How NOT to Use a Condom: 6 Ways You’re Doing it Wrong

 

While condoms are great for protecting your wellbeing against STIs, using them incorrectly means you’ll reap none of the sexual health benefits. We spoke to sexual wellness expert Tracy Wilson about the ways in which you’re using a condom wrong.

 

1. Get the Wrong Size: According to Wilson, ‘There are three big problems with using condoms that are too big, especially when they’re too wide. Ever worn a pair of shoes that’s just a shade too big and suffered the consequences later? Then you already know one of them – friction. Fortunately, blisters aren’t the problem here, but condoms can break when there’s too much friction. Since they don’t fit as snugly, too-big condoms can also leak. And, worst of all, a condom that’s too loose may come off completely during sex. Then, the whole scenario moves from protected to unprotected – and possibly very awkward and uncomfortable – in one fell swoop.Latex condoms are stretchy and should fit snugly, so, while it’s fine to comparison shop for a favourite, in most cases, standard sizes do the job.’

 

2. Storing it in the Wrong Place: Wilson notes, ‘Walking around with a wallet full of condoms isn’t smart. Especially if they’re in a back pocket, wallets are also home to friction, heat and pressure. All three make latex weaker, so wallet-stored condoms are some of the least reliable. This rule goes double for glove compartments (and anyplace else that’s subject to extreme temperatures). Just like candles, red wine and oral contraceptives, condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place.’

 

3. Using an Old Condom: ‘Condoms have expiration dates for a reason,’ Wilson explains. ‘Old latex becomes brittle, even if it’s been stored somewhere with much better climate control than a back pocket. First step: Check the date on the package. If it’s in the past, pitch it. Second step: Look at the condom itself. If it’s dried out, sticky or brittle, it’s too old to use. Throw it away.’

 

4. Tearing It Open:Wilson points out, ‘Latex is a good barrier against semen and pathogens, but not against teeth. Even if it’s not visibly punctured or torn, a bitten condom may still be damaged enough to break. Aside from all of those actual risks, lube can taste gross. Don’t look for anything sharp as a substitute for canines and incisors: Scissors, knives, long fingernails and basically anything else that’s sharper than fingertips are also on the “Do Not Use” list. It’s a little like that rule about not putting anything in your ear that’s smaller than your elbow. A run-of-the-mill condom wrapper has serrated edges to make it easier to open, and the foil or plastic material tears easily once it’s started. It’s a two-handed – but zero-toothed – operation.’

 

5. Putting it On Wrong: ‘Here are the right-way basics,’ Wilson advises. ‘Carefully remove the condom from the package and check for damage. Make sure it’s right-side up, with the tip of the condom poking up from the centre (not wrapping around from the outside). Squeeze the air out of the tip, leave about a thumb’s width of space, and place it on the penis (or toy, if that’s what’s being sheathed up in this scenario). Unroll it all the way down, squeezing out any air bubbles.’

 

6. Using the Wrong Lube: Wilson details, ‘Lots of rubbers are pre-lubricated to compensate for their annoyingly high coefficient of friction, but many people need (or want) things to be slipperier, or want a different lube than the ones that go on at the condom factory. But most of the slick substances likely to be around the house – like petroleum jelly or vegetable oil – don’t mix well with condoms. There are almost as many lubes to choose from as there are condoms, but water-soluble lubricants are the only ones that team up well with latex. Lubricants made with oil or petroleum products will weaken latex condoms, making them likelier to break.’

Categories: Condom, Condoms, latex, latex condoms, Lubricant, nbsp, wilson, wrong size

The Most Common Sexual Health Myths Debunked

There are so many myths about sexual wellness and wellbeing that it can be hard to sort fact from fiction. We think it’s high time that we debunked some of these myths, so that you know exactly what is going on when it is necessary.

 

One rather dangerous myth is that you can’t get pregnant when you have sex for the first time. This leads to people not bothering to use protection, and this is a huge mistake because you can ALWAYS get pregnant when you have unprotected sex, be it the first time or the 10,000^th time. You should always use contraceptives no matter what the circumstances, unless you are actively trying for a baby.

 

Another dangerous myth is that all STIs are curable. Recent reports show that people are willing to risk catching and STI because they think they can simply deal with the consequences later. People get carried away by passion, thinking that if the worst comes to the worst they can always have a course of antibiotics later. The truth is that some STIs, such as genital warts and herpes, are not curable with antibiotics. These types of STIs spread by skin to skin contact from the affected area so are highly transmittable. Once again, use protection unless you know the full sexual health of your partner and are using alternative birth control.

 

People also believe that condoms don’t expire, and this leads to them using out of date and expired products. Condoms do have a time limit on them, and you should always make sure that they are within the expiration date. Condoms should also be stored in a dry and cool place, away from anything that may damage or distort them. You should also keep them away from drawers and wallets that may contain sharp things.

Categories: Condoms, health, Myths, nbsp, people, Sex, sexual health, STIs, time

How to Make Sex with Your Partner Safer AND More Fun

With everything from genital herpes to hepatitis threatening your sexual health today, safer sex has never been more important. However, while you can make sex safer, an important distinction to make is that you cannot completely guard your wellbeing against the dangers of sex. That said, without abstaining, there are ways you can make sex safer from infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancy. Still, that doesn’t mean that safe sex has to be less fun or feel less good than you’re used to. Let’s discuss how to make sex safer and still fun.

 

1. Use condoms: According to wellness writer Maria Trimarchi, ‘Condoms reduce the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, but no form of contraception can offer 100% protection. They reduce transmission of HIV by 85% and genital herpes by about 30%. Studies vary on how effective (or not so effective) condoms are at protecting you from syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, but those studies do show that condoms offer some level of protection.’ So get out there and choose a condom that works for you! There are flavoured, coloured, ribbed and lubricated varieties, and you can even cut open condoms and use them as dental dams for safe oral sex with women.

