Condoms Are Making Me Break Out with a Terrible Rash, My Husband Too...

Updated on August 05, 2008
K.M. asks from Columbia City, IN
30 answers

Has anyone had the problem of a condom causing a terrible rash in both husband and wife? My situation is this.. I had a miscarriage 8 weeks ago and I need to stay off of birth control for one more cycle before they decide what meds to put me on. I got pregnant while on the pill (yes, it can happen!) Anyway, we aren't opposed to having more kids just want to wait until our 2 little ones are bigger (they are 3.5 and 1.5). So, I need a temporary solution to this rash situation. I am nervous about trying "family planning" because I am not regular at all. I also have a latex allergy so I don't know if that is why I am having problems or if it is the lubricant on the condom. This is embarrassing to ask but hopefully someone can make a suggestion for me. Is there a brand that doesn't cause this problem or another option for me for the next 4 weeks?? We are hoping to start trying again in the spring so I would be fine with not going back on the pill at all if I could not have a terrible rash!!!

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So What Happened?

Wow! I have had a lot of great responses! Looks like I will be stopping by the drug store on the way to work tonight!! Finally, the chance to have more comfort. My hubby will be excited that he may have a more enjoyable time (and me too!)

Thank you for all the suggestions... I feel silly that I didn't realize there were so many options out there. After almost 8 years of marriage this is our first time needing to use alternative birth control. Besides, who wants to stand and study the different types while in wal-mart with a 3.5 and 1.5 year old?!!

Featured Answers

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S.R.

answers from Cleveland on

hi K.
i am also allergic to latex, we use trojan latex free condoms...they break easier than regular condoms so be aware of that. good luck

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

I would go to the drug store and shop around. There are all types of condoms available. If the ones you are using now have latex then it would be the latex that is causing you both to break out. Also, if they are not latex you could be allergic to the lubricant that is used.
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7, and 4.

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J.W.

answers from Dayton on

I believe they have latex free condoms...Take a look out there or if you would rather not look online for options. Good Luck

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K.C.

answers from Elkhart on

We used a certain type of condom a while ago and the lubricant really bothered me. It didn't cause a rash but everything was irritated and inflamed. Lots of fun.
And my sister turned out to be allergic to latex and developed symptoms from it similar to a UTI.
So it can happen, and it does. You might want to do what everyone suggested about finding latex-free condoms and maybe find something that's not lubricated in something crazy.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.S.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Have you tried Lambskin? They are more expensive, but I have a latex allergy also, and have been able to use them. Also, Durex has a Hypoallergenic condom you could try.

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C.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Same thing happened 2 me, except i didn't break out but my husband did! There is a brand of condoms that u can use. The name is failing me right now. I think its diuerex. But n e condoms labeled sensitive should do the trick! I beleive its your allergy 2 latex verses the lubricant. But, i'm not a dr.
Good luck!

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K.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

The rash would be from your latex allergy as condoms are latex. I'm not sure of other options though. :(

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R.T.

answers from Cincinnati on

Well K., I'm thinking the rash IS due to your latex allergy. I'm pretty sure that is what condoms are made of. You might want to check and see if they are made of something different or try a different brand. If all else fails-ask your OB/GYN.
Hope this helps!
R.

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M.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

i am alergic to the spermicide, but isn't there a condom that is not latex? if you are allergic to laytex that is probally why you are breaking out.

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M.A.

answers from Muncie on

Hi,
They do make hypo-allergenic condoms but it may just be that your allergic to latex if you've had issues in the past with it. My husband and I use them from time to time and I've had reactions too. It may just be that your body isn't used to them and it will take a couple od weeks to adjust. I have researched at the drug store and there are oodles to choose from. There is one brand that is still made from sheep skin and sheep intestine for people who are reactive to latex. Good luck.
SAHM of three 14,9,4 vary happily married.

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J.B.

answers from Fort Wayne on

You could try a condom made of I think Lambs skin. They should be with the other condoms they are made for people that are allergic to latex. Other then that the only thing I can think of is the sponge if they still make it, I know that it had been taken off the shelves several year ago, but had heard they had started making it again. Have you asked your doctor about a diaphram? Might be something to look into.

Hope that helps a little.
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.T.

answers from Muncie on

Most condoms are latex and if you have an allergy to latex then that would be the cause. Try looking for non-latex condoms. My husband and I have had luck online, not buying but seeing what other brands were out there. There are also spermicide inserts for women. You could also see about getting fitted for a diaphragm. Though that will require a doctor's visit.

Good luck.

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R.H.

answers from Youngstown on

U R probably allergic, try lambskin condoms...they are pricey, but a good solution.

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S.F.

answers from Indianapolis on

Odds are good that your are allergic to the Nonoxnyl 9. Many women are. It's not actually good for you because it can actually create microscopic tearing of the vaginal walls. Have you considered trying non-lubricated condoms? Then, either make certain that you are very well lubricated naturally, or purchase a water-soluble lubricant.

Oh, and as far as the natural family planning, I'd recommend a good book called "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" before making up your mind. It's a great book.

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

If you have a latex allegery, I'm sure it's that. They do make sheep's skin condoms for people with allergies, but I don't have any idea where you get them. What about a diaphram or IUD?

