Latex Condom

Latex Condom
What You Should Know About Latex Condom Allergies

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Rebeca Schiller is a health and wellness writer with over a decade of experience covering topics including digestive health, pain management, and holistic nutrition.
Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York.

A latex allergy is caused by proteins found in latex rubber, and may also be found in cross-reactive foods that share the same proteins, like avocados, bananas, and chestnuts. Your risk of developing a latex allergy increases the more you use latex products, like rubber gloves or condoms . 1

This article discusses a latex condom allergy, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and alternatives to latex condoms.

Topical symptoms of latex condoms include itching, swelling, and redness around the skin and genitals. Systemic symptoms may include hives and a stuffy, runny nose, and may also cause asthma.

Allergic contact dermatitis , a secondary symptom, may crop up due to the chemicals used to manufacture rubber items, including condoms. 2 Anaphylaxis is the most serious latex allergy symptom that involves severe breathing difficulties and shock as a result of blood pressure dramatically dropping. 3

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with a latex allergy, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. During your visit, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and do a physical exam. To confirm that it may be a latex allergy, you will have blood taken to see if you have any latex antibodies in your blood sample. 4

There are three types of reactions to natural rubber latex: 4

If you and your partner are using latex condoms as a form of birth control and experiencing symptoms, consider using condoms made from other materials, such as polyurethane, lambskin, or polyisoprene.

Polyurethane is a type of plastic and is a good alternative if you or your partner has a latex allergy. However, these types of condoms tend to tear more often than latex condoms. 5 Most female condoms are made of polyurethane and can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse. Polyurethane condoms also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 6

Lambskin condoms are made from lamb or sheepskin intestines. Compared to condoms made from latex or other synthetic material, lambskin condoms are more expensive. However, they are a good alternative if you have a latex allergy. Although lambskin condoms help prevent pregnancy, their large pores allow STIs to pass through. These pores are 10 times larger than the diameter of HIV and 25 times larger than the hepatitis B virus. 6

Polyisoprene condoms are thin, flexible, and comfortable. They are more expensive than latex and polyurethane condoms, but less costly than lambskin condoms. They impede pregnancy and STIs. 6

Sometimes symptoms are not caused by a latex condom allergy but by the ingredients used in spermicide or vaginal lubricants.

Both men and women may have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to spermicide . Symptoms may include redness, itching, burning, and swelling surrounding the genitals. If the symptoms persist, avoid spermicidal products and speak with your healthcare provider. 7 Compounds that may cause an allergic reaction include benzocaine, monophenoxypolyethoxy derivatives, hexylresorcinol , chloramine, quinine, or an added fragrance. 8

Nonoxynol-9, an ingredient in spermicide, may cause irritation or an allergic reaction if used several times a day. Skin irritations increase the risk for HIV and other STIs because they provide a pathway into the body. 9

Lubricants can aid in dryness caused by vaginal atrophy and enhance pleasure, but many of the ingredients may include glycerin, parabens, and propylene glycol, which may cause sensitivity or an allergic reaction. Symptoms can include, genital swelling, redness, itching, and burning.

If you’re experiencing any discomfort from symptoms of using latex condoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. During your visit, openly discuss the specific symptoms you’ve experienced. From that discussion along with a physical examination, your healthcare provider will determine the next steps, which may include a blood test to see if latex antibodies are found in your blood.

Once your healthcare provider confirms you have an allergy to latex, they will advise you to no longer use any latex products, including condoms. If you have a latex allergy, but symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines that you can purchase at your local pharmacy. If symptoms are life-threatening, you will require immediate medical attention that will involve a trip to the emergency room for an injection of epinephrine.

A latex allergy is caused by certain proteins found in rubber plants. Condoms, as well as many household items (like balloons and rubber gloves), are made from latex. With repeated use of latex items, you may increase the risk of developing an allergy. Symptoms vary and can include skin redness, rashes, hives, and itchiness. There is no cure for a latex allergy. Your healthcare provider will recommend you see an allergist for a blood test to determine if latex antibodies are found in your blood. If you are diagnosed with a latex allergy, avoid all products made from latex.

Among the many birth control methods that are available, latex condoms, if properly used, are the most effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. However, long-term use of latex may increase your risk of developing an allergy. 1 If you are diagnosed with an allergy, and condoms are your preferred form of contraception, consider an alternative brand that's made from other materials like polyisoprene or lambskin.

