Why can you be allergic to condoms?

Condoms are one of the most popular and widespread means of contraception, helping not only to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but also to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. But no less common is an allergy to condoms, which affects both men and women. Therefore, it is very important to know the main symptoms of the disease and the most effective ways to treat it.

Main causes of allergic reaction

When answering the question whether there can be allergies to condoms, doctors emphasize that the main cause of irritation is the components from which the contraceptive is made. More often, latex acts as an allergen, causing fungal infections. Thrush from a condom is the result of using the product.

Latex consists of the following components:

• minerals;
• proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• phospholipids.

Latex is a concentrated substance of natural origin obtained from the milky sap of the rubbery Brazilian Hevea plant. This is a natural component that can also become a strong allergen.

Silicone condoms can also trigger a hypersensitivity reaction. In many cases, the surface of such products is coated with a special substance that has a warming, cooling effect, or improves sensitivity during sexual contact. Any components of synthetic origin can cause allergies.

In addition, each contraceptive is additionally treated with an emollient composition. The lubricant in condoms can also cause an allergic reaction, as can other ingredients, such as artificial flavors, dyes, spermicides or cornstarch.

Symptoms of an allergy to lubricant in women may appear after the first use of a contraceptive. This is due to the fact that increased blood circulation is observed in the female genital organs. When you touch a condom, allergenic substances quickly penetrate the skin, causing itching, burning and other symptoms.

An equally important factor causing contraceptive intolerance is genetic predisposition. If parents are prone to frequent allergic reactions, there is a very high probability that the child will also encounter a similar problem.

Many women are interested in whether condoms can cause thrush? Allergy symptoms appear depending on the individual characteristics of the body. This can be either genital candidiasis or redness or a rash in the groin area.

What to do if you have an allergy?

If you suspect that you are allergic to a condom, it is important to consult a specialist. This is necessary because the symptoms of genital allergies can be confused with a sexually transmitted infection.

If the doctor has confirmed an allergic reaction, you need to accurately determine the irritant factor. Currently, testing for allergens does not take much time and does not require large financial costs. It is important to do this, since you need to know what exactly to treat in the future.

Depending on the diagnostic results, one of two ways to solve the problem is selected:

1. If you are allergic to latex, it is not recommended to continue using condoms based on it; you need to choose another method of protection against unwanted pregnancy. Of course, you can use polyurethane products, but, firstly, it is almost impossible to get them, and, secondly, they are inferior in terms of protection.
2. If an allergy occurs to the auxiliary components of the condom (lubricant, etc.), it is enough to change the brand. At the same time, it is important to avoid potentially allergenic products (colored, flavored, etc.) and choose hypoallergenic condoms.

The mechanism of development of an allergic reaction

All hypersensitivity reactions develop according to a single mechanism, and condom allergy is no exception. Upon contact with an allergen, the human body begins to actively produce immunoglobulin E, which gradually settles on the surface of mast cells.

When using a contraceptive for the first time, immunoglobulin is just beginning to be synthesized, so the first symptoms of an allergic reaction develop unnoticed. In case of further contact with the allergen, mast cells produce histamine - this is a special substance that is considered the main mediator of allergic reactions.

The rate of manifestation of the first symptoms of hypersensitivity depends on how long it takes to produce immunoglobulin.

Lubricants: composition and allergenicity

The fact that the condom is lubricated is indicated by the inscription on the package (Lubricated). In addition to it, other lubricants are sometimes used, thanks to which the sensations from sexual intercourse become more vivid. The basis of intimate lubricants can be:

• Water. Such lubricants contain special substances that promote uniform distribution over the surface and prevent contamination. When exposed to air, the products quickly dry out and transform into a sticky mass that causes discomfort. When re-wetting, they “come to life” and perform their functions. Water-based lubricants contain a minimal amount of components that can cause an allergic reaction.
• Oil. Currently, lubricants based on this base are used extremely rarely. They affect latex, promoting the formation of microcracks, which negates protection against pregnancy and infections. However, the products themselves are low-allergenic. They are based on Vaseline, which is not absorbed into the deep layers of tissue.
• Silicone. They contain several ingredients, but no water at all. Silicone lubricants are widely used due to their low solubility, which allows the addition of various components to their composition that enhance the quality of the lubricant. For example, the anesthetics Ceulor Reardierend allow you to prolong sexual contact, and the spermicide Nonoxinol-9 protects against pregnancy and STIs in the event of condom rupture. Many additives can be highly allergenic.

