A New Condom: A New Way to Awareness

April is STD awareness month. In this context, it is necessary to recall that women are generally at a greater risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV. Indeed, biologically women are twice more likely to become infected with HIV through unprotected heterosexual intercourse than men. Moreover, let’s keep in mind that in many countries women are less likely to be able to negotiate condom use; consequently they are more likely to be subjected to non-consensual sex.

Hence the importance of a constant safe sexual behavior, required for women. So, what’s new in condoms? A non-latex condom! The first premium condom made from polyisoprene – a scientifically formulated non-latex material “that delivers the ultimate sensitivity that is the closest thing to wearing nothing”: SKYN®.

The majority of condoms available in today’s market are made of latex, but individuals who are allergic to latex can still enjoy safe sex with these breed of condoms. Non-latex condoms are condoms that are not made of latex and therefore have no latex allergens. [Read more...]

Safe Sex Roundup

With this week bringing a plethora of Cinco de Mayo (aka “Cinco de Drinko”) parties, I thought it might be a good idea to post some articles about keeping your drunken party fests safe.  Here’s the best of our safe sex posts.

Tips for Staying Safe While You Party
Condoms: What Are They Good For?
How to Protect Yourself from Herpes During Oral Sex
How Can I Intensify My Orgasm?

Condoms: What are they good for?

Used to be I could joke that the only people even talking about condoms were the teens on Daytime TV. Maybe it was all the celebrity babies, or the “bump” watches. But it didn’t seem like too many grown-ups were using them. (Or any other form of birth control, for that matter.)

Times have changed. Condoms are making a comeback. Thrusting their way into the media spotlight, so to speak.

First Nicholas Kristof wrote a column on contraception that practically put the condom out to pasture. His rosy prediction:

The next generation of family planning products will be cheaper, more effective and easier to use — they could be to today’s condoms and diaphragms what a smartphone is to the bricklike cellphones of 20 years ago. (Kristof, “Birth Control Over Baldness,” NYT, 9/26/10)

Condoms made the news again a few days later in the coverage of a new study on American sexual behavior published by The Journal of Sexual Medicine. The chief talking point? Sexually active teens are using condoms on a more regular basis than their Baby Boomer parents (and grandparents). Even when the parent or grandparent is having sex with a stranger.

The stories themselves are a mixed bag. If Kristof is right about the future of reproductive technology, it would not only be good news for women looking for effective forms of birth control—it could very well be the key to our survival as a species, given the threat of overpopulation. And if teenagers are using condoms more than boomers, well, that’s fewer unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among teens. And for their elders? A lot of tough questions.  [Read more...]

Dear Margaret Sanger

Dear Margaret Sanger,

Happy birthday! Have I told you lately how awesome you were, how much I appreciate the work you dedicated your life to?

I have two children Ms. Sanger, and while I love them I also know I’m not mentally capable of having any more. Because of you, I can grab a box of condoms while I’m doing the regular grocery shopping (they’re one aisle over from the toothpaste), no fuss, no questions, no disapproving looks.

[Read more...]

Thursday News Roundup

Colorado Pershonhood Bill Fails to Qualify for Ballot – National Partnership for Women & Children
An Interview with Gloria Steinem – LA Times
Are Smaller Condoms for Teens the Answer? – AlterNet

Can I Use Anal Sex as Birth Control?

“Hi Steph. My boyfriend says that anal sex is a good way to not get pregnant. Is he right? Can we use it as birth control?”

Good question! There are a lot of misconceptions about anal sex and you’re doing the right thing by asking questions and looking for accurate information.

Are you planning to use some form of birth control (like the pill, nuvaring, Depo, etc) and also use a barrier method, such as a male or female condom? Do you know how to use these methods correctly? If the answer to both those questions is yes, then the risk of pregnancy as a result of anal sex is almost minimal. See these refreshers on how to use a male condom and female condom. Here‘s a refresher on how to use different methods of birth control correctly. [Read more...]

Thursday News Roundup

mouse-clickLove the Glove: 10 Great Reasons to Use a Condom – RH Reality Check
Are You “Pro-Abortion?” – Abortioneers
New York Senate Votes Against Gay Marriage – CNN
Randall Terry is on a High Horse Again – Belleville News Democrat
The Real Threat to Marriage? – Broadsheet

Could I Be Pregnant?!

This week’s safer sex question:

I’m 17 and very worried that I may be pregnant. I’ve been taking Loestrin 24fe for about 3 months now, and I have a steady boyfriend. I’ve never fully had unprotected sex, but sometimes we use a form of the withdrawal method (but only for about a minute or so). Otherwise, we always use condoms also. Today, I got really bad cramps and pretty heavy spotting (I’m not supposed to get my period until next week). I looked it up online, and I found many sites that talked about implantation and how spotting is normal during early pregnancy. I don’t usually miss pills, but I have missed one or two in the past. Should I be worried that I may be pregnant?

Thank you for sending your question, I can hear your anxiety and worry. Even though your concern is a very common experience for many women, it doesn’t make experiencing it any less stressful. Let me begin with a little bit of a disclaimer, I am not a doctor or medical professional and anything I offer here as a response is educational rather than diagnostic. [Read more...]

Friday News Roundup

rainbowmouseConfused About Which Condom is the Best? – RH Reality Check
Out Candidate Wins Salt Lake City Council Seat! – Gaypolitics.com
What if Jesus Was a Transwoman? – Womanist Musings
Raping Me Softly – The Abortioneers
Dear Justice Sotomayor: What I Want to Know – Words of Choice

Which lube to choose?

lubeA reader asks:
It’s a little overwhelming when I go to the store and see all the choices of lube. Which one is the best to use?

Dear reader,

This is one of those really difficult questions to answer because there is so much that goes in to picking the right lube, and most of them are issues of personal preference.  The most important questions things to think about, however, when choosing a personal lubricant are the intended use and potential allergies. Most lubes come in one of three bases, water, oil, and silicone.  Choosing the base of your lube is an important first step before moving on to specific brands, flavors, scents, etc. [Read more...]