How to Practice Safe Sex With a Latex Allergy

A latex allergy can make having safe sex difficult, if you want to use a condom. Latex condoms are the most popular and effective type of prophylactic on the market today. But if you are allergic to latex you don't want to risk your health in order to practice safe sex. Luckily, there are other forms of contraception that don't employ the use of latex.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose a polyurethane condom. They are a good alternative to latex, won't exacerbate your allergy and are just as effective as latex. Lambskin condoms are also an option worth considering if pregnancy is your main concern, as they are not as effective as latex or polyurethane condoms for protecting against STDs, including HIV.
2. Try a female condom. Female condoms are made with polyurethane and are proven to protect against pregnancy and STDs.
3. Avoid unwanted pregnancies by using a sponge, birth control pills or a hormonal patch, as none of them will aggravate a latex allergy. However these methods should only be used alone, when STDs are not a concern.
4. Use a spermicide along with your choice of non-latex protection. A vaginal spermicide when used with a sponge, diaphragm or female condom will provide further protection against both STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
5. Explore alternatives to intercourse. If you can't find a non-latex form of birth control that meets your needs, there are many ways to sexually engage your partner that won't put you at risk for STDs or unwanted pregnancies.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to remember that for any birth control method to provide maximum effectiveness, it must be used consistently and correctly at all times.