TresSugar

Cheaper Version of the Female Condom Waiting Approval by FDA

DearSugar — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0800

Even if you aren't a fan of using condoms, we can all agree that they are an easy, effective, and inexpensive tool for preventing pregnancy and STIs. Some guys put up a stink about putting one on though, which is why female condoms are so great. They allow the woman to have some control about how she protects herself so she doesn't have to rely on her partner. However, female condoms are pricey, about $2 a piece, and if that's your only form of birth control, imagine how much money you'd be spending each month!

I'm here with some good news though. The FDA is evaluating a second-generation female condom (FC2), and within six months, it's expected to be approved. This new version will be like the first generation model, but they'll be 30 percent cheaper.

Tell me, do you think you'd be more apt to use female condoms because of the decrease in cost?

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How Well Do You Know the Female Condom?

DearSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0700

If you're not ready to become a mother and hormonal birth control isn't an option for you, you can still take the power into your own hands with the female condom. We've covered the pros and cons, but how well do you really know the female condom? Take this quiz and find out!

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Condoms: Male vs. Female

DearSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:00:00 -0800

Condoms are an amazing invention, aren't they? Not only are they effective at helping you not get pregnant, but also they help prevent you from contracting an STI. Male condoms have been around much longer than female condoms so I think they definitely get used more, but isn't it great that there's another option available that allows women can be in control too? A woman can now use the female condom to protect herself from disease and motherhood, and no longer has to rely on the guy to use a condom.

Want to see how these two compare? Then read more

	Male	Female
What they're made of	Latex, polyurethane, or lamb intestines	Polyurethane (great for people who have a latex sensitivity)
Price	Latex condoms cost $5 for a 12-pack Polyurethane condoms cost about $7 for a 6-pack Natural Lamb condoms costs about $8 for a 12-pack	$10 for a 5-pack
Efficacy against preventing pregnancy	85 percent effective	75 percent effective
Do they prevent STIs?	Condoms made out of latex and polyurethane do, but natural lamb condoms don't.	Yes
Lubricants	You can use only water-based lubes on latex male condoms, but you can use both water- and oil-based lubes on ones made out of polyurethane or lamb intestine.	You can use both oil- and water-based lubricants
Availability	Easy to find at pharmacies, grocery stores, and some bathrooms and doctor's offices for free.	They're not usually found at stores. You may need to get them from your doctor or order them online.
When can it be used?	It must be placed on the penis immediately before intercourse, when the man has an erection.	It can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse.
Use	They can break or slip off, but using the right size condom should help solve this problem.	It may make noise while you're having sex, but using extra lubricant can help.
Comfort and ease	It's easy to put on and it fits snugly around the penis when erect, so it stays put while you're having sex.	Some people complain that it's difficult to insert the inner rim, and that the outer rim doesn't stay put while you're having sex. Some also say that it moves around while they have sex, so it's really noticeable and distracting.
Removal	After sex, hold the outer rim as the man pulls his penis out of the woman. Then the condom can be easily slid off and thrown away.	After sex, gently tug on the outer rim and pull the condom out of the woman.

I know people who absolutely love the female condom, and I know people who absolutely despise it, but the same goes for male condoms. That's why it's great that there are so many birth control options out there to fit people's needs and preferences.

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What's Up With The Female Condom?

DearSugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:00:00 -0700

If you're sick of using regular condoms while having sex, but still want to be protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, the female condom might be the answer.

The female condom (also called the internal condom) is about 6.5 inches long and at each end there is a flexible ring. One end is closed and that's the ring that gets inserted into your vagina, much like you would insert a diaphragm - this ring is also removable. At the other open end, the ring stays outside the vulva at the entrance to the vagina.

What are the BENEFITS?

Female condoms actually better protect you against STIs than male condoms because they cover more of your mucous membranes.
It's made out of polyurethane, so if you have a latex allergy, this is another option for you besides polyurethane condoms.
They contain no spermicide which tends to irritate many women when they have sex.
The female condom is 75% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.
Both water-based and oil-based lubricants can be used with the female condom.
It can be inserted up to 8 hours before you have sex.

Want to know what the DISADVANTAGES are? Then read more

The outer ring can be seen outside the vagina, so for some women, this makes them feel self-conscious.
It can makes noises while you have sex, but using more lubricant may help this problem.
Some women find it harder to insert, use, and remove compared to male condoms.
It may be hard to find in certain countries.
They are more expensive than male condoms, costing about $10 for a 5-pack.

