Safer Sex: test your Condom Knowledge

March 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

 

In this second post in the safer sex series, I'm inviting you to test what you know about condoms. Unless you're in a committed relationship with a partner who you're sure about, I'm sure you've been using the rubber for a good while. But do you know everything you should about it? Do you have enough knowledge to buy the right type of condom? Do you even know how many different ones are there?

So, to make sure you're making the right choices when it comes to condoms, go ahead and take the following test. And feel free to share your results with us !

You can find the test here.

 

 

 

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    Safer sex: using a dental dam

    February 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

    This is the first article in the safer sex series, where I'll cover different ways to protect yourself during oral sex.

    A few months ago I wrote a post about being safe while performing analingus. , where I mentioned dental dams, these small sheets of latex which can help transform a somewhat risky experience into a safer one.

    Dental damns were originally used by dentist to isolate a tooth during dental procedures. They should definitely be used if you decide to perform analingus on your partner. You can then have all the fun but none of the infections and STDs that can easily be passed trough fluids.

    Although they're not as easy to find as condoms, dental dams can be purchased online or at some drugstores or sex shops. But even if you can't quickly find one or have none on hand at the time of having sex, there is no need to panic or make yourself at risk. You can easily make your own, and in a matter of minutes. Dental dams can be made from latex gloves or saran wrap. Another quick – and fun- way to make a dental dam is by taking off the tip of a condom and cutting one of the sides.

    Usage:

    Dental dams are fairly easy to use. Just hold it over the anus during the stimulation with your tongue. Of course, doing so will not guarantee that you'll be 100% safe, but it will be a great help in reducing your risk or STDs.

    A few words of advice:

    - Never use a dental dam twice, and never use the other side of a used dental dam ( you'll only be saying hello to all the fluids you've been trying so hard to avoid). Discard them immediately after each intimate act.

    - If you're making a dental dam from a condom, it's better to buy a flavored one. Who wants the taste of latex in their mouth?

    - You can use lubricants when using dental dams – it's especially a good idea if you make them yourself. It will avoid having the latex stick on the skin. Certain lubricants will break the latex down, though. It's recommended to use a dental-dam safe lubricant.

    - Enjoy your time together! :)

     

     

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    World AIDS day: One week later

    December 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

    Oral sex is the safest kind of sex.

    Er… not exactly. This is true to a point, but not completely. It is common belief,  especially among young folks,  that you can’t catch HIV by having  unprotected oral sex.  That couldn’t be more further than the truth. Yes, you are at less risk to get AIDS from oral sex, but the probability still exists.

    According to aids.com :

    • It is possible to get infected with HIV through oral sex. The risk is not zero.
    • The risk of HIV infection through oral sex is extremely low. It is much lower than for other types of unprotected sexual activity. However, other diseases such as syphilis can be transmitted through oral se

    And from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

    Yes, it is possible for either partner to become infected with HIV through performing or receiving oral sex. There have been a few cases of HIV transmission from performing oral sex on a person infected with HIV. While no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is, evidence suggests that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal sex.

    Unfortunately, too many people mistakenly read ‘less likely’ as ‘unlikely’ – and assume unprotected fellatio or cunnilingus is safe. Oral sex is not safe. And the probability of infection increases greatly if you have a cut, sore, or inflammation area in your mouth or throat.

    And remember that even though the risk of catching HIV might be small, there are many more STDs you can get by having unprotected oral sex. Syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are all diseases you can catch. So please take care of yourself; use a condom every time if you’re unsure of your partner.

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    Analingus — playing it safe

    October 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

    People get two kinds of reactions when it comes to analingus, or 'rimming'. They either think it's gross or terribly arousing. Of course, if you're not into it, there is no need to ever perform the act. But, contrary to popular belief, there is nothing perverted or wacky about rimming. Analingus is so pleasurable to the receiver because the anus is full of supersensitive nerve endings. When these nerves are gently stimulated and teased (whether with the tongue or the lips), it can be oh-so-arousing, resulting in powerful and even orgasmic  sensations. Rimming can and should also be exciting and enjoyable for the giver. It is first, of all, an emotional act. It’s also one of the most intimate of all sexual acts. When someone performs analingus on someone else, it’s a way of showing your partner that he/she’s totally accepted.  If done with openness and enthusiasm, rimming can be an extremely intense turn-on. But it goes without saying that you should be extra careful when performing analingus. There are greater risks involved  than in doing fellatio or having intercourse. Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, you should take some precautions. If not, you might end up with a bacterial infection, E. Coli, intestinal parasites, or Hepatitis A, among others. So here are some safety tips to help you play it safe. -          Always make sure your partner takes a shower before the act. You don’t want to find any… well, surprise, no? And alternative to showering is to use a baby wipe to clean your partner’s ass. -          Use a dental dam barrier. Yes, your partner might not agree, but you don’t want to catch a disease, do you? You can buy a flavored Dental Dam, which will make it more fun. -          If you don’t have a dental dam, you can cut a condom lengthwise, and then snip off the tip and base so that you have a square sheet. -         Never, ever mix fluids. Avoid switching from analingus to fellatio. You'll be putting your partner at risk of a urinary tract infection. SO please, avoid going back and forth! -       Use an antiseptic mouthwash once you’re done. Or, at least, rinse with water.

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