Lambskin Condoms Benefits, Risk, and Effectiveness

Lambskin condoms, sometimes also known as natural condoms or natural membrane condoms, are a type of external condom made from the intestines of lambs and sometimes sheep. While lambskin condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy, the intestinal membranes are porous and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

As a non-hormonal form of birth control, lambskin condoms are equally effective as other condom types and a good choice for people who are allergic to latex condoms. On the other hand, they are also more expensive and not suitable for people who are vegan or avoid animal-derived products.

Effectiveness in Preventing Pregnancy

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 correctly, two will become pregnant within a year. With typical (real-world) use, the effectiveness drops to 87%.

Lambskin condoms approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are just as effective in preventing pregnancy as other types of external and internal condoms, including latex condoms, polyurethane condoms, and polyisoprene condoms.

Though lambskin condoms have tiny natural pores, they are too small for sperm to pass through.

Effectiveness in Preventing STIs

While effective in preventing pregnancy, lambskin condoms are not effective in preventing STIs. This is because the tiny pores in lambskin condoms are roughly 1,500 nanometers (nm) in diameter. This is 10 times larger than the size of HIV and 25 times larger than the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

While bacterial STIs (like gonorrhea and chlamydia) are larger than viral STIs (like HIV, HBV, and herpes), they are still small enough to pass through the pores. Even the largest—Treponema pallidum, the bacterial cause of syphilis—measures between 600 and 1,500 nm in length, meaning that some will still slip through the intestinal pores.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against the use of lambskin condoms in people trying to avoid any STIs.

Advantages

While they are less popular than the other condom types, there are several key benefits to using lambskin condoms:

• Natural feel: Lambskin condoms are thinner and have a more natural feel than other condoms.
• Sensitivity: Lambskin condoms can readily transmit heat, increasing skin-on-skin sensitivity.
• Hypoallergenic: Lambskin condoms are ideal if you or your partner are allergic to latex.
• Lubricant use: Unlike other latex or polyisoprene condoms, which can only be used with water- or silicone-based lubricants, lambskin can be used with any lubricant, including oil-based ones.
• Biodegradable: For people concerned about the environment, lambskin condoms break down naturally over time.
• Larger sizes: Trojan Natural lambskin condoms are one of the largest condoms available, measuring 2.7 inches wide and 6.5 to 8.5 inches long.

Disadvantages

Despite the advantages of lambskin condoms, there are several reasons why they may not be suitable for sex or for you as an individual:

• Cost: Lambskin condoms tend to be the most expensive external condoms to buy.
• Breakage: Lambskin condoms tend to be less stretchy than latex condoms and may be more prone to breakage. Breakage occurs in around 2% of the cases.
• Taste, smell, and appearance: Some people find the taste and smell of lambskin condoms off-putting. They also have natural ridges and creases that some find unattractive.
• Drawstring: While other condoms have an elastic band at the opening, lambskin condoms have a drawstring that you need to tighten.
• Shelf life: Compared to other condom types, lambskin condoms have the shortest shelf life, generally between one and three years.
• Not vegan-friendly: As lambskin condoms are derived from the cecum (the first part of the large intestine) of a lamb or sheep, they are not suitable for vegans or animal rights activists.
• Ineffective against STIs: Many people with STIs are asymptomatic or undiagnosed. Unless you are in a committed, monogamous relationship and are both aware of each other's STI status, using lambskin condoms may expose you or your partner to an STI.
  

Comparing Lambskin With Other Condoms

In addition to the internal condom, sometimes known as a "female condom," there are four main types of external condoms sold in the United States. Each has its benefits, risks, and limitations.

Lambskin Condom Brands

With increasing consumer preference for vegan- and animal-friendly products, lambskin condoms are not easy to find these days, even in major drugstore chains.

In the United States, lambskin condoms only account for a scant share of total condom sales, of which one brand dominates the market: Trojan Naturalamb Condoms.

Other major manufacturers, like Durex, stopped making lambskin condoms years ago and instead shifted to making "natural feel" non-latex condoms made of polyisoprene.

In 2023, latex condoms accounted for 88% of the total condom sales in the U.S., with all other non-latex condoms (lambskin, polyurethane, polyisoprene) accounting for the rest.

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, remove the condom carefully, as follows:

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 once and immediately thrown away.

Other Forms of Contraception

Lambskin condoms and other types of condoms remain a major tool for the prevention of pregnancy, but they are not the only ones. Others are available, some of which may be more effective, more convenient, or cheaper (if covered by insurance).

Options include:

• Birth control pills: This is the most common form of birth control, which contains the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone that help prevent pregnancy if taken daily.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs): This is a small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Some are infused with copper (ParaGard) and others with hormones.
• Contraceptive implants: This is a long-acting, reversible contraceptive that gradually releases hormones under the skin.
• Birth control shots: This type of birth control, sold under the brand name Depo-Provera, is injected once every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy.
• Cervical cap or sponge: These are devices placed over the opening of the cervix that block sperm from entering the uterus.
• Vaginal rings: This hormone-infused silicone ring is worn inside the vagina can prevent pregnancy for anywhere from one month (NuvaRing) to one year (Annovera)
• Emergency contraception: These include three different pill formulations, each of which can be taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. A copper IUD can do the same.

Summary

Lambskin condoms are a type of external condom that protects against pregnancy. On the other hand, they are not effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections.

Lambskin condoms, made of lamb or sheep intestines, tend to have a more natural feel than other condoms and are a good choice for those who have a latex allergy. However, they are more costly, harder to find, and have a shorter shelf life than latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms.