I am so happy that you have asked this question. Yes, it is true that many individuals experience allergic
reactions to the latex used in condoms and some sex toys. Let me try to explain this issue further. Latex
is properly used to describe products made from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree (Hervea brasiliensis).
Allergic reactions seem to be against proteins naturally present in latex sap. However, people can also have
allergic reactions to derivatives or synthetic versions or even entirely different materials. Unfortunately,
with all the new materials out there, it can often times be very difficult to know whether or not you will
have a reaction. Typical symptoms include skin irritation and/or breathing difficulties.
Most people actually diagnose themselves, as you have, once they start to notice a pattern of physical reactions
to latex-based products. However, there are some tests available to test for this allergy more specifically
(with skin prick testing being the most sensitive). In this procedure, latex is introduced into the skin in small
quantities at a pinprick site. Positive results are seen if swelling or reddening of the skin occurs and these can
be graded according to size. The problem with skin prick testing is that testing has to be performed with the allergen
against which the person is allergic. To avoid this it is also possible to use a blood sample taken from the patient
and tested for the presence of certain antibodies specific to latex. Alternatively, if you are not sure how you might
react to a product, you can try to expose a non-sensitive portion of your body to it for a brief moment and see if
you have a reaction.
People who are most at risk for latex allergies include those who develop sensitivity to it after repeated exposures
(e.g., health care professionals, cafeteria workers, janitors, people who have had many surgeries, etc.). Also, people
who have asthma and those with allergies to grass pollens (also known as hay fever) or other allergies, particularly to
foods such as bananas, avocados, kiwi, and chestnuts are frequently cross-reactive to latex because the proteins of these
foods are very similar to those in latex.
With that said, there are several ways to “get around” latex when it comes to sex. Search for non-latex condoms. Those made
of lambskin or polyurethane may be good options for you. Just remember that there is no conclusive data that either of these
materials will protect against sexually transmitted diseases to the degree that latex will. You will need to consider this
issue seriously and talk with your partner about safer sex issues prior to using these products.
As far as sex toy options, there are a variety to choose from. While you may have luck with hard plastics, they may not be as
safe to use as products made of other materials such as glass,
lucite, acrylic or
metal. While silicone has been
advertised as a safe alternative to latex and is often considered to be hypoallergenic you should still be cautious if you have
a known allergy to latex. Many products that claim to be made of silicone are actually simply silicone *based* (often made of a
substance known as TPR) and may contain materials you may be sensitive to.
(Editor’s note: At MyPleasure, only those products made of 100% surgical grade, pure silicone are labeled as such)
As always, if you have other questions or concerns, you should consult with your medical doctor. Latex allergies are very real
and can often be dangerous. If you are not sure, avoid any material that has any chance of containing it. Luckily, that still
leaves you with many fun options for a happy, healthy and enjoyable sex life!
