Editing Condom (section)

==== Natural latex ====
[[File:Condom unrolled durex.jpg|thumb|375px|An unrolled latex condom]]

Latex has outstanding elastic properties: Its [[tensile strength]] exceeds 30&nbsp;MPa, and latex condoms may be stretched in excess of 800% before breaking.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Relationship of condom strength to failure during use |journal=PIACT Prod News |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=1–2 |year=1980 |pmid=12264044 |author1=Program for the Introduction and Adaptation of Contraceptive Technology PIACT}}</ref> In 1990 the [[International Organization for Standardization|ISO]] set standards for condom production (ISO 4074, Natural latex rubber condoms), and the [[European Union|EU]] followed suit with its [[European Committee for Standardization|CEN]] standard (Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices). Every latex condom is tested for holes with an electric current. If the condom passes, it is rolled and packaged. In addition, a portion of each batch of condoms is subject to water leak and air burst testing.<ref name="badnews">{{cite journal |last=Nordenberg |first=Tamar |title=Condoms: Barriers to Bad News |journal=[[FDA Consumer]] |date=March–April 1998 |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=22–5 |pmid=9532952 |url=https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm126370.htm |access-date=7 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308051921/https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm126370.htm |archive-date=8 March 2010}}</ref>

While the advantages of latex have made it the most popular condom material, it does have some drawbacks. Latex condoms are damaged when used with oil-based substances as [[Personal lubricant|lubricants]], such as [[petroleum jelly]], [[cooking oil]], [[baby oil]], [[mineral oil]], [[skin lotion]]s, [[Sunscreen|suntan lotions]], [[cold cream]]s, [[butter]] or [[margarine]].<ref>[http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/42331/1/1885960018_eng.pdf Essentials of Contraceptive Technology > Chapter 11 Condoms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808195319/http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/42331/1/1885960018_eng.pdf |date=8 August 2017 }} From the Knowledge for Health Project, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Retrieved July 2010.</ref> Contact with oil makes latex condoms more likely to break or slip off due to loss of elasticity caused by the oils.<ref name="fhi3">{{cite journal |last=Spruyt |first=Alan B |title=Chapter 3: User Behaviors and Characteristics Related to Condom Failure |journal=The Latex Condom: Recent Advances, Future Directions |url=http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/booksReports/latexcondom/behavcharac.htm |year=1998 |access-date=8 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927122314/http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/Pubs/booksReports/latexcondom/behavcharac.htm |archive-date=27 September 2011}}</ref> Additionally, [[latex allergy]] precludes use of latex condoms and is one of the principal reasons for the use of other materials. In May 2009, the U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) granted approval for the production of condoms composed of [[Vytex]],<ref>{{cite press release |title=FDA Clearance for Envy Natural Rubber Latex Condom Made with Vytex NRL |publisher=Vystar |date=6 May 2009 |url=http://www.vytex.com/BizDocs/R-EnvyFDA_Clearance.pdf |access-date=26 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007172424/http://www.vytex.com/BizDocs/R-EnvyFDA_Clearance.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2011}}</ref> latex that has been treated to remove 90% of the [[antibody generator|proteins responsible for allergic reactions]].<ref>{{cite web |title=How Vytex Works |publisher=Vystar |year=2009 |url=http://www.vytex.com/Consumers/howvytexworks.aspx?pageid=C8 |access-date=26 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530223349/http://www.vytex.com/Consumers/howvytexworks.aspx?pageid=C8 |archive-date=30 May 2010}}</ref> An allergen-free condom made of synthetic latex (polyisoprene) is also available.<ref name="isoprenepr" />