Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsDiagnosisAlternatives to Latex CondomsOther Related AllergiesWhen to Seek Medical CareTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Alternatives to Latex Condoms
Other Related Allergies
When to Seek Medical Care
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
This article discusses a latex condom allergy, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and alternatives to latex condoms.
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Latex Condom Allergy Symptoms
Topical symptoms of latex condom allergies include itching, swelling, and redness around the skin and genitals. Systemic symptoms may includehivesand a stuffy, runny nose, as well as:
Anaphylaxisis the most serious allergic response to latex. It involves severe breathing difficulties and shock as a result of blood pressure dramatically dropping.
Allergiccontact dermatitis, a secondary symptom, may crop up due to the chemicals used to manufacture rubber items, including condoms.
Overview of Adhesive Allergy
Diagnosing a Latex Condom Allergy
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with a latex allergy, make an appointment to see a healthcare provider. During your visit, the 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.
There are three types of reactions to natural rubber latex:
Alternatives
If you and your partner(s) 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 Condoms
Polyurethaneis a type of plastic and is a good alternative if you or your partner(s) has a latex allergy. However, these types of condoms tend to tear more often than latex condoms.Most internal condoms (also known as condoms placed in the vagina or anus) are made of polyurethane and can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse. Polyurethane condoms also provide protection againstsexually transmitted infections(STIs).
Lambskin Condoms
Lambskin condomsare 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.
Polyisoprene Condoms
Polyisoprene condomsare thin, flexible, and comfortable. They are more expensive than latex and polyurethane condoms, but less costly than lambskin condoms. They impede pregnancy and STIs.
Similar Types of Condom-Related Allergies
Spermicide
Anyone may have an allergic reaction or sensitivity tospermicide. Symptoms may include redness, itching, burning, and swelling surrounding the genitals. If the symptoms persist, avoid spermicidal products and speak with a healthcare provider.Compounds that may cause an allergic reaction include benzocaine,monophenoxypolyethoxyderivatives,hexylresorcinol, chloramine, quinine, or an added fragrance.
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.
Lubricants
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you’re experiencing any discomfort from symptoms of using latex condoms, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. During your visit, openly discuss the specific symptoms you’ve experienced. From that discussion along with a physical examination, the healthcare provider will determine the next steps, which may include a blood test to see if latex antibodies are found in your blood.
Once a 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, the 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.
Summary
A Word From Verywell
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.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.
Frequently Asked QuestionsTo 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, a healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines.
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, a healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines.
Allergic Reactions During Sexual Intercourse
7 SourcesVerywell 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.National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Latex allergy: a prevention guide.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.Ann Afr Med. 2018;17(2):49-57. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_32_17Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of using spermicide?.Marfatia YS, Patel D, Menon DS, Naswa S.Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missed.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2016;37(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.180286
7 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.National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Latex allergy: a prevention guide.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.Ann Afr Med. 2018;17(2):49-57. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_32_17Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of using spermicide?.Marfatia YS, Patel D, Menon DS, Naswa S.Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missed.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2016;37(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.180286
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.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Latex allergy: a prevention guide.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.Ann Afr Med. 2018;17(2):49-57. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_32_17Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of using spermicide?.Marfatia YS, Patel D, Menon DS, Naswa S.Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missed.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2016;37(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.180286
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Latex allergy: a prevention guide.
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.Ann Afr Med. 2018;17(2):49-57. doi:10.4103/aam.aam_32_17
Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of using spermicide?.
Marfatia YS, Patel D, Menon DS, Naswa S.Genital contact allergy: A diagnosis missed.Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2016;37(1):1-6. doi:10.4103/0253-7184.180286
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