Condom allergy: symptoms and what to do

Condom allergy generally occurs due to an allergic reaction caused by some substance present in the condom, which may be latex or lubricant components that contain spermicides, which kill sperm and give them smell, color and flavor.

This allergy can be identified through symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling in the private parts, which in some cases are associated with sneezing and coughing, and can appear 12 to 36 hours after contact with the latex or other substances in the condom.

To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, urologist or allergist to carry out tests, such as an allergy test, and treatment consists of using condoms made from other materials and, in cases where the allergy causes very strong symptoms, this may be indicated. the use of anti-allergy, anti-inflammatories and even corticosteroids.

Condom allergy symptoms

The main symptoms of condoms are:

• Itching and swelling in private parts;
• Redness of the skin;
• Peeling of the groin skin;
• Constant sneezing;
• Tearing eyes;
• Throat with a scratchy sensation.

When the allergy to condom components is very strong, the person may have a cough, shortness of breath and the feeling that the throat is closing, and if this happens it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately. In other cases, hypersensitivity to condoms appears after a long time, after using this product several times.

Symptoms of condom allergy are more common in women, as the mucous membranes of the vagina facilitate the entry of latex proteins into the body and they often experience vaginal swelling and itching because of this.

Furthermore, when these symptoms appear, it is important to consult a gynecologist or urologist, as these symptoms often indicate other health problems, such as sexually transmitted infections. Learn about the main sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Online symptom test

To find out the chances of having an allergy, please select the symptoms you present:

This test is only a guidance tool and, therefore, is not intended to provide a diagnosis or replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.

What to do

For people who are allergic to latex in condoms, it is recommended to use condoms that are made with other materials, such as:

• Polyurethane condom: it is made with a very thin plastic-like material, instead of latex and is also safe against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy;
• Polyisoprene condom: It is made from a material similar to synthetic rubber and does not contain the same proteins as latex, so it does not cause allergies. These condoms are also safe in protecting against pregnancy and illness;
• Female condom: This type of condom is generally made from plastic that does not contain latex, so the risk of causing allergies is lower.

There is also a condom made from sheepskin and does not contain latex in its composition, however, this type of condom has small holes that allow bacteria and viruses to pass through and therefore do not protect against diseases.

Furthermore, the person is often allergic to lubricant or condom flavoring products and, in these cases, it is important to choose to use condoms with water-based lubricants that do not contain dyes. Furthermore, if the allergy has caused a lot of irritation and swelling in the private parts, the doctor may recommend anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory medications or even corticosteroids to improve these symptoms.

How to confirm allergy

To confirm the diagnosis of condom allergy, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, urologist or allergist to evaluate the symptoms, examine the allergic reaction on the skin and request some tests to confirm which condom product is causing the allergy, which could be latex, lubricant or substances that give different smell, color and sensations.

Some tests that may be recommended by the doctor are a blood test to measure specific proteins produced by the body in the presence of latex, for example, called specific serum IgE measurement against latex. O patch test is a contact test in which latex allergies can be identified, as well as latex allergies. prick test, which consists of applying substances to the skin for a certain time to check whether or not there is a sign of an allergic reaction. See how the prick test is done.