Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLatex AllergiesPolyisoprene BenefitsBuying Guide
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Latex Allergies
Polyisoprene Benefits
Buying Guide
Polyisoprenecondomsare a safe sex option for individuals with latex allergies.Many people feel that polyisoprene condoms provide a sensation profile that is far more similar to their latex counterparts. There’s a good reason for that—polyisoprene is the synthetic form of latex. In other words, it’s latex made in a laboratory rather than natural rubber latex, which is made from a tree.
Most people with latex allergies are not allergic to latex itself. Instead, they’re allergic to one or more of the plant proteins that contaminate it. Polyisoprene condoms don’t contain those proteins, making them a great alternative to latex condoms. Plus, they are FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy andsexually transmitted infections(STIs).
This article discusses polyisoprene condoms and why they are a good option for people with latex allergies. It also provides a guide on buying the right polyisoprene condoms for you.
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Allergens in Latex Condoms
Natural latex is harvested from trees and made into gloves,condoms, and other latex products. The latex rubber that makes up these products naturally contains proteins that are the cause of allergic reactions.
If you have latex allergies and are looking for products that can make your sex life safer, it may be worth some experimentation with one of the polyisoprene condoms on the market.
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Advantages of Polyisoprene Condoms
Polyisoprene is, chemically, the same type of rubber as latex and shares the same physical properties. However, synthetic polyisoprene is created in a clean laboratory environment, and does not contain the natural proteins that trigger most latex allergies.
Polyurethane condoms are made from a different type of polymer entirely. They tend to be baggier and less stretchy because they are made from plastic, not rubber. Furthermore, some research shows that polyurethane condoms may be less effective than latex and polyisoprene condoms.
Many men prefer the way polyisoprene condoms fit as well. Polyisoprene condoms stretch like latex, feel like latex, and protect like latex—without latex allergens.
ProsStretchy and comfortableSuitable for people with latex allergiesAppropriate for same uses as latex condomsConsSlightly more expensive than latex and polyurethane condomsSome are slightly thicker than latex and polyurethane condoms
ProsStretchy and comfortableSuitable for people with latex allergiesAppropriate for same uses as latex condoms
Stretchy and comfortable
Suitable for people with latex allergies
Appropriate for same uses as latex condoms
ConsSlightly more expensive than latex and polyurethane condomsSome are slightly thicker than latex and polyurethane condoms
Slightly more expensive than latex and polyurethane condoms
Some are slightly thicker than latex and polyurethane condoms
Buying Polyisoprene Condoms
Curious about whether polyisoprene condoms might be a good idea for improving your sex life? Here’s what you need to know.
Price:Polyisoprene condoms are slightly more expensive than natural latex and polyurethane condoms, but less expensive than lambskin condoms.
Ease of Acquisition:Polyisoprene condoms are available at many drugstores and online.
Use During Vaginal Intercourse:In 2008, the FDA approved polyisoprene condoms for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As such, they are suitable for use during vaginal intercourse.
Use During Oral Sex:Polyisoprene condoms are suitable for use duringoral sex.
Use During Anal Sex:Polyisoprene condoms can be used anywhere latex rubber condoms can, including foranal sex. Just don’t forget the lube.
Lubricants:You can safely use both water and silicone-based lubricants with polyisoprene condoms. You shouldnotuse oil-based lubricants. Just like latex condoms, oil-based products can break down the condom and increase the risk of breakage of polyisoprene condoms.
Summary
Polyisoprene condoms are a synthetic alternative to latex condoms that do not have the allergy-triggering proteins found in latex. They share the same physical properties as latex condoms and are just as flexible and form-fitting.
Although polyisoprene condoms are more expensive than latex condoms, they are just as effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. They are widely available in drug stores and online. But, like latex condoms, they should not be used with oil-based lubricants, which can cause them to break down.
Allergic Reactions During Sexual Intercourse
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What can decrease HIV risk?
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Latex allergy.
Yah C, Simate G, Hlangothi P, Somai B.Nanotechnology and the future of condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.Ann Afr Med. 2018 Jun;17(2):49-57. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_32_17
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