There was a time when having a latex allergy would automatically keep one from the single greatest creation in human history. As far as safe sex went, latex condoms were the Citizen Kane of contraceptives. Lambskin condoms, while effective against unwanted pregnancy, seemed almost quaint as awareness of HIV(AIDS) pushed “rubbers” onto the national stage during the late eighties (not to speak of what all you vegetarians must be thinking right now).
For the latex impaired, there seemed few places to turn.
But then, in late 1994, Durex introduced the first male polyurethane condom, the Avanti. In addition to being hypoallergenic, the publicity campaign touted its many other virtues… Odor free; clean, neutral taste; far superior for conducting heat, and resistant to the otherwise corrosive effects of oil-based lubricants. All topped off with a stamp of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), declaring that polyurethane condoms are just as effective as latex in the prevention of both pregnancy and HIV(AIDS).
Yes, those with latex allergies were quick to rejoice. In fact, those who had no need for latex alternatives were also eager to invite themselves to the party, despite the fact that brands such as the Avanti could fetch as much as three times the price of a Latex condom. The biggest selling point? According the Durex brochure their "revolutionary new material" was "double the strength of latex, therefore… can be made much thinner to give you the most natural feeling."
These days, while the party is certainly not over, its tune has changed substantially. As early as January 1995, the FDA was asking Avanti to remove a statement on the foil packaging claiming that it was “effective against pregnancy, HIV(AIDS) and STDs.” This was due to studies by the National Institutes of Health, which found that the Avanti was more susceptible to breakage than your average latex condom.
The fact is, polyurethane is stronger than Latex… as a material. And it is just as effective at blocking the spread of HIV(AIDS)… as a material. However, what polyurethane has in strength, it lacks in elasticity (a latex condom can be stretched out about 800% before breaking) . Its inability to stretch makes a polyurethane condom (a) more likely to break and (b) more likely to fall off, as it must necessarily be made larger, in order to accommodate a variety of sizes. Therefore, as a device, the polyurethane condom is less effective than a latex condom in the prevention of HIV(AIDS).
So, while a Latex condom can give you effective odds of success (98% is the going rate), it is far more difficult for the makers of the Avanti to find an average that fully encapsulates the relationship between the material and its intended use. There’s only so much room on the packaging, and it’s a little hard to specify what kind of lovemaking, level of lubrication, speed and duration will produce the safest results.
Please note, this is not a direct condemnation of Durex. As the pioneers of the Avanti, and as the most prominent company to release such a condom, they were simply the first to stumble upon the perils and pitfalls of polyurethane before anyone else. Shortly after its release over a decade ago, the Avanti box was modified to read: "The risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS (HIV infection) are not known for this condom."
Nor is this a denunciation of the polyurethane condom in general. Both the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still consider them to be highly effective; however, they recommend that polyurethane condoms be used strictly by those who are allergic to latex.
For those who believe they are allergic to latex, do not be so quick to switch over. What appears to be an allergic reaction to your average latex condom may be something of a different nature. For example, most condoms come packaged in a water-based lubricant. Such lubricants contain glycerin, which also cause allergic reactions, as well as yeast infections in a minority of women. Avanti condoms use a silicone based lubricant (also hypoallergenic), so any change noticed after switching over doesn’t explicitly suggest a latex allergy. Buy a non-lubricated latex condom, some silicone-based lube, and if it works out, then stick with the latex.
As for those who are allergic to latex, do not feel inhibited by caveats intended for the remaining 97 to 99 percent of the population. Nor should you concern yourself that the added caution needed for polyurethane condoms will dampen your sexual experience. The simple purchase of a condom is already a cautionary action. Using extra lubrication, paying closer attention during intercourse, experimenting with different brands; these are ultimately positive initiatives of any sexual experience.
For the latex-intolerant, or otherwise.
-Contributed by Lucky Saurelius.