Allergy on Condoms: What Should You Do?

Condoms are considered the only helpful method to prevent both an unwanted pregnancy and also sexually transmitted disease. It’s proven to be an effective protection method from both. But what should you do if you or your partner have an allergic reaction to condoms? Is this even possible?

Yes, it is possible. You or your partner can be allergic to the latex used in condoms, or some components of the spermicide lubricant the manufacturer covers their condoms. Let’s discuss the two possibilities in more detail.

Allergenic Components in Latex

Latex as a substance is a natural rubber. It’s a product of the plant called Hevea brasiliensis, that grows in South-Eastern Asia. It contains latex proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and phospholipids. These latex proteins are the allergenic component of the substance.

Unfortunately, the technology of condom production doesn’t allow to separate these allergenic components from the latex. To be as effective, as it is, latex condoms require the use of those proteins. If they are the reason for your allergy, you should try using polyurethane condoms. They are considered less effective and convenient than those made of latex but it’s a better option than no condoms at all.

Allergies on Other Condom Components

Besides latex, there can be plenty of other allergenic components in condoms. These include dyes, flavor, or the components of spermicide lubricants. It is very difficult to determine which one of these is the cause of your allergy without special tests.

However, this case is easier than the case of latex intolerance. You can still use latex condoms but it may take some time to choose the right manufacturer whose products will be absolutely safe for you. It will require trying many different brands to find the one that will work for you. What you need to know is that nonoxynol is considered the most allergenic spermicide.

Who Is in This Risk Group?

It is very difficult to predict who is at risk to allergies on condoms. However, those people who have allergies on something else (or their relatives) are more likely to develop it because of genetics.

How Do You Know If Your Allergic?

There are symptoms that both partners can develop. They include:

• Rash


• Itch


• Swelling on the face and mucous membranes


• Coughing


• Difficulty breathing

There are also specific manifestations for both men and women. For men:

• The inflammation of the penis


• Phimosis


• Allergic urethritis

For women:

• Red and swollen vaginal lip or both


• Burning feeling in the vagina


• Pathologic vaginal discharge

What do you do if you notice these symptoms? Without any doubts – go to a doctor. Don’t try to treat this yourself. After treatment of the discomforting symptoms, you both should take an allergy test to help you discover the root cause of the allergy.