 

2. Use a Lubricant: Trimarchi notes, ‘Wetter is better, especially when it comes to sex. Vaginal lubrication is key to sexual pleasure for both men and women, and sometimes there just isn’t enough. If sex is too dry, it can cause irritation and pain. Enter lube. Lubricant comes in a few forms: water-based, silicone-based and oil-based. Water- and silicone-based lubes are the best with condoms. Never use an oil-based lubricant with a condom – the oil will interact with the latex and cause it to break down. You can purchase lubricants in a variety of flavours, from spicy to sweet; there are options for the chocoholics out there, too. Some cause warming sensations, some make you tingle, and if you’re looking for an icy blast, pick up a cooling lube.’

 

3. Build the Anticipation: The things that lead up to sex can be just as exciting as intercourse, oral or anal sex. Trimarchi advises, ‘Use your seduction skills by leaving a sexy voicemail or text message for your partner, detailing what you have in store for him or her after work, or what you’d like to have done to you. Also, take the time to set the mood – both the mood of the room and your partner’s mood. Light candles or unwind with a massage. Take the time to enjoy your partner’s body by exploring and teasing – put an emphasis on foreplay.’

 

4. Try New Positions: Trimarchi asserts, ‘There’s nothing wrong with a favourite, go-to position that makes your toes curl, but there’s also nothing wrong with breaking out of your habit and spicing things up with a new position. Maybe not all of the 64 sexual activities described in the Kama Sutra are your taste, but something as simple as switching who gets to be on top (or side or behind) can increase pleasure and sensation. The angle of penetration that a new position may offer might just add to your enjoyment, and trying something new with your partner may increase your intimacy with each other.’

 

5. Get Out of the Bedroom: ‘Add a little bit of naughtiness to your sex life by trying out new locations for your sexual exploits,’ Trimarchi recommends. ‘In 2004, an ABC News “Primetime Live” poll found that 57% of Americans have had sex in a public place or outside, and 12% have had sex where they work…Whether it’s in the shower, on the couch or in a secluded but still public spot – make sure it’s secluded or risk an indecent exposure charge – sex can be more fun when you feel like you’re misbehaving.’

Categories: based, Condoms, genital herpes, Lubricant, nbsp, oil based, safe sex, sex safer, sexually transmitted, silicone based, transmitted diseases

Buying Condoms: How to Know What to Choose

There are many good reasons to use a condom: as well as protecting you against unplanned pregnancies, they also protect your sexual wellness and wellbeing from sexually transmitted diseases and infections. With so many different types of condoms on the market, however, it can be very hard to know which is the best type to choose.

 

Fortunately, a recent survey has been conducted into the different types of condoms and how they rate against one another, and we have the results of that survey right here.

 

Rated as the best all round condom, the Trojan Ultra Ribbed Ecstasy topped the poll from the lucky testers, who said that this was their all-round favourite out of all the different types. This is shaped like a baseball bat which allows more movement inside it and it has two sets of ribs, as well as being lubricated both inside and out. Testers said that the lube lasted a long time and that women loved the sensation of the ribs.

 

Specifically for male pleasure, the LifeStyles X2 rated at the top of the poll. These are lubricated both inside and out, and they contain a special supplement called L’arginine, which is intended to heighten the sensation for men, and testers said that they could tell the difference. Some testers described the sensation as a ‘cool, tingly feeling’ but others felt that it was too cold and made them lass less long than they would have liked.

 

For female pleasure, the Trojan Here Pleasure Ecstasy was (unsurprisingly perhaps) the highest rated condom. This one is shaped like a slim version of a lightbulb and contains ribs around the base which are intended to enhance the pleasure for women. Some men felt that it was too roomy as they were worried it would slip off but women reported that they loved the sensation and that it had a natural feel to it too.

Categories: buy, choose, Condoms, nbsp, pleasure, sensation, testers, types

Are You Suffering From an Allergy to Condoms?

An allergy to condoms can be a serious threat to your sexual wellness and wellbeing, but how would you know if you suffered from such a thing? Around one percent of the population, a latex allergy is a very real concern, and makes having safe sex a much more difficult prospect.

 

Even people who do not start out with a latex allergy can develop one in later life after being exposed to latex on a frequent basis.

 

According to experts, allergies to condoms are caused by latex in general and also by an allergy to the protein that is used to make the latex into condoms.

 

Those who suffer from a condom allergy will also find that they are sensitive to other products containing latex, such as urinary catheters, syringes and latex gloves. It is therefore a common allergy for people who work in the health field, as they can develop a sensitivity after handling these products numerous times.

 

People who have a latex allergy can also find that they are sensitive to certain foods that contain a similar version of the protein, such as bananas, avocados, tomatoes, chestnuts and kiwis.

 

If you think you have an allergy, you should also attempt to find out whether it is the latex that you are allergic to, or the spermicide in the condoms, as some people can be allergic to this rather than to the actual condom.

 

One thing you could try, if you experience symptoms of an allergy during intercourse, is switching to a brand of condom that does not contain a spermicide, or contains a different type of spermicide. This allergy is less common than a latex allergy, but it can cause similar symptoms such as painful blisters, abrasions and swelling of the genital area.

Categories: allergy, Condoms, latex, latex allergy, nbsp, people, suffering

Feeling Confident About Condoms? Here’s All You Need to Know

Of all the methods of birth control out there – and, trust me, there’s quite a few – there’s none more popular than condoms, but why? Is it because they protect your wellbeing against unwanted pregnancies? Yes, but all methods of birth control do that – hence the name. Where condoms win out against all other contraceptives is that they’re dynamite for protecting your sexual health against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some other contraceptives do this too, but as condoms are the most readily-available and widely-used barrier method of birth control out there – meaning that they provide a barrier between partners that prevents the spread of STIs – I say that means you need to know a little more about them.

