Protections

The external latex condom is the most widely used. They are distributed free of charge by family planning centers, thematic associations, at festivals, etc. There are also polyurethane condoms, which generally offer better sensations, greater resistance and sometimes more comfort. 

The external condom is for single use only, and must be changed between partners and each time the orifice is changed. It is threaded onto a penis or sextoy, and the use of a compatible lubricant (water- or silicone-based only, no greasy food or massage lubricants) is highly recommended. Please note that silicone lubricant is not recommended for use with silicone sextoys.
The external condom must be removed before the end of the erection when used on a penis.

To ensure the quality and integrity of the condom, it should be kept away from any source of heat (sun, radiator, etc.) and should not be crushed (wallet, back pocket of pants, handbag). If distributed in a cardboard pouch, this is a very good way of keeping them, otherwise in a large pocket, a drawer or even in a pouch designed for carrying condoms.

GOOD TO KNOW: some mutual insurance companies contribute up to €50 per year. 

The internal condom is a polyurethane condom, making it stronger than external latex condoms, which are placed inside the vagina or anus. It has the advantage of being able to be placed in advance and staying in place for up to 8 hours. It has to be changed for each new partner and for each orifice, but can be used several times in the same orifice and with the same partner, as long as it's in place and the 8-hour time limit isn't exceeded (it's not taken out and put back in later). It can also be used with any type of lubricant.

Because the inner condom is made of polyurethane, it is virtually inelastic. That's why it's wider than an external condom. The advantage of a wider condom is that it hugs the walls of the vaginal or anal orifice, reducing friction for the wearer and preventing the penis from feeling cramped.

The internal condom has 2 rings. The ring at the bottom of the condom is removable, to facilitate condom placement. It can be removed in the event of discomfort, and must be removed when the condom is used in the anal orifice to avoid injury when the condom is removed. The second ring is integrated into the condom to prevent it from entering the orifice in its entirety. Thanks to this ring, the condom also offers greater protection of the external mucous membranes and skin, making it more effective than the external condom, particularly against STIs transmitted by friction, such as papillomavirus or herpes.

The latex square is a single-use means of protection, used to protect oro-genital intercourse (cunnilingus, anilingus) apart from fellatio, for which an external condom is recommended.

You can buy them in pharmacies, on the Internet and from specialized associations, but latex squares are still a very expensive means of protection. However, it is possible to make your own with an external or internal condom, a latex glove or non-perforated cling film (not microwave-safe).

As the latex square is designed to protect oro-genital intercourse, it is usually flavored. To make it easier to use, we recommend lubricating the area before applying the latex square, so that it adheres better to the surface.

Latex or nitrile gloves and finger cots can be used to protect sexual relations such as mutual masturbation and fisting. They are used with water-based lubricant. The glove can also be used as a base for making a latex square (see the section on latex squares above).

You can also protect yourself against certain STIs by getting vaccinated or following a preventive treatment such as PrEP or TPE.