A: You can have an allergic reaction to condom use. The cause is
a protein in the latex used to make condoms. Allergies to latex
condoms occur in both men and women. Symptoms include a hives-
like rash and itching, dryness and, sometimes, shortness of
breath, welts, and eczema. Latex allergy can also lead to life-
threatening anaphylactic shock. Latex allergies are most common
among health care workers who may have almost continuous
exposure due to wearing latex gloves and working with items such
as urinary catheters and syringes. You're more prone to a latex
allergy if you have other allergies. Overall, estimates of the
prevalence of these reactions range from less than one percent
to six percent of the U.S. population. People who are allergic
to latex also may be sensitive to foods that contain similar
proteins: bananas, avocados, chestnuts, kiwi fruit, and
tomatoes. If you are affected, you can opt for polyurethane
condoms, which protect against pregnancy just as well.
Polyurethane is thin and strong and eff