People Often Ask – Male condoms: Types, materials (latex, polyurethane), and proper use

People Often Ask

Can I use two condoms at once for extra protection?

Using two condoms at the same time—either two male condoms or a male and an internal condom—is not extra safe. It’s actually more dangerous. The friction between the two layers makes them more likely to tear or slip. One properly used condom plus lube is far safer than doubling up.If you’re worried about pregnancy, the smarter move is condom + another birth control method (pill, patch, ring, IUD, implant) instead of two condoms. If you’re worried about STIs, condoms plus regular testing and honest conversations are your best defense. Layering is good; rubbing latex on latex is not.

Are condoms less effective during my period?

No. Condoms are not less effective during your period. If they’re used correctly—on before any genital contact, rolled to the base, enough lube, taken off carefully—they work the same any day of your cycle.What does change on your period is your body: low estrogen and progesterone, more inflammation, and blood altering vaginal pH. You might feel more sensitive or crampy, so using extra lube and choosing a smoother, well-fitting condom can help. Pregnancy risk is usually lower on your period but not zero, especially if your cycles are short or irregular and you ovulate early.

Do condoms affect my hormones or menstrual cycle?

Condoms are barrier methods; they sit on the penis or inside the vagina and do not contain hormones. They don’t change your estrogen, progesterone, ovulation, or menstrual cycle.If you notice changes in your period—lighter, heavier, irregular, more cramps—it’s coming from something else: stress, illness, weight changes, new hormonal birth control, or underlying conditions like PCOS or thyroid issues. Condoms can change how sex feels (friction, lube, sensation), but they don’t touch your endocrine system. If your cycle suddenly shifts and you’re unsure why, that’s a reason to check in with a provider, not to blame the condom.

How do I know what condom size to buy?

Size is about comfort and staying in place, not ego. Too tight = more likely to break. Too loose = more likely to slip off. Most people with penises fit into standard condoms, but if they complain about pinching or the condom never reaching the base, try a larger size. If it’s baggy, wrinkled, or slides off, try a snug or smaller fit.A lot of brands label sizes as “snug,” “regular,” and “large” instead of inches. You can experiment with a variety pack if you’re not sure. Proper fit + lube does far more for safety than obsessing over textures.If you’re piecing all of this together and still thinking, “Okay, but what about me specifically?” that’s exactly what Gush is for—ask questions, unpack patterns, or just sanity-check what’s “normal” with someone who actually listens.