To confirm you have a latex allergy, you will undergo a physical exam and a blood test. The blood test will indicate whether you have latex antibodies in your body.
There is no cure for a latex allergy. Avoidance of products, including condoms made from latex, is recommended. Latex allergy symptoms when using condoms may last several days. For relief, and depending on the severity of the symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines.
The National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health. Latex allergy a prevention guide .
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Latex allergy | causes, symptoms & treatment .
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Latex allergy | causes, symptoms & treatment .
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Latex allergy .
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV .
Yah CS, Simate GS, Hlangothi P, Somai BM. Nanotechnology and the future of condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections . Annals of African Medicine. 2018. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_32_17
McKinley Health Center | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Spermicide .
Marfatia YS, Patel D, Menon DS, Naswa S. Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missed . Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS . 2016. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.180286

By Rebeca Schiller

Rebeca Schiller is a health and wellness writer with over a decade of experience covering topics including digestive health, pain management, and holistic nutrition.

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Home > Sex > Condoms > The Best Latex Free Condoms of 2022

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Trojan NaturaLamb Latex Free Luxury Condoms

Trojan Supra Non-latex Bareskin Condoms

   1. Our Pick: Trojan NaturaLamb Latex Free Luxury Condoms

It keeps them safe from skin irritation

You don’t have to worry about it slipping off

High level of protection against unwanted pregnancy

Made of real lamb and sheepskin

Tighter at the base to prevent slipping off

The water-based lube minimizes irritation

A quite durable condom

The smell can be unpleasant

Only effective as contraception

2. Premium Pick: SKYN Selection Condoms

            2. Premium Pick: SKYN Selection Condoms

It is soft and gentle on your skin

Try different variants in a single package

Solid durability of the product

Made of soft, but premium quality material

Three different types of condoms in a single packaging

Acts as contraception and offers premium protection against STIs

Fairly durable for the price

Lubrication is not as generous as in some other models

Some users may find it a bit thicker than expected

3. Best Value: Trojan Supra Non-latex Bareskin Condoms

           3. Best Value: Trojan Supra Non-latex Bareskin Condoms

The lack of smell is a great thing

Does a good job in protecting you

A very durable condom

Made of professional-grade polyurethane

A thin condom that promotes closeness

Protective against both STIs and pregnancy

It is virtually odorless

It requires extra care because of its thinness

You cannot stretch the product a lot

4. Condoms, Non-Latex Durex Avanti Bare RealFeel Condom

It is odorless

Thinner than standard condoms

Extra lube means everything will go smoothly

A premium brand and a reliable manufacturer

Latex-free and thin for optimal pleasure

Pleasant smell for a condom

Additional lubrication for extra intimacy

It may be a bit tricky to put them on

The price tag is somewhat higher compared to other models

The packaging allows you to put them in your wallet

Thin for enhanced pleasure

You do not have to worry whether it will slip off during sex

Latex-free material of adequate durability

Thinner than latex condoms

Tapered base for improved safety

Comes in a discreet credit card-shaped packaging

A relatively unknown manufacturer

Some may find it a tight fit

6. LifeStyles SKYN Extra Studded Intense Feel

6. LifeStyles SKYN Extra Studded Intense Feel

It focuses on satisfying both parties

Unique design improves intimacy

The pocket case makes them easy for carrying around

Unique wave pattern for joint pleasure

Increases sensitivity with its unique design

A hypoallergenic alternative to latex

Comes with a discreet travel case

The smell could be better

It seems like it lacks more lube

It is hypoallergenic and prevents irritation

The packaging is fun but discreet

An excellent choice for safe sex

Polyurethane can do a good job in protecting you during sex

A thick condom to ensure optimal safety

The flexibility makes it easy to put on

A fun and intriguing packaging

Expect Asian sizes, which means they run a bit small

It may be a bit too thick

8. Lifestyles SKYN Large, Premium Large Non-Latex Lubricated Condoms

8. Lifestyles SKYN Large, Premium Large Non-Latex Lubricated Condoms

A comfortable condom for large men

Doesn’t have an unpleasant odor

You can stretch it to make putting it on easier

Suitable for well-endowed men

Made of premium quality material

You should feel comfortable wearing them

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