TresSugar

Would You Try Shaped Condoms to Increase Pleasure?

DearSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0800

Condoms help prevent STIs and pregnancy, but let's face it - wearing one doesn't feel as good as wearing nothing at all. Manufacturers try to make them more appealing by adding color, scents, or flavors to them, but some condoms also offer unique shapes to intensify your pleasure. But are they really worth the extra dough? It's all about personal preference when it comes to shaped condoms - the only way you'll know if they make sex better is to give them a try, so here are some you may want to pick up. Enjoy!

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What's the Deal With: The Cervical Cap?

DearSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Barrier methods of birth control are great options if you don't want to take hormones to prevent pregnancy. They work by blocking sperm from entering your uterus, which prevents fertilization.

The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm, it's just a little smaller. It's made of latex and is shaped like a thimble. When you insert it into your vagina, it fits snugly over your cervix and suction and your vaginal muscles keep the cap in place.

Advantages:

After you get fitted for one by your gyno, you can keep it for up to a year or more.
It's reusable.
There are no hormones involved, and it won't affect your menstrual cycle.
It won't affect future fertility.
Unlike a diaphragm that you can only keep in place for 24 hours, a cervical cap can be left in place up to 48 hours.
There's a latex-free version called the FemCap.

Want to hear the Disadvantages? Then read more

It's only 86% effective at preventing pregnancy.
It can be difficult to insert or remove.
You must keep it in place up to 8 hours after intercourse.
It doesn't protect you from STIs.
You have to use it with spermicide, which some women have a sensitivity to.
It can get dislodged during sex, and if that happens, there's a chance you could get pregnant.
Your cervical shape changes after childbirth or an abortion, making it harder to fit. If you use a cervical cap after either of these instances, the effectiveness drops down to only 71%.
It may cause UTIs, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), or yeast infections.

Just like with the diaphragm, I'm not too keen on the efficiency and using this form of birth control would make me too nervous. Since condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs, I think condoms are a much better option when it comes to barrier methods. What do you think?

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The How-To Lounge: Finding the Right Birth Control for you Part 3

DearSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I'm back with the last installment of the How to Lounge on birth control. If prescription birth control isn't right for you and you don't want to use condoms, there are other methods on the market that could be a better match for you.

Click here to read more

The IUD

The IUD, otherwise known as the Intrauterine Device, is a T-shaped, 1.5 inch plastic device which is inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD must be inserted by a physician
There are now 2 types of IUDs, the ParaGard and the Mirena
Both kinds of IUDs protect against pregnancy by affecting the way the sperm moves in addition to altering the lining of the uterus
Both kinds of IUDs have strings attached to the device that hang through the cervix into the vagina providing a way to make sure it is properly in place
The ParaGard IUD contains copper which is known to have spermicidal effects and can be left in place for up to 12 years
The Mirena IUD releases small amounts of progestin, similar to the hormones from the pill, the patch, and the ring, preventing the uterus from releasing eggs. The hormones released through this kind of IUD stay in the uterus and are not systemic, therefore will not cause many of the side effects of oral contraception. The Mirena can be left in place for 5 years
The IUD does not stop you from ovulating so you will still get your period, although it could alter your flow and even stop it altogether over time
When an IUD is inserted, your body produces white blood cells to help fight off the foreign object that your body doesn't recognize, which in turn will attack the sperm
The IUD is 99% effective, the most hassle free and most recommended form of birth control for women

The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a latex or silicon dome shaped cup if you will that is personally inserted in the vagina to cover the cervix before intercourse
Diaphragms are made in a variety of sizes and can be fitted by your physician. They are recommended to be used with spermicide for added protection
To insert a diaphragm, pinch the device so it bends in half, find a comfortable position and push it as far back and up the vagina as possible. Tuck it behind the pubic bone to make sure the cervix is covered. Do not leave the diaphragm in for more than 24 hours
The diaphragm must be inserted before intercourse and left in place for 6 hours after the last act of intercourse
Women who use a diaphragm run the risk of frequent bladder infections, so remember to urinate before inserting the diaphragm and after intercourse
The diaphragm has a failure rate of 18%-20%

While finding the right form of birth control takes trial and error, one thing to always remember is the only way to protect yourself against disease is to abstain from sex altogether or to use condoms. Since sometimes things do not go as planned, and not every form of birth control is 100% effective, you now have a second chance to prevent against pregnancy. While Plan B should not be used as a form of birth control, it is a safe way to prevent unintended pregnancy. Plan B contains a high dose of hormones, similar to those found in the pill, and must be taken within 120 hours after unprotected sex. For more information about Plan B click here. Good luck and be safe!

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Diaphragms and HIV

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:00:00 -0700

There are all types of methods of birth control out there. The Pill, the Patch, the NuvaRing, the Depo-Provera shot, IUDs, and of course condoms.

Some women like to use a diaphragm. It's a shallow, dome shaped cup with a flexible rim that you place inside your vagina to cover your cervix so no sperm can get into your uterus. It's great because you can insert it up to 2 hours before you think you might be getting it on and that way you don't have to interrupt the mood to deal with your condom, plus most men can't even feel it! That sounds great and all, but I want to know...

Saturday Morning Cartoon: Safe Sex In Mario Land

GiggleSugar — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Back in the 80s, the American Board of Education toyed with the cringe-worthy idea of having the Super Mario Brothers give a lesson in safe sex and this was their demo tape. First off, why is the board targeting young gamers-- a demographic that's too busy playing games at home to ever get out and play games with actual girls? Secondly, what's up with mushroom shaped testosterone and green speckled eggs and "condom boots"? Real educational. (I love that Luigi is the sexpert, though. It's about time he got some of Mario's spotlight.)

Another (Golden) Reason Not To Exercise

GiggleSugar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:00:00 -0800

So while the other three were away on a condom run, this granny was getting her jazzercise on to get in shape for...sex? What the...what? I'm beginning to figure out what gives these girls that extra special golden glow. TMI, girls, TMI!