Dear Sasha: I work in a kitchen and I believe I'm allergic to latex from the gloves I wear, as I've developed a skin rash or burn on the back of my hand. The other day, I bought a Japanese condom made of Sheerlon natural latex - a brand called Beyond Seven. Is natural latex still a solid and safe and reliable condom for protection? » Unsure and Confused
Dear Unsure,
Natural latex is latex. It's just that manufacturers know people like to see the word natural on products, particularly as it pertains to stuff we put in our bodies. All latex is natural, and comes from a tree.
"Sheerlon," the other word the company that makes Beyond Seven uses, is a made-up branding word, known in advertising as a coined term. Still, they're considered excellent condoms, and are often recommended for men with small to average penises, as they are made somewhat smaller than the average condom and have a good, snug fit.
Miriam Kaufman is a doctor and co-author of the excellent book, The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability, and has knowledge of latex allergies garnered from research in spina bifida. People who suffer from spina bifida are 50 per cent more likely to suffer from latex allergies than those without, as a latex allergy is one that is aggravated by exposure. Because people with spina bifida may have multiple surgeries over their lifetime, their internal organs are more frequently exposed to latex through medical gloves, as well as constant exposure to latex catheters.
"They say the most dangerous part of the condom is the very top layer, where there is a dusting of latex that rubs off," says Dr. Kaufman. "I have read, in an emergency situation, you may wash a latex condom." Dr. Kaufman agrees, though, that the best thing for any person who suffers from a latex allergy is to use polyurethane condoms. Again, exposure to latex worsens the allergy, and I have also read that there is a possibility for anaphylactic shock in a latex allergy situation. The best polyurethane condoms are Avantis, which can be purchased in just about any store that sells condoms.
As an interesting bit of related information, The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability notes that people who suffer latex allergies should be careful of kiwis as well, since they come from the same family of trees that produce latex.
Dear Sasha: I have noticed a growing trend, along the lines of the MILF (mother I'd like to fuck), but towards the opposite sex. My west end neighbourhood is teeming with hot young dads, one of whom I am enjoying a mild flirtation with in the park where I walk my dogs. He wears no wedding ring, which means nothing of course, but I've never seen his kid with anyone else but him; again, it could be his wife or girlfriend works and he's at home. My question is: how do I find out if he's single without seeming too obvious? » My Heart Belongs?
Dear Heart,
First things first, let's make sure the kid is his. I have known a few male babysitters - well one vile cad in particular who was also bonking the enraptured single mom who believed she had at long last found a decent fellow - to capitalize on a toddler to improve their cachet with the ladies. Also, make sure he's not gay. Hot? No woman? West end boy? Ding, ding, ding!
Personally, I think it's okay to ask questions or make statements around a baby - tactfully of course. People who have them seem to talk of little else even when they complain that's all people talk to them about. Try to steer away from the bastard child stuff and more towards topics like is he getting paternity leave (which I actually think is a pretty interesting subject), etc., which should lead to questions about the status of relationship, gender of partner or relation to child.
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