You have your choice of mint, vanilla, chocolate, cola, banana, cherry and grape. We’re not talking about lollipops here, people.

We’re talking about condoms – with a twist. Protection has come a long way since the 1930s, when latex condoms became available for widespread use.

There are all kinds of condoms: big ones, small ones, REALLY big ones, warm ones, tingly ones and, of course, the famous flavored condoms.

If it says “flavored,” chances are you will be tasting them. To my surprise, while doing research on these kinky rubbers, I found that flavored condoms seem to be the best- kept secret when it comes to adding a little fun to your sex life.

Flavored condoms are usually latex condoms with a flavored lubricant added to them. We’ve all had dentist gloves in our mouths and we know that latex is not a pleasant flavor, but have no fear – with lubricant technology, the latex flavor is drastically reduced by some brands, such as Durex and Trustex, two popular brands.

A representative from CondomMan.com, a website that sells all different types of condoms in all different quantities, shapes, sizes, colors and flavors, said their sales of flavored condoms grow every month and, in the past two and a half years, they have sold more than 500,000 Durex flavored condoms from their website. He added that he thinks flavored condoms are something a lot of people buy, but would never admit to.

Flavored condoms offer something different to people who don’t enjoy performing fellatio. Most of us have heard people complain about the taste or the heavy workload involved with giving fellatio. Condom makers all over the world heard those cries and sent flavored condoms onto the scene to spice up fellatio.

At Gold Club Centerfolds Adult Superstore in Rancho Cordova, the employees said they sell about two single Trustex flavored condoms on a daily basis, which is a third of their single condom sales. The most popular flavor is cola by a long shot, the employees said. They recommended trial-sized flavored lubricants, which are a common addition to flavored condom purchases.

The main drawback is that the flavor only lasts as long as the lubricant lasts, which can cut the fun short.

Be wary of the flavored condoms marked “novelty” with no sign of the words “latex condom” on the package. These can be just-for-fun condoms that taste great but have no protection against disease.

Flavored condoms are fun, and the sources I’ve talked to said most people try them to spice things up in the bedroom or because they’re curious about them. It’s common to see couples buying them, employees at Gold Club Centerfolds said. Unfortunately, they also said the use of condoms for protection during oral sex is not common.

The rise in disease also may be a strong indication that proper protection is not being considered when it comes to oral sex. Whether or not you believe that oral sex is “real sex” doesn’t matter. The fact is, it is a sexual act and disease is a factor.Flavor, fun and protection! What more could you ask for?

Although flavored condoms are marketed as “just for fun,” they can be a good way to protect yourself without killing the romance. Mix it up, try something new and take care of yourself. Casey Farrell can be reached at [email protected]