Itching , irritation , difficulty breathing , … We agree, it is not normal to feel this kind of discomfort during sex . So why do you feel bad? It may be because of the condom you have chosen, or rather the main product of which it is made: latex . This material is indeed a source of allergies for some people, 10% to 20% of the French population according to surveys. Fortunately, if you are one of that slice of people, there areadequate solutions to avoid allergies . So you and your partner can have a safe and fully protected good time.
Where does latex come from?
The latex comes from the rubber tree: Hevea brasiliensis . To be more precise, it is contained in the sap of this tree which is extracted through bloodletting . Through various processes, mainly coagulation or treatment with chemicals , this sap is transformed into various everyday products . Thus, coagulation makes it possible to obtain, for example, tires and shoe soles . And the treatment with chemicals gives us the gloves and the condoms .
Why is latex an allergen for some?
In fact, it is not latex per se that is an allergen . The main culprit is the protein in the sap. It is in contact with it that individuals at risk show symptoms . Indeed, during the processing of the sap of the Hevea in condom (or gloves ), this protein is very little distorted , little decomposed. This exponentially increases the dangers .
Latex allergy: What are the symptoms?
In the majority of cases , allergic reactions caused by latex are mild . However, in some cases , they can be dangerous and lead to serious situations such as breathing difficulties . If any of the following symptoms occur during intercourse including using a latex condom , contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Skin reactions:
These are the most common symptoms . After putting on the condom, then during the act, you feel itching and / or a burning sensation . The rash can also appear around the private parts area and irritations are felt. These reactions are more or less easy to manage. But in slightly more severe cases, latex allergy can lead to the development of eczema .
Respiratory problems:
Like most allergens , latex can cause parts of our body to swell . When this happens, you face difficulty breathing . The swelling actually clogs your respiratory cavities and can cause you to have an asthma attack . You may also have rhinitis , and even conjunctivitis .
Allergic reactions type 1:
These reactions are the rarest , but also the most dangerous . Indeed, like an allergy to bee stings , they can cause anaphylactic shock , or even immediate death .
What are the alternatives to have safe intercourse?
The specialists have developed latex condom to allow everyone to enjoy safe sex .
Polyisoprene latex-free condoms:
The polyisoprene is a synthetic form of latex . Synthesized by chemists, it is devoid of the proteins responsible for allergic reactions . One of the best known condoms to be made from this material is Durex Nude Latex Free 8 Condoms . This one is popular because it is extra thin and feels skin-to-skin . In addition, it is very flexible .
Neoprene condoms:
Also created synthetically , neoprene is a material resulting from polymerization . It is also appreciated for its elasticity and resistance , similar to latex, although it does not contain any.
Polyurethane condoms:
Made synthetically , polyurethane is surely the best material for making latex-free condoms . For good reason, the resulting condoms are extra thin , odorless , and ultra resistant . And for information, this material is also used for the creation of condoms for women .
Deproteinized latex condoms:
During the manufacture of these condoms , we removed the protein from the latex which is the source of allergies . At least, it has been diluted with numerous washes of the sap of Hevea brasiliensis . These deproteinized latex condoms can be used by people who have a mild latex allergy . However, you should still be careful and consult your doctor to see if you can use it.
