Polyurethane Condoms: The great alternative to latex

Condoms have long been used as a way to protect against the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as to help prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse. Over the years, different types of condoms have been developed in order to provide both men and women with effective ways to protect themselves while they are having sex.

While latex condoms are still considered the most popular option amongst the different types that have hit the market [1], many people are turning toward polyurethane condoms due to the benefits they offer.

While polyurethane condoms do offer certain advantages over other options, it is also important to consider potential drawbacks of these condoms. In this post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of polyurethane condoms, and we will also consider the best brands that you can choose if you wish to opt for these condoms.

What Are Polyurethane Condoms?

Polyurethane condoms are considered a good alternative to standard latex condoms. As the name implies, these condoms are made from a material known as polyurethane, a material that is known to be strong, as well as thin at the same time.

In addition to the strength of the material, polyurethane is a material also known to provide heat transfer properties. These are three of the main features that are often used to promote polyurethane condoms by some of the biggest brands that manufacture the product.

Condoms made from polyurethane condoms were initially developed [2] in order to provide an alternative to people with latex allergies as well as to men who find that latex condoms lead to a reduction in their enjoyment during sexual intercourse.

This is a relatively common issue that men often complain about. The thickness of latex condoms tends to reduce the sensitivity experienced during sexual intercourse, leading to less pleasure.

The Pros Of Polyurethane Condoms

Various studies have returned the results that Polyurethane Condoms are able to offer a similar amount of protection against pregnancy. They even have some advantages to latex condoms:

• they are usually thinner
• can be used with oil lubricants
• they transfer heat better (which brings increased sensation)
• considered stronger

Polyurethane condoms are a very good option for people who are allergic to materials such as latex.

According to one study [3], the prevalence of allergies to latex materials may be as high as 9.7%. Latex allergies can lead to a number of potential complications developing and may also become a harmful condition. For this reason, people who are allergic to latex often consider polyurethane condoms as an alternative option.

The Cons of Polyurethane Condoms

While there are many benefits that polyurethane condoms offer, there are also some drawbacks that need to be considered. The pros and cons need to be carefully weighed in order to determine if this is really the best option for you.

One of the main issues that people tend to have with polyurethane condoms is the fact that they are usually more expensive than more common options, such as polyisoprene condoms and latex condoms.

Thus, the price factor is the first to be considered – if you are not able to pay a more significant amount for protection during sex, then polyurethane condoms might not be the ideal option for you.

Besides that, they are not as stretchable as latex condoms, which means that they will be more uncomfortable if you pick the wrong condom size. The risk of condom breakage and slippage will also be higher when using the wrong sized polyurethane condom vs latex condom.

This was confirmed in two older studies which examined the effectiveness and performance of polyurethane condoms vs latex condoms. [4, 5] The level of protection against pregnancy was similar, but due to a higher occurrence of condom breakage and slippage in the group that used polyurethane condoms, one study concluded latex condoms will bring higher level of protection against sexually transmitted diseases. [5]

We have to keep in mind that these two studies were performed in late 1990s and condom manufacturing process is advancing over the years.

Using Polyurethane Condoms

Whilst the Polyurethane Condoms are great for those who are allergic to latex, you should know that they still have the same risks as a regular condom.

Condoms can split if they are not put on properly or you have purchased the wrong size so take this into account when practicing safe sex. Just about any guide out there to using latex condoms should be applicable to polyurethane condoms, so do have a look through them to make sure that you are using these condoms correctly.

Where can you buy Polyurethane Condoms?

Nowadays many of the larger supermarkets and almost all of the pharmacies out there will sell polyurethane condoms. If you live in a small area and are finding it difficult to get your hands on this type of condom, then head to your local sexual health clinic.

They will be more than happy to provide you with advice on sourcing polyurethane condoms. In fact, if you are lucky, you may find that they have some in stock.

If you are still having difficulty getting your hands on the right condom, you can always have a look online. There are hundreds of websites out there which sell this type of condom nowadays.

Here are two popular polyurethane condoms which can easily be purchased online:

• Trojan SUPRA Lubricated
• Sagami Original 0.02 -(also known as the thinnest condom on the market – as mentioned in my thinnest condoms post)

Remember, however, before you part with your money, do make sure that you are purchasing the right size condom for your penis.

You will also want to make sure that you are getting a variety of condoms that you are happy with wearing. Yes, these condoms are going to be more expensive than standard latex condoms, but they are still going to be a whole lot cheaper than actually having a child or dealing with a sexually transmitted infection or disease!

Conclusion

There are multiple options that both men and women can choose from when they are looking to use a condom as a protective barrier during sexual intercourse. Even though latex condoms still remain very common, polyurethane condoms are also rising in popularity.

These condoms tend to increase pleasurable sensations, while also providing effective protection against both STDs and, of course, pregnancy. At the same, if you are interested in polyurethane condoms, be sure to consider the cons of these condoms before making a final decision as to which type of condom to buy.

References:

1. What’s the best brand and which type of condom is most effective? link
2. The male polyurethane condom: a review of current knowledge. link
3. Current prevalence rate of latex allergy: Why it remains a problem? link
4. Latex vs. Polyurethane Condoms: Comparing Performance link
5. Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Polyurethane Condom: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial link