Most condoms get the job done - safely

November 6, 7:33 AMOffbeat News ExaminerBroderick Perkins

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What you can't see could hurt you and your lover

Condoms that provide warming pleasure, extra lubrication, special sensitivity or "ribbed ecstasy" will keep you safe from sexually transmitted diseases and add a little zing to your roll in the hay.

However, unless you want to use Night Light Glow in the Dark condoms for something other than sexual intercourse, avoid them.

In scientific laboratory tests on 12,000 condoms, Consumer Reports (CR) discovered that the do-it-in-the-dark brand of condoms was the only brand that exceeded a CR criterion.

Too many samples had holes, defeating the whole purpose of condoms.

No other form of birth control -- short of abstinence -- can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases like condoms, provided they work as advertised: as a non-permeable barrier to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids.

CR regularly tests condoms for strength, leaks and reliability to make sure they perform as advertised.

In the latest test (full results are available only to magazine and online subscribers), the Trojan brand's "Extended Pleasure" model -- with a numbing lubricant (for him or for her?), benzocaine, was also problematic.

Compared to other brands and models, Trojan's EP had more samples with rough or partially damaged rings. Not much pleasure in that. The ring holds a condom in place.

Otherwise, wear 'em if you got 'em.

Other Trojan models as well as those from Durex and Lifestyles, get the job done safely, and scored a perfect 100 score on CR tests.

Beyond, One and Kimono brands brought up the rear ...er.. didn't do as well, but passed CR's tests.

How does CR test condoms? Watch the video.