Cathy and Anne answer the big questions about condoms! Yes, some are better than others, and no, those little ribs don't always make a difference. Read on...

Question: Are some condoms better than others? What brand do you suggest? Why are there ribbed condoms? I don't understand because *I* never feel a difference. Is it important to use lubricated condoms? I also heard that there is a female condom. What's that?

Anne and Cathy: Are some condoms better? Yes, some condoms are better than others. When purchasing condoms, you should always look for those with FDA approval, those meet basic requirements for strength and permeability. Given that, it's important to note that most condoms fail not because they're faulty, but because they are used incorrectly. The most common reasons for condom breakage: rolling the condom on inside out, and using oil-based lubes with condoms (which will deteriorate latex). Always use water-based lubes with latex condoms.

• Crown Skinless Skin. Thin and strong.
• Trojan Magnum. Marketed as slightly bigger than regular condoms, they are wider at the head which makes them good for uncircumcised penises or men with thick penises.
• Kimonos. Thin and strong.
• Kimono Sensation. Little nubs along the inside of the condom are designed to increase sensation for the wearer.
• Durex. Strong, fairly thin, lubed, and inexpensive. Also available in colors.
• Pleasure Plus. Features a baggy pouch at the tip (more comfortable for uncircumcised men) that massages the penis with each stroke.
• InSpiral. Similar to the Pleasure Plus, but the baggy tip spirals, increasing sensitivity. Also good for larger men.
• Kiss of Mint. Flavored and unlubricated.

Why are there ribbed condoms? Ribbed condoms are designed to stimulate the vagina or anus of the person being penetrated, but as you discovered, most women aren't sensitive enough to these tiny bumps to notice much difference.

Is it important to use lubricated condoms? Adding lubrication to condoms helps both partners enjoy penetration more. Latex absorbs fluids, so it's nice to keep an artificial lube like Astroglide on hand. Most lubricated condoms don't contain enough to keep the action going, but can feel better than unlubed condoms if you don't have any lube on hand. Putting a drop of lube in the tip of a condom (both lubed and unlubed), will help prevent breakage, and be more comfortable for the wearer.

What's the female condom? The female condom is known by the brand name Reality. It is a six-inch-long tube (as long as a condom, but wider), with one sealed end and a flexible, plastic ring at each end. The woman inserts one ring into her vagina, much like a diaphragm, while the ring around the opening remains anchored outside, resting flat against the labia. There are several advantages to the female condom: It's great for those with latex allergies; women can take responsibility for its use; the condom can be inserted ahead of time; a man may find the loose fit of the female condom gives him increased sensation; and the coverage provided by the outer portion may help prevent transmission of STDs such as genital herpes or warts. The reported disadvantages of the Reality condom concern how difficult it is to use correctly. Because it is somewhat cumbersome and bulky, its effectiveness is diminished unless it is used correctly.

All this information and more can be found in the recently updated bestseller, The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex, written by Anne Semans and Cathy Winks.

Questions were answered by authors Anne Semans and Cathy Winks, and were chosen from those suggested by our readers. Perhaps your oncern is one that is on every woman's mind! We invite you to read our review of The Mother's Guide to Sex, as well as additional reviews by our staff located here. A few words about the book from the authors can be read here. Enjoy!