Latex vs Non-Latex Condoms: Pros & Cons

When it comes to selecting a condom, there are a lot of options to choose from. With choices including traditional latex condoms, as well as non-latex options like polyisoprene, polyurethane, and more, it can be hard to determine which condom is best suited to your needs.

We’re here to help demystify the world of condoms. Read on to learn all about latex vs. non-latex condoms, their advantages and disadvantages, and more.

What are condoms made of?

Condoms are made from non-porous material that helps protect against the transfer of STIs or accidental pregnancy. Throughout the ages, condoms have been made from a range of materials: oiled paper, animal horns, and even tortoise shells. Today, condoms primarily fall into two categories: latex and non-latex condoms.

Common condom materials

Latex condoms are named for their primary material: natural rubber latex. Latex is a naturally occurring rubber that’s made from the sap of rubber trees. Latex is among the most common materials for condoms, but not everyone can use latex condoms due to allergic reactions. For those allergic to latex condoms, there is a different category of condom for protection: non-latex condoms.

Any condom that’s not made of latex is known as a non-latex condom. These condoms may be made of a range of different materials, the most common of which include:

Polyisoprene condoms
Polyurethane condoms
Nitrile
Lambskin

Comparison between latex vs non-latex condoms

Wondering why condoms are categorized as latex vs non-latex condoms? It’s because of a very common allergy known as a latex allergy. An estimated 4% of the general population has latex allergies, with much higher prevalence among those who use latex regularly, like healthcare workers and dentists.¹ For those who are allergic to latex, using a latex condom may cause reactions ranging from mild itchiness to anaphylactic shock.

Non-latex condoms were developed as an alternative solution for those who experience latex allergies. They’re made from synthetic and hypoallergenic materials with a much lower likelihood of causing an allergic reaction.

Advantages of non-latex condoms

In addition to being hypoallergenic, non-latex condoms offer a range of additional benefits as compared to traditional latex options. The other advantages of non-latex condoms include:

Thinner material: When using an ultra-strong material like polyurethane, we can create condoms that are much thinner than latex condoms. This results in more sensation and a barely-there feel.
More heat conductivity: One challenge many find when using condoms is that they limit the amount of body heat passed from one partner to another, which can lessen sensation. Non-latex materials like nitrile have more heat conductivity for a more intense experience.
Biodegradable: For the environmentally conscious, lambskin condoms can be a great choice. These condoms are biodegradable, as compared to latex condoms which take hundreds of years to degrade.

Disadvantages of non-latex condoms

Of course, every material has its downsides. Below are some of the potential disadvantages of non-latex condoms:

Lambskin condoms do not prevent the transfer of STDs: Among non-latex condoms, lambskin stands apart as the only material that doesn’t prevent the transfer of STDs. Though lambskin protects against pregnancy, it is more porous than other materials and can allow bacteria to pass through.
Polyisoprene condoms have unpleasant odors: While latex condoms can smell distinctly rubbery, some non-latex condoms can have other unpleasant smells. Polyisoprene can smell sulfurous.
Polyurethane condoms have a higher risk of slipping off during sex: Polyurethane condoms are plastic, making them less stretchy than latex or other non-latex condoms. Because of this, they tend to be a bit baggier than other types of condoms and can slip off more easily during sex if not fitted properly.

Conclusion

When comparing latex vs non-latex condoms, allergens aren’t the only difference. Non-latex condoms offer a world of benefits, including better sensation, greater lube compatibility, and more. For the best in non-latex condoms, discover Durex Intense nitrile condoms, the first and only male nitrile condom in the world.

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. doi: 10.1539/joh.15-0275-RA. Epub 2016 Mar 24. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5356959/