Symptoms that they have in common include headache, fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and sore throat. Latex allergy, caused by exposure to latex condoms, is probably the most common cause of allergic reactions during sex. Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to substances in natural latex. The most common reason is either an STI or an allergic reaction. Some people experience itchiness, redness, or swelling after using a condom. If they have been exposed to an allergen, they should self-inject the epinephrine while waiting for emergency help to arrive. The name for this is latex-fruit syndrome. What Are The Symptoms Of A Latex Allergy? Repeated exposure can worsen these symptoms: 1. Low blood pressure 6. The reasons for this phenomenon are different, as are the ways to get rid of it. Anyone who is sensitive to an ingredient in a lubricant or spermicide should look for products that do not contain the ingredient. Find out about male and female condoms and how to use them. As with any type of allergy, the first exposure to latex allergens usually does not cause any reaction. Your reaction can become worse with each additional latex exposure. A person should contact emergency services immediately if they or someone around them experiences anaphylaxis. We’re not sure why latex allergy has increased, but it’s likely due to increased usage and sheer exposure. A latex condom allergy can be tough to diagnose, Maureen Whelihan, M.D., an ob-gyn at the Center for Sexual Health & Education, tells SELF. People who regularly work with latex products have an increased risk of developing a latex allergy. This can increase the risk of infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and STIs. for an immediate injection of epinephrine, the Mayo Clinic says. We also discuss treatment options and when to see a doctor. If you have a severe allergy, it’s important to tell your family, any work or school officials who should know, and health care providers, and to have an action plan in place that clearly spells out what to do if you’ve been exposed to latex, the AAAAI says. Latex allergies develop gradually through repeated exposure to latex products. Wheezing 4. Manufacturers use latex in a variety of medical and commercial products, including condoms. Chest tightness 2. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spermicide is a form of birth control that prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Also, some condoms are made from materials other than latex, such as polyurethane or lambskin. Latex is a fluid that comes from rubber trees, which is where most natural rubber is derived, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAAI). If a person does not receive treatment for an infection, it may spread and lead to long term complications, such as infertility. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe according to the type of reaction one develops to the substance. The redness and swelling may cover more parts of your body, and you may have crusty sores or blisters. The body’s immune system makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. These allergies can significantly affect a person’s sexual experience. A person can have an allergic reaction after touching latex products or inhaling latex particles. Some lubricants also contain spermicides. Natural rubber latex contains proteins that can cause allergic reactions. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Aphantasia: The inability to visualize images, The Recovery Room: News beyond the pandemic — January 8, COVID-19: Research points to long-term neurological effects. Your immune system, which controls how your body defends itself, overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) that can react with contaminating proteins found in latex. If we’re talking typical use (which considers human error, like putting a condom on incorrectly), 21 out of 100 people with uteri will get pregnant each year when using internal condoms, and 18 out of 100 will get pregnant each year when using external condoms. Two types of non-latex condoms exist as options for those allergic to latex. A doctor can perform tests to confirm whether a person has a particular allergy. ), this health condition can be tricky to diagnose. “It’s not extremely common, but it does happen,” women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, M.D., tells SELF. In a 2018 study, researchers found that spermicide-containing lubricants can disrupt the structure of vaginal tissue cells. It actually means that your skin is sensitive to latex, a natural substance made of the milky sap of the rubber tree. If a person has an allergic reaction after using a condom, latex may not be the culprit. The common symptoms associated with condom allergy include, Itching in the vagina soon after a sexual act using condom. Lambskin condoms: These are made from sheep intestines, per the Cleveland Clinic, so they won’t trigger a reaction in people who are allergic to latex. