International Condom Day: What Trans People Need to Know?

It’s no coincidence that this day falls right before Valentine’s Day—what could be more important than taking care of your health and your partner’s? It might seem like everything about barrier protection has already been invented, but new and interesting options are still emerging!

Conversations about sex, bodies, and pleasure can often be dysphoric, especially when discussing specific sexual practices. HIV and STIs among trans people are not only linked to sexual practices but also to systemic factors: lack of support, survival sex work, and discrimination in healthcare.

Barrier protection comes in many forms:

✅ Condoms aren’t just external! There are also internal condoms, which can be used in the front hole or anus. They have two rings: one stays outside to prevent slipping in, while the other stays inside to hold it in place. They are roomier and don’t constrict the body. However, for those with a neovagina, their comfort depends on individual depth and anatomy.

Lube is a condom’s best friend. It prevents microtears, which can increase infection risk, and makes sex more comfortable. Always use water-based lube when using latex protection.

✅ Oral sex & protection – There’s a myth that STIs can’t be transmitted through oral sex. But HPV, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all be passed through oral contact. For protection, use latex dental dams (placed on the skin) or latex underwear — they fit like regular underwear, don’t slip, and don’t need to be held in place. However, despite the convenience advertised by manufacturers, latex underwear may not be comfortable for trans men with bottom growth.

Barrier protection for trans people with neovaginas – Science has yet to study whether penetrative sex with a neovagina is more or less risky in terms of HIV and STIs.
Until more research is done, the safest recommendation remains: use an external or internal condom with new partners whose status is unknown.

Barrier protection for trans people with bottom growth – Unfortunately, there are no specialized products on the market designed for penetrative sex with a trans penis. Most people use latex dental dams for such practices. However, here’s a hack:
Use a modified surgical glove by cutting it so that one finger remains intact. This finger can protect an erect organ while the rest of the glove covers the mucous membranes.

Lube is a condom’s best friend. It prevents microtears, which can increase infection risk, and makes sex more comfortable. Always use water-based lube when using latex protection.

Important to know: Condoms do not protect against all STIs. Herpes and HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. If you or your partner(s) have had multiple partners, the likelihood of carrying an HPV strain is very high.

That’s why testing is important! Find out where you can get tested for HIV and HPV in your region. Many HIV services provide free condoms, lubricants, and other essential supplies.

💙 Have a safe and enjoyable sex life!