Table: overview of hypoallergenic condoms of popular brands

Photo gallery: polyurethane condoms presented on the Russian market

On the packaging of “Visit Nano-tech” there is a mention of the Japanese company, which developed the technology for the production of polyurethane condoms

Five Sagami Original 0.01 condoms are packaged in a box-like package

With the declared diameter of “Sagami 0.02” being 58 mm, you need to be prepared for the fact that this condom will not stretch beyond 61 mm

The letter L on the yellow background of the Sagami Original 0.02 packaging means that the products in the pack are larger than the standard Asian size

Allergy symptoms in women

How does an allergy to a condom manifest in women? First of all, it depends on its variety. During sexual intercourse, female and male contraceptives are used; an allergy can develop to any of them. In the first case, latex or polyurethane is used for production, which provoke irritation.

Signs of an allergy to a condom in women:

1. Burning, itching and discomfort in the vaginal area.
2. Unpleasant sensations when wearing underwear.
3. Swelling of the external genitalia.
4. Redness of the genitals.
5. Skin rashes.
6. Stinging during urination.
7. The appearance of painful blisters and blisters on the skin of the genitals.

One of the most common signs is condom thrush, which occurs after using barrier contraception. It is accompanied by symptoms characteristic of this disease - itching, a sharp, unpleasant odor, the appearance of a cheesy discharge of a whitish or gray hue.

Itching after using a condom in women increases significantly when urinating, because urine greatly irritates the inflamed skin of the external genitalia.

If partners practice unconventional sex, symptoms of hypersensitivity can affect not only the external genitalia, but also the rectum and oral cavity.

Probability of complications

Severe itching of the vagina, labia and perineum leads to scratching of the skin and mucous membranes, which become an entry point for various types of infections. The presence of microtraumas increases the risk of infection:

• chronic hepatitis;
• genital herpes;
• HIV;
• syphilis;
• other sexually transmitted infections.

Infection with streptococci, staphylococci, clostridia and other microbes leads to suppuration of wounds, abscesses, and the formation of hard cysts under the skin.

Prolonged exposure to the antigen has a detrimental effect on local immunity in the vaginal and genital area. This leads to the development of chronic pathologies that respond poorly to treatment. These include:

• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• vitiligo;
• cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis.

Due to the weakening of a woman’s natural defenses, the composition of the vaginal microflora changes, which can increase the risk of developing infectious or inflammatory pathologies of the reproductive system.

Can you be allergic to condoms?

Allergies to condoms do occur. Fortunately, this is an infrequent occurrence. According to statistics, it occurs in 5% of people who are sexually active. In most cases, there is an increased reaction to latex, as the main component of the contraceptive. It develops on the following latex components:

But some people may have a high reactivity to other components: lubricant, aromatic substances. More details about this problem in the video:

Allergy to condoms in women

Increased sensitivity to barrier contraception occurs in both men and girls. Moreover, in a woman it can occur both on male and female contraceptives.

The occurrence of unpleasant symptoms in the first case indicates an allergy to latex. But most female condoms are made from polyurethane. Therefore, if a reaction occurs when using a female contraceptive, it means that the girl is allergic to polyurethane.

Both reactions manifest themselves in the same way. The following symptoms appear:

• itching and burning in the external genital area;
• swelling of this area;
• redness;
• rash;
• the occurrence of thrush.

Allergy to condoms in men

In men, a reaction to a condom appears almost immediately after putting it on the penis. With a single use of the contraceptive, itching and redness of the penis occur. If you use it repeatedly, the situation gets worse. An inflammatory process develops on the penis and it swells. Painful ulcers may appear on the skin.

Read more

An allergic reaction to condoms is very difficult to miss, but remember that the symptoms can be very different. And which ones will arise in a particular case depends only on the individual characteristics of the organism

So, you should pay attention to such phenomena as:

In most cases, an allergy to condoms first makes itself felt by itching and burning in the genital area. In addition, if the allergic reaction is very severe, redness and even swelling of the genitals cannot be ruled out. This is especially common in women.

There are often cases when an allergic reaction to a condom manifests itself in skin rashes - in other words, hives. The degree of severity can be very different - it all depends on the severity of the allergic reaction.

Nasal congestion or, on the contrary, strong discharge, redness and itching of the eyes, watery eyes - this is how the body can also make it clear that it is allergic to condoms. In most cases, these symptoms are also accompanied by skin rashes.

In particularly severe cases, allergies can manifest themselves as problems with the lungs - in particular, coughing, wheezing in the lungs, or even worse - difficulty breathing. In this case, you should not hesitate in any case - seek medical help as soon as possible. Fortunately, this happens extremely rarely - in about 1% of all cases.

