As bizarre as it may sound, if you’re practicing safe sex, condoms are probably your best bet and trustworthy friend; not taking anything away from your partner, of course. But here’s what you probably didn’t know until now – condom allergies are a thing and a real problem a lot of women face regularly. Most women might not even know about it when it happens to them and let nature takes its course to heal. But, if you’ve ever faced any of these symptoms earlier, you might be having an allergy to condoms! Here’s how you can find out…
1. Have an itch or burning sensation after every you’ve had protected sex?
You should notice this for about two to three times to check if your itch or burning sensation only starts after having sex with a condom. Analyse this, but always make it a point to wash and pee after you have sex.
A good vaginal wash (Rs 630 on Flipkart) will help you keep your vagina clean and dry.
2. Does it only happen when you’ve had sex with a condom?
Does the burning or itch only start when you’ve had sex with a condom and not when you’ve had unprotected sex? Find out the difference and make a note to yourself to analyse this.
3. Are such allergies only caused because of latex condoms?
Yes, mostly it’s the protein ingredient that is used in the making of latex condoms that reacts with the skin causing irritation, dryness, rashes and itchiness.
Try these non-latex condoms from Kamasutra (Rs 285 on Flipkart) to find a solution to it!
4. Is it the same as a yeast infection?
Most women mistake a condom allergy for a yeast infection but they’re both actually quite different in nature. A yeast infection is caused because of antibiotics – that may have killed the good and bad bacteria in your body. Condom allergies on the other hand have similar symptoms but are caused as a reaction to the friction during sex.
Try a lubricant (Rs 585 on Nykaa) the next time you have sex to make your sexy time in bed even better!
5. Do you need to consult a doctor?
Yes, especially if the problem persists or worsens every time you have sex. It is absolutely crucial that you show yourself to a doctor, take adequate medication and recover. You can also consult a specialist to know other methods of contraception and protection to practice.
6. What’s the worst that can happen?
Other than the itch, dryness, rashes and burning sensation; severe symptoms could include redness around your vagina, wheezing, feeling light headed and even having a difficulty in breathing. Though, these are really rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
7. What is the solution?
Try using water-based, or lambskin condoms. You can also try other methods of contraception like regular, steroid free birth control pills to see what works best for you. If it’s not severe and you haven’t been able to conclude, you can try replacing dotted condoms to plain ones to see if that’s causing more harm than pleasure!
GIFs: Tumblr
