ASK DR JEFF
I’m 24 & going on a lads’ holiday but think I’m allergic to condoms, please help! Dr Jeff answers your health questions
A reader also gets help with their fungal nail infection
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See and email at [email protected].
Q) I AM 24 and going on a lads’ holiday in July.
I think I’m allergic to condoms.
My penis gets sore and itchy when I’ve used them in the past.
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Is there an alternative method of contraception I could try that protects against sexually transmitted diseases?
name withheld, Farnham, Surrey
A) Sexually transmitted infections or STIs are a common risk on holidays, and the fact you are considering how to manage this is really important.
We often think of STIs as the classic chlamydia, gonorrhoea or genital herpes, but other serious conditions such as HIV and hepatitis B can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
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There has been a recent increase in the numbers of syphilis cases and this might, in part, be due to a reduction in barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, being used.
Condoms are the most successful way of minimising the risk of catching an STI, but many people with latex allergies worry that it will make sex unenjoyable or trigger an allergic reaction.
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However, there are a range of latex-free condoms that have been around for some time that should allow you to enjoy safe sex without an allergic response.
How to avoid STIs
IN general, sexually transmitted infections are highly preventable.
The only method guaranteed to prevent STIs is to avoid any kind of sexual contact, but this method probably won’t appeal to everyone!
There are things you can do to limit the risk of exposure to infections while still enjoying an active sex life.
The best way to avoid most STIs is to use a condom when you have sex. Below are some other things you can do to reduce the chances:
- Limiting the number of people you have sex with
- Talking honestly with potential partners about your sexual history
- Getting tested, along with your partner, before having sex
- Avoiding sex when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- People who are drunk or using drugs often fail to have safe sex
- Where appropriate, getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B
Q) FOR a long time now I have had a fungal nail infection on my foot.
But two tests over the last four months were clear.
I’m using an anti- fungal cream called clotrimazole, which seemed to work, but over the last few days my middle toe seems worse and is red and hot.
Do you have any suggestions, please?
Gordon Smith , London
A) Fungal nail infections are very common and are due to the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
We quite often find nail-clipping studies do not show a positive fungal growth, but this is a failure in the sensitivity of the test rather than the underlying cause being something else.
For most fungal nail infections, treatment is a long and drawn-out process.
This is because you have to wait for a new and healthy nail to grow out.
If you stop the treatment too early, and any fungus is still left in the nail, the fungus creeps back and the whole nail becomes infected again.
While clotrimazole is common in creams, it is not often used to treat infections orally, as there are other antifungals which tend to be used as first line.
Untreated nails can lead to nail bed infections and discomfort.
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As treatment can take six months, it is important to have a discussion with your GP about getting the right treatment going forward.
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