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

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

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

How to Use a Condom – A Beginner's Guide

Using a condom is one of the best ways to avoid an unwanted pregnancy and keep yourself and your partner safe from getting infected with an STD. However, you have to make sure that you are actually using the condom correctly to avoid complications. You could end up ripping or tearing the condom, so you have to be careful.

Condoms should not only be used during vaginal sex, it should be used in any type of sex if you want to keep things.

Condoms are the most popular method for having safe sex, and y et not everyone knows how to use them properly. Here are a few care and usage tips for condoms

Before Using

Store the condoms inside a dry, cool place that’s not exposed to direct sunlight. Moreover, always check the box or pack’s expiry date.

Before putting on a condom, check if the package is sealed airtight. Tear it with your hands, not with your teeth, and slip it out from the pack. Check for any damages, holes or tears on it. If it looks like it’s discolored, brittle, or damaged, throw it out and don’t use it.

If you’re planning to use lubricant, use it inside and outside the condom. It’s also crucial that you used a water based lubricant since most condoms are made from latex. Oil-based lubricants will only damage and create hole on the condom, so mind what you use.

Putting it on

Pinch the end using one hand and leave a small space for the semen. With the other, roll the whole condom down until it covers the penis. Guide air bubbles to the opening of the condom to get them out. Usually, condoms are packed with lubricants, but you can also add some more to help avoid any excess friction which causes breakage.

Using the condom

Many people ask when the right time to pull out is. Most would say to pull out before orgasm while the erection is still present. This is because if the penis is not erected anymore, there is a possibility that the ejaculation can spill or leak out of the condom. Pulling out earlier is also a good safe sex tip since it helps prevent infections and pregnancies.

After use

Pull the condom from the base to avoid spills, and be sure to dispose of it correctly. Place it back inside the wrapper and throw it inside the garbage can. Don’t flush it down the toilet to avoid clogging.

UNPROTECTED SEX: S'pore men throw caution to the winds in Batam - study

ABOUT 60 per cent of sex workers in Batam have Singaporean clients, and only one in four of these clients use condoms regularly.

These are some of the key findings in a recent study by migrant welfare group Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) and non-governmental organisations in Batam.

Source: Here

Behind Closed Doors: Safe is sexy — Use condoms to protect you and your partner

I’ve been dating the same guy for three years now, and we’ve never had sex without a condom. My guy friends always kind of cringe when I say that, and my girlfriends never cease to marvel at my self-control. Yes, I’m on birth control. No, neither of us has an STI. I just really, really, really don’t want to get pregnant.

Source: Here

Tips on how to stop Masturbation Addiction

One of the most misunderstood addictions in the world of psychology is the addiction to masturbation. Many people are addicted to masturbating because of the sensation of the orgasm. However, once they’re finished, they begin to feel bad and feel guilty about what they did—it’s a cycle that goes on and on.

Most people who are addicted to masturbation grew up with strict parents or rigid environments, turning to masturbation as an escape. Although many medical and mental health professionals say that masturbation is normal, getting disrupted from daily activities by the thought of not being able to masturbate is already a mental issue.

Here are a few ways to help stop masturbation addiction.

Talk to a therapist

There might be a need to set up an appointment with a therapist to stop the addiction. The therapist can help go into what could have caused the addiction to start by diving down to the person’s past. They can also help keep the person focused on the goal and stop masturbating. A sex therapist is the best therapist to contact to help with this situation.

If you have a partner, have a healthy sex life

Some people, even if they already have partners, still prefer to masturbate due to their addiction. They feel awkward when having sex with their partners and feel more comfortable if they masturbate. Instead of masturbating, have a healthy sex life.  Use a condom and have safe sex to be responsible and protect each other from being infected with STDs.

When feeling the heat, do something else

The feeling of wanting to masturbate comes from a physical need. This means using mental strategies isn’t going to be enough. There needs to be some kind physical outlet to occupy the physical and the emotional drive to masturbate. A common outlet would be sports, work, and hobbies. Once the person’s attention is shift from masturbation to something else, they should think about it less and less.

Avoid pornography

Pornography is a trigger for most to masturbate. Porn is also addicting, and most people who are addicted to masturbation are also addicted to porn. Whether it's T.V, internet pornography, movies, mental images, or strip clubs that you keep thinking of, these issues to be addressed before the masturbation addiction can stop. Avoidance is the only way to get rid of the urge to watch porn.

