Doin’ It Well

A

Dear A,

That is an excellent question. Latex is a milky-substance derived from the rubber tree, and many everyday items contain some latex, including condoms or latex barriers (“dental dams”). Approximately 1-5% of the population has a latex allergy. The most common symptoms of a latex allergy include a mild rash and itching  As with most allergens, repeated exposure may increase the reaction, so it is important to recognize the symptoms early and get them checked out by your medical provider. If you experience itching or swelling in the genital, oral, or anal areas after sex while using a latex condom or barrier, you could have a latex allergy. At the same time, these symptoms could be a sign of an STI.  Either way, the sooner you talk with your doctor, the sooner they can help you figure this out.  

For male condoms, there are two types of non-latex condoms. Lambskin condoms, although effective at preventing pregnancy, are not effective at preventing STI transmission, including HIV. Lambskin condoms are porous, and while the pores are not large enough for sperm to get through, STIs are able to permeate.

Because some people are allergic to latex, the condom industry used polyurethane – a clear, odorless plastic – to develop two types of condoms: female and male. Polyurethane seems to be the best bet for a barrier that helps prevent STI transmission & pregnancy.

The Good News and the Bad News

Although twice as expensive, polyurethane condoms have many advantages over latex condoms. They are thinner, transmit heat better, and they don’t have the rubber odor of latex condoms. Oh, and did we mention that they are more resistant to sun-damage and they can be used with oil-based lubricants? Additionally, polyurethane technically is as good of a barrier at preventing pregnancy or transmission of STIs.

The bad news is that there is inconsistent data as to whether they work as well as latex condoms. The FDA requires that makers of polyurethane condoms inform consumers that latex condoms should be used unless there is a latex allergy. Most research has shown that polyurethane condoms have a slightly higher risk of slippage or breakage during sex. Because polyurethane is not as elastic as latex, the male condoms may not fit as snugly, leading to increased slippage. However, we should stress that polyurethane male condoms are only slightly less effective – in normal use – than latex condoms. Latex and polyurethane condoms are still the only birth control methods that help protect against HIV.

Live the Reality

Reality makes the female condom, which is essentially a polyurethane sheath placed inside the vagina or rectum. The open end has a large ring which remains outside of the body, keeping the condom in place. During sex, the penis only comes into contact with the inside of the female condom. Additionally, the female condom can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse.  It can be a little intimidating to figure out how to use a female condom, but when used properly, it provides protection against pregnancy and HIV/STIs. Be sure to use enough lube, otherwise it can be a little noisy. Because all female condoms are made of polyurethane, they can be used by individuals who have a latex allergy. And although called the “female” condom, it can be used for anal sex between two men!

Double Trouble

As we were doing research, we found that in addition to polyurethane condoms, some experts recommended that a male partner could wear two condoms, one latex and one lambskin. The idea is that the two condoms could be worn so that a latex condom is still used AND the latex doesn’t come into direct contact with the allergic individual. Doin’ It Well is hesitant to recommend this method. Wearing two condoms can cause friction between the condoms that makes both of them more likely to break. Contrary to popular belief, two condoms do not work better than one!

Buying Polyurethane!

In a quick survey of area supermarkets and drug stores, most of the drug stores carry polyurethane male condoms. Although female condoms are supposedly available over-the-counter, they were not available at any of the stores we went to. The female condom is available at Planned Parenthood for those who are interested in using them.

Sex 411: If I’m looking for a non-latex barrier…

• Trojan Supra
• Durex Avanti
• Reality Female Condom
• Non-microwavable plastic wrap or cutting a polyurethane condom down one side can provide an effective, non-latex “dental dam.”

Kim Rice and Ross Wantland are professionals in the field of sexuality and violence prevention. Write to them at buzzdoinitwell@yahoo.com