Condom Latex Allergy

Use condoms for safe sex, this is the buzz we hear every now and then but do we really know whether the condom we use is safe or not. Small amounts of Potent Carcinogen (a cancerous substance) are released whenever condoms are used. We have little or no idea if this may be serious moreover; it is not a healthy practice to expose the reproductive organs to such cancer causing substances regularly. Itching sensation in the organs, skin infection, blotches, pain in the genital (due to dryness of condom) is some of the frequent complaint people have during its usage. There are quite a large numbers of people who are allergic to condom latex. If you are fortunate enough, the mild allergic reactions can be treated at home while in some cases it may be severe and life-threatening.

Risk factor with condoms
The quality control assurance i.e. the condom is likely to break or leak does not primarily ensure that the condom is free from harmful substances and chemicals. As a matter of fact, no one knows what risks one may face due to prolong use of condoms. It has only been in the last few years, the condom use has increased due to the fear of sexually transmitted diseases. Talc is a substance used in the manufacture of latex goods which acts as a lubricant as well as release the product from the mold used at the time of manufacturing. However, talc as a lubricating substance is harmful for the body tissues. The regular use of such condom with talc as a lubricating agent blocks the fallopian tube in turn. Although some condom manufacturers still use talc as a dry lubricant, others use dry lubricants such as silicone and cornstarch.

Dermatitis (skin allergy) in both men and women is increasingly growing problem due to use of latex condom. Nonetheless, in case of men dermatitis is rather easy to detect and diagnose but somehow in women the treatment can be more difficult. Some of the side effects of latex condoms in women are increased vaginal discharge, a burning sensation in the vagina, and itching in the vulva. Also the symptom is not easily detectable by any laboratory investigations.

Other harmful side effects of Condoms

• A few men lose their erection after putting on a condom.
• There is no direct contact between the penis and the vagina.
• The woman may miss the delight of warm fluid entering her body (important to some women, not to others).
• Friction caused due to condom may reduce clitoral stimulation and loss of lubrication during intercourse may lessen the pleasure and makes it uncomfortable.
• Intercourse may be less pleasing since the man must withdraw his penis immediately after ejaculation.

Prevention
Condoms are available in different sizes, variety of textures and are generally supplied with a lubricant coating to facilitate better penetration and also provide better stimulation to the partner. Apart from harmful latex there are other material used to make condom like natural rubber, polyurethane, and lambskin. Polyurethane condoms are odorless and are preferred by those who are allergic to latex and those who have a special inclination for oral sex. There are a few non rubber and non latex condoms available in the market.

Non rubber condoms such as Fourex Natural Lamb Skins (Schmidt, Sarasota, Florida) and Trojan Natural Lamb Skins are made of processed sheep intestine (caecum) are considered safe. However, they may contain a few lubricants that include perfume, preservative (Bronopol) and propylene glycol, which may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. These non rubber condoms can prevent transmission of sperm, but the FDA has ruled that they may be ineffective in preventing transmission of HIV.

It is usually advisable to consult a medical expert or a doctor before using any of the contraceptive methods available in the market.