Condom materials | Apr 06, 2008 |
What materials are condoms made out of?
Most condoms are made of natural latex the major source of which is Rubber tree, or Hevea brasiliensis, a tree that initially grew in the Amazon forest. Now Hevea brasiliensis is being cultivated in South-East Asia (Malasian latex is considered to be the best one). The rubber tree can reach a heigth of over 30 m.
A latex condom consists of natural latex (92 percent) and some other agents (vulcanizers, inhibitors and others) that provide some special and necessary characteristics (durability, flexibility and others).
Latex condoms are considered to be the best ones as these are thin and durable at the same time. However, latex condoms have two disadvantages. First of all latex condoms can be easily damaged by sun light and high temperatures. Secondly, some people are allergic to latex.
Allergy to lubricants (especially colored and flavored ones) can be met much more often. Thus you should try a condom with another lubricant if you experience some discomfort when using a condom. Most probably you will realize you have no allergy to condoms.
Keep in mind, that only water-based or silicone-based lubricants can be used with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants damage latex (as well as sex toys).
What can you do if you have true latex allergy? Latex allergy does not mean you cannot use condoms. First of all, you can use condoms made out of hypoallergenic latex, i.e latex that has less so called complex proteins that cause allergy. Secondly, you can use condoms made out of some synthetic materials, for instance polyurethane.
Polyurethane condoms do not cause allergy. These are not damaged by high temperature and are as durable as latex condoms. Polyurethane condoms can be used with any kind of lubricant: water-based, silicone-based or oil-based. However, polyurethane condoms have one disadvantage - these are much more expensive than latex condoms.
Some condoms are made of natural membranes ( animal skin or intestines). These condoms cannot cause allergy but their effectiveness against sexually transmitted diseases is very low.
