CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Contraception - Management
How should I advise someone with suspected allergy or sensitivity to male latex condoms?
- For someone (either partner) with suspected allergy or sensitivity to latex:
- Confirm the cause if genital irritation appears to be associated with condom use.
- Check the type of condom being used and if is prelubricated with spermicide — reactions to spermicide are more common than reactions to latex.
- Advise the person to use condoms made from polyurethane or synthetic polyisoprene. Deproteinized male latex condoms can also be considered.
- Consider skin latex sensitivity tests and/or specific serum IgE antibodies against latex.
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement