Am I allergic to sex toys?

The History of Latex and Sex Toys

Latex is no longer the primary material choice for manufacturers when they consider the development of new sex toys. Improvements in manufacturing processes, material advancements and an increased demand for higher quality toys has led the industry away from latex and towards higher quality materials like Cyberskin, UR3, Jelly and a few advanced, hypoallergenic polymer materials. Latex does have a few dvantages over other materials, however. For example, it's inexpensive and easy to mold, and is a good choice for lower quality, cheaper sex toys.

There is a trend toward higher quality toys, but latex seems to be digging in its heels a bit and sticking around -- there are some popular latex dildos that have been around for years. The Emperor Dildos are a good example. These are popular toys because they're relatively cheap, and they look and feel realistic. However, if the Emperor series were just an idea on a sex toy designers drawing board they would probably be made of a more modern material. Most of the latex toys around today have been around for many years.

Latex Allergy Symptoms

As mentioned above, symptoms of latex allergies include itching, burning and swelling. It can also include nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes. In rare cases, symptoms can also include shortness of breath and vomiting. Most often, if symptoms are severe it indicates a long-term exposure to latex or previous reactions to latex. If you're concerned that you might be allergic to latex there are some common questions that Doctors usually ask:

1. Do you have a history of hay fever, asthma, eczema, allergies or rashes?

2. Are you exposed to any products that contain latex, including gloves, at work?

3. Have you ever had an allergic reaction to something in your work environment?

4. If you have had a rash on your hands after wearing latex gloves, how long after putting on the gloves did the rash develop?

5. Have you ever had swelling, itching, hives, shortness of breath, cough or other allergic symptoms during or after blowing up a balloon, undergoing a dental procedure, using condoms or diaphragms, or following a vaginal or rectal examination?

6. Have you ever had an allergic reaction of unknown cause, especially during a medical or dental procedure?

7. Are you allergic to any foods, especially bananas, avocados, kiwi or chestnuts? Do you experience rash, oral itching, swelling or wheezing when exposed to these foods?

The previous questions are intended for informational purposes. A diagnosis is only made by a combination of history and immunologic testing. If you suspect that you may be allergic to latex you should discontinue all contact with latex products, including sex toys, and see your Doctor or an Immunologist.

Alternatives: Latex-free Sex Toys

It may be obvious, but it's worth saying that if you're concerned about the potential for latex allergies, know that you're allergic to latex, or suspect that you might be allergic to latex you should avoid contact with latex. Fortunately, avoiding latex doesn't mean avoiding sex toys altogether. In fact, there are many alternatives to latex. We've listed a few of the most popular ones below.

Plastic Sex Toys

Plastic is a popular material, especially for vibrators. It's durable, transfers vibrations well and plastic vibrators are available in an almost infinite number of shapes, sizes and colors. Unlike latex toys, plastic sex toys are typically hard and inflexible, so if you're looking for a direct replacement for latex you might want to try one of the more realistic materials.

Silicone Sex Toys

Silicone is a high quality material that can be exposed to chemicals and even boiling water without effect. Silicone is soft and supple, hypoallergenic and is a good substitute for latex. The only downside is that silicone tends to be more expensive than many other materials.

Jelly Sex Toys

Jelly is a common sex toy material. Jelly is popular because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to manufacture and comes in virtually any color. It's also soft and flexible, the degree of which depends on the manufacturing process, and is a good material for lifelike toys.

Cyberskin Sex Toys

Cyberskin was developed as a response to an increasing demand for realistic sex toys. Cyberskin looks and feels similar to human skin, and allergic reactions to it are extremely rare.

Glass Sex Toys

Glass as a sex toy material is a recent phenomenon and has become a popular "specialty" material. Glass dildos are available in brilliant colors and beautiful designs, and although they are on the high-end of the price range glass dildos or glass vibrators last a very long time and can be sterilized with boiling water or chemical cleaners with no ill effects.