What You Should Know about Lambskin Condoms and STDs

Have you ever heard of the term lambskin condoms? What are they, how are they different from latex, rubber, or plastic condoms?

This article will discuss everything about these types of condoms, their best uses as well as what it cannot protect you from. It will also discuss lambskin condoms and STDs.

You will notice a major difference in these condoms compared to other forms. Let's start by defining what they are.

What are Lambskin or Natural skin Condoms?

Scientifically, they can be defined as condoms manufactured from natural membranes, which is just material like latex.

While the sound of 'lambskin' could get you imagining that these types of condoms are made from "the skin of a lamb," they are, in truth, made from lamb caecum— a pouch found where a sheep's large intestine begins.

And such condoms— manufactured from the intestines of animals— are not a yesterday invention. They have been in use for millenniums but many still people still don’t know a lot about lambskin condoms and STDs.

Though these condoms were capable of ensuring a more natural sensation and preventing pregnancy, the production of lambskin condoms began reducing significantly with the dawn of latex condoms in mid 1920s.

The trade of natural membrane condoms went up again in the 1980s after a Surgeon General's report on HIV/AIDS went viral. But it was not long before research found lambskin condoms less effective in stopping the spread of STDs for better test results.

Lambskin Condoms Pros and Cons: How They Work

By definition, a condom acts as a barrier – during sex— preventing the exchange of vaginal secretions, semen, and blood from one partner to another.

They should help protect users from pregnancy and prevent the transmission of any virus or bacteria that could cause HIV and STDs.

Natural membrane condoms are worn over the man's penis, as with other types. And though they prevent pregnancy by blocking the passing of sperms, they do not protect users from the spread of viruses.

Viruses can pass through the tiny pores in lambskins that are small enough to block sperm entry but large enough to allow entry of viruses, according to several studies.

Lambskin pores have a diameter of 1,500 nanometers (nm) — which is10 times the size of the HIV and 25 times the size of hepatitis B virus condoms (HBV).

Therefore, if you need condoms that will protect you from HIV as well as other STDs, go for latex-made types or those manufactured from polythene or rubber.

Lastly, like any other condom, natural membrane condoms are more effective if used in line with the manufacturer's instructions.Improper use may reduce the capacity to protect you from sexually transmitted infections and HIV. 

And though most condom types are used the same way, always read all the instructions on the wrapping to avoid inappropriate use. Consult a professional to inquire more about lambskin condoms and STDs.

Natural Skin Condoms and Latex Condoms: How they Differ

So how do these types of condoms compare to their latex counterparts? The following statistics about lambskin condoms pros and cons will help you understand the differences between the two.

1. The CDC doesn't recommend the use of Natural membrane condoms for HIV and STI prevention.
2. Today, latex condoms more popular and readily accessible than their lambskin counterparts. Nearly 80% of US-made condoms are manufactured from latex. Only 5% are made from Natural membrane.
3. According to birth control research, lambskin-made condoms are 98% effective in pregnancy prevention if used correctly. The wrong usage reduces the condom's effectiveness to 85%.
4. With lambskin condoms, you can use any types of lubricant, as well as oil-based forms, which you can't use with latex.
5. In our era, lambskin condoms are more of a substitute to latex-made types for individuals allergic to latex.
6. Due to their 'naturalness' lambskin, condoms are way costlier than latex-made types.
7. Though both Lambskin and latex are biodegradable, condoms made from the latter include materials other than latex.
8. Lambskin types offer more natural feel during sex than latex-made condoms— users also say they are excellent at transmitting body heat.

Final Words

That's pretty much all the information you should know about lambskin condoms and STDs. In essence, they are the best option for those who are only worried about staying safe from pregnancy, like individuals in a relationship who recently who has their test results tested negative for STDs.

The best you can do it to use rubber or plastic types of you are allergic to latex-made condoms.