If you rely on condoms, latex allergies can bring your sex life to a painful halt. An expert offers safe alternatives. Does wearing latex gloves make your hands itch? In some people, latex exposure can ignite a full-blown allergic reaction.

Latex Condoms for Birth Control



Differences Between Latex Versus Non-Latex Condoms
Believe it or not, a latex condom allergy is a thing. Latex allergies are only thought to affect around 1 percent of the general population, according to the Cleveland Clinic , making them pretty damn rare—but still possible. Although people can be allergic to lambskin and other forms of condoms, the most common condom allergy is due to latex, says Dr. Because latex condom allergy symptoms can be similar to other issues down there hello, yeast infections! Keep reading to learn exactly how to figure out if you have a latex condom allergy, plus which latex-free options are available to you instead. Oh, and, you know, the most common type of condom. Latex condom allergies and latex allergies in general exist on a spectrum, according to the Mayo Clinic.


Male Condom Use
Most male condoms available for sale in the U. They all meet the same FDA standards and are considered to be an effective way to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. According to Planned Parenthood, when it comes to HIV, using a condom makes sex 10, times safer than not using a condom. Planned Parenthood is such a strong advocate of condom use, the national health network dispenses them free at all its centers nationwide. In the s a few manufacturers began making non-latex male condoms for people with latex allergies who choose to use condoms.




A condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device , used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection STI. The male condom is rolled onto an erect penis before intercourse and works by forming a physical barrier which blocks semen from entering the body of a sexual partner. Condoms as a method of preventing STIs have been used since at least The effectiveness of condoms, as of most forms of contraception , can be assessed two ways. Perfect use or method effectiveness rates only include people who use condoms properly and consistently.