Dear's Advice: Just like using any form of birth control, it takes a little practice. Here's a step-by-step guide to inserting the female condom so you can become a pro.

Check out these Adriana Bertini dresses posted by Fab. They're made out of condoms to increase people's awareness about AIDS.

With all this in mind, I am curious - do you think you would ever try this form of birth control? If you have tried it, do share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.

Custom Made: India Distributes Female, Gay Condoms

LibertySugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Indian women and gay men, two marginalized populations, gain control over their lives and personal liberation from condoms made just for them.

Female condoms have become increasingly popular, thanks to an ambitious government initiative. While the female condoms protect women at risk of contracting HIV from their husbands, the freedom provided by the condoms also extends to contraceptive benefits, and an overall feeling of increased control.

The response from women and their husbands has been better than expected. But, despite reported progress, providing female condoms is not enough; women must learn how to communicate with their partners. Dr. Linda Cottler, who researches HIV prevention efforts, explains the challenge in India:

Intimate partner violence is common, and it occurs because women ask their partners to use condoms. Some women in India think that they can wash their or their partners' genitals with bleach, alcohol, or water as a way to protect themselves from the virus. These myths must be countered with better education.

Walking a fine line, India also has plans to distribute a more effective, for-gay-men condom through non-profits and community groups. To find out why this plan is so radical, read more.

Indian law prohibits homosexual acts, but the country must face the fact that its homosexual men are at high-risk for infection. Since the Indian government doesn't condone homosexuality, the condoms get marketed as "Super Strong Condoms" or "Stud Condoms." It's encouraging to see disadvantaged individuals gaining control of their lives.

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Hump Day: I Want to Orgasm Without a Vibrator!

TresSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's new 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:

“I'm 22 and have masturbated basically as long as I can remember. It wasn't until getting a vibrator about a year ago that I finally had an orgasm, but I have yet to have an orgasm with my boyfriend without using my vibrator. We've tried missionary, doggy-style, cowgirl, him going down on me - nothing but the vibrator gets me off. I would love to have an orgasm with my boyfriend without the electrical help. Any advice?“ To hear what Dr. Glickman has to say, read more.

Hi,

This is a really common situation - it happens much more often than most people realize. It turns out that some women need to learn how to have an orgasm. Not just in the sense of figuring out what feels good to them, but also in the sense of having their bodies learn how to do it. Fortunately, since you’ve had orgasms with a vibrator, we can probably set aside the different medical reasons that can get in the way.

Most women report that they need some sort of clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm, so it’s not a surprise to me that trying different positions hasn’t done the trick. In fact, some women find that the reason that a particular position works for them is that they get clitoral stimulation from their partner’s torso, not because they get deeper penetration. Although you’ve tried lots of different positions, you might find that small things make a big difference - how you position your legs, for example, can have a big effect on how things feel. I can’t say for sure what will work for you since everyone’s a bit different, but one thing you can try is making small adjustments and seeing what that does.

It’s not clear from your question - have you tried using the vibrator while having sex with your boyfriend? For many women, that can be a way to take something that works and connect it with something different. I’ve heard from quite a few women that combining the two for a while eventually made it easier for them to have orgasms without the toy.

You could also try using your vibrator with your boyfriend for a while before shifting to intercourse. The more turned on you get before changing things up, the more likely it is that intercourse will put you over the top. Another option would be for you or your boyfriend to pleasure your clitoris by hand during intercourse. A little bit of lubricant can help with that - I like the silicone-based lubes because they don’t dry out and they’re safe to use with condoms. And if you don’t have an orgasm during intercourse, feel free to grab that vibrator afterwards and enjoy yourself. You can always give it another try next time.

Having said all that, it sounds like you (or you and your boyfriend) might be putting a lot of pressure on the idea of orgasms without a vibrator. Ironically, the more you stress over whether you’ll have an orgasm, the less likely it can be. It’s the female version of performance anxiety creating the very situation you’re trying to keep from happening, just as performance anxiety can lead to erection difficulties for a lot of guys. And in both cases, one of the best ways to respond is to not worry about it. I know that can sound like the line about “don’t think of a pink rhinoceros” but it’s often true that if you can enjoy what you’re doing without getting stuck in the “will it happen this time” loop, you’ll have a lot more fun.