Please note that symptoms of an allergy to condoms very rarely appear after the first use. As a rule, an allergic reaction makes itself felt after the second or third use of a condom, several hours after sexual intercourse - the body needs some time

If you think you may have an allergy to a condom, see your doctor right away. This must be done for at least the following two reasons

Firstly, if you experience itching, burning and swelling of the genitals, it is extremely important to make sure that this is not some kind of sexually transmitted disease. From which, alas, no one is safe

Secondly, if this is indeed an allergic reaction, it is necessary to understand exactly what substances provoke it. Today, doing a blood test to determine allergens is very simple - it does not require much time or a lot of money. And it is simply necessary to do it in order to understand how to proceed further.

Did you know that all condoms, without exception, are made of latex? And latex, in turn, is made from the sap of the Brazilian Hevea tree. And it is latex proteins that in the vast majority of all cases provoke the development of an allergic reaction to condoms. However, not always - in some situations an allergic reaction develops not to latex, but to other components - for example, aromatic substances or lubricant.

Depending on the results of the allergy test, there are two options for solving this delicate problem:

Allergy to components. If you are lucky and you or your partner have an allergic reaction not to latex, just try changing the brand of condoms - as a rule, this is enough to forget about the problem. But remember - you should prefer unflavored condoms and only water-based lubricants. Carefully study the information on condom packaging.

Allergy to latex. But those people who are allergic to latex are much less fortunate - they must completely stop using a condom. Of course, you can try to find polyurethane condoms on sale, but, firstly, this is something out of science fiction. And secondly, such condoms have a much worse degree of protection.

Therefore, the most reasonable thing would be to consult a doctor who will select the optimal contraceptive regimen for you. And, of course, forget about casual relationships - health is much more valuable.

Source: rojaismelo.ru

Symptoms in men

All symptoms of hypersensitivity are divided into slow and delayed. The former appear immediately after contact with the allergen, the latter - after some time. In men, signs of a negative reaction to condoms most often appear after the first use of the product.

Main symptoms:

• itching, burning in the genital area;
• redness of the skin of the penis;
• discomfort when wearing underwear;
• swelling of the genital organ;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• slight discharge from the urethra.

Unpleasant manifestations are most often observed precisely on those areas of the skin that came into contact with the contraceptive.

With prolonged use of barrier contraception, the skin of the penis becomes covered with painful, itchy, and in some cases bleeding wounds and ulcers.

Signs of advanced allergies

In the absence of timely treatment, the allergic disease progresses to a severe, advanced stage. Its symptoms affect not only the external genitalia, but also other organs.

Allergic manifestations on the hands

How do condom allergies manifest?

1. Painful cramps in the abdomen.
2. Redness, rashes on the palms, wrists, and other parts of the body.
3. Intestinal disorder accompanied by stool disorder.
4. Cardiopalmus.
5. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.

At an advanced stage, an allergy to a condom, the symptoms of which are described above, can cause anaphylactic shock . This condition is accompanied by a slow heart rate, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, and suffocation. Anaphylactic shock is life-threatening and can be fatal without immediate medical attention.

How does an allergy to condoms manifest?

Signs of an allergic reaction in men and women have already been mentioned above. But in advanced cases, symptoms can extend far beyond the genitals. The following clinical manifestations are possible:

• increased heart rate;
• rash on hands;
• difficulty breathing;
• swelling of the tongue, lips and larynx;
• stool disorder - diarrhea;
• abdominal pain;
• anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition with a sharp drop in blood pressure and a slow heartbeat.

Fortunately, the symptoms of condom allergy listed above are extremely rare. But they are more likely to develop in women than in men. Since in girls the area of ​​the external genital organs is more actively supplied with blood, and therefore the allergen is better absorbed into the body.

Diagnostic methods

When the first symptoms of an allergic reaction to a condom appear, you should immediately consult a doctor to choose a treatment method. In such situations, you may need to consult an allergist, dermatologist, gynecologist, proctologist, urologist and therapist.

Additionally, diagnostic measures are prescribed:

• radioallergosorbent and enzyme immunoassay;
• Analysis of urine;
• study of leukoformula;
• determination of histamine release.

Skin tests are also carried out, allowing the specialist to study the body’s sensitivity to latex, silicone and other substances. This can only be done by a doctor in a medical facility.

If it is determined that the provoking factor is a person’s genetic predisposition, it will be necessary to reconsider their diet. Foods can cause irritation, rashes and itching in allergy sufferers. The list of prohibited foods includes chocolate, cocoa, bananas, tomatoes, oranges and any other citrus fruits: pomegranates, grapes, peaches, kiwi.

Doctors' recommendations

Condom irritation can occur in both men and women. The first thing doctors recommend doing in this case is to replace the contraceptive. If the symptoms of a negative reaction do not decrease, we are talking about latex intolerance. If the irritation disappears, the problem is an allergy to the lubricant.

