Good Vibrations Magazine

From GV’s Info Desk: Sexual Health/Product Info

Did you know that your body can develop sensitivity to latex products? Many folks who have used latex barriers for years without any problems may one day discover that now, all of a sudden, when using latex dental dams, gloves or condoms they develop a rash, or skin irritation of some sort. What a drag, huh? Well, luckily there are alternatives available so you can continue having hot, safe sex.

We’ve heard lots folks say they are “allergic” to latex. For folks who are truly allergic, their reaction will manifest itself in extreme ways, like anaphylactic shock. For most folks, their reaction to using latex can manifest itself in a skin rash and/or vaginal irritation or yeast infection. This is a latex sensitivity. For many people, sensitivity tends to be specific to that part of the body. So doctors and nurses who develop sensitivity to latex gloves won’t necessarily have reactions to condoms (unless they touch them with their hands).

Be mindful of whatever it is that your body may be reacting negatively to. Perhaps it is not the latex, but the lubricant that you are using that’s causing problems. Glycerin, a common ingredient in many water-based lubricants, can be the culprit of vaginal irritation for lots of women. If you’ve concluded that it is, indeed, the latex that your body is rejecting, don’t fret—polyurethane barriers are a great alternative.

In the United States there are, unfortunately, few polyurethane condoms on the market. But having a few is better than having none, right? Durex brand makes the condom, Trojan makes the Supra condom, and then there’s the Female Condom. Polyurethane conducts body heat much better than latex and can be a great alternative for folks who complain that using condoms “desensitizes” them. Many folks claim that polyurethane barriers feel much more like a second skin than latex barriers.

Lambskin condoms are another alternative; however, lambskin condoms are only preventative against pregnancy, not sexually transmitted infections. This is because they are semi-porous enough so that bodily fluids and viruses can be transmitted but not sperm.

The Trojan Supra used to only be available with spermicide, but fortunately they finally started manufacturing it without it. Spermicide is a harsh chemical detergent that has historically been used in conjunction with contraceptives. Studies have shown that over prolonged use of spermicide, it winds up breaking down the walls of the vagina and/or rectum making your body more susceptible to STI transmission than it would have had you never used it. Many reproductive health organizations do not promote the use of spermicide, and if you are prone to sensitivities anyway, it’s a strong possibility that you would have a negative reaction to spermicidal products.

Both the Trojan Supra and Durex Avanti are average-sized condoms. The polyurethane used in the Supra is visibly thinner with more elasticity. The Female Condom is an insertable barrier that can be used vaginally or anally. In fact, the Female Condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before you are sexually active. Many men like the Female Condom because it is not a sheath surrounding their penis, and because they can feel more.

Although all of these condoms are pre-lubricated with silicone-based lubricant, it is highly advised to use additional lubricant to decrease the chances of the condom breaking and to increase sensation. If you are prone to sensitivities already, you will probably want to avoid lubricants that contain glycerin and parabens, as many folks with sensitivities have a negative reaction to these ingredients. Pleasureglide, Sliquid Silk, and Sliquid H20 are all excellent lubes with minimal chemical content.

So what do you do when you’re about to go downtown? Sure, if you’re feeling crafty you can take a condom, cut off the top, then slice it up the side to create a safe barrier for oral sex…also known as a dental dam. For those of you who want a latex-free dam already made, there’s the polyurethane Hot Dam. Unfortunately you can’t just go to your local drug store and buy dental dams. This makes it even more difficult to access dams for those under 18 who cannot go into adult stores yet. Luckily, there is a safe barrier for cunnilingus and analingus that’s super cheap, covers a large surface area, and can be found at any local grocery store…plastic wrap! Of course, you want to purchase the kind that does not have visible holes in it. Plastic wrap is great…it’s inexpensive, see-through, easy to find and comes in lots of colors!

Lastly, let’s talk about digital penetration (a.k.a. “fingering”). Another material that gloves can be made out of besides latex and polyurethane is nitrile. Nitrile gloves are commonly used in the medical world for people who are sensitive to latex. Since gloves are not pre-lubricated, it is highly recommended to put lube on the inside and outside of the glove to heighten sensitivity. You can purchase nitrile gloves at many drug stores and medical supply stores.