Penetrating Questions | Looking beyond latex as a condom choice

Jina Ashline Columnist

I want to use non-latex condoms, but I am not sure of their effectiveness against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and pregnancy because I’ve heard they don’t work as well as latex condoms. Are they safe to use?
—Cautious Condom User

Dear CC,
Oh, condoms! There is so much to learn! Condom use can be traced back to Ancient Egypt where they made their debut as a source of protection against infection around 1000 BCE. Evidence of condom use in Europe was discovered in scenes from cave paintings from between the years 100-200 CE. in Les Combarelles, a long, narrow cave near Les Eyzies in Dordogne, France.

The discovery of vulcanized rubber in the 1800s revolutionized condoms as we know them today.

Frederick Killian of Ohio was credited with initiating the practice of hand-dipping condoms from natural rubber latex in 1919. Latex condoms quickly gained popularity because they have the advantage of longer shelf life and are thinner than condoms made of other odorless materials.

Even though non-latex condoms enjoyed an undisturbed reign of thousands of years, today the practicality and effectiveness of latex condoms has made them the norm. Since latex condoms now dominate the contraception market, people with latex allergies must find other alternatives. For many years, the most common alternative was condoms made from lamb intestines (called “lambskin”), the material from which the first condoms were made.

Lambskin condoms can transmit body warmth and sensation more easily than synthetic condoms can, and the pores are small enough to prevent the passage of sperm. However, there is a greater risk of transmitting STIs with lambskin than with latex because the pores in the material are large enough to allow some infections to pass through, including HIV and Hepatitis B.

In the last few decades, condoms made of polyurethane (a kind of plastic) have been introduced as an effective alternative for people with latex allergies. Female condoms are made of polyurethane as a rule, and polyurethane gloves and dental dams can also be found. In studies, polyurethane condoms have been found to be comparable to latex condoms in both pregnancy and STI prevention. This makes them a more desirable option than lambskin for people with latex allergies, and they are now the most common alternative.

Many people like polyurethane condoms because they have a looser fit than latex condoms, but the downside to this is that there is a greater risk of slippage. In addition, because the material is less elastic and less flexible, they have a higher rate of breakage than do latex condoms. Also, polyurethane condoms are generally more expensive than latex. Despite these disadvantages, both the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend polyurethane condoms for people sensitive or allergic to latex.

People who are not sensitive or allergic to latex should use latex condoms. A doctor can help you determine if you do have a latex allergy, although only two to 10 percent of people do. It should be noted that people sometimes mistake rashes or infections in the genital area for a latex sensitivity, but there could be another source. Discovering the true cause of the irritation is important, so talk to your doctor.

If a latex allergy is a problem and non-latex materials are essential, there are methods that will help prevent breakage of both latex and non-latex condoms. To keep condoms from breaking, make sure there are no air bubbles in the condom by smoothing along the shaft and pinching the nipple-like tip to get all the air out, while making sure that the condom is not pulled too tight (make sure you leave room at the tip for ejaculate). Also, using plenty of lubricant is always a good idea. Many couples are hesitant to use lube, but don’t be scared! Lube can greatly enhance pleasure for both partners.

With latex condoms, you should only use water or silicone-based lubricants (silicone is a little more expensive, but very good) because oil breaks down latex, rendering your condom ineffective.

Remember, Oil + Latex = Disaster! However, with polyurethane condoms, oil-based lubricants can be used. Coconut oil is considered an especially pleasurable lubricant because it is smooth, flavorful and smells very nice.

Regardless of whether you use latex or polyurethane, using condoms correctly for every sex act greatly reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancies and STIs. So, follow the lead of the ancient Egyptians and keep yourself covered!

—Jiná Ashline ’08 is a religion major with a women’s studies correlate. She is also president of C.H.O.I.C.E. Each week she will answer a question about sex and sexuality. Send your questions to jiashline@vassar.edu or by dropping a note in Box 2172.