All About Lambskin Condoms

Lambskin condoms (also known as natural condoms) are a type of male condom. They are made from the intestinal membrane of a lamb, so these condoms are truly a natural animal product. Lambskin condoms are the oldest type of all condoms. There are records of men using lambskin condoms during the early part of the Roman Empire. Learn why men today use them.

Are Lambskin Condoms Effective?

The answer to this question is yes and no—depending on what your definition of effective is.

• No for STI Prevention: Unlike other condoms, natural lambskin condoms are not effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections. How come? Lambskin condoms have very small pores (or holes). Viruses that can cause sexually transmitted infections can still enter through these pores. This can put you at risk for catching an STD.
• Yes for Contraception: Natural lambskin condoms are FDA-approved to be effective at preventing pregnancy. Lambskin condoms are just as effective for contraception as other types of condoms and are used the same way. With perfect use, lambskin condoms are 98 percent effective, and they are 82 percent effective with typical use. This means that for every 100 women whose partners use lambskin condoms for one year, two will become pregnant (with perfect use) and 18 with typical use. Even though lambskin condoms have tiny pores, they are too small for sperm to pass through. Like all condoms, they keep sperm where it should be, inside of the condom.

Why Should I Use Lambskin Condoms?

These are the benefits of using lambskin condoms:

• Lambskin condoms seem to have a more natural feel (even more so than polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms). This leads to a different type of sensitivity—described as a very intimate sensation.
• Many men say they cannot even feel them on, so lambskin condoms are the closest thing to not wearing any condom at all.

• Compared to other condoms types, Naturalamb condoms super thin and are reported to have the best feel and allow for the most pleasure.
• Lambskin condoms transmit body heat better than latex condoms, and this adds an even greater sensation during sexual intercourse.
• Trojan Naturalamb condoms are the largest condoms available. They are made with the “Kling-Tite” drawstring at the base of the condom for added safety. These lambskin condoms are 2.7 inches (68 millimeters) wide and 7.9 inches (200 millimeters) long.
• These condoms are a great option if you or your partner is allergic to latex. They also are reported to cause less irritation.
• Unlike other condoms that can only be used with water-based or silicone-based lubricants, lambskin condoms can also be used with oil-based lubricants (like Vaseline and baby/massage oil).
• Lambskin condoms are biodegradable. This is a benefit if you are environmentally-sensitive.

What Are the Disadvantages of Lambskin Condoms?

• Lambskin condoms tend to be the most expensive condom to buy. This is most likely because they are made from an animal product, so lambskin condoms cannot be mass produced in the same way that latex condoms are.
• As of 2016, the only available brand is Trojan Naturalamb.

• Lambskin condoms do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and herpes.
• Natural lambskin condoms are not as stretchy as latex condoms.
• When wearing Trojan Naturalamb condoms, it is super important to remember to use the kling-tite band to make sure the condom stays securely in place.
• Because lambskin condoms do not offer you protection from STDs or HIV, it is probably a good idea to only use these condoms if you are in a committed relationship and know that your partner does not have any of these infections.
• Some men say that lambskin condoms do not have a very "attractive" look and are odd-looking as compared to other condoms.

• Some people do not like how they smell.

Are Skyn Condoms a Lambskin Condom Option?

Lifestyles Condoms have a product called SKYN Condoms. Although you might think this name implies that these condoms are natural lambskin condoms, this is not the case. Lifestyles SKYN condoms are actually made from polyisoprene, a natural rubber which is then synthetically formulated, so it doesn't contain the natural proteins that cause most people’s latex allergies. SKYN condoms may be soft, stretchy, and offer a more natural feel, but most men would agree that they don't provide the same feel and sensation that lambskin condoms provide.

Source:

2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines: Clinical Prevention Guidance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.