 

The reason why condoms are so widely used is that you don’t need to apply one in advance for them to be effective. Unlike the Pill, which requires you to remember to take it every day at the same time, or the Injection, which involves going in to your doctor’s for an injection on a regular basis, you can crack a condom out just before getting down to business and still protect you and your partner against pregnancies and STIs. Therefore, it’s important that you know how to use a condom properly and always have some with you. That said, some people forget to use their condoms when they’re in the heat of the moment, or are worried about bringing up the subject altogether. So how do you mention condoms to your partner?

 

Let’s think about this logically; if you’re getting hot and heavy with your partner, are you really going to stop to have a well-informed, logical discussion about the merits of birth control? Probably not. Therefore, you need to have this conversation well in advance of having sex with your partner for the first time. You need to first need to tell your partner that you want to use condoms, and then explain why you feel it’s important well before the heat of the moment. However, this is easier said than done, so if you are about to have sex that hasn’t been planned – which is often the case with sex – simply say “condom?” before things get too heavy. If you don’t have one, and neither of you have been tested for STIs, stop what you’re doing. If you know you’re both in the clear for STIs, but don’t want to begin a pregnancy, stick to oral sex. Bear in mind that drinking alcohol and taking other drugs may affect your ability to make safe decisions.

 

You may be worried that your partner will think badly of you for having condoms on you – like you expected sex to happen – or that he or she will be offended by the insinuation that they might have an STI. However, talking about using condoms doesn’t mean that you don’t trust your partner or that you have something to hide yourself, it just shows that you care about your health – and theirs. Don’t forget that, if nothing else, condoms provide a barrier against unwanted pregnancies, or extra protection if you’re already using a birth control method. Remember that anyone who has had previous sexual contact can have an STI, even people with just one or two previous partners, so it’s always worth using condoms just to be sure. If you’re in a long-term relationship and want to stop using condoms, both you and your partner should get tested for STIs first, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Most STIs don’t have any obvious signs, so screening is a must.

Categories: Communication, Condoms, sti testing

Top Tips For Making Sex Safe And Fun

Safe sex may be the sensible option, but sensible isn’t always the most exciting word to enter a conversation. However, as much as we want to lead a passionate sex life with our partner, we can’t neglect our health in the process. Here are some ways to make sex as fun as possible without compromising on the safer side of things.

Use condoms

Intimacy and orgasms unfortunately go hand in hand with sexually transmitted diseases more often than not these days, making sex a complicated mix of pleasure and pain. But if you’re not willing to abstain, what can you do to make sex safer? The most effective way is to use a condom. Safer sex is the only way to go, a there’s no such thing as 100 per cent safe sex – there are always risks. But condoms certainly take a lot of the risk out of sex, and they don’t have to mean a lack of passion. There are plenty of options on the market now to keep sex fun whilst using condoms, as well as a number of options for people who are allergic to latex, so you don’t need to miss out. From flavoured, ribbed, lubricated and coloured, to name just a few, there’s a condom out there to suit everyone, as well as plenty of shapes and sizes for the perfect fit.

Opt for a lubricant

When it comes to sex, the wetter the better should be your motto. Vaginal lubricant is a great tool if you want great sex, for both men and women, and it helps you to avoid irritation and pain from dry sex. There are a few forms of lube, including oil-based, water-based and silicone-based. If you’re using them with condoms, as previously mentioned, water and silicone-based are the safest options as oils break down the latex. You can also get flavoured lubes to make oral sex more fun, as well as those with warming and cooling sensations for exciting sex for both guys and girls.

Get tested regularly

Getting checked for sexually transmitted diseases may not be fun or particularly sexy, but there is something sexy about being able to have sex confident in the knowledge that you’re free of infection. Anxiety about those types of issues doesn’t make sex fun. Regular check-ups not only put your worries to rest but they also stop you spreading infection to your partner, and keep your health in tip-top condition. Your GP can advise of places nearby where you can be checked for free, as well as offering advice if you have any concerns or questions.

Build the excitement before you hit the bedroom

Having sex is fun but you need to build the anticipation before you get into bed. Penetrative sex and an orgasm don’t need to be the only goals – you can have fun by simply arousing each other as well. Use your seduction skills by leaving a note or a sexy voicemail while you’re partner is out at work, or set the mood with a romantic massage or by lighting candles. Get creative – there are loads of ways you can get each other excited, without relying on penetrative sex all the time.

Take sex out of the bedroom

On a similar note, why not be creative with your locations as well? You don’t need to limit your sex life to the bedroom – why not take it to other areas of the house such as the shower? You could even see how adventurous you both feel and take it to a secluded spot outside.

Categories: based, Condoms, Ideas, penetrative sex, safe sex, Sex, sex fun, sex life, sexually transmitted, silicone based, transmitted diseases

8 Mistakes People Make When Using Condoms

The condom has done a lot for sexual health and wellness, not only protecting your wellbeing against unwanted pregnancies, but also sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Wellness writer Tracy V. Wilson, site director for HowStuffWorks.com, explains, ‘Condoms are cheap, easy to get and pretty good at their jobs…Male latex condoms, used consistently and correctly, are up to 94% effective at preventing the transmission of HIV and other STIs. And as long as they’re used consistently and correctly, they’re also up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.’ The key words Wilson uses are “consistently” and “correctly”. It’s incredible that, for such a simple piece of latex, so many people have found a plethora of ways to use a condom wrong.

