A condom is a rubber-like barrier that prevents STIs like HIV, herpes, and genital warts. They can be made from latex, plastic, synthetic rubber, or lambskin. The lambskin ones have small pores that allow sperm to pass through, but they don’t block HIV and other viruses.
A weird odor from a condom could be a yeast infection, but you can treat it with over-the-counter antifungal cream or a prescription from your doctor.
Poor Leaching
If a condom smells like rotten eggs it may be due to poor leaching – This detail is a direct extract from the service’s intensive studies https://lolasexy.com. Poor leaching occurs when the chemicals in lubricants and other sexual fluids leak into the latex. This can occur due to a number of factors, including an overactive yeast infection that comes in contact with lubricants or sexual fluids, or it could be caused by certain medications (like antibiotics) and certain foods. Luckily, this smell is easy to get rid of with over-the-counter antifungal creams or oral medication prescribed by a doctor.
A fishy odor after sex is a common symptom of bacterial vaginosis, explains Dr. Dweck. This is because the bacteria in BV release a fishy odor, especially when they come in contact with semen. Semen has a higher pH than vaginal secretions, so it can react with them to produce this smell. This smell can also happen when a tampon gets stuck in the vulva and isn’t removed, although this is less common.
If you’re noticing a foul or fishy odor that won’t go away, it’s best to see your gynecologist for a checkup. They can screen you for infections and offer advice to help you prevent STIs. You can try switching lubricants or using different condoms, such as non-latex ones, and practicing safer sex. If you have STIs, regular STI screenings can help you seek treatment before they turn into more serious conditions, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Dust
A foul, cheese-like smell from the crotch isn’t always a sign of something serious, but it can be. If it comes with a rash, pain in the vulva or pelvic area or vaginal discharge that’s green and smells bad, talk to your gyno. It could be a yeast infection, or it may indicate an STI such as trichomoniasis or chlamydia.
Sometimes a condom can stink if it’s been left in too long. This happens when the old blood from your menstrual period, bacteria and vaginal secretions get trapped in a latex sheath, explains Dr. Alyssa Dweck, an ob-gyn in Westchester County, New York. It can also happen when you leave in a tampon that hasn’t been changed all day or that you forgot to change, says Dr. Minkin.
If the odor is really strong, it could be because of a chemical compound in the lubricant. Many lubricants contain chemicals like cyclomethicone, methylisothiazolinone (MICRONOS), and chlorhexidine gluconate, which can make the crotch feel dry and cause an unpleasant odor, says Dr. Dweck. You can avoid this by using a water-based formula for sensitive skin that doesn’t have any chemical fragrances or preservatives, she says.
Chemical Errors
The smell of sex is often blamed on vaginal secretions and semen, but a condom can also emit an odor when it gets old or bacteria get out of control. A bad smell can also happen if you mix a latex condom with lubricant containing petroleum (such as Vaseline), or a non-latex condom with an oil-based lubricant, like baby oil or suntan lotion, says the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
An odor that smells like rotten eggs can also signal the presence of bacterial vaginosis, or BV, an infection that causes the vagina to feel dry and itchy, with an unpleasant fishy smell. A doctor should perform a pelvic exam to confirm BV, which requires no penile penetration.
Condoms are crucial weapons in the armamentarium for STI/HIV prevention, and they must be available, effective and affordable. But the sloppiness or deviousness of some manufacturers, combined with a government procurement system that invites manufacturers to ship their castoffs to Africa, is contributing to the AIDS epidemic in that region, where many couples cannot afford thousands of dollars for the AIDS cocktail needed to survive the disease.
If you don’t want your condoms to smell like rotten eggs, you can rinse them off in the shower shortly after use, and you can also use water-based lubricants that won’t break down latex, such as liquid ejaculate or witch hazel. You can also try switching to a non-latex condom or lubricant, and you should always carry an extra in your wallet so you have one ready.
Poor Lubrication
Condoms need lots of lubrication to reduce friction and prevent tearing. Many come with a small amount of lubricant, but this is often not enough. Especially for women in menopause or those with vaginal dryness, extra lubrication is essential to ensure comfortable intercourse and reduce pain and itching.
Water-based lubes are the most common condom lubricants and are easy to apply, non-staining and latex-compatible. However, some people are sensitive to certain lubes and may find them tingly or itchy. If this is the case, switch to a different lubricant or try a silicone-based formula that is safe for use with all types of condoms and sex toys.
Oil-based lubes like baby oil, Vaseline, cooking oils, coconut oil and body lotion are not compatible with latex condoms and can cause them to break down. This can cause unprotected sex, STIs and pregnancy.
Condoms can also break if they are exposed to extreme heat or cold, or if they get rubbed, bent or creased. This is why it’s important to store them in a cool, dry place that’s away from sunlight and hot objects, such as a wallet or purse. Also make sure they’re out of reach from children and pets.
