| Q: I'm allergic to latex (and/or my partner is).
What brands of plastic (polyurethane) condoms are available as an alternative?
A: There are currently three readily available brands of
plastic (polyurethane) condom that can be used as alternatives to latex.
Reality 'Female' Condom. The first condom designed to be worn by women
for vaginal sex, it's also easily used by men for anal sex. Made of soft
polyurethane, this product actually offers more protection against pregnancy
and disease because it covers more area and is compatible with water-,
silicon-, and oil-based lubricants. The Reality Condom is available at
our 207 Sanchez St. Office, open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 PM.
Avanti Duron Condom. The first polyurethane condom. It's strong, nonporous
and non-permeable to all viruses and protects against STDs including HIV.
It's hypoallergenic and thinner than latex, so it can transmit more sensation
and warm to the body's temperature unlike latex. It's safe to use with
water-, silicon-, and oil-based lubricants. Because polyurethane isn't
quite as elastic as latex, the Avanti is slightly larger than the average
latex condom. For the record Consumer Reports and the FDA have both reported
that the Avanti breaks more readily than a latex condom, and are recommending
them exclusively for those with latex allergies.
Trojan Supra Condom. The Supra is the first polyurethane condom with a
spermicidal lubricant. Made from a medical-grade, advanced material called
Microsheer, it's ultra-thin, strong and clear (almost invisible), and
has no latex allergens. It's compatible with water-, silicon-, and oil-based
lubricants, has no taste or smell, and can transmit body heat unlike latex.
Supras are also quite a bit larger than the average condom.
DO NOT use lambskin condoms; they do not prevent transmission
of HIV.
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