Lambskin Condoms: STDs Have No Fear but Sperm Do
Unless you are a condom aficionado and know your way around rubbers, you might be puzzled a bit about Lambskin condoms. We don't blame you; this unusual word pairing has the power to stop the music.
This article demystifies these exclusive non-latex condoms, and we explain what we mean by that caught-your-attention headline.
Did you know?
Did you know that Lambskin condoms were one of the first types of prophylactics hundreds of years ago when condoms were just getting started?
Back then they didn't know anything about latex, let alone polyurethane or polyisoprene materials.
They had to be quite resourceful and creative. Intestines from a variety of animals served as the material for the protective sheaths men used to cover their penises.
As you can imagine, the quality of those “condoms” back then was nothing to what we are accustomed today.
Nonetheless, the purpose of condoms remains the same century after century. Of course, they help protect you from STDs and unintended pregnancies.
Curious about lambskin?
If you let your curiosity flow a bit, there are all sorts of questions associated with lambskin condoms. Just a few we can think of off the top of the head include:
- What was the manufacturing process like back then?
- Did men make them at home for themselves and a couple of their good buddies?
- Was there a manufacturer that cranked out those lamb, and whatever other, skin condoms in bunches?
- How long would they last? Was there even a “shelf life” at all? Did anybody care about that stuff in those old days?
- Were those natural condoms reusable? If they were, how sanitary were they after washing them?
- Were they even vagina friendly?
As you can see, there's plenty to ponder over if we choose. It’s unlikely we’ll ever get definitive answers.
Historians don’t usually cover these condom inquiries, perhaps because there may be no evidence on which to base theories.
It’s safe to say that condoms were definitely makeshift in the beginning compared to what we have available today.
"condoms suitable for monogamous couples"
There was a need then, like there still is, and guys did the best they could with what they had.
Ok, that was enough of the history. What about today?
What are Lambskin condoms?
The Lambskin condoms of today are not precisely what they sound like. Lamb is part of the process though slightly different from what you might think.
The material men slip on their penises is not exactly the “skin” of this animal. To be specific, the outside lining the vital intestinal organ serves as the principal condom material in this “natural” variety.
This lining is often likened to an internal skin, and hence the product name.
After reading this last bit the intestines, you might already have another set of questions:
- Why would men use such condoms?
- Are regular, natural rubber latex condoms not good enough?
- Is there even a place for Lambskin condoms with all the other materials available today?
We understand your curiosity but wait for what's coming up. You need the important stuff, not just what’s interesting.
Effectiveness
The reason for using condoms in the first place is to keep ourselves sexually healthy and prevent unintended pregnancies. In that regard, a prophylactic is the only form of male-worn birth control and protection.
They are inexpensive, available without a prescription and they have minimal if any side effects. Above all, they work if we put them on every time and use them the way they should be.
Let's take a look at those two core condom principles separately from the Lambskin perspective.
Pregnancy
Lambskin condoms provide as much help in preventing unintended pregnancies as any other standard latex or polyisoprene condoms.
That is, as long as you consistently use them, their effectiveness is high.
This next part is probably the most valuable piece of information about lambskin condoms.
STDs
When it comes to STDs things are a bit mischievous to say at least. Sexual Transmitted Diseases like HIV and other types of common STDs are not too afraid of Lambskin condoms. Huh?
What does that mean?
Unlike regular latex condoms, the material structure of lambskin condoms has microscopic pores that are big enough for the STD viruses to pass through.
Based on standard testing, this is the reason why the FDA did not approve these condoms as a reliable form of STD protection but only for pregnancy prevention.
That's the reason Lambskin condoms have "Suitable for monogamous couples" as sort of a tagline.
According to a study conducted by the American Public Health Association, during the AIDS epidemic in the second half of the 1980s, the sales of condoms between the years 1986 - 1988 increased. That was also true for the sales of the natural membrane condoms. Those sales increased by 7.8% from 14.4 to 15.6 million.
Reasons for using Lambskin condoms
Now that you know a bit about this product, you might ask the reasonable question: who is the prime demographic for these condoms? There are some users who undoubtedly benefit from these condoms.
