condoms.... PLEASE HELP!!!!?

Question

I am a 18 year old lass and recently found out that i am allergic to condoms... im really paranoid that i will never be able to use one again... PLEASE HELP!!!!

Answer 1

Use lamb skin condoms.

Answer 2

Okay, first dont panic.

Second, what type of condom were you allergic to?

There are 3 main types of condoms:
1) Sheepskin (bad bad bad, never use it, too porous, STDs just pass right through)
2) Latex (non-porous, so prevents both pregnancy and disease, but can produce a nasty reaction if youre latex sensitive or latex allergic)
3) Polyurethane

So if you dont have the condom box in front of you, next time youre at the drugstore, find the one that you used and read what it was made of.

My guess, it was latex.

So if thats true, you have a latex allergy, and you will have to note that on your health chart and to every doctor you go to, to prevent serious anaphylactic shock

If you are allergic to latex, then buy the Polyurethane condoms.

But, lets say, the worst is true, and you just cant use ANY condoms.

Still no reason to panic. There are many other alternatives to pregnancy and STD prevention. Yes the condom is the best, but there are others.

First, it just means that if you cant use any type of condoms, you will need to be able to be more selective on who you sleep with, you will want to be able to trust them 99 percent (never can trust 100 percent) that they wont cheat on you while you are with them AND that you and your partner always go for STD testing before any form of sexual activity is begun. And then you repeat this every 6 months.

Then you consult your Ob-Gyn for alternatives, such as the IUD, Cervical Cap, Diaphragm, Spermicide, etc. There ARE alternatives, dont worry.

Answer 3

You are probably allergic to LATEX condoms, this is good to know because as you get older, give birth to children, get surgery, whatever you will need to know this so we can provide a latex free environment for you at the hospital.

I used to date a guy who was allergic to latex, we used the polyurethane condoms and they worked great. They are a little bit looser, not quite the snappy rubber band tightness of the latex variety but studies show they are just as effective in preventing pregnancy and transmission of bacteria and viruses, however they have not had specific studies about HIV viruses that I know of.

I liked the polyurethane, I found they felt better for both partners, a better fit and transmitted warmth better than the constricting latex variety.

There are also lambskin condoms however these are hard to find and do not prevent disease, only pregnancy. I wouldn't use these unless you are married and don't want to try any other contraceptives at all.

Info about polyurethane here:
http://www.latexallergyresources.org/ResourceManual/Section9/latexCondoms.cfm

A new non-latex condom being developed:
http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/journals/3304501a.html

There are also female condoms which are difficult to put on (IMO) and a little noisy (like a rustling plastic bag) and messy (everything just sort of falls out when you dismount, lol) but some women I've met swear by them. These are also available in polyurethane:

http://www.tshc.fsu.edu/he/HIV/condom_connection.htm

If you are single and would like to use condoms, make sure you buy a few different brands of the polyurethane condoms to try them out and carry one in your wallet (like the guys do) so you'll never be caught unprepared. If you are allergic to latex, you should not use latex condoms again because these allergies can get much worse as exposure continues. Meaning they start out with a little bit of itching and rash and if you keep using latex, can progress to anaphalactic reactions (trouble breathing, throat swelling), also latex sensitive people can also be sensitive to kiwis, chestnuts, bananas and rubber products.

Answer 4

You are probably allergic to latex. They make other condoms that are not made out of latex just for people like you. Polyurethane condoms like Durex Avanti will work for you. You could also use the ones that are made out of sheepgut, but they don't prevent HIV transmission, so I don't recommend them. The Durex Avantis are pretty nice.

Answer 5

You are not allergic to condoms, you are allergic to Latex. This is the stuff most condoms are made of. But there are alternatives, latex-free condoms. You pharmacist or doctor can advise you.

Answer 6

what you are allergic to is latex, there are condoms out there that are made of other materials. call your local office or get on the Planned Parenthood website, they'll be able to help with brands that don't use latex

Answer 7

Go to a pharmacy and ask to speak with the pharmacist on a personal matter and tell them what your situation is and they will be able to help you with what you can use. It is a service that is available and is free for the asking. Now, go see that pharmacist and have a good time and stop worrying.

Answer 8

You are probably allergic to the latex. There are latex-free condoms now, I would try that. Good luck!

Answer 9

Don't have sex till you are married that is the safest way. You are too young for sex anyway and you should consider what is more important your health or having sex. I had to weight 25 years without sex and now I am married to the one Iove. You don't have to have sex to brag around your friends.Unless you plan not to marry you should know that there are condomes with different material. You should ask your OBGYN about that. Beside that always remember to ask for a test result of that person that you have sex with regardless if you are using condome or not. Don't have sex with him before he shows you proof. If he cares about you he will do it without doubt. If not, skip to the next one. Ain't nothin worth it to put my life in jeopardy. Take care.

Answer 10

Maybe you should try going on the pill. I know that it wont protect you from STDs but it might be the only thing