latex vs. non-latex condoms: what's the difference?

The experience of sex should be pleasureable, exciting, and fun for everyone. When shopping for condoms, this is especially important because there are many factors that can impact pleasure for the condom wearer and receiving partner. These often include condom fit challenges, penis sensitivity challenges, and of course allergies. Latex allergies affect up to 6% of people which prevents them from using latex condoms due to symptoms like irritation, rashes, nasal problems, and in severe cases anaphylaxis. Luckily, today condoms come in a variety of styles, textures, sizes, and materials, allowing you and your partner(s) to find a condom that works with your preferences and needs. This blog compares the differences between latex and non-latex condoms, to help you decide which condom is right for you!

Key Takeaways (TL;DR) Latex Condoms or Non-Latex Condoms? 

• Condoms can be made from a variety of materials, allowing you to have the best sex possible and make your selection based on preferences, allergies, and condom fit! Typically, condoms come in latex or non-latex options, like nitrile. 
• When it comes to safer sex, condoms are a great choice as they are the only safer sex method (other than abstinence) that help prevent both pregnancy and STIs. Make sure to check the effectiveness of the material you are using, as it can vary between condom types, and keep in mind that lambskin condoms can only be used to prevent pregnancy and do not prevent STIs. 
• Another consideration is personal lubricant. Lubes and condoms are a great pairing, but making sure that the materials are compatible is incredibly important. For example, latex condoms and oil-based lubricants are not compatible as latex can degrade when it comes in contact with oils. 
• Discovering the type of condom that is right for you is a key part of your sexual journey that can significantly improve your intimate experiences. Read on for the pros and cons of both non-latex and latex condoms.

What Are Condoms Made Of? 

Condoms can be made from a variety of different materials, below are some of the common types of condoms:

Latex Condoms are the most popular type of condom making up around 80% of all condoms. This makes latex condoms widely available and commonly found in-store, online, or at your local clinic. Latex condoms come in studded, ribbed, glow in the dark, flavored, and many other condom styles.

Latex condoms are made from natural rubber latex, which comes from rubber trees. The material is flexible and stretchy. Because rubber is an insulator, latex condoms aren’t the best with body heat transfer. However, ONE® Flex® latex condoms changes the game. By enhancing latex with graphene, Flex condoms are super thin and feature 85% better body heat transfer than regular latex condoms. 

Polyurethane Condoms are a latex alternative that can be used by people with latex sensitivities. These condoms are made from thin plastic and are great for heat transfer. However, one thing about polyurethane is that it is not super stretchy, meaning that some users may find the material too tight or a bit uncomfortable. 

Polyisoprene Condoms are made from synthetic rubber that is used as a latex alternative, and is stretchy and flexible like latex. They are thin for added sensitivity. Because polyisoprene is a synthetic rubber, it can trap in body heat like a latex condom. That means polyisoprene doesn’t provide as much heat transfer as polyurethane and nitrile condoms. 

Nitrile Condoms can be both internal condoms and external condoms. These condoms are known for being thin, flexible, and great body heat transferl Due to the properties of nitrile, the material stretches and conforms to the body for added comfort. Stay tuned for the launch of ONE® Lux® this fall. Lux is a non-latex external condom, made with thin, flexible nitrile that allows you to feel close to your partner(s). 

Lambskin Condoms have been around the longest; however, they have significantly decreased in popularity. One contributing factor to the decline of lambskin condoms is that they do not prevent STIs; they are only effective for preventing pregnancy. This is because the natural animal membrane contains microscopic pores that block large sperm cells but allow tiny viruses and bacteria (such as HIV, Herpes, and HPV) to pass through.

Are Condoms Safe? 

Condoms make sex safer by helping to prevent pregnancy and STIs during sexual intercourse. Both latex and non-latex condoms are incredibly effective for preventing STIs and pregnancy, when used consistently and correctly. To ensure that you maintain the effectiveness of all condoms, only use products that are compatible with the material you are using. For example, avoid using oil-based lubricants with latex condoms as they might break down the latex and cause microtears that can increase the likelihood of possibly transferring bodily fluids between partners. 

Which Lubricants are Condom Compatible? 

Just like condoms, there are many types of lubricants, and they are not all compatible with each other. Below are the types of lubes and which types of condoms you can use with them:

Silicone-Based Lubricant: Compatible with latex condoms, polyurethane condoms, polyisoprene condoms, and nitrile condoms.

Hybrid Lubricant: Compatible with latex condoms, polyisoprene condoms, and nitrile condoms.

