The New Intimacy

Can't Use Many Forms Of Birth Control - Other Options?

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Contributor: Envy Envy
So I've recently found out why I have eczema on my hands, I have a rubber allergy. We use both latex and polyurithane gloves at work, and no matter what i use i get breakouts on my hands, mostly my fingers. I haven't tried nitride gloves yet, though, will be getting some soon to try.

Anyway, due to this, it seems condoms will be a no-go for me. I'm not having sex and so not using them, so I guess it's better to find out through my hands than through my pubes, right? But I run into other problems now as well. These are the problems I have:

1) allergy to various rubbers so can't use condoms
2) can't use any hormonal birth control due to bipolar medication (it says in the pamphlet it makes it less effective and dosages have to keep getting tampered with)
3) I am allergic to all metals internally save for silver and gold, found this out through various earrings, so no copper inserts for me
4) Spermicide irritates me a lot

What other options do I have? I could try lambskin condoms but they don't protect against STDs and I heard they stretch and get loose, which sounds very bad indeed.

I am making an appointment with my OBGYN to see what other options I have, but I can't think of any. Help!
01/04/2012
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Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
I have most of the same issues. How odd. I have issues with latex and spermicide. I'm Bipolar so I have the med problem like you. No metal issue, but all the rest of them!

I use Implanon. I don't think it's made of metal but I'm not 100% sure on this. I have been told the amount of hormone in it is fine to use with my medications. Had it about a year with no issues!
01/04/2012
Contributor: Beck Beck
That does sound like it would be hard to find something. I was going to recommend Silicone Diaphragm, but that won't protect you from STD's either, it sounds like you are making the best call by making an appointment.
01/04/2012
Contributor: Envy Envy
Yeah, but the appointment won't be until Feb when i have my PAP. I need to watch my spending and such with the copays, but I think I'll also go to get tested for various allergens as well.
01/04/2012
Contributor: Coralbell Coralbell
There are non-latex condoms that aren't made from lambskin. They're made from polyisoprene or polyurethane. Would you be able to use those? If so, check out Durex Avanti, Trojan Supra or Lifestyles Skyn.
01/04/2012
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by Coralbell
There are non-latex condoms that aren't made from lambskin. They're made from polyisoprene or polyurethane. Would you be able to use those? If so, check out Durex Avanti, Trojan Supra or Lifestyles Skyn.
I think I am allergic to those, too. We use both those and latex at work, no matter what i use I break out.
01/04/2012
Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
(Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by Beck
That does sound like it would be hard to find something. I was going to recommend Silicone Diaphragm, but that won't protect you from STD's either, it sounds like you are making the best call by making an appointment.
I agree on the silicone diaphragm, but only if you're fluid bonded with someone.
01/04/2012
Contributor: <3BF <3BF
A couple options I know of...

1. lambskin condom: link

2. Withdrawal: link

3. Might find something here: link

Planned Parenthood actually says withdrawal is 96% effective if done correctly, which, believe it or not, is MORE effective than a female condom, and only slightly less so than a male condom (95 and 98 percent respectively). If done incorrectly it's not that good though lol.
01/04/2012
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by <3BF
A couple options I know of...

1. lambskin condom: link

2. Withdrawal: link

3. Might find something here: link

Planned Parenthood actually says withdrawal is 96% effective if done correctly, which, believe it or not, is ... more
I don't think I'd trust anyone enough for the withdrawal method and sadly neither protect me against STDs, something I am VERY worried about contracting. With how rampant they are now, you can't be too careful!
01/04/2012
Contributor: <3BF <3BF
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
I don't think I'd trust anyone enough for the withdrawal method and sadly neither protect me against STDs, something I am VERY worried about contracting. With how rampant they are now, you can't be too careful!
No, I def agree with you there. I meant if you were only thinking of preventing pregnancy. That method does nothing to protect from STD's
01/04/2012
Contributor: Cherry21 Cherry21
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
So I've recently found out why I have eczema on my hands, I have a rubber allergy. We use both latex and polyurithane gloves at work, and no matter what i use i get breakouts on my hands, mostly my fingers. I haven't tried nitride gloves yet, ... more
I'd just ask your doctor. Plus, theres so many different forms of birth control pills, one might be able to work with your other meds. And, I've never used them, but have heard of them, have u checked out female condoms?
01/04/2012
Contributor: Coralbell Coralbell
Quote:
Originally posted by Envy
I think I am allergic to those, too. We use both those and latex at work, no matter what i use I break out.
Oops, sorry! I missed where you said the polyurethane gloves make you react. I didn't know somebody could be allergic to that. I don't know much about female condoms, but they are probably made from the same thing, so you wouldn't be able to use them either. Unfortunately, condoms are the only method that prevents STD's, so even if you find something to prevent pregnancy you'll still have to worry about that.
01/04/2012
Contributor: Envy Envy
I know, condoms are the only things to prevent it. And i really don't want to be fluid bonded with someone until I've been with them a long while and due to being cautious and the like.

