With an increased us of condoms, latex allergies are becoming increasingly more common. Latex is used in a variety of products including condoms, balloons, rubber bands, medical gloves and similar products. It is derived from the sap of rubber tree plants and the proteins in latex have been known to cause allergies. It is estimated that approximately six percent of the population is allergic to latex.
The signs and symptoms of latex allergy usually develop from minutes to hours after contact with a latex condom. They include:
In some cases, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) can develop causing sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, hives, and shock. If either partner experiences the above signs or symptoms after sex with a condom, it may signal a latex allergy or it could be indicative of an allergy to the spermicide commonly applied to many condoms.
Prevention
First, determine if the reaction is due to the spermicide by using a different brand or type of condom - one without spermicide. If the reaction still occurs, then it's time to switch to a polyurethane condom. While the polyurethane condom does not perform as well as the latex condom, it does offer some protection against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Plus, people are generally not allergic to synthetic condoms.
No Excuse
Being allergic to condoms is not an excuse not to use them. Switching to a polyurethane condom is an acceptable alternative to HIV, other STDs, or unwanted pregnancy.
ALTERNATIVES TO LATEX
Several types of condoms are suitable for people allergic
to latex. Lambskin condoms (made from the intestinal lining of lambs) do
not contain latex. Unfortunately, while lambskin condoms can provide protection
against pregnancy, they do not provide an adequate barrier against sexually
transmitted diseases. For people allergic to latex who desire some protection
against
STDs, two condoms made of polyurethane are available:
Female Condom
The female condom (Reality) is made of polyurethane, a type of plastic. The woman inserts the condom into the vagina, where it is held in place with a ring similar to the diaphragm. Another ring stays outside the vagina, where it lies against the labia. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the female condom for pregnancy protection and to help protect against STDs, including AIDS (HIV infection). For how to use a female condom, visit the following website:
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/azhealthtopics/ht/How_Use_Female_.htm
Male Polyurethrane Condom
A male polyurethane condom (Avanti or Trojan Supra) has been approved by the FDA. The male condom is indicated for pregnancy protection. Compared to latex condoms, polyurethane condoms are less elastic and looser-fitting, meaning they are more likely to break or slip off. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend polyurethane condoms to people sensitive or allergic to latex. For those who are not sensitive or allergic to latex, latex condoms are a better bet for safer sex.
Female condom
Use of female condom (from www.uottawa.ca)
Allergic to Condoms?
After some very pleasurable love-making, things get a tad itchy!
