Do glow-in-the-dark condoms work as well as regular condoms?

Theoretically, they should. Some glow-in-the-dark condoms are meant to be jokes, and manufacturers should clearly specify that on the packaging. With the exception of those, any other specialty condoms should be just as safe (that is their main purpose after all).

Condoms protect against STIs and pregnancy. They are effective, can be used for a variety of sex acts and can be used with other forms of birth control. Be sure to check the expiration date on your condoms.

Do not use an oil-based lube with condoms as it will cause tearing and make them ineffective. Also, check with your partner about latex allergies before use. If there is an allergy, there are non-latex condoms and lambskin condoms. However, lambskin condoms do not protect against STIs and are less effective at preventing pregnancy.

If you are looking for other fun condoms, there are textured or ribbed condoms (internal massage, yes), flavored condoms (makes things taste a little yummier) and for his or her pleasure varieties (warming, cooling and more). All are effective, and, in my opinion, more pleasure-inducing than a radioactive penis.

Should I use lube?

YES. Lube is one of the most underused tools for helping everyone have a better time in bed.

It will keep everything nice and wet down there. Lube is inexpensive, and a little can go a long way in transforming your sex life. There a few varieties: water-based, oil-based, silicone- and petroleum-based lubricants.

Water-based lubes are the most popular. It comes in many flavors (is ingestible), safe to use with condoms and toys, and has easy cleanup. The downside is that it will absorb into the skin quickly and will need to be often reapplied. Perfect activities: everyday, all the time sex.

Oil-based lubes are long-lasting and tend to be thicker than water-based lubes. They are not safe to use with latex condoms but could be great for other activities (solo time anyone?). Perfect activities: Sexy massages and masturbation.

Silicone lube is the longest lasting of the group, great for water play (shower sex, holla!) and are safe with latex. However, silicone lube will erode silicone toys, so keep the two separate. It also is a bit harder to clean up due to the water resistance. Perfect activities: Shower sex, anal sex, and everyday sex.

Finally, petroleum-based products are best avoided altogether. That’s right, take the Vaseline away from your bedside. It is difficult to clean up and is likely to cause a yeast infection. Any vagina-owning person who has had a yeast infection knows it is a sentence worse than death. So, keep petroleum products away from our downstairs. Perfect activities: NEVER (male masturbation if you pinky promise to never use it outside of that).

Go forth and lube it up, perverts.

– XO, Millie