Do condoms bother you or your partner’s skin? It’s possible that you have a latex allergy. Most condoms are made from latex, which is a thin and stretchy rubber material. Some people have latex sensitivities, so using latex condoms can irritate their skin.
Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use condoms! Condoms are the only form of birth control that can help prevent STD transmission, and are really important when it comes to safer sex. There are a few non-latex condom options available for those with latex sensitivities:
- Polyurethane. Like female condoms, some male condoms are made of polyurethane. Polyurethane is a very thin plastic material that is not made of latex, and can conduct body heat better than latex condoms. An example of polyurethane condoms is Trojan Supra condoms.
- Polyisoprene. Polyisoprene is another non-latex option that is still made from rubber, so it is more stretchy than polyurethane. Two examples of polyisoprene condoms are Durex Avanti Bare or Lifestyles Skyn condoms.
Both polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms are still just as effective in preventing pregnancy and STDs as latex condoms, so give them a try if you have a latex allergy! You can find them at drug stores and can also ask for them at a clinic near you!