Have you been feeling itchy down there lately…but your STD screen is clean and you don’t think you have a yeast infection? If you’ve been using latex condoms, that irritation might actually be a sign of a latex allergy. Although latex allergy symptoms may not be common knowledge, one to three percent of Americans has a latex allergy.
How do you know if you have a latex allergy? And what do you do if you’re allergic to condoms? Here’s what you need to know.
First of all, you need to know the latex allergy symptoms. There are three forms of latex reactions, each with their own signs.
With irritant contact dermatitis, repeatedly being exposed to the chemicals in latex gloves (or other products) irritates your skin. The result? Burning, itching, dryness, scaling and other skin problems. Allergic contact dermatitis is more concerning. It’s a delayed allergic reaction to the additives used when processing latex. Symptoms like burning, itching and scaling can show up as late as four days after you’ve been exposed to latex. The latex allergy symptoms are also more severe, can spread to other parts of the body, and last longer.
Finally, the most dangerous form is latex hypersensitivity or an immediate latex allergic reaction. Symptoms range from a runny nose to eczema to cramps to hives. Those with a severe latex allergy could even go into anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. Sure, going to the ER after an uncomfortable bout of sex might be embarrassing, but it could save your life if you have a severe latex allergy.
So who are the most likely to develop a latex allergy? First of all, people who use latex regularly are at higher risk. That’s probably why the percentage of health care workers with a latex allergy (roughly 5 to 10 percent of all workers) is higher than the national average.
Other at-risk people include those who have:
Latex allergies have also been tied to certain food allergies. If you are allergic to apples, avocados, banana, carrots, kiwis or a few other items, you could have a higher risk of being allergic to latex. If you do find out that you have a latex allergy, you should also watch for any possible allergic reactions to these foods.
Don’t worry. Even if you are allergic to latex, there are steps you can take to stay safe (and sexy). First of all, you need to talk to your doctor about getting tested for a latex allergy. If you have a severe latex allergy, you’ll probably want to wear a medical alert bracelet. If you can go into anaphylactic shock, your doctor may also give you an epinephrine shot, or an Epi pen, to carry with you. Of course, you should also strive to stay away from areas where latex is used and, if you work in the health field, switch to latex-free gloves.
Doctors can also prescribe medication to reduce less-severe latex allergy symptoms. For instance, you could receive antihistamines or corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) to treat skin irritation.
Now for the question you’ve probably been waiting for: “If I’m allergic to latex condoms, what can I use?” Luckily, nowadays, there are plenty of options for condoms or other forms of birth control. For example, you can use condoms made from polyurethane. Although these are more likely to break or slip off than latex condoms, polyurethane condoms are thinner, stronger, less constrictive and better at transmitting heat. (All of which has led to studies showing that people really enjoy polyurethane condoms).
You can also use lambskin condoms. However, because lambskin is porous, these condoms can’t protect you from STIs, including HIV. So only use lambskin condoms when you know your partner has a clean bill of (reproductive) health.
Before you diagnose yourself with a latex allergy, remember that there can be a variety of other causes of the same symptoms. For instance, your skin could be irritated by a new body wash or a new brand of lube. However, it’s equally important to remember that you’d rather be safe than sorry. Latex allergies are not only real and uncomfortable, but they can also be dangerous.
So, if you do notice something wrong down there – or signs of a latex allergy anywhere else on your body – talk to your doctor. Being your own health advocate can be the first step to enjoying the healthy (sex) life you deserve!
