Believe it or not, you can develop an allergy to condoms. While they’re not common, it’s possible to be allergic to the latex within condoms.
Here, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about hypoallergenic condoms. We’ll talk about some of the reasons why you may be allergic to condoms, and provide you with some hypoallergenic alternatives (safety is a must).
Read on to find out more!
Can you be allergic to condoms?
The simple answer to this is yes – especially if you experience frequent and unexplained itching after sex. While you could be allergic to any other added ingredient such as spermicide, it’s highly likely that the allergies are caused by the latex within the condom.
What are the symptoms of a condom allergy?
There are different symptoms depending on the severity of your allergy. If it’s a mild allergy, you might have symptoms like:
- Itching
- Reddening of the skin
- Burning feeling
- Rash or hives
If it’s a more severe latex allergy however, you could be experiencing some of these symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
What elements in a condom may trigger your allergies?
The most common trigger of a condom allergy is latex. Other triggers could be the oil-based lubrication, nitrosamines, chemicals, dyes, additives, sugar alcohols, preservatives, spermicides, and more.
Latex comes from the milky sap of rubber trees and natural rubber latex can contain proteins that cause allergic reactions. While it’s not common, a 2016 study indicated that latex allergies can occur in about 4.3% of the world’s population. If you’re a woman who is allergic to latex, you might have itching or burning in your vaginal area after intercourse.
Even though lubricants and spermicides are not particularly toxic, individuals can also have a localized reaction. In particular, condoms that are scented or flavored can cause a burning sensation in the vagina for women or on the sensitive areas of the penis for men.
What are some great hypoallergenic condoms?
If you’re allergic to the condoms that you’re currently using, below are some great hypoallergenic alternatives.
Trojan
These Trojan ultra-thin condoms are America’s thinnest non-latex condoms and are crafted with polyurethane instead. Each condom is electronically tested for reliability and offers premium contraception and STI protection.
Skyn
Skyn condoms are another great alternative as they’re soft and comfortable, and made from technologically advanced non-latex material. It’s completely free from rubber and lubricated with non-spermicidal silicone oil.
Durex
Finally, you’ve got these Durex condoms that are latex-free and made from polyisoprene. These are suitable for those with latex allergies and are transparent, lubricated, and teat ended. All condoms are also electronically tested for increased safety from breakages.
FAQ’s – You Ask, We Answer
Below are answers to some of the commonly asked questions we’ve received.
Do latex-free condoms break easier?
Slippage and breakage rates can be higher with latex-free condoms as materials like polyurethane don’t stretch as much as latex. They do however conduct heat much better than latex material and are therefore not as noticeable.
What effective, latex-free options are available?
As seen from the product options above, there are polyurethane condoms that are made from thin plastic, polyisoprene condoms made from synthetic rubber, and lambskin condoms.
What if a girl is allergic to condoms?
If you’re allergic to condoms, you may encounter vaginal swelling and itching. During sex, the vagina’s mucus membranes make it easier for latex proteins to enter the body and provoke a systemic reaction. Simply switch to hypoallergenic condoms without latex, and you should be good to go.
Can condoms cause bacterial infections?
If you’re allergic to the material within the condom, it could irritate and change the pH in the vaginal area which potentially results in a yeast infection or a bacterial infection like bacterial vaginosis.
Otherwise, the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease and developing bacterial vaginosis is reduced for every sexual encounter that condoms are used.
What are the advantages of using a hypoallergenic condom?
There are a few advantages of using a hypoallergenic condom including:
- Being able to purchase it without a prescription
- Hypoallergenic condoms don’t physically alter the fertility of the person using them as it’s a single-time contraception method
- The product is freely available from several places
- They protect against STIs such as HIV without inducing allergy symptoms
Should people stop using condoms?
No, if you’re allergic to condoms you should opt for a hypoallergenic alternative but don’t stop using it altogether. Condoms are a safe and effective method that also protects against STIs and pregnancy. They’re also inexpensive and widely available, hence, they’re essential for sexual health
We hope that this article gives you a comprehensive overview of hypoallergenic condoms and what causes a condom allergy. If you’re allergic to regular condoms, you should still use hypoallergenic condoms as they’ll help prevent pregnancy and minimize the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.