Quick Recap
Since the Lambskin condom protection is limited to pregnancy ONLY, it is an excellent fit for monogamous couples. Not concerned about STDs and only want pregnancy protection? In this case, Lambskin condoms are a good tool for you.
Sensitivity
They provide an exceptional skin on skin feel due to this material’s capability to transfer body heat. This consequently makes you feel even closer to your partner. In addition to the body heat feature, they are also ultra thin which provides a sensitive feel.
Latex Allergy
Here’s another reason some people choose these sheaths. If you are sensitive to natural latex products and do not have to worry about the STD protection part, Lambskin is an option.
On the other hand, if you need help with protection that is both STD and pregnancy oriented you can explore SKYN Condoms as another alternative.
Nicknames
Lambskin condoms have several nicknames. You may also know these as Natural Skin or Sheep Skin condoms.
Naturalamb Condoms
There is only one manufacturer of these condoms today, and that is Trojan. Their "luxury" product is called Naturalamb.
If you usually call condoms rubbers, this one is not your usual piece of “rubber.” They don't stretch like latex condoms, and that is something to get used to.
Our brief lambskin condoms review
Lubrication
The condom comes pre-lubricated outside and slightly inside with water-based lube. What this means is that if you need to use more lubricant during sex simply use more of a compatible lube.
Important note: Using anything else may potentially weaken the material and contribute to condom breakage.
Size
Size is a significant factor in any condom, and the Naturalamb is unique even from this aspect.
The following might come as a surprise to you but the Naturalamb condom size is slightly adjustable.
What does that mean?
This condom has a unique KLING-TITE® band at its base and you can adjust its circumference.
Imagine a small version of a shoelace that you have to tighten up, so it holds the condom in place. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Actually, this feature has an upside.
The condom generally fits several sizes. You will have to explore this for yourself, but it is pretty convenient to have a condom that has this capability.
Base width*: 70 mm / 2.76” Circumference*: 140 mm / 5.51” Length*: 190 mm / 7.48”
* Keep in mind that this condom doesn't have those extra elastic characteristics you are used to with latex condoms except for the elastic bend at the bottom.
That means that the measurements above are at their maximum (no stretching beyond).
So don’t be overwhelmed by the slightly bigger measurements.
Shape
Another unusual feature is the condom shape. Forget about the typical reservoir end you probably saw on other condoms. The Naturalamb has a rounded end. Take a look at the picture above.
Note: For example, the Trojan Ecstasy also has condoms that have the rounded super bulbous end.
Those are all made of natural rubber latex. So if this shape interests you give them a shot.
Price
A significant differentiator of the Naturalamb condoms is also their price.
Don’t be surprised to pay three or four times the amount you would typically pay for regular latex rubbers.
We hypothesize that it most likely has something to do with the complexity of the manufacturing process these condoms go through.
Expiration
The shelf life is about the same in comparison to other prophylactics.
That means that under standard conditions their expiration date is anywhere between 4-5 years.
We have to also mention the next specification, but we think it's a part of the whole deal.
Scent
Don’t think there's something wrong when you open it…
As soon as you open the condom wrapper, you notice a slightly different scent than what you’ve experienced before with other regular condoms. It is something you notice no matter how sensitive your smell sense is or isn’t.
At the same time, it’s nothing that kills your sexual excitement or anything like that. It’s just different.
You can blame the smell on the natural material used to make these condoms.
Again, you have to smell it to believe it. Get your condom sample here.
Packaging
The Naturalamb box has a slightly upscale look in comparison to other condom boxes.
The packaging has changed over the years, with the current look being gold and black, which is as glamorous is it gets.
That is also true about the wrapper itself.
We would not expect anything less from a luxury condom.
Color
As you can see from the photo earlier in the article, the condom color is not as clear as you may be used to from latex condoms. It’s a bit yellowish but very light.
Lambskin Condoms vs. Latex
As recap Lambskin condoms differ from their latex counterparts in terms of material, color, stretchability, price, and level of protection. Hope we did not forget about anything.
Conclusion
Now that you are more familiar with lambskin condoms you can better understand why they are unique and still around.
Remember, Lambskin condoms DO NOT PROTECT AGAINST STDs, ONLY PREGNANCY.
No matter what type of condom you decide to use, always remember to Hump Responsibly.