Nothing ruins a perfectly good time in the sack like burning, itching and irritation down below. No, we’re not talking about symptoms of sexual disease. We’re talking about the unpleasant side effects that are caused by using a condom that irritates your sensitive skin.
Whether you have an undiagnosed latex allergy or your skin is simply reactive to topical products in general, using the right condom for your sensitive skin can be a game-changer for your sex life. Below, we’ll discuss why you have sensitive skin on your private parts before recommending a few of the best condoms for sensitive skin.
Before we get into it, let’s point out a few things about condoms and sensitive skin.
- Latex and chemicals found in condoms may be to blame for itching and burning down below
- Lambskin and polyisoprene condoms are both suitable options for those who are allergic to latex
- The best condoms for sensitive skin are ones that allow you to practice safe sex without sacrificing you or your partner’s pleasure
The Lowdown on Latex
It’s always scary to experience painful burning and itchiness down below. But after ruling out the potential of a STD or even acne on the penis, you may want to take a closer look at the condom you or your partner is using.
TRY MEN’S SKIN CAREMost condoms are made from latex, a natural rubber made from a milky white fluid that is harvested from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The proteins contained in this natural rubber may trigger an allergic reaction in some people, resulting in the following symptoms.
- Hives
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Anaphylaxis (rare)
Luckily, there are condoms that don’t contain latex, which we will discuss below. However, it’s important to note that latex may not be to blame for your negative reaction to condoms at all.
In fact, latex allergies are rather rare. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Occupational Health, only 4.3 percent of the general population is believed to be affected by a latex allergy (see claim: “Reported data suggest that the average prevalence of latex allergy worldwide remains 9.7%, 7.2%, and 4.3% among healthcare workers, susceptible patients, and general population, respectively.”)
So, what could be making your genitals burn and itch after using a condom? It could be a negative reaction to other chemicals that are commonly found in condoms, such as spermicides (chemicals used to prevent pregnancy), parabens and benzocaine.
The bottom line? Read the ingredient list on your condom package carefully and consider using one of the recommended condoms for sensitive skin below.
Here Are the Best Condoms for Sensitive Skin
Choosing the right condom for you and your partner can be tricky, especially if you both have sensitive skin. While we can’t say for certain that these condoms will improve your experience, they’re a good start to finding the right rubber for you.
1. Trojan NaturalambContains Latex: No
If you’re sensitive to latex, look into lambskin condoms. Made from lamb cecum (the pouch that is considered to be the beginning of the large intestine), lambskin condoms such as Trojan Naturalamb are an excellent alternative for those who may be sensitive to latex and other common irritants found in condoms.
Although lambskin condoms are effective at preventing pregnancy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does NOT recommend them for the prevention of STDs and HIV. Thus, lambskin condoms are best used by those in monogamous relationships.
2. Okamoto Usa 004 Aloe Almost Nothing CondomContains Latex: Yes
Tired of putting up with post-sex rash? The Okamoto Usa 004 contains soothing aloe vera to reduce redness and inflammation. It’s also super thin and is the next best thing to wearing nothing. The only downside is that they run a little small and fit too snug for some. If you consider yourself well-endowed, stick to Trojans or another brand that offers larger condom sizes.
3. Lifestyles SKYN Premium Polyisoprene Lubricated CondomsContains Latex: No
Another non-latex condom, SKYN’s polyisoprene condoms are a great safe-sex option for those with latex allergies. Polyisoprene is a synthetic form of latex. It’s made from a lab and contains none of the plant proteins that are known to trigger allergic reactions in latex-sensitive people. SKYN’s Premium Polyisoprene condoms are also free of allergens to reduce reactions in those with sensitive skin.
TAKE THE SKIN CARE QUIZ4. Sustain Natural Latex Condoms
Contains Latex: Yes
Don’t be fooled by the pretty packaging. Sustain Natural provides hardworking condoms that are designed to heighten your sexual experience without all the unnecessary chemicals, fragrances, parabens and animal by-products (yep, they’re vegan-friendly). Marketed as being “vagina-friendly,” these condoms contain ingredients that won’t upset the vagina’s pH balance. Sustain products are also certified fair-trade and cruelty-free, making it a condom you can feel good about in more ways than one.
5. Royal Condoms Premium LubricatedContains Latex: Yes
Another vegan-friendly/cruelty-free option, Royal’s premium condoms with lubrication are pesticide-free and made from organic latex. These condoms contain no parabens or nitrosamine, two ingredients which have raised concerns in the past due to their potential link to cancer. The cherry on top? They’re also extremely affordable for being a luxury brand condom.
Wrapping Up
If you have sensitive skin on your face, you probably use a daily skin care system that’s designed specifically to treat your skin. Why wouldn’t you want to give your nether regions the same courtesy with condoms made for sensitive skin? Once you start using these condoms, you can finally kiss the itching, burning and irritation goodbye.
Reference
Wu, Miaozong, et al. “Current Prevalence Rate of Latex Allergy: Why It Remains a Problem?” Journal of Occupational Health, vol. 58, no. 2, Mar. 2016, pp. 138–44.
