| Three possibilities come to mind. The first is that you may be sensitive to the lubricant that is used in the condom packaging. If that is the case, changing brands or using an unlubricated condom may solve the problem.
The second possibility is that you may have a vaginal infection. Itching or inflammation of the vagina can be caused by bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or yeast infections.
The third possibility is that you have developed a latex allergy. As people grow older, some do develop allergies to substances that they could easily tolerate when they were younger. People with latex allergies — from two to seven percent of the population — may have skin rashes (eczema), hives, runny noses, or wheezing and difficulty in breathing. Severe reactions to latex include anaphylaxis, in which the throat quickly swells and constricts the windpipe, which may make it impossible for a person to breathe. Early warning signals for anaphylaxis include a tingling feeling, flushed skin, a rash, and dizziness.
Reactions to latex condoms may be immediate or occur up to 12 to 24 hours after contact. The vagina or penis may itch and there may be an itchy, scaly rash that is like poison ivy.
People who are allergic to latex may also be sensitive to bananas, avocados, or chestnuts, which are all related to rubber trees, from which latex is taken.
If it turns out that you are allergic to latex, you can use condoms made out of polyurethane — one brand is Avanti — or the female condom, which is also made out of polyurethane. Both offer good protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection. Some people who have latex allergies use natural membrane condoms — one brand is NaturaLamb. These offer fair to good protection against unintended pregnancy and bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. However, they do not offer as much protection as latex condoms do against viral infections such as HIV/AIDS.
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