Latex allergy - meaning and definition
Alsolatex sensitivityallergic to latexlatex-free condomsnon-latex condoms
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
A latex allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in natural rubber latex, a material used in many condoms, gloves and dental dams.
At a glance
- Latex allergy is an immune reaction to proteins in natural rubber latex.
- Latex is used in many condoms, gloves and dental dams.
- Reactions range from local itching or swelling to, rarely, serious whole-body reactions.
- Non-latex condoms made from polyurethane, polyisoprene or nitrile are widely available.
- Lambskin condoms prevent pregnancy but do not protect against infections.
In detail
Reactions range from itching, redness or swelling where latex touched the skin to, rarely, serious whole-body reactions that need emergency care. Irritation after sex can also have other causes, such as lubricants, spermicides or infections, so it is worth getting symptoms checked.
People with a latex allergy can still use barrier protection. Condoms made from polyurethane, polyisoprene or nitrile, internal condoms and non-latex dental dams are widely available. Lambskin condoms prevent pregnancy but do not protect against infections.
In a sentence
- I told the nurse about my latex allergy before she put on gloves.
- Since my latex allergy was diagnosed I buy polyisoprene condoms instead.
Common questions
Can people with a latex allergy use condoms?
Yes. Condoms made from polyurethane, polyisoprene or nitrile, internal condoms and non-latex dental dams are widely available and still protect against pregnancy and many infections.
Is irritation after sex always a latex allergy?
Not necessarily. Lubricants, spermicides or infections can also cause irritation, so it is worth getting symptoms checked by a clinician or sexual health clinic. Signs of a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing, need emergency care.
Related terms
Sources
- MedlinePlusLatex Allergy
- NHSCondoms