What are condoms made of?
Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. Latex condoms are more widely available and cheaper, although some people can be allergic to them, in which case a polyurethane condom may be more appropriate. To understand more about these two types of condoms and the correct lubricant to use with them visit our Using Condoms page.
Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. If possible you should use a latex condom, as they are slightly more reliable, and in most countries they are most readily available. Latex condoms can only be used with water based lubricants, not oil based lubricants such as Vaseline or cold cream as they break down the latex. A small number of people have an allergic reaction to latex and can use polyurethane condoms instead. Polyurethane condoms are made out a type of plastic. They are thinner than latex condoms, and so they increase sensitivity and are more agreeable in feel and appearance to some users. They are more expensive than latex condoms and slightly less flexible so more lubrication may be needed. However both oil and water based lubricants can be used with them. It’s not clear whether latex or polyurethane condoms are stronger there are studies suggesting that either is less likely to break. With both types however, the likelihood of breakages is very small if used corr
