In order to prevent getting an STD and to prevent pregnancy, it is important that you wear a condom every time you have sex. 

There are many different kinds of condoms available, but when you choose a condom, make sure that you read the condom label.  It needs to say that the condom is approved by the FDA to prevent pregnancy and STDs.  Also, while you’re reading labels, check the expiration date and make sure the condom is still safe to use.

Here are some of the different kinds of condoms that you can find:

1. Flavored Condoms – Some condom brands make condoms that have different flavors. The flavor may be found in the lubricant or coated on the condom itself. There are lots of different kinds of flavors like strawberry, bubble gum, mint, grape, orange, banana, chocolate, and vanilla. We have even seen baconand cola flavored. Sometimes the condoms are colored to match the flavor.
   
   These types of condoms are often meant for oral sex, but if you are planning to use these condoms for vaginal sex, check to make sure they are sugar-free – sugar flavored condoms can throw off the pH in the vagina, which can increase the risk of a girl getting a yeast infection.
   
   
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Condoms – Most glow-in-the-dark brands are FDA-approved to help prevent pregnancy and STDs, but be sure to check the label when you buy your condoms. To make the condom glow, you expose the condom to light for 30 seconds before you put it on so it is able to glow.
   
   These condoms are usually made of three layers. The inner and the outer layer consist of regular latex while the third layer inside contains a safe pigment that begins to glow and is sealed between the two other layers.
   
   
3. Textured Condoms – You might have heard of condoms that are “ribbed for pleasure.” These kinds of condomshave a texture in the latex that can increase the pleasure for either the female, the male, or both of you (depending on where the raised bumps and ribs are placed on the condom).
   
   Again, always be sure to look for the label that shows FDA approval.
   
   
4. Colored Condoms – Condoms come in almost every color. They even have holiday colored condoms or multiple color condoms that have the national colors of countries. Many of the colored types of condoms are FDA-approved for the prevention of pregnancy and STDs, but make sure to read the label on the condom to be sure.

You should wear a condom every time you have sex.  Make sure that you use the right size condom.  It is a myth that tighter condoms are better at preventing pregnancy.  In fact, a too-small condom can easily break.  A condom that is too big big could fall off.  Use the right size for you.

Make sure that you put on the condom early when you are having sex—before the penis comes into contact with the vagina (or anus or mouth).  Take the condom off as soon as you ejaculate, being careful to make sure that semen doesn’t leak out.