The FDA Has FINALLY Approved a Condom For Anal Sex: Here Are 5 We’ve Been Using the Whole Time Anyway

Yes, you’re reading this right. Until February 23 of this year, there were no condoms that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously approved safe for anal sex.

But, that’s all finally changed. The FDA has approved a condom for anal sex.

Although “unprotected anal intercourse carries the greatest sexual exposure risk of HIV transmission,” which the FDA states clearly on its website, it seems condoms for anal sex were never cleared for anal sex by the FDA. Therefore, people practicing anal sex were more or less left to assume.

Due to the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS that started in the early 1980s, we learned that spreading the virus was heavily prevalent amongst men having unprotected sex with other men. That said, many gay men and trans women were fearful of having sex for this reason. And, in a world where there were none of the best condoms were officially deemed safe for anal sex, this likely added to the fear that grew within these communities.

The Condom In Question

We’ll never know if it could have been an actual lifesaver for the FDA to have approved the safety of condom use for anal sex before now, but we can’t hate on them for showing up now. Albeit frustrating, this should be celebratory. We finally have a safe condom for anal sex!

The condom we’re talking about? The ONE Condom.

The ONE Condom is a condom made for both anal and vaginal sex. So, no, this condom wasn’t designed for anal sex; it’s proven effective in stopping semen from entering the anus during anal sex.

During a clinical trial conducted in 2019 by Emory University, researchers used the ONE Condom to determine whether or not it would be considered safe during anal sex. The results? Condoms failed less than 1% of the time.

“This clinical trial provided the data we needed to submit a De Novo Request to the FDA to expand the intended use claim of ONE and myONE Condoms to include anal sex,” says the ONE Condom website. “This was a 10-year project in the making, and we’re super excited what this means for public health outreach.”

The Best Condoms for Anal Sex

While this marks a milestone in LGBTQ+ sex history, people active in anal sex aren’t necessarily new to condoms. Sure, PrEP has dramatically reduced the risk of transmitting HIV and AIDS through anal intercourse, but PrEP is still relatively new compared to condoms.

We’re trying to say that we’ve been using condoms for anal sex well before February 23, 2022. We’ve been using protection for as long as we’ve been sexually active.

While you might prefer a specific condom brand, some interesting information and tips we learned from author, sex educator and sex worker Vanessa Carlisle, Ph.D., has changed how we perceive traditional condom use for anal sex.

There are a few things to keep in mind regarding great condoms for anal sex. You don’t want anything ribbed or studded. Instead, look for plain, smooth, thin condoms to help prevent unwanted issues during sex. In addition, choose regular water or silicone lubricated condoms. Tampering with something outside the realm of lubricants formulated for sensitive areas may result in various problems.

In addition, the best lube (specifically the best anal lube) is absolutely needed. That all said, let’s get to it. Read on below for all the best condoms to use for anal sex in 2022.

1. ONE Condom

First and foremost, we have to stick with science. Because the ONE Condom has quite literally revolutionized the way we practice anal sex from here on out, we’re keeping it real and saying that the ONE Condom is the best condom for anal sex.

ONE Condom’s highest-rated of the bunch is their UltraFeel Condom, with over 300 reviews and counting. According to the brand, the design of the UltraFeel maximizes pleasure in a way that feels there’s no condom present whatsoever. ONE Condom claims the condom is thinner than human hair. It’s built to be strong to minimize breakage and lubricated with silicone lubrication for easier access.

However, any of you participating in anal sex know that more lube is your BFF. This condom will be our new go-to for all anal activities and comes with ten total.

ONE Condom UltraFeel Condoms

Courtesy of ONE Condom

2. Cake Condoms

Are you looking for the perfect size? Look nowhere else than Cake, the brand with a mission to make sex more fun. Cake is first and foremost known for its ultra-specific lubes, categorized for varying uses such as anal play, vaginal play, me-time and more. But Cake’s condoms are taking the cake this time around — dumb pun intended.

These quality latex condoms come in a box of twelve in varying sizes and textures, including snug, thin, large, ribbed and dotted. Per our expert, for anal sex, you’re going to want to avoid ribbed and dotted condoms, but the other three will help you find the perfect condom for your member. A size made for you!

According to Cake, condoms that fit better reduce the risk of contracting any STIs and getting pregnant in the case of vaginal sex. Reviewers love these condoms tremendously, saying the fit is unlike anything they’ve worn in the past. Try them for yourself for some extra booty-loving.

Image: Courtesy of Cake

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3. FC2 Condoms

Yes, FC2 Condoms were designed for vaginal insertion as what’s considered to be a “female” condom. Still, any gender can use internal condoms, given that they work just as well inside of the anus as they do the vagina, Carlisle tells us.

“[FC2 Condoms] cover the skin around the anal opening, which offers sex partners more barrier protection. This may offer a bit more peace of mind about HSV I and II (Herpes Simplex Virus) and HPV (human papillomavirus),” says Carlisle. “They feel good! Internal condoms feel better for a lot of people who are using their penis to penetrate, and they can reduce the discomfort of friction for the person receiving.”

The original made-for-female branding has allowed folks to turn a blind eye to FC2, but these do make stellar butt buddies. Right now, these condoms are hard to find out in the wild, but if you get lucky, you’ll be able to pick up a box from places such as Walmart and eBay.

Image: Courtesy of Walmart

4. SKYN Condoms

If your priority is feeling like there is absolutely nothing between your member and the inside of someone else’s booty, then SKYN Condoms may be your best bet.

The brand promotes that SKYN Elite Condoms are 15% thinner than SKYN’s standard non-latex condoms, so it feels like you’re practically wearing nothing at all. And, yeah, you read that right — non-latex. SKYN forgoes the material for a comfortable polyisoprene material, making these an excellent choice for folks with latex allergies.

Condoms from SKYN are tested repeatedly to ensure total protection against STIs and unwanted pregnancies. For those using these anally, a non-latex material could offer up a better penetrative experience, given the fact that one of you may have a slight sensitivity to latex without even knowing.

The box comes in a 36-count for almost endless fun and are lubricated for effortless access. Just remember, if you’re going in anally, be sure to use more lube.

SKYN Elite Condoms

Image: Courtesy of Amazon

  5. LifeStyles Condoms

If you’ve used condoms in the past, there’s a solid chance you’ve experienced LifeStyles at least once in your sexual endeavors.

LifeStyles Condoms are among the condom brands with the highest name recognition. When it comes to anal sex, we suggest their Ultra Sensitive option. With resistance to breakage a less-than-usual latex smell, these thin, lubricated condoms are an excellent choice for anal penetration.

According to the brand, these condoms are tested with anti-STI and unwanted pregnancies in mind, meeting the highest safety standards in the process. Folks in the comments rave about how they’ve never had one break in their experience with an ample amount of room to fit members of various sizes.

LifeStyles Ultra Sensitive Condoms

Image: Courtesy of Amazon