 

1. The wrong size: According to Wilson, ‘There are three big problems with using condoms that are too big, especially when they’re too wide.’ The friction that occurs from too-wide condoms can cause the condom to break; the non-snug fit can cause the condom to leak; and – worst of all – a condom that’s too loose may come off completely during sex.

 

2. The wrong storage: While storing an emergency condom in your wallet is a good idea, this is not a good place to keep your whole stash. Wilson notes that wallets are ‘home to friction, heat and pressure. All three make latex weaker…This rule goes double for glove compartments (and anyplace else that’s subject to extreme temperatures).’ Always store your condoms in a cool, dry place.

 

3. The wrong date: You may not fancy stopping to check the expiration date on your condoms in the heat of the moment, but you’ll be glad that you did. ‘Condoms have expiration dates for a reason,’ Wilson warns. ‘Old latex becomes brittle, even if it’s been stored somewhere with much better climate control than a back pocket.’

 

4. The wrong opener: Using your teeth to open the condom packet seems cool and/or time-efficient, but you should NEVER do it. Wilson points out, ‘Even if it’s not visibly punctured or torn, a bitten condom may still be damaged enough to break…Scissors, knives, long fingernails and basically anything else that’s sharper than fingertips are also on the “Do Not Use” list.’

 

5. The wrong fix: Whether your condom breaks, is too tight or you put it on the wrong way, the worst thing to do is ignore it and keep going. The second worst thing is to flip it inside out and carry on. If something goes awry, just throw it away and get a new one.

 

6. The wrong lube: Wilson comments, ‘There are almost as many lubes to choose from as there are condoms, but water-soluble lubricants are the only ones that team up well with latex. Lubricants made with oil or petroleum products will weaken latex condoms, making them likelier to break.’

 

7. The wrong time: ‘Somewhere between 17 and 50% of people wait even later than the last possible minute, putting a condom on after starting sex,’ says Wilson. ‘That unprotected contact increases the risk of pregnancy and STI transmission. The right time to put a condom on is before sex, not during.’ Moreover, you shouldn’t wait too long before you take the condom off, as the rubber can go saggy as soon as the man does, meaning that semen can leak out of the condom. The man should remove his penis immediately after ejaculation, and remove the condom carefully to avoid spilling its contents.

 

8. The wrong recycling: Reusing condoms is an absolute no-no – I cannot stress this enough. It won’t work, it will be completely gross and it’s just not worth the bother. Throw it away, get a new one, every time.

Categories: Condom, Condoms, latex, latex condoms, Lubricant, nbsp, storage, wilson

Common Condom Mishaps You Could Be Making

Condoms are a popular contraceptive as they are cheap, effective and easy to buy. They’re also the only way to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. But it seems that the male condom is only effective 94 per cent of the time, when used properly, at protecting against HIV and other STIs, and 98 per cent against unwanted pregnancy. If condoms are not used consistently and properly, this rate immediately drops. While consistently is easy enough to manage, it seems that ‘properly’ is less easy – many people get this wrong. They ought to be foolproof given their ease of use, but you would be surprised how many people don’t use them in the right way. Here are the most common mistakes people make that could be putting their health at risk or increasing the chance of conception.

Getting the wrong size

While it may be an ego-boost to have an extra large pack of rubbers on your bedside table, getting the wrong size could put you at risk in more ways than one. Firstly, friction can occur when you’ve picked a big condom that doesn’t fit but blisters aren’t the problem here. Friction can cause the condom to rip, and that leads to leaks. Worst of all, when a condom is too big, it can come off completely during sex. Beyond simply awkward, it leads to you having protected sex to unprotected in seconds. Latex condoms are stretchy and should be a snug fit, so for most people standard sizes are the best choice.

Using a wallet as a condom storage unit

For most men, using a wallet as an emergency condom storage is the easiest choice. But walking around with a wallet full of condoms isn’t the smartest idea, particularly if they are in your back pocket as they’ll be susceptible to friction, heat and pressure. None of these are the best home to latex, as it makes them weaker. The same rule applies when it comes to glove compartments, or anywhere else that’s subject to extreme temperatures. You need to store condoms in a cool, dry place in order for them to be at their best.

Using condoms that are out of date

Best before dates don’t just apply to food – condoms expire and after that date, they’re no longer effective. Old latex becomes brittle which makes it easier to split and rip, and the spermicide it is coated in will also be ineffective. Firstly, check the date on the packet and stick to it, and if the condom itself is brittle and dried out, get rid of it.

Opening a condom with you teeth

It may look cool but opening a condom with your teeth puts you at risk of damaging it and ripping the delicate latex. Even if it’s not visibly punctured, a bitten condom could still be damaged enough to break. Beyond that, lube tastes revolting and isn’t something you want in your mouth! Likewise, don’t look to scissors or knives to open the packaging. The serrated edges make the packaging very easy to get into with just your hands, so there is no need to use any sharp implements.

 

Putting it on wrong The classic reason why condoms fail is that they haven’t been put on properly. The most common reasons are putting them on inside out, flipping it inside out and using it again, picking a condom that’s too tight or too big, or only partially unrolling it. It’s important that you get a condom that fits properly, and that you squeeze the excess air out before you begin having sex. Roll it fully along the shaft of the penis and ensure that it is in date.

Categories: Advice, Condom, condom storage, Condoms, latex, people, properly, sexual health

Taking Control of Birth Control: The Deal with Spermicides

You may have heard that spermicides can help protect your sexual health and wellness, but what exactly are they? You get spermicides in all different forms, from creams, gels and foams to films and suppositories. Spermicides protect your wellbeing against unwanted pregnancy, but they are far more effective when used in conjunction with another method of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm.

