Vegan Condoms – A Shift to Animal Friendly Sexual Health

Most vegans don’t even know about this, but condoms actually in them, a tiny amount of animal byproduct used in their manufacturing.

For ethical vegans, who shun the use and consumption of any animal byproduct, this could pose a problem.

Fortunately, you now can purchase vegan condoms, which are specifically designed to be animal friendly. They more or less look, feel and cost like regular latex condoms, but don’t contain the milk protein found commonly in latex condoms.

Guilt-free Sex

It’s no secret that there has been an alarming rise of people being infected with STIs and STDs in the past years. A lack of education and awareness has always been one of the reasons why people end up infecting themselves and others, with teens and young adults being the most affected by these illnesses—some of which are incurable.

 Along with the rise of STD infections, there has also been a sharp rise in the rate of teen pregnancies in the last couple of years. Safe sex should be practiced, but when safe sex makes you use items that are against you believe and principles, then you might want to think twice about what you buy at the drug store.

Which is Which?

Hundreds of condom makers out there say their products are 100% vegan friendly, but you shouldn’t be fooled with false marketing and packaging. Check if the condoms are actually free from the milk protein by reading the fine print on the packaging or contact your local vegan community or PETA and ask for a list of real, vegan condom manufacturers. You can also read online forums and sources about common vegan condoms and brands that are being trusted by most people.

Where to Get them?

Go online. The internet offers hundreds of brands and online shops that have vegan condoms for sale. You can even get a discount if you buy them in bulk. You can also try going to specialty stores around your area that offer vegan friendly items. These days, some of the common brands can actually be bought in drug stores and pharmacies so these vegan friendly condoms are becoming more and more available in the market. They usually are priced the same as common latex condoms but price varies from one brand to another.

Malaysia and Safe Sex

Durex the condom maker says they’re doing just fine

As a conservative Islamic society, Malaysia frets over teenage sex and the spate of unplanned babies left on doorsteps by unwed young mothers.

But according to a survey by Durex, the condom maker, the nation lags far behind in the youthful sex stakes. Indeed, the median age of first sexual experience is at 23 the highest of all 37 countries in the survey. At 23.7 years the country’s youth are more than three years behind the lead country in early sex – Brazil at 17.3, Colombia, at 17.4 and New Zealand at 17.5.

Source: Here

Condoms in Porn: One Adult Star Says Yes to Measure B

The porn industry has campaigned against Measure B, the L.A. County ballot initiative that would require performers to use condoms. But porn star Aurora Snow says it’s necessary.

I would prefer to have both condoms and testing in porn. It doesn’t have to be one or the other; it makes sense to have both. This is not what a girl in the industry is supposed to say, but it is what a lot of us think when quietly eyeing Los Angeles County’s ballot initiative—known as Measure B—mandating condoms in adult films.

Source: Here

Preventing AIDS – Tips to Keep you Safe

The moment you become sexually active, you also become at risk of contracting sexually-transmitted diseases. One of the main reasons why people get sick with these sexually transmitted infections and diseases is because they have little knowledge or are not responsible enough with their own sexual health and safety.

One of the most life-threatening STDs is AIDS, an immune system disorder caused by the HIV virus, which is contracted through the exchange of bodily fluids, especially blood. This illness slowly diminishes a person’s immunity system resulting in death.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to avoid getting infected with the HIV virus when you’re having intercourse. Below are a few examples.

Use a Condom

A condom is probably the simplest way to protect yourself from any form of STD or STI. A condom stops direct contact and the exchange of bodily fluids when having sex. There are many different types of condoms and some condoms, such as organic condoms, actually do not protect you from infections. These condoms are made from natural materials such as sheep intestine and have pores that are big enough to let viruses and bacteria to pass though. These pores however, are small enough to prevent pregnancy.

Avoid Having Multiple Partners

Having multiple partners raises your risk of being infected with a disease like AIDS. The main reason for this is that your partners could also have come contact with someone who’s infected and don’t even realize this or they could be using organic condoms and not the appropriate ones. You have to be aware of your partner’s sexual history to protect yourself. Avoid having sex with someone you just met and barely even know.

