What to Know About Lambskin Condoms

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Lambskin condoms, which are also known as natural condoms, are a type of external condom that is worn over the penis. Lambskin condoms protect against pregnancy by keeping sperm within the condom.

They are made from the intestinal membrane of a lamb, so these external condoms are truly a natural animal product. Lambskin condoms are the oldest type of all external condoms. There are records of individuals using lambskin condoms during the early part of the Roman Empire.

This article discusses the effectiveness, benefits, and disadvantages of lambskin condoms.

Condom in opened package

Selimaksan / Getty Images

Lambskin Condom Effectiveness

Like latex condoms, lambskin condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy if used correctly every time you have sex. This means that for every 100 people who use lambskin condoms for one year, two will become pregnant. With typical use, the condom’s effectiveness drops to 87%.

Lambskin condoms are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective means of preventing pregnancy and are just as effective for contraception as other types of external and internal condoms.

Even though lambskin condoms have tiny pores, they are too small for sperm to pass through. Like all external and internal condoms, they keep sperm inside of the condom.

Do lambskin condoms protect against STIs?

Unlike other external and internal condoms, lambskin condoms are not effective at preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as the natural pores in them are large enough for bacteria, like gonorrhea, and viruses, like HIV, to pass through.

Advantages of Lambskin Condoms

While they are less popular in the United States, there are benefits of using lambskin condoms:

  • Lambskin condoms seem to have a more natural feel (even more so than polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms) and a thinner texture than other external condom types. They offer an intimate sensation, close to not wearing any external or internal condom.
  • These external condoms are a great option if you or your partner are allergic to latex. Symptoms of a latex allergy can range from mild—such as skin redness and swelling, or itchy, watery eyes—to severe, such as difficulty breathing and swallowing, confusion, or anaphylaxis.
  • Lambskin condoms are reported to cause less irritation.
  • Lambskin condoms transmit body heat better than latex condoms, adding an even greater sensation during sexual intercourse.
  • Trojan Naturalamb external condoms are one of the largest condoms available. Made with a cling-tight drawstring at the base of the external condom for added safety, they measure 2.7 inches wide and 6.5 to 8.5 inches long.
  • Unlike other external condoms, which can only be used with water-based or silicone-based lubricants, lambskin condoms aren’t damaged by petroleum jelly or oil-based lubricants. However, petroleum jelly or oil-based lubricants are not recommended for use in penetrative sex because they increase the risk of some infections such as bacterial vaginosis.
  • Lambskin condoms are biodegradable.

How to Use a Lambskin Condom

Lambskin condoms are used the same way as latex condoms, but instead of an elastic ring at the base, lambskin condoms have a drawstring to secure them. To use a lambskin condom:

  1. Check the expiration date to be sure the condom is still effective.
  2. Open carefully to avoid tearing or puncturing the condom.
  3. Pinch the tip of the condom to leave some space for semen and prevent air bubbles from forming.
  4. Carefully roll the condom over your erect penis making sure it covers the entire length of your shaft.
  5. Firmly close the condom at the base with the attached drawstring. 
  6. Apply a water-based lubricant to enhance sensation and reduce friction during intercourse.


After ejaculation, follow these steps:

  1. Hold onto the base of the condom while withdrawing your penis from your partner’s body.
  2. Carefully remove the condom by pulling it off your penis without spilling any semen.
  3. Wrap the used condom in tissue paper or a disposable bag before throwing it away. Do not flush condoms down toilets because they can cause blockages in the plumbing.

Condoms should only be used one time.

Disadvantages of Lambskin Condoms

Despite these advantages, there are several reasons why lambskin condoms may not be right for you:

  • Lambskin condoms tend to be the most expensive external condoms to buy. The price of lambskin condoms can be double per condom (or even higher) compared to non-lambskin options. This is most likely because they’re made from an animal product, so lambskin condoms cannot be mass-produced in the same way that latex condoms can.
  • Natural lambskin condoms are thought to be less stretchy than latex condoms.
  • Because lambskin condoms don’t offer you protection from STIs, it’s probably a good idea to use these external condoms only if you’re in a committed relationship and/or know that your partner doesn’t have any of these infections.
  • Some people say that lambskin condoms don’t have a very “attractive” appearance and are odd-looking compared to other external condoms.
  • Some people don’t like how lambskin condoms smell.

Comparing Condoms

Lambskin Condoms
  • Protects against pregnancy

  • More expensive

  • Non-allergenic

  • More natural feel

  • Biodegradable

Latex Condoms
  • Protects against pregnancy and STIs

  • Less expensive

  • More stretchy

  • Neutral or no smell

  • Readily available

Other Non-Latex Condoms

In addition to lambskin condoms, there are three other non-latex options.

  • Polyurethane condoms: Made of a type of plastic, these condoms are strong and highly resistant to water, grease, and tears.
  • condomsPolyisoprene: Polyisoprene is a synthetic form of latex, meaning it's latex made in a laboratory, and can be used by people with latex allergy. These condoms are very stretchy and more form-fitting compared to other non-latex condoms.
  • Internal condoms: Also called a female condom, it is a flexible plastic pouch with a polyurethane ring that is inserted inside the vagina.

All three of these non-latex condoms protect against pregnancy and STIs.

Summary

Lambskin condoms are a type of external condom that protects against pregnancy by keeping sperm within the condom. They are just as effective as other internal and external condoms in terms of pregnancy prevention.

Lambskin condoms have advantages and disadvantages. They tend to be thinner and have a more natural feel compared to non-lambskin condoms and are a good choice for those who are allergic to latex. However, lambskin condoms tend to be more expensive than other condoms and they don’t protect against STIs.

In addition to lambskin condoms, there are other non-latex condoms available, including polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms, as well as female condoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do lambskin condoms look different than other types?

    A bit. They sometimes seem wider than other types of external condoms before being used because they aren’t as stretchy. Otherwise, natural external condoms look like latex and plastic ones.

  • Are lambskin condoms more likely to slip or tear than latex or plastic ones?

    Probably not. The incidence of this happening with any type of external condom is low. By most estimates, it happens only around 2% of the time, usually because the external condom hasn’t been stored or used properly.

  • Are there internal condoms made from lambskin?

    No. Internal condoms are made of either polyurethane or nitrile.

8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  5. Brown JM, Hess KL, Brown S, Murphy C, Waldman AL, Hezareh M. Intravaginal practices and risk of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis infection among a cohort of women in the United States. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;121(4):773-780. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e31828786f8

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By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC
Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience.