How to Diagnose a Lubricant Allergy

By eHow Health Editor

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When things aren't normal with your genitals, it can be painful and embarrassing. While bacteria can cause the problem, it can also be a latex or lubricant allergy. If you're allergic to lubricant, you most commonly have problems in the genital area because of lubricated condoms. Follow these steps to determine if you have a latex allergy, a lubricant allergy or an infection.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Notebook
Pen
Lubricated, latex condom
Scissors
Tape
Polyurethane condoms
Water based lubricant

Step1

Know the symptoms. The vagina can become itchy, swollen or red. Some people may develop a skin rash, dryness or eczema. Balanitis occurs when the penis becomes red, swollen, sore or irritated. Sometimes a lumpy discharge forms under the foreskin. Symptoms tend to be more severe when you have a latex allergy than with infection.

Step2

Get a small notebook and pen and keep them beside your bed. As soon as you experience symptoms, write down what the symptoms are, the severity of the symptoms and any activity you did. Accurate notes can help your doctor determine if you have a latex allergy or another common genital problem.

Step3

Talk to a health professional, especially if the symptoms don't seem to follow a trend, improve in three days or respond to over-the-counter medication. A nurse practitioner, family doctor, urologist or gynecologist can diagnose if you have a latex allergy. They can also give you a prescription if it is an infection.

Step4

Test with a lubricated latex condom. Cut two small pieces of a lubricated latex condom with scissors and tape a different side of the condom to each arm so that one arm touches the lubricated side and the other arm the non-lubricated side. Leave the pieces next to your skin for 48 hours and keep the areas dry. If both arms develop symptoms, you most likely have a latex allergy. A reaction on the lubricated side indicates you have a lubricant allergy.

Step5

Switch products. You can use a polyurethane condom instead of a latex condom. Polyurethane generally won't cause an allergic reaction. Try different lubricants and make notes in your journal of symptoms or reactions. Water based lubricants work well with condoms and may not cause an allergic reaction.