One of the best ways to do that is to do whatever the two of you enjoy without stressing about using a vibrator. If a vibe is what you need at this point in your life to have an orgasm, go for it! It’s really, really likely that you won’t always need it - sexual response changes a lot and you will probably find that in the not-too-distant future, what works for you will be quite different. I’ve spoken with a lot of women who have found that they needed the intensity of a vibrator when they were younger and that when they got a bit older, things were very different. That’s one of the best things about sex: we get to keep trying new things. It’s kind of like food. Your favorite foods will probably also change over time, so you get to try new cuisines. The only thing that’s important is whether you’re enjoying whatever works for you right now.

If you want to do a little reading, there are some books I can highly recommend. I Love Female Orgasm is a fun read that covers pretty much everything - masturbation, partner sex, safer sex, toys, anatomy, and more. There are also lots of useful tips for women in your situation. Orgasms is an excellent guide for folks who want to figure out how to have an orgasm or how to have them more consistently. It’s a great read for partners, too. And Becoming Orgasmic is one of the best on the topic. It’s a bit more text heavy than the first two, but there’s an incredible amount of information there.

So the upshot of all of this is that the more you can relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about whether it’ll happen or not, the more fun you’ll have. And don’t stress about whether there’s something wrong with you - you’re not alone and lots of women have found that practice does, indeed, make perfect. Usually when you least expect it.

Have fun!

How Do I Choose the Right Condom?

DearSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

When it comes to birth control, condoms may be a drag (because you're not really in direct contact with your partner), but when used properly, they are extremely effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs and they don't require the woman to be on hormones like the Pill, the Patch, the Nuvaring, the Shot, or the Implant. In addition to protecting you, condoms can help if the guy reaches orgasm too quickly by decreasing sensations.

With so many kinds of condoms out there, it's tough to know how to pick the right one. It's important to think about what the condom is made of, if it comes with lubricant, and what size to buy, etc. To figure out how to choose read more

Material - Latex condoms are awesome because they protect against STIs and prevent pregnancy. Most condoms are made out of latex, but remember to only use water-based lubes with these. Unfortunately, some women have a sensitivity to latex that causes an unbearable burning irritation. If that's the case, try these...

Polyurethane condoms also protect against STIs and prevent pregnancy, and are great for those with a sensitivity to latex. Durex Avanti and Trojan Supra are made out of polyurethane. These transmit heat well, and are ultra-thin and strong so they may feel more comfortable than latex condoms. Both water-based and oil-based lubricants can be used with these condoms.

Lambskin condoms are made out of lamb intestines and while the pores of this material are not large enough to allow sperm through, much smaller bacteria and viruses may easily slip in and out between the condom so be aware that lambskin condoms DO prevent pregnancy, but DON'T protect against STIs including HIV. I've also heard that these break easily so be careful.

Lubricant - Lube can really help make sex more enjoyable, but some lubes on condoms contain the spermicide Nonoxynol-9. This can also cause irritation, so before declaring that you are allergic to latex, try using a condom that is free of spermicide first. If the spermicide bothers you, buy a condom without it and use your own separate personal lube instead.

Size - Most condoms are a one size fits all kind of thing however, if you sleeping with a well-endowed man, you'll need to buy bigger sized condoms. You don't want your man's condom to be too snug a fit as it's both uncomfortable and poses a greater risk for breakage, so pick up a box of Trojan Magnums if regular condoms don't fit - they're a great choice.

For Added Pleasure - Some condoms are colored, have ribs or pleasure spots, some are flavored, and some even tingle Just be sure to read the labels on these to make sure they say that they're effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs.

Style - You can also try out a female condom. This is another option that the woman inserts inside her vagina instead of the traditional condoms that fit on the man's penis. It's made out of polyurethane, contains no spermicide, and is 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. They tend to make noise though, which can kill the mood, and some women find them harder to insert than male condoms. They're also a little bit more expensive, but they may protect you better from STIs since they cover up more of your mucous membrane.

Whatever your choice, make sure the condom is on right or else they won't keep you protected.