 

Most spermicides contain nonoxynol-9, a chemical that immobilises and kills sperm before they are able to swim into the uterus. In order to ensure you use the spermicide effectively, you need to place it deep in your vagina, close to your cervix. If the type of spermicide you’re using is a cream, gel or foam, you squirt the solution into your vagina using an applicator. You can also use vaginal suppositories, or a vaginal contraceptive film (VCF). This is a thin sheet placed in the back of your vagina by hand. You place the spermicide in your vagina before intercourse, according to the instructions. Some forms of spermicides offer protection right away, while the vast majority will take at least 15 minutes to dissolve and spread. Once you’ve inserted your spermicide, it will only be effective for one hour. Therefore, you need to reapply the spermicide if more than one hour goes by before having sex, or if you have sex again. When using spermicides, you should not douche for at least six hours after having sex.

 

Using spermicides for birth control is fairly effective, with a success rate of 71%. Over the course of a year, about 29 out of 100 typical couples who rely on spermicide alone to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy. However, this is just an average, which doesn’t mean a whole lot to you as an individual. The efficacy of your spermicide use will entirely depend on whether or not you do it correctly, and if you remember to use spermicides every time you have sex. The key thing to remember is that spermicides are most effective when used in combination with another form of birth control. Spermicides alone cannot protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), only a male or female condom, or abstaining from sex altogether, provides STD protection. Plus, if you use spermicide frequently, it can cause irritation that may increase your risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

 

When it comes to the pros and cons of using spermicide, there are points to consider on both sides of the coin. While spermicides are not as effective on their own as other forms of birth control, they are convenient, inexpensive, and easy to use. These are important factors in birth control, as you need a method that you’ll remember to use and do so correctly each time. However, the efficacy of spermicides will somewhat depend on any health conditions you may have, or any medications you’re taking that might interfere with their use. Plus, as spermicides have been known to irritate the vagina and surrounding skin, it may make it easier to be infected with STDs like HIV. Another possible side effect is recurrent urinary tract infections because the spermicide can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your body.

 

Still, spermicides can provide extra protection against pregnancy when used in conjunction with condoms or other barrier methods of birth control. They’re available without a prescription and are found in chemists and some supermarkets, often found the condoms and feminine hygiene products. Just make sure you’re careful when choosing a spermicide; the packages may look like those of some feminine hygiene products, such as douches or washes, which don’t provide any birth control protection at all.

Categories: birth, Birth Control, Condoms, control, effective, feminine hygiene, hygiene products, sexually transmitted, spermicide, spermicides

Birth Control Breakdown: Which is the Most Effective?

There are so many methods of birth control out there, but how do you know which is best for your sexual health and wellness. While condoms are the ONLY birth control method that protects your wellbeing against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), when it comes to preventing unwanted pregnancies, some contraceptive methods work better than others. The only way to truly, 100% prevent pregnancy is not to have sex at all. However, many couples who commit to abstinence end up becoming pregnant within the first year, as they slip up and have sex without using protection. Therefore, even if you don’t plan to have sex, it’s still a good idea to know about birth control.

 

Guarding your wellbeing against STIs and unwanted pregnancies isn’t just about whacking on a condom; couples who do have sex need to use birth control properly and every time to prevent pregnancy. The Pill, for example, is very effective for preventing pregnancy but if you forget to take your pill at the same time every day, you may be one of the eight in 100 couples every year who use the Pill but still get pregnant. The effectiveness of the birth control method you use will also depend on your age, as some birth control methods are less effective for teen users. Fertility awareness or the rhythm method may not be a great choice if you’re a teenage girl, as your body is yet to settle into a regular menstrual cycle.

 

We’ve listed the different birth control methods based on their typical use rates. This means that we’ve noted the data of how effective each method is based on how the average person uses that birth control, rather than if someone were to use that method perfectly. The term “completely effective” means that no couples will become pregnant while using that method. “Very effective means that between one and two out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method, “effective” means that two to 12 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method, and “moderately effective” means that 13 to 20 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method. At the other end of the scale, “less effective” means that 21 to 40 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method and “not effective” means that more than 40 out of 100 couples become pregnant while using that method.

 

Consistent Abstinence: No couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s completely effective and also protects against STIs.

 

Birth Control Patch (“The Patch”): Eight out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s effective but does not protect against STIs.

 

Birth Control Pill (“The Pill”): Eight out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s effective but does not protect against STIs.

 

Birth Control Ring (“The Ring”): Eight out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s effective but does not protect against STIs.

 

Female Condom: 21 out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s less effective but does protect against STIs.

 

Male Condom: 18 out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s moderately effective and protects against STIs.

 

Birth Control Injection: Three out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s effective but does not protect against STIs.

 

Diaphragm: 16 out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s moderately effective but does not protect against STIs.

 

Emergency Contraception: One to two out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s very effective but does not protect against STIs.

 

IUD: Fewer than one out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s very effective but does not protect against STIs.

 

Fertility Awareness: 25 out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s less effective and does not protect against STIs.

 

Spermicide: 29 out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s less effective and does not protect against STIs.

 

Withdrawal (“Pulling Out”): 27 out of 100           couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s less effective and does not protect against STIs.

 

No Birth Control: 85 out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant in a year. It’s not effective and does not protect against STIs.

Categories: Birth Control, completely effective, Condoms, control method, effective means, fertility awareness, moderately effective, nbsp birth, prevent pregnancy, stis nbsp, The pill

How to Take Care of Your Sexual Health on Holiday

When you’re on holiday, it feels like all bets are off with regards to your wellness, and so your judgement goes out the window. Sure, it’s ok to indulge in good food and a cheeky cocktail – you are here to enjoy yourself – but taking care of your sexual health is a different story. When you have unprotected sex on holiday, the sun, sea and sand don’t change the fact that you can contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or become pregnant. This is why it’s important to protect your wellbeing when having sex on holiday, and know where to go for help if you need it.