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G.M.

answers from Fort Wayne on

If you have a latex allergy you should not be using condoms. They are made of Latex! There are some natural condoms out there.

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D.L.

answers from Canton on

my daughter has a latex allergy too. they use non latex condoms .bit more expensive ,but worth it. good luck.

K.P.

answers from Cleveland on

well if you have a latex allergy then that could very wel lbe why there is a rash..i wouldn't think it would be the lubricant because most of them are hypoallergenic for these reasons..try like a lamb or sheepskin condom instead of latex and see if that improves

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J.S.

answers from Terre Haute on

Hi K.,
I have never broke out from a rash from a condom, but I have had gotten my skin and the walls of my vagina had been also been burnt or felt like it was burning. Alot of the condoms have certain lubricants that I am allergic to and could not and can not use. I don't know what is all the ingrediants used on them or in them, but they do cause problems for sensitive skinned people and maybe certain things we can tolorate where other things we can not. That is my guess. Talk to your doctor or read certain packages to see what the ingredients are that they use, if none has ingredients on them, talk to the pharmasist or doctor about them. Good Luck.

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L.H.

answers from Cincinnati on

CVS, Kroger, WALGREENS: any drug store will carry latex free condoms. i have the same allergy. the latex free condoms are definately more expensive. i think you get 3 in a box for about $5- $6 depending on where you get them. but when you are in need of that special evening you wont be complaining about the price. as far as the lubricant, i can only assume it's irritating the latex allergy. if you have the rash from the latex then put ANY lube or lotion over it, it will irritate it even more. hope this helps. L.

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K.H.

answers from Columbus on

Do you really want to use condoms? I say get the NuvaRing. I've been using it for the past year (although, we're ready to start trying again, so i'm off it now).
It's great. 3 weeks in, 1 week out, and you dont have to worry about it. You're covered for the next 4 weeks. You'd need to call your OB for a prescription, but i'm sure they'd call it in to your pharmacy if you asked.
Good Luck! K.

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K.E.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I once had a serious allergic reaction to the spermicide in a condom. Good luck figuring this one out!

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M.M.

answers from Indianapolis on

Try Trojan Supra.They're non-latex.

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S.F.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I would definitely say that you are breaking out due to the latex allergy. Many condoms are made of latex, thus the rash. Your husband may have a latex allergy too. Or... more than likely... your latex allergic reaction may have caused a yeast infection. You can pass that to your husband and vice versa. Thus, I suggest avoid sex until the rash is gone. You should both take an anti-histamine such as Benedryl to reduce the inflamtion and reaction.

I am allergic to latex as well, so I've dealt with these symptoms before. It's also possible you are allergic to the lubricant used in condoms. The lubricant can make the allergic reaction feel worse or hotter.

For birth control, try using a diaphram fitted by your OBGYN and then use a spermicidal gel as well. I know that's a bit old school, but with allergies to condoms and not using the pill, there are not that many other safe options.

Other people have used the patch and the utero devices such as the copper wire and the t-wire... made of another type of plastic that releases hormones. I have friends that have had problems with both, bleeding, polyps, etc. I don't really suggest those until you've exhausted other options.

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A.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

I didn't even have to read your post to automatically think it was a latex allergy. So, you saying it just proved it to me, lol.

There are latex-free condoms on the market. It sounds like both of you have the same allergy, so latex-free condoms would probably be your best option. I'm not sure where to buy them though as my husband and I only use Natural Family Planning as 'birth control.'

God bless and I am sorry for your loss,
A.

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C.W.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi there. Try using lambskin condoms. We use those because I always used to itch with latex ones. Then there are also polyurethane ones which we haven't tried. The lambskin ones are expensive but those are the only ones that work for us.

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L.G.

answers from Cleveland on

I didn't read all the responses, but I wanted to add something. Besides switching condoms, you may also want to check if you have a yeast infection. This could cause the same rash on both of you. You would both need to be treated so that you don't keep passing it back and forth.

Yeast infections don't always have the itching or other normal telltale signs, so I wouldn't rule it out if the latex-free condoms don't solve the problem.

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J.C.

answers from Columbus on

If you have a latex allergy that is most likely the cause of your rash. Condoms are made from latex. You need to be very careful because with each exposure (to latex) the reaction can become more severe, eventually leading to a very severe, life threatening situation. I'm sure there is a company that makes a latex-free condom, maybe try asking the pharmacist. Good luck, with the condoms and the next pregnancy!!

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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Sounds like an allergy of some sort. You can buy condoms that don't have latex in them. I would also watch what kind of lube you're using. I know some can cause rash or allergies. If nothing else, talk to your doc ( a phone call should be sufficient) and see if they can recommend a brand of condoms or lube for you that are hypoallergenic.

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E.M.

answers from South Bend on

We had issues with Latex condems and had to go latex free (lamb or they have somthing else too) that seemed to help alot. It could also be the spermacide on/in the condoms that is giving you both issues. You could always tyr a combination of NFP and he could pull out if you knew you were close to ovulating. NFP is very disciplined and I've done it but you have to take your temp morning before you get out of bed. I do a lazy version and watch for mucus change.

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