The Materials Codex
What condoms are actually made of
Latex, polyisoprene, polyurethane, nitrile, and natural membrane behave differently — including in what they do and do not protect against. This is the one place on the site where getting a fact wrong could matter for someone's health, so every claim here carries a named source.
Last verified: August 2026
8 entries planned
0 published
Read this before using anything in this codex
Material properties described here document what manufacturers, standards bodies, and health authorities record. This is not medical advice and does not account for individual allergies or sensitivities. If you have a known latex allergy or any concern about material suitability, consult a qualified registered medical professional.
What this codex covers
- Physical and chemical properties of each material
- Documented allergy prevalence and cross-reactivity
- What each material does and does not protect against
- How condoms are manufactured and tested, stage by stage
- The standards body that governs each material
What it does not cover
- Individual medical suitability — that requires a professional
- Lubricant chemistry beyond material compatibility
- Any brand-specific product claims
Planned entries
Eight material and process entries
Natural rubber latex~76% of the global market by volumePending
PolyisopreneLatex-free, synthetic rubberPending
PolyurethaneThinner, heat-transmitting alternativePending
NitrileUsed in internal/female condomsPending
Natural membranePrevents pregnancy, not STIs — see disclaimerPending
Latex allergyPrevalence, symptoms, alternativesPending
Manufacturing processDipping, curing, electronic and water testingPending
Testing and standardsFreedom-from-holes, burst pressure, shelf lifePending
Sourcing for this codex
Standards-first, always
ISO 4074:2026 — Natural rubber latex male condoms: requirements and test methods, ISO/TC 157
ASTM D3492 — Standard Specification for Rubber Contraceptives (Male Condom)
ISO 10993-1 — Biological evaluation of medical devices
US FDA — 21 CFR 884.5300, labelling requirements for latex and non-latex condoms
Peer-reviewed journals — Contraception, Cochrane systematic reviews, for effectiveness and allergy data
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