Girlfriend allergic to latex

[metaldeathhorse]

So that means no latex condoms, and I just wanted to know if there was any difference in quality between rubber/latex/any other material condoms are made out of? Such as like, failure rates and breaks?

[pontiacdriver]

So that means no latex condoms, and I just wanted to know if there was any difference in quality between rubber/latex/any other material condoms are made out of? Such as like, failure rates and breaks?

You raise an excellent question as latex allergies are a very real problem when it comes to sexual intercourse. Polyurethane condoms appear to be as good as their latex counterparts, but it is clearly mentioned on the package that tests are still being done on polyurethane condoms to ensure that they are just as good as their latex counterparts. Basically, using polyurethane condoms are a good form of protection, but don't think that they are completely equivalent to latex condoms until more tests are done on them. In short, definitely use a polyurethane condom for protection at very least, but make sure your girlfriend is on birth control to be safe.

As for breaking and quality, polyurethane condoms appear to be pretty good, and the only thing that is still in doubt is failure rates.

Another option which you have is using animal skin condoms such as lamb skin condoms as marketed by Trojan. Those condoms usually are not latex based and are all right for those folks with latex allergies. However, animal skin condoms DO NOT protect against STDs and only prevent pregnancy. The failure and breakage rate of such condoms are equivalent to their latex counterpart as long as you are just using it for pregnancy protection and not to avoid STDs.

[BuryYourFlame]

Is there a reason why you specifically want condoms? The pill is another effective way if you are only trying to prevent pregnancy.

[metaldeathhorse]

Is there a reason why you specifically want condoms? The pill is another effective way if you are only trying to prevent pregnancy.

Well, I've known she was allergic to latex for a while now, was too lazy to do my own research on it, and figured I'd give you guys something to do. I was just curious as to whether latex condoms were superior to their non-latex counterparts. I'm not sure about the pill as that has to be prescribed by a doctor from what I understand. I'm not too worried about STD's, though, as she is, from what she's told me, a virgin. However, you can never be too cautious with anyone, so I think if, later on in the relationship, we were to have sex, I would probably go with a polyurethane condom. Plus I think animal skin condoms would kind of freak her out a bit :P And thanks for the helpful information guys.

[pontiacdriver]

Well, I've known she was allergic to latex for a while now, was too lazy to do my own research on it, and figured I'd give you guys something to do. I was just curious as to whether latex condoms were superior to their non-latex counterparts. I'm not sure about the pill as that has to be prescribed by a doctor from what I understand. I'm not too worried about STD's, though, as she is, from what she's told me, a virgin. However, you can never be too cautious with anyone, so I think if, later on in the relationship, we were to have sex, I would probably go with a polyurethane condom. Plus I think animal skin condoms would kind of freak her out a bit :P And thanks for the helpful information guys.


Just as a FYI you should visit the following links about latex allergies which will help you avoid latex related things so that you don't cause issues for your girlfriend:

1) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/98-113.html
2) http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/latex-allergy/DS00621/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
3) http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/latexallergy.stm

I managed to find a brief extract off the FDA website which compared the protection offer by latex and polyurethane condoms, and it appears that both types of condoms are pretty equivalent based on the following study: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/forum02/a035rpo.htm Since your girlfriend has a latex allergy the only two options you have are polyurethane condoms or animal skin condoms. As for animal skin condoms they actually look just like a normal condom, and they definitely won't freak your partner out. I think Trojan markets a NaturalLamb condom which provides the same level of protection against pregnancy only as a latex condom. However, keep in mind that lamb skin condoms DO NOT protect against STDs at all. If you are looking for STD protection but are having sex with a person with a latex allergy, then go with the polyurethane condoms as those give you the best of both worlds as they protect against fluid borne STDs as well as pregnancy. Lamb skin condoms only protect against pregnancy and nothing else. In short, polyurethane condoms are equivalent to their latex counterparts, and they are a safe bet to use if your partner has a latex allergy.

Assuming that your girlfriend is a virgin, then she really should have a check up with her gynecologist before getting sexual active with you. Many girls in their mid to late teens start seeing a gynecologist anyway, and by the time a girl turns 18 she has to see one sooner rather than later. You are correct that birth control is only available by prescription, but your girlfriend still needs to have someone to whom she can go if she encounters complications or problems after having sex with you. At least if she starts a relationship with a gynecologist now, then she can leave a message for her/him should she need emergency birth control or has any other issue. Also, keep in mind that not all girls who are on birth control take it to avoid pregnancy. Birth control is also used to regulate periods and even to treat acne in some cases. As a result, it is for both of your benefits for your girlfriend to start a relationship with a gynecologist.

[metaldeathhorse]

Just as a FYI you should visit the following links about latex allergies which will help you avoid latex related things so that you don't cause issues for your girlfriend:

1) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/98-113.html
2) http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/latex-allergy/DS00621/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
3) http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/latexallergy.stm

I managed to find a brief extract off the FDA website which compared the protection offer by latex and polyurethane condoms, and it appears that both types of condoms are pretty equivalent based on the following study: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/forum02/a035rpo.htm Since your girlfriend has a latex allergy the only two options you have are polyurethane condoms or animal skin condoms. As for animal skin condoms they actually look just like a normal condom, and they definitely won't freak your partner out. I think Trojan markets a NaturalLamb condom which provides the same level of protection against pregnancy only as a latex condom. However, keep in mind that lamb skin condoms DO NOT protect against STDs at all. If you are looking for STD protection but are having sex with a person with a latex allergy, then go with the polyurethane condoms as those give you the best of both worlds as they protect against fluid borne STDs as well as pregnancy. Lamb skin condoms only protect against pregnancy and nothing else. In short, polyurethane condoms are equivalent to their latex counterparts, and they are a safe bet to use if your partner has a latex allergy.

Assuming that your girlfriend is a virgin, then she really should have a check up with her gynecologist before getting sexual active with you. Many girls in their mid to late teens start seeing a gynecologist anyway, and by the time a girl turns 18 she has to see one sooner rather than later. You are correct that birth control is only available by prescription, but your girlfriend still needs to have someone to whom she can go if she encounters complications or problems after having sex with you. At least if she starts a relationship with a gynecologist now, then she can leave a message for her/him should she need emergency birth control or has any other issue. Also, keep in mind that not all girls who are on birth control take it to avoid pregnancy. Birth control is also used to regulate periods and even to treat acne in some cases. As a result, it is for both of your benefits for your girlfriend to start a relationship with a gynecologist.

Wow. That's an abundance of helpful information, my friend, and I thank you for it.