condoms can enhance sensation during sex while providing the same benefits as standard condoms. The textured lining on the exterior will stimulate the nerves in the vagina and create more friction, thus heightening pleasure for females. You will commonly find “ribbed” and “dotted” condoms in the market, with the former having raised patterns while the latter is covered by micro-sized studs.
Best textured condom choices in Malaysia:
- Durex Pleasuremax Condoms (dotted + ribbed)
- ONE Condoms Super Studs
- Care 50 G-Spot Condom (dotted + ribbed)
4. Flavoured Condoms
Yes, some condoms have “unique” taste (besides tasting like latex, of course). Flavoured condoms can bring some novelty into the bedroom to spice things up. While their primary use case is to make oral sex more enjoyable, it is generally not advisable to use these specially-coated condoms for vaginal sex as they may cause irritation and yeast infection.
Best flavoured condom choices in Malaysia:
- P’Sang Bubblegum Flavored Buttercup Condom
- Durex Strawberry / Chocolate Condoms
- Carex Assorted Flavours Condoms (Strawberry, Banana, Orange)
5. Lubricated Condoms
You might want to consider using lubricated condoms if sex is not as smooth sailing as you like. They can reduce friction caused by vaginal dryness and negate the use of lube. Moreover, they have a lower chance of breaking or coming off.
Best lubricated condom choices in Malaysia:
- Durex Invisible Extra Lubricated Condoms
- Okamoto Ultra Thin Lubricated Condom Orchid
- Capsx Lubricated Condom 003
6. Long-lasting/Delay Condoms
As its name suggests, these condoms are prolonging bed action. Some are made of a thicker material which reduces sensitisation (thus increasing the time length before reaching orgasm) while some feature desensitising agents or lubricants.
Best long-lasting/delay condom choices in Malaysia:
7. Glow-In-The-Dark Condoms
Not every couple fancies being intimate under the lights. If you and your partner prefer to do the deed in the dark (or under the cover of a blanket), a glowing condom can help reduce all that fumbling which could be a mood-killer.
Best glow-in-the-dark condom choice in Malaysia:
- ONE Condoms Mixed Pleasures (including ONE Glowing Pleasures)
8. Tingling Condoms
A tingling sensation can increase pleasure for both males and females during sex. On the contrary, some may find it uncomfortable, while some barely notice any changes in sensation. If both of you are in the mood to experiment with something new, why not give tingling condoms (which have tingly minty lube) a try?
Best tingling condom choice in Malaysia:
9. Spermicide Condoms
Some condoms are laced with a chemical substance that damages sperm. Spermicide alone is only about 70% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, combining it with a condom (which has 98% efficacy) may further boost a condom’s protective rate. However, it must be noted that spermicide condoms do not protect against STIs, may cause irritation and pain, as well as increase the risk of getting urinary tract infections and HIV. Use with caution.
Best spermicide condom choice in Malaysia:
Experiment With Different Types Of Condoms To Enliven Your Sex Life
The whole notion that using a condom blunts pleasure isn’t exactly accurate anymore. With multiple types of condoms and brands available in Malaysia to cater to different needs, they now offer much more than just basic protection. To quote a popular song lyric, “Safe sex is great sex, better wear a latex, cause you don’t want that late text, that ‘I think I’m late’ text.”
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