TresSugar

Lifestyles Skyn Condoms: "Closest Thing to Wearing Nothing"

DearSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

If condoms are your primary form of birth control, for both pregnancy and STI prevention, then you'll be happy to know there's a new thin condom on the market. Lifestyles Skyn pledges to be the "closest thing to wearing nothing." Well that sounds inviting, doesn't it? These new Skyn condoms are made of a breakthrough material called polyisoprene, which is designed to be softer, stretchier, and more natural feeling. Skyns are meant to feel more like skin-to-skin contact, which is what we're after when it comes to sex, right? They are latex-free, so they're perfect if you have a latex allergy, but they still protect you against STIs. If you're turned off by regular condoms because they decrease sexual sensations, then you may want to give these a try. Let me warn you that they're pricier than latex condoms, with a 12-pack costing around $13.50. If they make your time under the sheets better, then I say they're worth the extra dough!

Have any of you tried these Skyn condoms yet? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Funny Condom Ad

GiggleSugar — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

In the following ad, this woman has an unusual way of deciding whether or not to rent an apartment. (Be sure to turn your sound down--it's NSFW!)

Hump Day: Is It Safe to Use Tight Condoms?

TresSugar — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column. Are you confused about sex? Do you have trouble having an orgasm? Is there something you'd like to try but you're worried it's too weird? Send your questions to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:

"My boyfriend and I have been dating for a few months and we’re not ready to have sex without condoms, but he says that the ones that we’re using are too tight. We're going to get bigger ones of course, but in the meantime, is it safe for us to use these? I heard that condoms can stretch a lot and fit anyone." To see what Dr. Glickman has to say, read more

You can fit pretty much any condom over your arm, so the complaints that some guys may not fit might be more about their perception than anything else. Unfortunately, we don’t yet live in a world where people can buy condoms with the length and width clearly printed on the label, much less in lots of different sizes. But don’t worry - you have some options.

First of all, adding a little lubricant (a couple drops inside the condom before putting it on) will decrease the chances the condom will break by minimizing the formation of air bubbles in the head of the condom. It will feel better, too. (Avoid lube on the shaft of the penis, which can make the condom slide off.) Latex has more friction than skin does, so a little extra lubricant on the outside can help a lot, too. This probably goes without saying, but never use oils with latex condoms; they can make them break in about 30 seconds!

Another option is to change what brand of condom you’re using. American-style condoms like Lifestyles, Trojan, and Durex are made from a somewhat thicker latex so they’re less sensitive and more tight. That’s not always a disadvantage, since some guys find that the decrease in sensation helps them last longer. But if your boyfriend is looking for something with more stretch, try a Japanese-process condom like Kimono, Skinless Skin, or Paradise. These condoms are made from a thinner, stronger, and stretchier latex so you both get more sensation. And they fit larger penises more easily.

You could also try one of the condoms that feature a larger head. The extra room at the head means that the latex slides back and forth, which provides extra sensation. The shaft of the condom is about the same width as other brands, reducing the chance of it sliding off. Just make sure to use a little lube on the inside since the extra friction can be a bit too much for some guys. Pleasure Plus and Trojan Twisted are popular brands.

Lastly, check out the new Skyn condoms. Instead of the traditional latex, they’re made from polyisoprene. It’s a much stretchier and more sheer material than latex, so they feel great for both people. It’s also a good option for people with latex sensitivities. Polyisoprene is a form of rubber, just like latex, so keep oils away from it.

In closing, here's a list of some of the more common brands and their dimensions. Have fun, and don't forget - if you have a sex question, send it to TrèsSugar!

The How-To Lounge: Finding the Right Birth Control for you Part 1

DearSugar — Wed, 02 May 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I receive countless questions from women inquiring about the best birth control options out on the market, and my answer is always the same-- everyone is different and some methods work better for some than others. Finding the right match can take some trial and error, so I am here to give you some information, in an ongoing series, about different methods to help you find what works best for your lifestyle.

Click here to read more

While there are methods to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, the safest and most effective way to protect yourself is abstinence. If you are in fact sexually active, here are some options to help keep you safe.

Condoms

Condoms are the most commonly used over the counter form of birth control because they protect against disease and pregnancy and there are usually no side effects to using a condom
Condoms are only 75% effective so it is best if they are used with a sperm killing agent as well
Putting on a condom correctly is essential to effectiveness. Remember to leave a 1/2 inch of room at the tip to collect semen and be sure to roll the condom all the way down the base of the penis
If you are in a monogamous relationship and you have both been tested for sexually transmitted diseases and are interested in a more convenient method of birth control, there are many prescribed hormones and devises on the market that might be a better match for you

The Pill

The Pill is the most commonly prescribed form of birth control. The pill stops a woman's ovaries from releasing eggs during ovulation. The pill also thickens the mucus found in a woman's cervix which makes it more difficult for sperm to penetrate
The Pill is 99% effective when taken properly: at the same time everyday. Be aware that taking antibiotics and other medications can interfere with the pills effectiveness, so it is advised to use another form of birth control while you are on other medications
While the pill works well for most women, others are heavily effected by its side effects which include but are not limited to experiencing a low sex drive, nausea, moodiness, depression, breast tenderness, the possibility of blood clotting (especially if you are a smoker over the age of 35) and possible skin sensitivity to the sun
In order to get a prescription for the pill, you must see your physician to go over your heath history in order to determine what pill is right for you

The Patch

The patch is a thin plastic sticker like patch that adheres to your skin, most commonly on your stomach, buttock, arm or chest. The patch must be changed once a week for three weeks in a row
The patch has similar hormones to the pill, however many women find it more absent-minded friendly since you only need to change it once a week versus taking a pill at the same time daily
The patch is most effective when it is changed at the same time every week and adhering it to a different part of your body each time
The patch has been proven to be more effective than the pill when used correctly but can cause pregnancy if it becomes loose or falls off for more than 24 hours or if it is left on your body for more than the allotted weeks time
The patch is not recommended for women who weigh over 198 pounds

Tune in tomorrow for Finding the Right Birth Control for you Part 2!