Get tested

Being tested for any infections should be done in a regular basis when you’re sexually active. You should also ask your partner to get tested to make sure both of you are safe. Even if you’re treated for an STD and get well, you can still get infected if your partner is sick.

Never Share Needles 

This is one of the most common ways to be infected with HIV without having sex. Sharing needles places you in danger of contaminating your blood with the other person’s blood. All needles, including the ones used for prescribed drugs or illegal drugs, should be used once and properly disposed of after.

These are just a few ways to keep yourself from being infected with STDs like AIDS. Although abstinence from sex is always the best way to protect yourself, it’s not always the most practical solution out there. That said, you have to be responsible of yourself and your partner when having sex and avoid spreading any type of sexually transmitted diseases by being safe.

Practical Tips on Choosing a Condom

Guys and girls, can choose a number of different sizes, lengths, styles, strengths and widths when it comes to condoms. They’re made from:

Latex – This is the most common material out there. They’re great when it comes to preventing STDs and unplanned pregnancies.

Lambskin – Also known as natural or organic condoms, they offer the most natural feel but they don’t give you protection when it comes to STIs and STDs. They have tiny pores that still allow certain viruses and bacteria to pass through.

Polyurethane – These are good to use if you’re allergic to latex. These aren’t as elastic and flexible as latex and a common problem with them is they slip off easily.

Things to watch out for when choosing a condom

The Label

The condom needs to have an approval form the FDA to ensure that it passed strict regulations and that it’s safe to use. Without FDA approval, the condom could still cause STDs and/or unplanned pregnancies. Even novelty condoms, such as the ones that have different flavors, glow-in-the-dark features, and even vegan condoms, have to pass the strict compliance to assure the user’s safety.

Expiration

Condoms actually have an expiration date. Always check on this before you purchase a pack. If you can’t find one, look for a manufacture date and get the ones that are less than a year old. Newer condoms are less likely to break or tear. Another thing that you need to check on is to make sure that the package does not have any holes or damages on it.

Strength

Condoms also come in regular and thick strength. People think that a ticker condom allows more protection, but this isn’t always the case. Thinner condom, however, do provide better sensation. The only thing to worry about condom strength is the FDA approval. Both thin and thick condoms have equal and effective strength.

Lubrication

Get condoms that are already lubricated. Most types of condoms, whether it’s latex or organic condoms, come with lubrication. Some lubricants even contain spermicide which kills the sperm cells the moment they come in contact with the condoms. Lubricated condoms are more comfortable to use but don’t use oil based lubricants on latex condoms since this causes a chemical reaction that damages the condom. Stick with water based gel lubricants which are more common and can be purchased in any pharmacy.

Size

Choose the right size that you’re comfortable with. If it’s too small, you might cause the condom to tear.  But if it’s too big, then it might be uncomfortable and slip off when being used.

Column: The history of the condom

In the fifth grade I learned that, in 12th century Scotland, men wore condoms made of sheep intestine. While this historical tidbit frightened me, it also instilled an important moral.

Condoms, no matter the texture or scent, are better than an unwanted pregnancy or an STD.

But was anyone, besides me, wondering about the other steps in the evolution of male condoms? How did they transform from a literal sausage sheath into the hygienic rubbers that the Love Lab gives out today?

After a harrowing Google image search, I discovered that fashion-forward Egyptian and Roman men often wore tiny loincloths covering the glans of their penises. But get this — those loincloths weren’t only worn for modesty, they also doubled as linen condoms. Poor Cleopatra, I wonder if she knew that sex with Mark Antony would be quite so… uncomfortable.

Source: Here

How Facebook could prevent you from catching an STD

If you worry about spending hours on Facebook, then relax - it could be good for your health.

The social networking site may help prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the University of Colorado found that sexual health advice on the site encouraged condom use among teenagers, decreasing the chance of them spreading STDs.