Source

Female Marine Recruits More Lax About Sex Than Civilians

TresSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Hoping to learn how to prevent unintended pregnancies from impacting combat readiness, the Marine Corps took a look at the sex lives of female Marines. The study revealed that female recruits had higher rates of the most common STDs (chlamydia and gonorrhea) and were less fond of using condoms than the general civilian population. The survey also revealed more lax attitudes toward mixing sex with alcohol among the new female Marines.

When you're in the armed forces, your sex life can impact the country's national security. Hoping to avoid losing Marines to unplanned pregnancy or illness, the Marine Corps includes sex ed in basic training. Each female recruit also has to have a 30-minute informal discussion about reproductive health with a senior drill instructor. That's got to be a little awkward - drop and give me birth control!

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Dos and Don'ts When It Comes to STI Prevention

DearSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700

STIs are not only uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes embarrassing, but they can also lead to health complications such as infertility, cancer, or even death. With that said, here's a reminder of the ways you can protect yourself, brought to you by the MayoClinic.

Talk to your partner. It's important to feel comfortable asking your partner about his or her sexual history. If you feel nervous, you may have to question whether or not you're ready to have sex in the first place.
Get an STI screening. Some people will either lie about having an STI, or they may not even know they've contracted an infection. Either way, it's a great idea for both you and your partner to get tested before becoming sexually active - peace of mind is definitely a turn on.
Immunize. In most countries, it's mandatory to receive the vaccine for Hepatitis B, so you most likely have it already. We're also lucky enough to have Gardasil, the vaccine that guards against HPV, the STI that causes certain types of cervical cancer. If you're not in a mutually monogamous relationship, it may be a great idea to get this vaccine.

To find out how else you can protect yourself, read more.

Condoms are a must. Although using male and female condoms doesn't guarantee 100 percent protection from STIs, they definitely help dramatically. Even if you're on the pill to protect against pregnancy, you still want to use a condom if you're unsure whether your partner is STI-free.
Don't mix sex with alcohol or drugs.I don't need to tell you that using drugs or alcohol decreases your awareness and makes it more difficult for you to make responsible decisions regarding your sexual safety. It's harder to remember to use a condom, and you may not be as picky about who you end up in bed with. Not only that, but using drugs and alcohol can also make sex less pleasurable, so it's really not worth it.
Be safe in public settings. If you're at a new bar or a friend's house party, remember that you can't be too careful. It's OK to try out new social scenes, just make sure you go with a group of friends that agree to arrive and leave together. Also, don't let your drink out of your sight. Date-rape drugs are colorless and odorless, but they can impair your judgment or make you pass out. You don't want anyone taking advantage of you, so if you forget to watch your drink, throw it out and get a new one - you're better safe than sorry.

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What's the Right Birth Control For You? Part One

DearSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:00:05 -0700

There's been a lot of news about STIs lately. We all know it's important to protect yourself against disease, but it's also important to protect yourself against pregnancy if having a baby isn't part of your immediate plan. Maybe you already have a method that works for you, but in case you're unhappy and want to explore other options, I've put together a three-part series on finding the right method.

Want to see part one? Then read more

Method	Pros	Cons
Birth control pills	You only have to think about them once a day, and they monitor your period so you either always know when you're getting it or you can choose not to get it at all. They're 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.	Some people don't like the idea of taking hormones because of the possible side effects like blood clots and stroke. They may also decrease your sex drive, make you moody, or cause weight gain. Plus the pill does not protect you against STIs.
Male condoms	They're cheap ($5 for a 12 pack), you can buy them at most drugstores, they're easy to use, and they can protect you against STIs. They're also easily reversible, meaning that you can try getting pregnant as soon as you stop using them. All this and they're 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.	You have to stop what you're doing to put one on, which interrupts the flow of intimacy and can be a real turn off for some people.
Female condoms	They can protect against STIs better than male condoms since they cover your entire mucous membrane. They're made with polyurethane so they're great for people with latex allergies. You can also insert one up to eight hours before intercourse, so you don't have to interrupt intimacy by putting one on.	They're more expensive than male condoms ($10 for a 5 pack), and many women complain that they're harder to use and can be noisy.
The NuvaRing	You only have to think about it once a month. It's monophasic, meaning it delivers a steady amount of hormone consistently, which is great if other forms of hormonal birth control tend to make you moody. Plus it's 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.	It doesn't protect against STIs, and some men complain that they can feel it when they have sex with a woman. It's also been known to fall out.

These are just some of the methods that are available to women. Tune in tomorrow for part two!