Lambskin condoms (also known as natural condoms) are a type of male condom. They are made from the intestinal membrane of a lamb, so these condoms are truly a natural animal product. Lambskin condoms are the oldest type of all condoms. There are records of men using lambskin condoms during the early part of the Roman Empire.

Learn why many men today still use and prefer them.

Effectiveness

Natural lambskin condoms are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective means of preventing pregnancy. Lambskin condoms are just as effective for contraception as other types of condoms and are used the same way. With perfect use, lambskin condoms are 98 percent effective,﻿﻿ and they're 82 percent effective with typical use.

This means that, with perfect use, for every 100 women whose partners use lambskin condoms for one year, two will become pregnant and 18 with typical use.﻿﻿ Even though lambskin condoms have tiny pores, they are too small for sperm to pass through. Like all condoms, they keep sperm where it should be, inside of the condom.

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

Benefits

While they are less popular and available 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 condom types, offering an intimate sensation, close to not wearing any condom.

These condoms are a great option if you or your partner is allergic to latex. They also are reported to cause less irritation.

Lambskin condoms transmit body heat better than latex condoms, ﻿ ﻿ adding an even greater sensation during sexual intercourse.

﻿ adding an even greater sensation during sexual intercourse. Trojan Naturalamb condoms are the largest condoms available. Made with a cling-tight drawstring at the base of the condom for added safety, they measure at 2.7 inches (68 millimeters) wide and 7.9 inches (200 millimeters) long.

Unlike other condoms that can only be used with water-based or silicone-based lubricants, lambskin condoms can also be used with oil-based lubricants (like Vaseline and baby/massage oil). ﻿ ﻿

﻿ Lambskin condoms are biodegradable.

Disadvantages

Despite these advantages and perceptions, there are a number of reasons why a lambskin condom may not be right for you: