Ok ladies, I'm sorry if I'm being a little personal but I have to ask someone. It seems as tho I'm allergic to condoms. Of course not using them isn't an option for me, but I really need to know what else to do. Does anyone else out there have this problem, or do you know anyone who does? I have an appt with my GYN, but its not for another week YIKES!! Help!! Thanx guys.
Thanx 4 all of the advice. This is my first sexual encounter in 14 months n I kinda regretting it. :/ Maybe I think I'm going to refrain from sex again. Maybe this allergy is just telling me I don't need to do it at all.
I am not allergic to latex, but know MANY women and men who are.
Lifestyles SKYN condoms are made from polyisoprene and are latex free. Also, they are the first non latex condom to be approved by the FDA for protection from pregnancy *and* STDs. They are also much less expensive than other types of non latex condoms.
http://www.lifestyles.com/products/skyn/
Actually it could be the latex in most condoms. I do believe they make them with out. And it is common.
They make a brand of non latex condoms or at least they used to last time I checked 10+ years ago. (I was a teaching assistant for a human sexuality class). Latex comes from the rubber plant, the non latex ones are some kind of plastic, polyurithane I think, or you can get some that are made of animal products, labeled "lambskin" . You can probably get them at a drug store (read the package if you are too embarrassed to ask or look online for the brand name). I had a friend with this allergy several years ago in college.
I just reread your post, do you know for sure if it is the latex in the condom or the spermicide? Maybe you can try putting a rubber glove on your hand and see if there is a reaction, then test the spermicide on another patch of skin. Nonoxinol 9, on of the most common spermicides available, can also be an irritant to many people. You can get latex condoms without spermicide (either dry or with a lubricant) if that is what you need. Just be sure if you add any lubricant yourself it is water based. Oil causes latex to disintegrate.
My friend in high school was allergic to the latex in condoms. She had to buy lambs skin condoms. They are not as effective as latex but she never got pregnant. She was pretty sexually active too. Good Luck!
I know a few people allergic to the latex in condoms. So maybe try a latex free condom. If you have already tried that it could be any of the additional lubs that they put on them that you are sensitive to.
If you really are allergic to latex I would say STOP having sex using condoms till after you figure this out. If you must use a condom for safety I would just say no sex till you figure out something you do not react to.
You're not alone. The only ones I can use are the Trojan Ribbed in the tan colored box.
They make latex free ones
Try using the ones without spermicide. I think that I am allergic to the spermicide used on condoms but if I get the ones without spermicide no problems. It's worth a try! good luck and feel better! :)
You are not the only one. I am too. It's the latex actually. Look for non-latex, there are a lot of options now-a-days. The Lamb-skin is good, a little more expensive, but no allergic reaction :)
I have heard of this...so you aren't the only one. I would google it and see what options you might have. It could be an allergy to latex...may have to use a different kind (I think there are others made of different material)...
Hi C.:
I am extremely allergic to latex so I have to use polyurethane condoms made by Trojan. I am not allergic to them.
Good luck and stay safe!
My husband found out he's allergic to latex.... explained some things :-P
I have the Mirena IUD. It's the only BC we use. I have had it for 5 years, will be getting it replaced soon. It's done its job! :)
I had some issues the last couple times we used them. I've a few other indications lately that I'm developing a sensitivity to latex.
Latex free condoms are available, but probably more expensive. There's also some "female condoms" or something (sorry, I'm not very familiar with these products, but they should all be in the same area of the store).
Plan on talking with the GYN about other bc options; I've heard some very good things about the diaphram (years ago), and if it's not latex, in the long run it could be easier and less expensive.
You may be allergic to LATEX. Try sheep skin. Also if you're sensitive to lotions and lubricants, try getting one that is unlubricated. If you need lubrication, use olive oil.
I am to. I don't need them anymore because my husband and I decided we can not afford anymore children and I get really ill to the point I will need a blood transfusion. No Thanks! Anyway, we would use a brand that was more like greasy if that is correct, not wet. Its hard to explain, maybe someone out there knows what I am talking about. I found they worked better. FYI - I could not use the pill due to blood clogs. Good Luck! :)
Updated
I am to. I don't need them anymore because my husband and I decided we can not afford anymore children and I get really ill to the point I will need a blood transfusion. No Thanks! Anyway, we would use a brand that was more like greasy if that is correct, not wet. Its hard to explain, maybe someone out there knows what I am talking about. I found they worked better. FYI - I could not use the pill due to blood clogs. Good Luck! :)
It depends on what you are actually allergic to... If it's the latex, they make latex free. Try one of those... If that doesn't work, try one with a different kind of lubricant. Ooor... one week of absinence never killed anyone. Your Gyno. will be able to help you figure out another form of BC. if you can't figure out what's causing your reaction.