Source: Here

Choice facts about condoms

Condoms have taken centre stage in the past week as the education and health ministers argue about whether they should be handed out to teenagers.

If the health minister gets the go-ahead to supply condoms to schools when President Jacob Zuma announces the schools health plan at the end of this week, he might face multiple challenges - including missing condom distribution targets and widespread dissatisfaction with the state's Choice condoms.

Source: Here

Sex infections rise among middle-aged

Teenagers are likely to be better informed about sexual health than middle-aged New Zealanders, who are catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at increasingly high rates.

The trend could be linked to a rise in divorce rates, an increase in infidelity or a new age of online dating, experts suggest.

Ignorance about safe sex and poor condom use among 40 to 50-year-old New Zealanders could also be blamed for the rise in STIs, Christchurch's Sexual Health Clinic physician Heather Young said.

The clinic had recently seen an increase in herpes and genital warts in its middle-aged patients.

Young said 40 to 50-year-olds leaving long-term relationships and re-entering the dating scene with an ignorant perception of safe sex could have sparked the climb in STIs.

Source: Here

Heath Benefits you Get from Sex

Many physical and psychological studies have been done about the benefits of having sex. Your intimate moments might just give you a better and healthier life. But before you go under the covers, remember to have safe sex.

Here are the top 10 health benefits from sex.

Good blood pressure and less stress

Sex has always been a good stress reliever, but it can also positively affect your blood pressure by keeping it on a normal level. A Scottish research took in 22 men and 24 women and kept note of their night time activities.  They were placed in a stressful situation, like doing math without paper or speaking in a crowded room, managed their stress levels and their blood pressure better.

Boosts up immunity

Immunoglobulin A or IgA levels are known to be higher almost people who actively have sex. This antibody can help avoid the common cold and other infections.

Good exercise

You can burn 85 calories when having sex for 30 minutes. This might not sound much, but if you add it up, you can get a good workout while getting intimate with your partner. You not only have to use your body, but your mind as well.

Cardiovascular heath

A 20 year long British study about the correlation between sex and the likeliness of getting a heart attack showed that people who have sex twice or more times a week are less likely to have heart problems.

Better Self Esteem

Having sex makes you feel good about yourself. It lifts up your self-esteem and self-confidence.  Even people would have high self-esteem and belief about themselves would have sex to feel better. Another study has also shown that good sex comes from a good feeling towards yourself.

Deeper Intimacy

When you and your partner have sex, you become closer. Orgasms and sex help raise the level of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, which causes people to build trust and bond. Having some alone time with your partner is also a good way to get to know each other in a deeper way.

Painkillers

The hormones released during pain are natural painkillers and would even help make the pain disappear completely. So if arthritis pains, PMS symptoms and headaches disappear, you can thank sex.
These are just a few benefits you get with sex. Having fun and practicing safe sex will definitely help you enjoy it more and you become a bit healthier.

Safe sex for the over-40s

IN AN Australian first, Family Planning NSW has launched a safe sex awareness campaign for older Australians, telling over 40s: "Safe sex is an easier conversation to have with your clothes on."

Family Planning medical director Dr Deborah Bateson, said the new campaign aimed to educate people over 40 about the risks of having sex without using a condom and to equip them with the information they need to practice safe sex.

Source: Here

Eco condoms penetrate fairtrade market

Condoms produced by a carbon neutral manufacturer and made from fair trade rubber, have hit UK shelves.

Fairtrade organisation, Fair Squared, have announced the roll-out of the first carbon-friendly, sustainable condoms, following a surge in fairtrade products in the last 18 months.

Source: Here

Prevention and Protection: The True Value of Condoms

On September 27th we marked National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. It's not exactly a celebratory event; however, it is an important one where we acknowledge the bond that exists within the community because of this disease, and that the fight against HIV is far from over. This day, as well as a comment that was posted on my last Huffington Post entry, got me to thinking about HIV and how it has impacted my life as a gay man.

Source: Here