An allergy to condoms can be a serious threat to your sexual wellness and wellbeing, but how would you know if you suffered from such a thing? Around one percent of the population, a latex allergy is a very real concern, and makes having safe sex a much more difficult prospect.
Even people who do not start out with a latex allergy can develop one in later life after being exposed to latex on a frequent basis.
According to experts, allergies to condoms are caused by latex in general and also by an allergy to the protein that is used to make the latex into condoms.
Those who suffer from a condom allergy will also find that they are sensitive to other products containing latex, such as urinary catheters, syringes and latex gloves. It is therefore a common allergy for people who work in the health field, as they can develop a sensitivity after handling these products numerous times.
People who have a latex allergy can also find that they are sensitive to certain foods that contain a similar version of the protein, such as bananas, avocados, tomatoes, chestnuts and kiwis.
If you think you have an allergy, you should also attempt to find out whether it is the latex that you are allergic to, or the spermicide in the condoms, as some people can be allergic to this rather than to the actual condom.
One thing you could try, if you experience symptoms of an allergy during intercourse, is switching to a brand of condom that does not contain a spermicide, or contains a different type of spermicide. This allergy is less common than a latex allergy, but it can cause similar symptoms such as painful blisters, abrasions and swelling of the genital area.