 

In England, 427,000 new cases of STIs were diagnosed in 2011, rising by 2% from the previous year. Your in the highest risk groups for getting an STI if you’re a straight (heterosexual)15-24 year-old, or a man who has sex with men (MSM). According to sexual health consultant Dr O’Mahony, who sees a clear increase in the numbers of patients during the summer at Chester Sexual Health GUM clinic, ‘People usually get symptoms a week to two weeks after they get back from holiday. People let their guard down on holiday, and some drink and then do things they wouldn’t dream of at home.’

 

The problem with STIs is that not everyone develops symptoms, and so your wellness could be affected without you even realising. Chlamydia, for example, doesn’t cause symptoms in 50% of men and 70-80% of women who are infected. Similarly, if you get HIV you tend to experience a short, flu-like illness that occurs two to six weeks after infection, but then HIV often causes no symptoms for several years after this. Still, there are some symptoms you should watch out for – whether you’re on holiday or not – including unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when urinating, bleeding after sex or between periods and itching, sores, blisters or lumps on or around the genitals. As STIs are more common in some countries, having unprotected sex could increase your risk of these nasty symptoms and infections.

 

As you probably already know, using a condom can greatly reduce your risk of pregnancy and STIs, so it’s important to include protection when you’re packing. You might not be able to find condoms when you’re on holiday, and they may not have the CE mark which indicates that they have been tested to the high safety standards that are required in Europe. Buy a pack of condoms before you go away, and keep then away from any oil-based products in your suitcase. Condoms can be damaged by moisturiser, lotion (including sun cream), baby oil and even lipstick, and heat can also be a problem so you should store your condoms in a cool, dry place when you get there.

 

If you’re on the Pill, patch or implant, your holiday could make this pregnancy prevention less effective. If you can a stomach bug, the vomiting or diarrhoea can interfere with the pill, while some antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs can get in the way of all kinds of contraception (barring the condom). However, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as the injection, intrauterine system (IUS) and intrauterine device (IUD), are not affected by illness or medication. Still, if you are on the Pill, patch or implant and need prescription medication while you’re away, you should tell the doctor about your contraception and make sure you use a condom while taking the meds, and for 28 days afterwards. Dr O’Mahony adds, ‘Try to avoid having injections in developing countries if you can. Most antibiotics for STIs can be taken orally. Ask for a copy of your drug leaflet [the leaflet that comes with your medication and for details of tests and results, and bring them with you when you have your check-up at home.’

Categories: Condoms, contraception, holiday, nbsp, pill patch, Sex on Holiday, sexual health, STIs, Symptoms, unprotected sex

Men: Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Sexual Health?

Sexually transmitted infections cause a vast number of health concerns, and can be passed on through either vaginal, oral or anal sex. The symptoms of STIs can include rashes, pain, unusual discharge or itching, but sometimes they have no symptoms whatsoever and cause silent damage to the wellness and wellbeing of your genitals and reproductive system. It is very important to avoid STIs, and the only way to ensure that you don’t catch one (or pass one on) is to practice safe sex.

 

Men who have male sexual partners should be especially careful as there are some infections that are most easily transmitted via anal sex, and are more commonly found in the gay community. That does not mean that straight men can afford to relax, though, as infections are common amongst straight and gay men. Unless you are in a long-term relationship (where you are both monogamous), it is extremely advisable to get tested for STIs on a regular basis. You can either choose to do this once a year or before having sex with a new partner.

 

When it comes to prevention, condoms are the best way to protect you against STIs, and they should be worn for vaginal, oral or anal sex. Don’t use condoms which are described as ‘natural’ as they do not protect against STIs – stick to the latex kind (or polyurethane if you are sensitive to latex) and make sure that you use the condoms correctly, following the instructions on the box. Remember that other methods that protect against pregnancy (such as spermicides, the coil, the pill etc.) do not guard against STIs.

 

Men should look out for symptoms such as pain during urination or the need to urinate more frequently. They may also discover blood in their urine. Discharge from the penis is also a danger sign, as are any bumps, sores or blisters on the penis.

Categories: anal sex, Condoms, health, nbsp, nbsp men, Protect, sexual, STIs, Symptoms, vaginal oral

Six Facts to Include When Giving Your Daughter “The Talk”

Having ‘the talk’ with your daughter can be awkward, but not knowing what to include in that talk can have a huge impact on her sexual health and wellbeing. Here are six facts about sexual wellness that you should talk about with your teenage daughter.

 

1. Using a condom isn’t as easy or as effective as you think. According to Paul Fine, MD, associate professor of gynaecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, ‘A couple may not put on a condom until the last minute, and in the heat of passion, he might not have the control he usually has, so that’s never foolproof.’ You can get pregnant before he ejaculates, Dr Fine adds, as pre-ejaculate is ‘loaded with sperm.’

 

2. Emergency contraception is available if you have unprotected sex or the condom breaks. You might want to purchase it in advance of needing it, just so you have it on hand in an emergency.

 

3. The young adult age group has a high risk for STDs. 15-24 year olds represent 25% of the sexually active population, but 50% of new STD cases. STD expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Washington, says, ‘Young people ought to get tested once a year for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.’

 

4. The symptoms of STDs aren’t always apparent. You can have gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis without having any obvious symptoms, but these diseases can be very destructive to your wellness over a long period of time. Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, an STD specialist at the University of Washington medical school, advises annual chlamydia screenings for younger women.