Water-Based Lubricant: Compatible with latex condoms and polyisoprene condoms. Nitrile condoms can be used with a lot of water-based lubricants. However, nitrile condoms are not recommended with water-based lubricants containing more than 90% water content (aka super liquidy water-based formulas). 

All ONE® latex condoms are compatible with all ONE® lubricants. The ONE® Lux® nitrile condom is compatible with Move® silicone lubricant, Oasis Silk® hybrid lubricant, and Oasis® water-based lubricant. ONE Lux® is not compatible with ONE® True® natural lubricant.

Pros and Cons of Latex Condoms

Pros of Latex Condoms

Widely Available As previously mentioned, latex condoms make up 80% of all condoms, so of course they are the easiest to find. Latex condoms can typically be found in-store at the pharmacy, online, and even your local clinics! 

Options Galore Not only are latex condoms more widely available, they also come with more options and types of condoms. From flavored to studded to glow-in-the-dark, you can find latex condoms that align with your turn-ons. 

Cost Effective Latex condoms are very low priced often coming in at less than $1 per condom (when purchased in larger packages), making them cost effective and one of the lowest costs for birth control and STI prevention. Latex condoms are also available at many health organizations and clinics for free. 

Cons of Latex Condoms

Allergy Concerns Some people are allergic to latex, so it is important to check with your partner(s) and make sure that they are not allergic to latex before using latex condoms. 

Sensation Concerns Latex condoms are believed to feel less natural because of their insulating properties and thickness. However, in recent years, latex condoms have been able to be made thinner and ONE® was able to take it a step further by introducing graphene to the mix, allowing ONE® Flex® graphene condoms to transfer body heat 85% better than other latex condoms. 

Not Compatible with Oil-Based Products Oils cause latex to break down, which can reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms. So, when using latex condoms make sure to avoid most oil-based products like coconut oil, baby oil, vaseline, etc.

Pros and Cons of Non-Latex Condoms

Pros of Non-Latex Condoms 

More Sensation People often describe non-latex condoms as feeling better than latex condoms because of their skin-on-skin feel. However, as condom technology continues to improve, latex condoms are getting thinner and better at heat transmission everyday, making them more comparable to non-latex condoms in this way. 

Safe for Latex Sensitive Individuals Non-latex condoms allow everyone to practice safer sex, even if they are sensitive or allergic to latex. This is an amazing option, because other than abstinence, condoms are the only safer sex method that prevent against STIs and pregnancy! 

Different Material Options When purchasing non-latex condoms, you are not limited to one material. Non-latex condom materials include, nitrile, polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lambskin (Remember: lambskin condoms do not prevent STIs). 

Internal Condoms Available FC2 internal condoms are made with nitrile. These condoms are insertable into the vagina or anus, and are a great option for many people! 

Cons of Non-Latex Condoms

Less Available While there are an array of non-latex condoms to choose from, they are not as widely available as their latex counterparts. However, they can be found online, in some pharmacies, and you can check in with your local clinic to see what options are available to you.

Fit Issues Some non-latex condom materials, like polyurethane, are less flexible than latex making proper condom fit harder to find. 

So, are Latex or Non-Latex Condoms Better?

There is no magic answer to whether latex or non-latex condoms are a better option, as it can vary from person to person. Some condom considerations are preference based. Are you looking for textures, flavors, and other fun options? Is cost an issue? Latex might be your best bet. However, there are also more severe cases that require people to select a product, like allergies and sensitivities. For example, do you experience hives or irritation when using a latex condom? Non-latex might be a good option to try (consider consulting a medical professional for reactions to confirm an allergy).

Conclusion 

When it comes to condoms, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why here at ONE® we strive everyday to solve condom challenges that our customers face everyday. Whether it’s condom fit challenges, a need for increased sensation, or just a little bit of extra spice…we’ve got a condom for that! And this fall, we’re launching ONE® Lux® condoms. Not only are they non-latex for those with latex sensitivities, it’s a great condom overall. Lux is super thin, lubricated, and has 90% better body heat transfer than regular latex condoms. Stay tuned!

FAQs

Do condoms expire? 

Yes, both latex and non-latex condoms expire. Before using a condom make sure to check the expiration date, typically found on the back of the wrapper. If the condom is out of date, throw it away and use a condom that has not expired to ensure that it is still at its optimal effectiveness.

Can you be allergic to condoms? 

Yes - in a way. You can be allergic to the material that a condom is made with, like latex or polyisoprene. However, there are many types of condom materials you can buy. There is sure to be a condom that you can use without experiencing an allergic reaction.