Condom Alternatives For People Allergic To Latex
We all know that condoms are one of the most popular contraceptive methods, and till date the safest contaception to provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the condoms are made of latex, a material derived from rubber trees. But there are quite a few people who are allergic to latex, for them the regular latex condoms can be very uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous. For such people, we’re here to discuss other alternatives of latex condoms.
How does a regular latex condom affect a latex-allergic/sensitive person?
According to Dr. David Lang, if a latex-allergic penis owner uses a latex condom while sexual intercource, they might experience a full-blown allergic reaction. Whereas, for a vagina-owner they might encounter vaginal swelling and itching, since the vagina’s mucus membranes make it easier for latex proteins to enter the body. Also the mucous membrane exposure to a condom in a vagina-owner with latex allergy could provoke a serious systemic reaction.
Symptoms of latex allergy
Given below are the physical symptoms of latex allergy. In case you feel any of the symptoms listed below while using latex condoms, immediately switch to a latex-free condom:
- Itching
- Skin-redness
- Hives (anaphylaxis: life-threatening)
- Swelling
- Rashes
- Dermatitis (anaphylaxis: life-threatening)
There can also be some respiratory issues due to latex allergy, such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
What are the alternatives for Latex condoms?
For the people allergic to latex, there are 4 better latex-free alternatives that’ll provide the best pleasure without any discomfort:-
- Female Condoms: For vagina-owners, this is the only option they can wear. The material used for making these is polyurethane. They are 95% effective in providing protection from unwanted-pregnancies, although the effectiveness is less in comparison to the 98% effectiveness of latex condoms, still they are almost the same for giving protection from STIs.
- Polyisoprene Condoms: These condoms are made from synthetic rubber that does not contain the same latex protein as the regular latex condoms. These condoms provide the similar protection against STIs and pregnancies as the regular latex-condoms. Also these are a lot more stretchier than latex condoms.
- Polyurethane condoms: Polyurethane condoms are made up of thin plastic instead of rubber. They provide similar protection from pregnancies and STDs as a latex condom. But, the disadvantage is that it is a little expensive and might slip off or break during intercourse.
- Lambskin condoms: Lambskin condoms are made of sheep intestines, which is latex-free. It gives protection against unwanted pregnancies but not from STIs. Hence, it is advised to use such alternatives only when the partners are sure that none of them have any sexually transmitted disease.
Where to buy these condoms from?
Even though these alternatives are more or less similar to the latex condoms, still it is quite hard to find them easily in the local pharmacies. Hence, we’re here with some best online stores where you can easily order them and henceforth never compromise with your pleasure-
(i) Rip ‘N’ Roll
(ii) Condom Bazaar
(iii) Shy Cart
(iv) Pee safe
Cover Illustrations: Freepik
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