Latex can be present in many household, personal, and medical articles. Nowadays, largely due to its excellent tensile strength and barrier protection, it is even the main component for both male and female condoms. But just like examination gloves, anything that contains latex may have accompanying negative effects for the user, especially if that person has been sensitized to the material.

Understanding Condom Allergies

Condom allergies are generally caused by a sensitivity reaction of the person to latex. However, there are also cases of an allergic reaction due to the application of spermicides while using condom. Nevertheless, latex proteins are the more common reason for rashes on the skin of human genitalia following condom usage.

Similar to gloves, sensitivity to condoms may follow varying mechanisms: either an IgE-mediated allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. Exposure to latex through the use of condoms sensitizes the immune system. Over time, succeeding contacts will set off an allergic response causing red, itchy rashes, with or without blistering over the genitalia. Women may even report an intense burning sensation, and increased discharges. Condom allergies are usually mild however; cases of anaphylaxis related to condom usage have already been cited in literature.

What your Doctor can do for you

If you think you have allergies to condom, you might as well consult your physician about this. The condition may be concomitant with a chain of other allergies like latex, and even foods that are processed or handled using latex gloves such as bananas, pineapples, kiwis, avocados, and chestnuts. Skin tests will be performed to rule out other allergies, but blood testing like RAST is safer and more specific to the causative allergen. To prevent reoccurrence, in the future, the person will be advised to use condoms made of polyurethane or other non-latex materials.

What you can do

Once you are allergic to latex and latex products, you will probably have this condition for the rest of your life. Hence, it is important to maintain strict avoidance of condoms made from this material and use alternative methods. Polyurethane condoms may be less allergenic, however, they are more likely to slip off or break compared to latex. If this becomes bothersome for you, talk to your physician regarding other forms of contraception without compromising your health.