Do clotrimazole pessaries stop condoms working?!
Question: I've been given a Clotrimazole pessary and read online that it can reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms, but the nurse did not warn me about this at all and it does not mention it on the instructions leaflet, so do I need to worry? How would it damage them? Thanks!
Answers: I've been given a Clotrimazole pessary and read online that it can reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms, but the nurse did not warn me about this at all and it does not mention it on the instructions leaflet, so do I need to worry? How would it damage them? Thanks!
Yes, antifungals for yeast infections such as the one you have been given CAN indeed cause a condom to be less effective. This is because the chemicals in the antifungal cream can actually break down the latex, just as an oil based lubricant would, making it much more likely to break.
Not to mention that it's probably just better to avoid vaginal sex altogether if you have an infection of sorts, as it can be painful and you can give a yeast infection to your partner (this is not uncommon; in fact, many times a girl will give her partner a yeast infection and they will just pass it back and forth to each other without realizing it).
A quick look on google says that they "may" damage condoms. Best not to use condoms then.
Companies like Bayer, who make Canisten would be in a lot of trouble if a pregnancy occured due to the condom weakening. And the nurse never mentioned it.
I believe the drug is water based, so no, it should be OK. If it was Vaseline then there may be a problem as that is mineral oil derived.
They may break down the latex. If you have an active infection, you should let the area rest and heal and not have intercourse. If you are on the clotrimazole for precautionary reasons, then you might try an non-latex condom such as Avanti.
Good luck- take care.
Antonio