I called and asked for a referral to see an allergen specialist, now I just need to wait for them to get back with me to see if I am approved.

And yeah, you can be allergic to it, too. Or at least i guess so. I've used both gloves and there's no change. I thought it was the chemicals we use at work, but I've worked with bare hands and the chemicals for a while until they started saying we HAD to wear gloves. Never had any breakouts on m y skin until then. I have yet to try nitrile gloves, but that doesn't exactly work as a condom. XD
01/04/2012
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
Do cervical caps contain rubber?
01/05/2012
Contributor: bayosgirl bayosgirl
If you plan to be monogamous, the Rhythm/Natural Planning method is reported to work well. Of course, nothing is foolproof, but if you're willing to commit the time necessary for planning and STD's are not an issue it's a decent method. I've always used a combination of withdrawal and/or condoms with my partners.
01/05/2012
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by bayosgirl
If you plan to be monogamous, the Rhythm/Natural Planning method is reported to work well. Of course, nothing is foolproof, but if you're willing to commit the time necessary for planning and STD's are not an issue it's a decent method. ... more
I do plan to be monogamous, but I want to wait a bit before doing anything with a guy then if i have all these 'issues' and hoops i have to go through to make sure I am safe sexually. I don't want to be fluid bonded to every guy i go with unless I know for sure it's going to work out, and I don't think many guys would stick around for it, but i guess if they don't, not worth my time, eh?

But i really do not want STDs and even more, i never want children, but doctors won't sterilize me no matter how much i request it.
01/05/2012
Contributor: Silverdrop Silverdrop
You can use a double condom method, with the traditional condom on first, then the lambskin condom on over that, so that you're protected from STDs, but the condom material isn't contacting you.
01/05/2012
Contributor: Coralbell Coralbell
Quote:
Originally posted by Silverdrop
You can use a double condom method, with the traditional condom on first, then the lambskin condom on over that, so that you're protected from STDs, but the condom material isn't contacting you.
Is that safe? I have always heard that using multiple condoms increases their chances of breaking.
01/05/2012
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by Coralbell
Is that safe? I have always heard that using multiple condoms increases their chances of breaking.
Double bagging (using two condoms) can increase the friction between the condoms during sex which can make them more likely to break. However, Planned Parenthood has an interesting commentary on this practice, which you can read here on page four.
01/05/2012
Contributor: Beck Beck
There does not seem to be anything for those with rubber and latex allergies. From what I have read online, sounds like they better get to making something, I am sure you are not the only one.
01/05/2012
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by Beck
There does not seem to be anything for those with rubber and latex allergies. From what I have read online, sounds like they better get to making something, I am sure you are not the only one.
I hope so as well. We're left out of the loop it seems. I'll be going to an allergy specialist to make sure this is exactly what I'm allergic to, though, and what specific ones i am allergic to. It might even be the powder in them? But I heard it was just plain cornstarch? No idea.

i am *hoping* it's just latex, then i should be able to use the poly rubbers just fine. Hard to tell at this point with how it is on my hand with what's aggravating it now or not. i switched to straight up poly for now to see if there's any other changes as i would switch back and forth depending on what we had in stock. But I think a test would be most accurate.
01/05/2012
Contributor: Silverdrop Silverdrop
I just read this review by someone who also has allergy and hormone problems, for a condom made of polyisoprene. I hope it helps.
01/07/2012
Contributor: Envy Envy
Quote:
Originally posted by Silverdrop
I just read this review by someone who also has allergy and hormone problems, for a condom made of polyisoprene. I hope it helps.
Thank you for showing me that, it might work for me.
01/08/2012