There’s nothing quite like an allergic reaction to kill the moment in the bedroom. The symptoms and severity of a latex condom allergy can vary, so if you suspect you or your partner may have such an allergy, it’s worth getting clued up on what that can mean for your sex lives.
With this in mind, let’s enter the world of latex condom allergy, taking a close look at the signs, symptoms and treatment. If you’ve already got a confirmed latex condom allergy, then stick around as we run through some great non-latex condom alternatives.
Am I allergic to latex condoms?
It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t worry about latex condom allergy if you’ve used them successfully in the past. According to the ACAAI, most of the time a latex allergy, and by extension a latex condom allergy, develops after previous exposure to latex.
So if you find yourself unwell after sex and you are presenting with some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, just because you have used a latex condom in the past, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of a new latex allergy.
What are the symptoms of latex condom allergy?
Latex condom allergy symptoms are fairly similar to standard symptoms you would get with an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction to a condom can be more distressful than other allergic reactions however because the symptoms will likely manifest around the genital area where contact with the condom was most prevalent.
The most common symptoms of a latex allergy can include the following:
Hives
Redness and swelling
Itching
Runny nose
Chest tightness
Breathing difficulty
According to the ACAAI, a latex allergy can also lead to a skin condition called ‘allergic contact dermatitis’ which presents as a rash and can even lead to blistering. In extreme cases, a condom allergy may result in anaphylaxis which will require urgent medical care.
man and woman
How long does an allergic reaction to condoms last?
The ACAAI state that symptoms of a latex allergy can present minutes after exposure and that contact with latex is not necessarily required to trigger the reaction. How long condom allergy symptoms last will likely depend on the severity of the allergic reaction.
It’s important to remember that if you have a suspected latex allergy, regardless of how severe your symptoms are, you should seek advice from a medical practitioner. Not only could mild symptoms become worse if left alone, your GP could assist in the diagnosis of latex allergy and advise on how to best manage the allergy in the home.
How to treat latex condom allergy
The main treatment for latex allergy and latex condom allergy is avoidance. If you suspect you may have such an allergy, or it has been confirmed by a medical professional, then avoid contact with latex. This applies doubly for condom usage, the last thing you want is a nasty rash or blistering around your genital area.
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to latex, then your GP may prescribe you rescue medication should you ever find yourself experiencing such symptoms again in the future.
If you are experiencing discomfort during sex and you think the condom may be responsible, you should stop having sex and remove the condom immediately. By removing the source of the irritant, you are reducing your exposure time.
Just be conscious that safety is still just as important. As inconvenient and disappointing as it is to stop sex midway through a session, if you remove your condom, play it safe by not returning to penetrative intercourse. If you remove the condom and you feel happy to continue with sexual activity, you can always look at carrying on with some sexy oral to see your session through to the big finale.
Latex condom alternatives:
Do you have a latex condom allergy? Or suspect you may have one? There are loads of great latex condom alternatives that you can use to ensure you avoid contact with latex whilst remaining just as safe during sex
