Can vegans use condoms?
Johnnies, rubbers, raincoats, love gloves, skins, sheaths. You may call them by many names, and hopefully, unless you’re in a committed relationship, the humble condom forms an integral part of your sex life.
When condoms first rose to popularity, they used to be made from ‘lambskin’. This is a misleading name because they were not actually made from the skin, but rather from the lambs’ cecum, which is a kind of pouch found at the beginning of the large intestine. For this reason, ‘lambskin’ condoms were also known as ‘natural membrane condoms’. Other materials used have traditionally been the intestines and bladders of various animals and they have been used for thousands of years! Whilst we’re sure that this gave a much more ‘natural’ and ‘bare’ feel, it’s still hard to imagine how anyone has managed to stay in the mood when putting a piece of intestine over their member…
But then the 1920’s came around, and with it, the invention of latex condoms, which are the ones most of us know today. Some modern condoms are made from polyurethane and polyisoprene. (Although it is still possible to purchase ‘natural membrane condoms’ and some people with an allergy to latex use this variety.)
However, if you’ve recently made the transition to a vegan lifestyle, you may not be aware that despite at least 80% of the condoms today being made from rubber, most of them are not actually free of animal ingredients…
So why are most condoms not vegan friendly? Can a vegan use condoms?
Condoms are made from latex, – which comes from the rubber plant. However, to make the latex softer and more pliable, most major brands use the milk protein casein.
Some condoms may also contain glycerine in the lubricant. Glycerine is largely plant derived but can also come from animals.
So what are vegan condoms made from?
Vegan condoms are still made from latex, however, they don’t contain the casein.
Some vegan condoms are made from polyurethane.
Is it possible to get latex-free vegan condoms?
Is the spermicide on condoms vegan?
This is a great question. Some condoms also contain a spermicide as extra protection against unplanned conception, – although most brands don’t -but what are spermicides made from? And are they tested on animals?
Nonoxynol-9 is the chemical most often used in spermicides. Of course, like all chemicals, at some point in the past, Nonoxynol-9 has been tested on animals. The reason most regular condoms no longer have it is because there are a number of troubling concerns with it. For example, it has been found that the use of a spermicide can actually increase the risk of transmission for diseases such as HIV. It often causes sensitivity and soreness to the genitals of both males and females, as well as increasing the likelihood of a urinary tract infection in females. Ouch! But don’t worry, using spermicide-free varieties does not increase the risk of pregnancy, (the efficacy is 98% for both when used correctly).
Of course, condoms from certified vegan brands contain no animal ingredients or by-products, and everything they do have to offer, (added lubrication, spermicide etc), is 100% vegan friendly.
Read on to find out which condoms are suitable for vegans.
Which brands are vegan friendly?
Pasante
Glyde
Sustain
Einhorn
The name of this German brand means ‘Unicorn’, mm-hmm. We can see what they did there.
Hanx
Some Durex
Some Skyn
Some Trojan
Sir Richards
Lelo (USA)
We’re sure you’ll agree that that’s quite the choice!
Ok, great! So where can I buy vegan condoms?
Vegan condoms can easily be bought in most major supermarkets, especially throughout Europe, the USA and in most countries in Latin America. This is especially the case if you are after Pasante, or the vegan lines from Durex, Skyn or Trojan.
Most chemists or pharmacies around the world will also stock some condoms, and the chances of them having a vegan-friendly line are quite high.
You can also buy online of course, through Veganeur.com, through online vegan shops and directly from the manufacturers’ sites in most cases, if you don’t want to simply buy from Amazon. With some sites, you can even take out a subscription, so you will never find yourself in the heat of the moment without adequate protection to hand.
But, wait, are vegan condoms biodegradable?
Anyone who cares about the environment should also care about this. And who hasn’t found a condom washed up on the beach or spoiling some other beautiful scenery? Yuck! Not to mention the impact on wildlife.
As we know, you should never flush a condom. Instead, they are to be wrapped in tissue and discarded in the regular trash. But what happens to them afterwards?
Well, latex itself is biodegradable and would normally break down over time. However, the chemicals used in a lot of condoms, either to aid pliability, for lubrication purposes or those that contain spermicide, actually prevent the latex from degrading. Not good news.
The vegan brand ‘Sustain’ however, is here to tackle this problem as well.
They make eco-friendly, biodegradable condoms that importantly, also avoid the use of nitrosamine. (This chemical is found in many condoms although it has been identified as having carcinogenic effects).
What’s more, Sustain condoms use recyclable wrapping and certified fair-trade latex.
Now you know! There are plenty of choices when it comes to buying vegan friendly condoms, they are available everywhere!
So… go and get it on, – guilt-free!
