Topology : Part Five - Sensetive Butts

SENSITIVE BUTTS

We all know how important it is to use protection, but there are issues with the average rubber johnny that seem to go unreported by the folks who are usually banging on at us to use them.

Standard condoms are made of latex rubber. For most of us this is not a problem but some people are hypersensitive to latex, like a mild allergeric reaction. It causes irritation, which can make sex painful.

Also, many condoms come pre-lubricated. As they are largely designed for straight people this lube often contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Again, this can cause irritation to some people.

Sometimes people who are hypersensitive to latex or spermicide know about it, but I am sure that often they don't. If they do, they are not always aware of the alternatives.

BUM-FRIENDLY JOHNNIES:

Durex Avanti Ultra are made of synthetic polyisoprene (artificial rubber) - £7 for 5 from Superdrug.

Femidoms are made of polyurethane (a soft form of plastic), and condoms made of polyurethane are also available. You can't buy them in most shops, though, you have to order them online. The advantage with this material is that you can use any lubricant you like, including oil-based. It is less elastic than rubber, though, so breakage is more likely.

BUM-FRIENDLY LUBE:

One friend of mine was considering barebacking because the spermicide on condoms irritated his arse. Although he enjoys bottoming, it always left him feeling very sore and meant he had to stop sooner than he would have liked. I told him about Mates Natural (OK, demonstrated) which does not contain spermicide, and he has never looked back.

Boys Own lube is spermicide-free and contains aloe vera, a natural ingredient that has soothing properties. It is also free of parabens (a preservative found in many other lubricants) to which some people can also be hypersensitive.

I've seen ads for the American lubricant Astroglide, now available in the UK, which has a variety that does not contain glycerin (another substance that some people may be hypersensitive to).

BEST OPTION?

I've encountered more guys recently who want to bottom but experience irritation from the standard products, so for them I'm considering the Avanti non-latex condoms. They come pre-lubed with spermicide, though, so I'm thinking I'll put one on then rub it dry with a tissue before adding Boys Own.

Boys Own contains glycerin, so this is a concern, though I don't know how common glycerin hypersenstivity is.

I would suggest a little experimentation. If you don't know which product is causing the irritation, try replacing one at a time. The bum may be fine with latex condoms but not with spermicide lube, or vice versa.


Sturdy