Planned Parenthood

Someone asked us:

I can’t seem to find information on this…but I’m allergic to latex, and someone told me that using non-latex condoms will give me a higher chance of std’s, etcetera (I am already on birth control). Would you know what type of non-latex would be the best for protection against std’s/sti’s?

If you’re allergic to latex, you can use condoms made out of plastic instead. When you hear “plastic condom” you might be imagining something resembling a water bottle — but condoms made out of plastic look and feel pretty much exactly like latex condoms, and some are even thinner. They’re also just as effective at pregnancy and STD prevention as latex condoms.

There are two types of plastic condoms — ones made of polyurethane, and ones made of polyisoprene. Non-latex condoms are available in many of the same places you can find latex condoms, like drug stores, grocery stores, and health centers.

People who are allergic to latex can also use condoms made of animal tissue for birth control (like lambskin condoms), but animal tissue condoms don’t offer very good protection against STDs.

And you don’t have to be allergic to latex to use polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms — anyone can use them! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t try all sorts of condoms to find what works best for you. Read more about condoms.  

-Nina at Planned Parenthood