 

5. More than 30 types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are sexually transmitted, and chances are, if you’re a sexually active adult, you’ve contracted several of them without realising. Dr. Handsfield notes that all women should get annual Pap smears to screen for precancerous abnormalities, and women under 26 should also consider getting the HPV vaccination.

 

6. There’s more to the Pill than pregnancy prevention; it also – depending on the form of medication – can reduce menstrual bleeding and painful periods, clear up acne, treat PMS mood wings and lessen your risk of uterine infection and ovarian cancer.

Categories: Chlamydia, Condom, Condoms, human papillomavirus, nbsp, sexually active, talk, The pill

Condom Care: How to Stay Safe When Having Fun in the Sun

Fun in the sun is one thing, but do you really want to come home from your week abroad with a nasty STD or an unwanted pregnancy? According to Katie Fox, Sex and Relationship Expert at Bondara.co.uk, being laid back and having a good time on holiday is important for your wellness, but that doesn’t mean you should put your sexual health at risk in the process. So how do you take care of your wellbeing when doing the horizontal tango this summer?

Firstly, chuck plenty of condoms into your suitcase. Even if you’re on the pill, taking a barrier method of contraception, like condoms, is a good idea because they’re by far the best all-round protection during sexual activity. When you’re on holiday, your pill can become less effective because you can experience stomach upsets due to changes in diet and other holiday excesses. Not only does that mean vomiting and/or diarrhoea, but perhaps an unwanted pregnancy. Plus, the contraceptive pill cannot protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.

There’s no excuse not to get condoms, as I guarantee they will be widely available to buy from your local chemist and supermarket. If you still find buying condoms in person embarrassing, shop online and have them delivered in discreet packaging to your door before you go away. However, before you click and send, make sure you check the standard of the product. Condoms should always have a CE mark on the packet, as this means they’ve been tested to Europe’s high safety standard. It’s probably wisest to buy condoms in the UK before you travel, as this makes it more likely to find condoms with the CE mark.

If you find the condom conversation awkward, you can overcome this by choosing a condom that is designed for extra pleasure. Then you can broach the subject by saying something like: ‘I bought these great condoms that spice things up, let’s give them a try.’ Make sure you also pack water-based lubricant, as other ones will degrade the condom, as will substitutes like baby oil or sun cream. Finally, don’t leave your condoms in your beach bag as you’re tanning by the pool: condoms need to be stored in a cool, dry place, and should not be exposed to moisture, direct sunlight or fluorescent lights.

Categories: Condoms, holiday, Summer

The Condom Con: Sex is Just as Satisfying with a Condom

Condoms really aren’t that inconvenient, and don’t make sex any less satisfying. This is according to a study published in January by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, which found that the ease of men’s erections based on condom and lubricant use had no significant impact on their sexual pleasure.

The study’s lead author Debby Herbenick, associate research scientist and co-director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University in Bloomington, explained, ‘There’s this commonly held belief that condom use makes sex feel less natural or pleasurable, but when people use them, sex happens to be great.’ The study was based on data from the 2009 National Survey of Sexual Health, including responses from 5,865 men and women ages 18 to 59 on their latest sexual encounter.

The maker of Trojan Brand condoms, Church & Dwight Co, Inc., funded the study. Lee Heerten, sexual health coordinator for the University Health Centre, commented, ‘I’ve met some of the researchers at Trojan’s. They do take ethics really seriously. That’s important when you have a company funding this research.’ He added, ‘The Centres for Disease Control probably funds the majority of research related to sexual health, and it’s very negative-focused. I’m glad there are companies like Trojan out there funding research on a pleasure basis, because I think that’s important to people.’

So how do a couple come to the decision to use a condom or not? Heerten noted condom availability and ability to find the “right condom for them” were two of many reasons that factor into a couple’s condom use. According to Heerten, ‘A lot of pleasure and condom usage comes down to having the right fit. People don’t understand condoms come in different sizes. They might try one condom and not like it, and decide condoms are not for them, when really that might not be the case.’

He commented that the reason why you may choose not to use a condom might be because of your religious beliefs, or because you’ve had too much to drink and simply forgot – which, if you have no other method of contraception, could put your wellbeing at risk to STIs and unintended pregnancy. Heerten concluded, ‘I think often times when we talk about sexual health, we think about negative outcomes that can occur. We don’t think about the positive things it brings to peoples’ lives. Pleasure is one of those things.’

Categories: Condoms, pleasure, Research

But Condoms Make Sex Less Fun, Right? Study Busts Myth

Condoms are vital to sexual health, as they guard your wellness against STIs as well as pregnancy. However, you might be tempted not to use condoms, as many believe that they limit the pleasure of sex – which is another significant, albeit less crucial, aspect of sexual wellbeing. Yet a new study, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Sexual Medicine, has found that this is all a myth, and condoms don’t decrease sexual pleasure at all.

For the study, researchers from Indiana University, US, surveyed 1,645 men and women aged 18 to 59. Participants were asked to report on their most recent sexual event with a partner in the past year, as well as the sexual behaviour associated with this event (such as giving or receiving oral sex, vaginal intercourse, receptive or insertive anal intercourse). Of those surveyed, a disappointing 27.5% of men (237) and 22.3% of women (175) reported using a condom.

The results of the study showed that women knew less about condoms than men, as 26.6% of women, and only 11.4% of men, were unsure whether the condom was lubricated, and a similar proportion did not know which material the condom was made out of. This has important implications, as some types of lubricants (oil-based) should not be used with certain types of condoms (such as latex). However, when it came to using the condom, participants consistently rated sex as arousing and pleasurable regardless of whether they used condoms or lubricant. The study also didn’t find any significant differences in men’s ratings of the ease of maintaining their erection based on condom and lubricant use.