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, symptoms of anaphylaxis include: The symptoms of anaphylaxis occur suddenly and can progress rapidly. Condoms and diaphragms are often made out of latex, which is a substance which can create an allergic reaction in some people. The following are the most common identifiers that you may be sensitive to latex. Cough 4. Polyisoprene condoms: These are made from synthetic rubber, which can be helpful if you have a latex condom allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sneezing 6. These IgE antibodies react with latex proteins and cause allergy symptoms. Have had symptoms of an allergic reaction-- like a skin rash, hives, eye tearing or irritation, wheezing, itching, or trouble breathing -- when exposed to latex or a natural rubber product In the case of condoms, it can vary. A reaction depends on how sensitive you are to latex and the amount of latex you touch or inhale. There is no cure for a latex allergy. These can cause skin irritation in some people. For what it’s worth, having a latex allergy can cause issues with using latex gloves, rubber bands, and balloons, but this allergy tends to get the most attention when it comes to using safe-sex products like condoms. Ad Choices, Here's Exactly How to Know If You’re Allergic to Latex Condoms. So people with spina bifida (who are often exposed to latex), health care workers, those who have been through several surgeries or medical procedures, and rubber industry workers are at the highest risk of having a latex allergy. In severe cases, they may even be life threatening. Synthetic condoms, made with polyurethane, are deemed to be as safe as latex condoms … Symptoms of an infection, such as an STI, can include: A doctor can identify the underlying cause with a physical exam and diagnostic tests. A condom can prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Keep in mind that dental dams are also often made out of latex, so they can also cause latex allergy symptoms. Although rare, many people do suffer from an allergic reaction to latex condoms or spermicidal lubricants, which can result in mild to severe symptoms.. You could also consider taking a sitz bath, as in, dunking everything below your hips in lukewarm or cool water to help ease irritation around your vagina or vulva. Symptoms of a reaction to latex include skin irritation, rash, hives, runny nose and difficulty breathing. The best research available, including a study from the National Institutes of Health, suggests that when using internal condoms perfectly every single time, 5 out of 100 people with uteri will get pregnant each year as opposed to the 2 out of 100 who will get pregnant each year when using external condoms perfectly. A mild allergic reaction to latex can cause immediate symptoms, such as: Symptoms of a moderate reaction to latex include: A person with a severe allergy may experience a life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. If you can see your doctor while you’re having a mild reaction, the Mayo Clinic says that’s even better—it can help with your diagnosis. Here are some alternatives: Polyurethane condoms: Made from thin plastic, these offer similar protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections as latex condoms, the Mayo Clinic says. Despite what you may have heard, a latex condom allergy is a real thing—it’s just not super common. Fever does not occur with allergies but is one of the defining symptoms of COVID-19 infections. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention. Latex allergy can also lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. A latex allergy means that the immune system reacts strongly to any product containing latex. Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2019. The more you are exposed to latex, the higher your chance of becoming allergic. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The allergic reaction can vary in severity, causing a wide range of symptoms. Allergic reactions to latex could affect both the male and female coming into exposure with the latex condom. Latex proteins and substances in lubricants and spermicides can all cause allergic reactions. © 2021 Condé Nast. If you're allergic to latex, you're likely to have symptoms after touching latex rubber products, such as gloves or balloons. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, Latex Allergy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV Risk Reduction Tool, National Institutes of Health, Contraceptive Failure in the United States, How to Know If You Should Talk to Someone About a Low Sex Drive. Allergies to latex condoms occur in both men and women. But if you’re having a reaction to a latex condom you can also have symptoms in and around your vagina. Symptoms of latex allergy These can contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive genital tissues. Symptoms of Latex Allergy. Latex allergy symptoms usually show up in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach, or on the skin, the AAAAI says. Urticaria or skin rash/ hives 2. A person can choose from a wide range of methods to avoid pregnancy. Latex allergy (Type I) symptoms range from skin irritation to respiratory symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis – and there’s no way to predict which will occur if exposed. A latex allergy is exactly what you’d expect: an allergic reaction caused by an exposure to latex. That would be rare, but needs immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, internal condoms have slightly higher failure rates than external condoms. The body’s reaction occurs to the material from which contraceptives are made. Keep reading to learn exactly how to figure out if you have a latex condom allergy, plus which latex-free options are available to you instead. The antibodies then travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction in your body. She received a double B.A. Because latex condom allergy symptoms can be similar to other issues down there (hello, yeast infections! Runny noseAnaphylactic reactions consist of these symptoms: 1. Just a heads up: There seems to be a link between having a latex allergy and reactions to certain foods, like avocados, chestnuts, kiwis, and bananas. The symptoms can vary greatly in severity. 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