Condom allergy usually occurs due to an allergic reaction caused by a substance in the condom, which can be latex or lubricant components containing spermicides, kill sperm, and give off smell, color, and taste. This allergy can be identified by symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling of the intimate parts, which in some cases are associated with sneezing and coughing.
To confirm the diagnosis it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, urologist or allergist for tests, such as allergic testing, and treatment consists of using condoms of other materials and, in cases where allergy causes very strong symptoms, this may be indicated the use of antiallergics, anti-inflammatory and even corticosteroids.
- Allergy symptoms may appear immediately after contact with the latex or other condom substances or appear 12 to 36 hours after the person has been exposed to the condom.
- Which may include:.
When the allergy to condom components is very strong, the person may develop a cough, shortness of breath and the feeling that the throat is closing, and if this happens, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately. In other cases, hypersensitivity to condoms appears after an extended period of time, after using this product several times.
Condom allergy symptoms are more common in women because mucous membranes in the vagina facilitate the entry of latex proteins into the body and often have vaginal swelling and itching because of this.
In addition, 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).
To confirm the diagnosis of condom allergy, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist, urologist or allergist to evaluate symptoms, examine the allergic reaction to the skin and request tests to confirm which condom product is causing the allergy, which may be latex, lubricants or substances that give different odors, colors and sensations.
Some tests your doctor may recommend include blood tests to measure specific proteins produced by the body in the presence of latex, for example, called specific serum IgE measurement against latex. The test patch is a contact test in which latex allergies as well as the puncture test can be identified, which involves applying substances to the skin for a while to check for any signs of allergic reaction or not. See how the puncture test is performed.
For people allergic to condom latex, it is recommended to use condoms made with other materials, such as:
There is also a sheepskin condom that does not have latex in its composition, however, this type of condom has small holes that allow the passage of bacteria and viruses and therefore do not protect against disease.
In addition, the person is often allergic to lubricating or flavoring condoms, and in these cases it is important to choose condoms with water-based lubricants that do not contain dyes. In addition, if the allergy has caused a lot of irritation and swelling in the intimate parts, your doctor may recommend anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory or even corticosteroid medications to improve these symptoms.