While most of the results of this survey appear to undermine the widespread belief that condoms can interfere with sexual pleasure, you should also be aware that the study only provided a limited snapshot of sexual behaviour based on an online questionnaire about one sexual encounter. The group was a predominantly white, heterosexual sample, and the results are only based on people who reported having penile-vaginal intercourse in their last ‘event’, and not those who reported same-sex encounters. Yet, the takeaway message remains the same: condoms are one of the best ways of protecting against STIs and unwanted pregnancy, and a perceived lack of pleasure shouldn’t prevent you from using them.

Categories: Condoms, pleasure, Research

US City Leads the Way in Raising Sexual Health Awareness

Not talking about sex, and the diseases that come with it, may seem like the typically British thing to do, but those across the pond are tackling this very wellness problem. According to Carson City Health and Human Services, the residents of Carson City – the capital of the state of Nevada – need to address this taboo subject, and have “the talk.” The Health and Human Services department stresses that sexual health is part of overall wellbeing, and is joining with providers across the country to observe National STD Awareness Month, and remove some of the stigma and embarrassment that surrounds sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

20 million people are infected with a sexually transmitted disease every year, and at least half of those affected are between the ages of 15 and 24. This highlights that better education and prevention efforts are needed, especially among young people. Avoiding being infected in the first place is the best way to evade the negative health outcomes and stress associated with sexually transmitted diseases, and the Health and Human Services department recommends abstinence. According to the officials, choosing to not have sex is the only 100% effective way to keep from getting an STD or having an unwanted pregnancy.

However, even with the best of intentions, it’s hard for young people to remain abstinent and so Carson City Health and Human Services advises that, if you do choose to be sexually active, you need to do so responsibly – not only to protect your health, but also the health of your partner or partners. Every time you engage in sexual activity, including oral sex, you need to use a condom to prevent the spread of STDs. You can also reduce your risk of getting an STD by limiting the number of partners you have. It’s easy for a partner to pass on an STD, as the diseases often have no signs or symptoms.

As part of their sexual health initiative, Carson City Health and Human Services are offering affordable, confidential testing and treatment for STDs. Getting a quick and easy STD test is the only way to know for certain if you are infected, and it is recommended that you get tested annually or whenever you have a new partner. Luckily in this country, these tests are free and confidential on the NHS, so you have no excuse not to go get one.

US City Leads the Way in Raising Sexual Health Awareness

Categories: abstinence, carson city, city health, Condoms, health, human services, services department, sexual health, sexually transmitted, STDs, transmitted diseases, young people

What Everyone Ought To Know About Student Sexual Health

Students are known to get the majority of their sexual health advice from their friends or online, and the problem with this is that a lot of that information can be inaccurate or misleading. Whether or not that student is sexually active, it is important for their wellbeing that they are equipped with the knowledge that they need in order to protect their sexual wellness, both now and in the future.

One university has found a new way to get around this. BU Student Health Services have launched a new sexual health inititative, which includes a live question and answer session with a group of self-proclaimed ‘sexperts’ on site at the campus.

The SHS wellness coordinator, Katharine Mooney, says that the decision was made to focus on sexual health as it played such an important role in the emotional and physical wellbeing of all students. Safer sex information is now vital for young people, as recent statistics show that 6.7 percent of the approximately one million people in the United States who have HIV are under the age of 24, and more than half of those in this category who are affected are currently unaware of their infection, so could quite easily unwittingly spread it around.

Delivered with a healthy dose of humour, the safe sex message is being presented in an appealing way. The safe sex session will be held in the dark to make students feel more comfortable and also to enable the distribution of fun glow-in-the-dark items such as necklaces and condoms.

A so-called ‘Condom Fairy’ is also available on site at the university, which allows both female and male students to order a delivery of condoms to arrive at their room on campus for free. Data shows that, to date, around 500 students had requested both male and female condoms, as well as lubricants and dams.

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What Everyone Ought To Know About Student Sexual Health

Categories: Condoms, health, sexual

The Shocking Stats and Facts about Sexual Health and STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) most commonly affect the wellbeing of people aged 15-24, as one in two sexually active young people will get an STI by the age of 25. When it comes to sexual health, knowledge is power and it’s important to equip yourself against these diseases, especially if you fall into this age category.

Nancy Jansen, director of Graham Health Centre, Oakland University, says that beside abstinence, male condoms are the best way to reduce the risk of infection. She urged, ‘Always, always, always wear a condom’ and ‘limit your partners’. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, condoms are particularly effective against infections transmitted by genital fluids, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and HIV.

A condom may not guard your wellness completely against infections that are transmitted through skin to skin contact, like human papilloma virus, genital herpes or syphilis, but Melissa Reznar, a visiting assistant professor in OU’s health sciences department, commented that, if used correctly, the failure rate of condoms in protecting against STIs is only 2%: ‘People need to be careful and know how to use them correctly because the failure rate can reach up to 15% if they are not used properly.’

Further, males who have sex with other males are at an increased risk for several STIs, including HIV, due to the nature of the intercourse. ‘Just by nature of the tissues that are involved, transmission from males to males is easier. With anal sex, you’ve got more potential for ripping of tissues and more exchange of bodily fluids that can occur,’ Reznar said. She added that, when it comes to HIV, ‘some of the treatments today are better, but it’s not a perfect world. You do have to take medications on a regular basis and there are still side effects associated with them.’

Jansen added that, as many STIs don’t have strong symptoms, ‘You need to get tested on a regular basis. Depending on how many different partners you’ve had, that type of thing would determine the frequency.’ In both men and women, some common symptoms are painful urination, discharge from the penis/vagina, bumps or sores on your genitalia, and vaginal soreness or itching. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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The Shocking Stats and Facts about Sexual Health and STIs

Categories: Condoms, STIs, Testing