Basics of treatment of allergic diseases

Treatment methods:

• complete exclusion of any contact with the allergen - latex condoms are not used;
• use of hypoallergenic condoms;
• use of latex-free products;
• use of antihistamines.

Hypoallergenic condoms are effective means of barrier contraception that do not cause irritation. For their manufacture, polyisoprene or polyurethane is used. They are resistant to various cosmetic substances and allow the use of oily lubricants - Vaseline, cream, oil, which do not reduce the contraceptive effect.

Latex-free condoms do not affect sensation or sensitivity during sexual intercourse. Their disadvantages include the fact that non-latex condoms are quite difficult to find on sale, and their cost is several times higher than classic ones.

If the cause of the allergy is lubricated condoms, they must be replaced with products from other brands. Also, allergy sufferers should not experiment with various flavored or colored contraceptives, which in most cases cause hypersensitivity.

The most effective and appropriate antihistamines are selected only by a doctor, after carefully studying the clinical picture of the disease. The most commonly prescribed are Zyrtec, Citrine, Erius or Claritin.

When thrush is detected, antifungal drugs are prescribed - Livarol, Terzhinan, Pimafucin. Vaginal suppositories Lactobacterin or Vagilac will help normalize the vaginal microflora.

Ointments, solutions, and lotions with anti-allergenic, regenerating, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects are used as topical medications. These include Sinaflan, Sudocrem, Fenistil-gel. Such remedies will not help to get rid of allergies forever, but they will improve a person’s well-being.

Allergy prevention

In case of hypersensitivity or inconvenience of condoms without spermicidal lubricant, you can use other means of contraception - intrauterine device, spermicides.

To prevent an allergic reaction, it is best to buy only condoms made from high-quality materials from reputable manufacturers. You should not purchase contraceptives in subway passages, at the market or in stalls. It is unlikely that they were stored in suitable conditions. The best option would be to purchase from a pharmacy chain. It is imperative to check the expiration date of the contraceptive.

Every couple cares about the comfort and safety of intimate relationships. If you identify an allergy to condoms, you should not postpone a visit to your doctor, who will select the most effective treatment methods. And a huge range of barrier contraception available in pharmacies will help avoid unwanted pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Prevention

If an allergic reaction does occur, you can use other methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy. These could be oral contraceptives, an intrauterine device, or chemical spermicides.

Don't skimp on protective equipment. Cheap condoms bought at a stall or market are unlikely to have been properly stored or made from quality materials. Such products can behave unpredictably and cause a negative reaction from the body, so it is better to give preference to condoms sold in pharmacies.

In any case, protection from sexually transmitted infections and protection from unwanted pregnancy are two important aspects in the life of people who are sexually active. Therefore, if any problems arise in the intimate sphere, do not hesitate to contact a specialist who will tell you how to solve the problem.

The question of whether there can be an allergy to condoms is often of interest to women who experience discomfort after intimacy using this contraceptive. In fact, this type of allergy exists, is quite common and can even have serious consequences. Let's look at why and how allergies to condoms manifest themselves in women.

Causes of allergies to condoms

Often, the body’s specific reaction to condoms is due to the fact that latex, a substance obtained from certain plants, is now used to make these products. In people prone to allergies, when this component comes into contact with the tissues of the body, the latter perceives it as an aggressive substance, which it begins to fight.

Since many other products are made from latex (gloves, enemas, elastic bandages, balloons, etc.), similar reactions can be observed upon contact with them. Also, if you are allergic to condoms, or more precisely, to latex, the body also exhibits inadequate reactions to certain fruits and vegetables:

• bananas;
• kiwi;
• peaches;
• melons;
• tomatoes;
• avocado, etc.

This is explained by the fact that latex and these fruits contain the same type of protein.

But an allergy to condoms can be associated not only with the body’s reaction to latex. Allergic manifestations are often provoked by other substances used in the production of these products: lubricants, flavors, etc.

Symptoms of an allergy to condoms

Typically, allergy manifestations occur after repeated contact with the allergen, several minutes or hours after intimacy. The list of standard symptoms includes:

• itching, burning in the genital area;
• redness, swelling, rash on the genitals;
• copious vaginal discharge or, conversely, excessive dryness.

Manifestations from other organs that are not directly in contact with the allergen may also be observed:

• runny nose;
• swelling of the airways;
• lacrimation;
• tachycardia, etc.

Treatment of allergies to condoms

Usually, with an uncomplicated form of allergy, it is enough to exclude contact with the allergen. If an allergy occurs specifically to latex condoms, it is recommended to use products made from other materials in the future or change the means of protection altogether. In more severe cases, drug therapy may be required using:

• antihistamines;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• corticosteroids.