Are non-latex condoms safe?

Latex has long been considered the “norm” when it comes to condom materials. This natural rubber made from the sap of the rubber tree is stretchy, non-porous, and effective at helping to prevent pregnancy and the spread of STIs. Unfortunately, it’s also a very common allergen. An estimated 4% of the population is allergic to latex, and reactions can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.¹

Non-latex condoms were developed as an alternative for those with latex allergies. These condoms, commonly made from polyisoprene, polyurethane, and nitrile, offer many of the benefits of latex condoms without the high potential for allergic reactions. But many are left wondering, are non-latex condoms safe?

In this guide, we explore the different materials used in non-latex condoms, their efficacy, and more to determine the safety of these latex alternatives.

What are the main barriers used in contraception?

When it comes to contraception, there are a number of different barriers to choose from. These include:

External condoms: When you picture a condom, you’re likely picturing an external condom. These are condoms designed to cover a penis and prevent sperm from entering the vagina. External condoms are available in latex and non-latex materials.
Internal condoms: As an alternative to external condoms, internal condoms go inside the vagina. They’re much like a bag that’s used to catch sperm and any other bodily fluids.
Spermicide: Spermicide is a chemical that prevents sperm from reaching an egg by impairing its ability to swim and blocking the entrance to the uterus. It’s inserted into the vagina prior to sex.

Additional barrier methods, like a sponge, a diaphragm, and a cervical cap, have declined in popularity in the modern era.

Comparison between the different non-latex materials

For those who choose to use external condoms, there are a number of non-latex options to pick from. Let’s take a closer look and determine whether non-latex condoms are safe.

How effective is polyurethane?

Polyurethane condoms are made from an extremely strong type of plastic known as polyurethane. On the plus side, polyurethane’s strength means condoms made from this material can be extremely thin without compromising its effectiveness for a barely-there feeling.

When used correctly, polyurethane condoms can be 98% effective—but this doesn’t always happen. Polyurethane is much less stretchy than latex and other rubbers. Because of this, polyurethane condoms tend to have a looser fit, making them more prone to slippage or breakage than other condoms. According to one study, polyurethane condoms either broke or slipped off 8.5% of the time, whereas latex condoms only did 1.6%.²

How effective is polyisoprene?

Polyisoprene is a synthetic rubber that’s quite similar to latex without the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Polyisoprene condoms are approved by the FDA for the prevention of both pregnancy and STIs. In most tests, polyisoprene condoms performed nearly identically to latex condoms in terms of slippage rate and breakage rate. Generally speaking, this non-latex condom is as safe as latex.

How effective is nitrile?

Nitrile, another type of synthetic rubber, has historically only been used for internal condoms. However, Durex recently launched the first and only nitrile external condom on the market. Nitrile can be a preferable material for many reasons. They’re comfortable, soft, and extremely good conductors of body heat for a more intense, more pleasurable feeling.

Compared to latex, nitrile condoms are just as safe, making them a viable alternative for those with a latex allergy.

Conclusion

If latex condoms aren’t your thing, you’re in luck. There are several non-latex condom alternatives that are just as safe, comfortable, and pleasurable—if not more. Explore Durex Intense nitrile condoms to experience a barely-there feeling, so all you feel is your partner.

References

Wu M, McIntosh J, Liu J. Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem? J Occup Health. 2016 May 25;58(2):138-44. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5356959/
Frezieres RG, Walsh TL, Nelson AL, Clark VA, Coulson AH. Evaluation of the efficacy of a polyurethane condom: results from a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Fam Plann Perspect. 1999 Mar-Apr;31(2):81-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10224546/