Seems I have a slight latex allergy. Yikes!
So I am researching alternate condoms - Trojan seems to be the only company making a lambskin condom - but, so far, they are like triple the price and I can't find them in my local stores. I know they don't protect from STDs (at least the lambskin does not) - but that is not my concern. Middle aged pregnancy is my concern. LOL
I found some polyisoprene condoms, that are non latex? But if they are man made will they still be an irratant? Some things I have read say they may be.
I also use the VCF films with Nonoxynol-9 without any irritation so I don't think it was the Nonoxynol-9 that disagreed with me. Used alone they are fine.
So I think it is the latex.
Anyone use non-latex?
Any suggestions?
Oh, and any suggestions on, um, irritaion relief? I am using the vasigil wipes, but yeah, not so much relief there.
Thanks for bearing with me on this one. Arrgh, late in life love.
Thank you all for the responses - since this a new relationship I don't think I am ready to go the IUD route - tho' we have discussed his getting a vasectomy once we become more permanent. But, if an IUD lasts 10-12 years, and I am already 47, that should take me through menopause right? LOL
Oh, and Dawn- pull out - you are a stronger woman than I :)
Really? We buy lambskin at Walmart. Have you tried looking there? The are expensive, but less then a baby! (I have latex issues, as well)
I bought the lambskin Trojans at Walmart and CVS but not every store does carry them. My doctor actually recommended Durex Shiek brand for my latex sensitivity. I never had any burning or itching with that type and they cost about the same maybe $1-2 more than regular latex condoms. I will tell you my husbands biggest complaint about the lambskin Trojans, they run a bit small. To the point that he said it hurt and afterwards when he removed it, very deep marks were on the base of his shaft and he said he felt like he was wearing a c-ring. (Sorry if that's tmi, just wanted to pass on his warning!)
Why don't you try a persona machine or something similar? They track your cycle and give you a red or green light, or an orange light which means you have to do a urine test. they are at least as accurate as lambskin condoms!
I used a persona in the UK, but I am sure they would have a similar thing over here.
I also have a latex sensitivies and I really like the lifestyles non latex one that still protects against STD's. however, I also found that they are very thin and would break a little more often. For some reason the Durex Sheik condoms didn't bother me as much and I could use those latex ones without problems.
I'm allergic to latex!!!
Boy, howdy... Did I get STD tested a lot until I figured that one out.
Check out www.babeland.com for latex alternatives.
There's usually at least a couple kinds. Lifestyles Skyn is one that I know. Its made of polyisoprene, is softer and thinner, clinically tested as strong, and feels less 'there' than latex ... And does protect from STDs as well as pregnancy. I have a lot of friends FINE with latex that actually prefer these. ((I haven't used condoms in AGES, so this is 2nd hand info... Although I HAVE played with them... Just not put them to use. Cool stuff. $1 each. Not sure how that translates to latex pricing?))
Another thought is a copper IUD. No hormones, no latex (unlike ccaps and diaphragms), good for 10 years, same failure rate as a tubal.
Have you tried an IUD? We tried condoms for a little while after our second baby, and what a pain! I ended up getting an IUD until I got my husband fixed.
So sorry! I haven't personally used them but I have friend who does and she likes the non-latex ones. I am allergic to all condoms so....can't help ya there. But since you are fine with the VCF film, you should be good with the other condoms.
L., I don't know what to tell you about the latex problem, but I admit that I couldn't stand the idea of asking my husband to use condoms after I went off of BC pills. He's in his 50's and I felt it would be too hard on him (no pun intended!)
We did the pull-out method while waiting to determine that I'm in full-blown menopause. That took about a year and a half. Now I know for sure (with blood tests) that I'm not going to have to worry about conceiving, so no more pulling out. (Yay!)
I don't know that this is helpful to you, but this is what I did since condoms weren't really in the cards for us.
Dawn
we pull out. it works for us
No additional suggestions for latex alternatives (except to say lambskin condoms are NOT considered very reliable... they are slightly porous and when you're trying to prevent pregnancy, how much risk are you willing to take?)
For the discomfort, given that it's an allergy, have you tried an over the counter cortisone ointment? I had a similar reaction to a new lube and was miserable until the nurse on call basically said to treat it like any other superficial allergic reaction. You can find a cream in the section with the pink poison ivy ointments, benedryl etc. What a relief. Taking a dose of benedryl at bedtime might help too.
Do you have a steady partner? If so why not just use birth control in forms of pills, or mirena? I hate condoms, they used to rub me raw inside like tinky paper cuts. Doctor advised me to use cooking oil, olive oil, or astroglide for lube and no more problems.
Hi! I just wanted to add that sometimes the irritation that develops can be due to a slight overgrowth of yeast. I would try taking a probiotic to keep your vagina happy and perhaps a benadryl at night for a few days to help with the possible allergy. Wash with water and a mild soap only and steer clear of the vagisil wipes. I have found that the creams and wipes sometimes do more harm than good when it comes to irritation as I have had the same problem.
Congrats on the late in life love!