Join an addiction help group

Many people find it impossible and embarrassing to do this because of their addiction, but having a support group helps. A support group also helps by conditioning a person’s mindset to focus on a healthier outlook in life, providing education on safe sex, and giving the addict a sense of belongingness.

Condoms "most important" prevention tool - NZAF

Commitment to condom use will remain by far the most important tool in the fight against the spread of HIV amongst New Zealand men who have sex with men, according to the NZ AIDS Foundation.



Source: Here

Condom Nation Rolling, Promoting Safe Sex

Winston-Salem, NC-- It's not everyday you see people roll up in an 18 wheeler to hand out condoms...but that was the case Thursday.

A free condom giveaway sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) was in the Triad. The 'Condom Nation' 18-wheel semi truck is on a 40-city, 25-state free condom tour, advocating and handing out free condoms. They are also offering free HIV testing to anyone who wants to get one.

Source: Here

Condom Use Can Reverse HIV/AIDS – Report

Recently, the Kaduna State Media Corporation in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Kaduna State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KASACA), had an awareness meeting to   deliberate on the current HIV situation in the state. It involved among others, how the state has fared and what needs to be done to reverse the trend. WINIFRED OGBEBO who was there, reports.

In 2008, a study conducted by the National AIDS Reproductive Health Survey (NARHS), put the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Kaduna State at 7 per cent, and in 2011, another study put the prevalence rate at 5.1 per cent. That means for every 100 people, five are positive.

Source: Here

From condoms to roses: Golden Key members encourage safe sex

From left: Vontessa Kendall, senior middle grades education major; Terri Harris, junior communication sciences and disorders major; and Molly Seal, Health center graduate assistant work to create condom roses in a effort to encourage safe sex.

Source: Here

And Eco-Friendly Approach Sexual Health and Fertility

These days, people are busy making sure that they clean up their act and minimize their carbon footprints, the better to be less impactful on the environment. There are tremendous benefits to be gained by ensuring every aspect of our lives has a clean and green touch to it, even if it’s something as odd as intimate heath and family planning.

Many of us wouldn’t have second thoughts on getting a hybrid car or get solar panels installed on their roofs to be eco-friendly, but they don’t really look at the little things which could have a big impact. Below are just a few simple and cost effective ways to go green when it comes to your reproductive health.

Go Green with your Monthly Period

Statistics show that over 12 billion sanitary pads and 13 billion tampons are used annually. Within her lifespan, an average woman uses about 11,000 tampons. These don’t break down easily and it will take years before it completely biodegrades. And since you really can’t recycle old tampons and sanitary pads, you can only throw them away, which means they automatically go to the landfill.

Instead of getting the regular tampon or sanitary pad, choose chemical-free and organic ones. Since these do not contain any harsh chemicals, your intimate area will less likely become irritated and they take less time to decompose.

Vegan Love

Choose vegan condoms over regular condoms to add a touch of green to your sex life. Ordinary latex condoms contain a type of protein taken from milk, an animal byproduct—this puts it against the belief of ethical vegans who shun all types of animal-based products.

Vegan condoms are touted as an animal-friendly condom alternative as they are based on plant extracts. Provided its endorsed by a major vegan group, a vegan condom is cruelty-free and animal friendly.

Although they are harder to find in your local pharmacies, you can find vegan condoms online for a reasonable price. Take advantage of the long shelf life of these condoms and buy in bulk to save.

Go Natural

Although using the calendar method is a bit risky, especially if you don’t have a regular period, there are other ways to prevent a pregnancy without using condoms. The best way is use the natural temperature of a woman to know if she is fertile or not. There are also natural birth control pills that are designed to affect the woman’s hormones to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Use Lubricants Made from Organic Materials

Choose lubricant brands made from 100% natural and organic materials. These don’t contain flavors, dyes, petrochemicals, parabens and other harsh chemicals that could irritate the intimate area.

Condoms unpopular with young adults

A campaign hopes to encourage more young adults to use condoms after a study revealed half did not use them with new sexual partners despite rising rates of sexually transmitted diseases

 
Source: Here

Learn From Olympians: Practice Safe Sex Too!

The Olympics are over, and the athletes have returned to their home countries. They left behind moments of glory, moments of disappointment and, apparently, more than 150,000 condom wrappers. That’s the number of contraceptives that were supplied to the London Olympic villagers (up from 100,000 in Beijing).
Drs. Oz & Roizen

This prompts us to point out that safe sex – whether it’s safety from unwanted pregnancy or protection from STDs – is something international athletes seem to take seriously. Safe sex is not an amateur sport; it’s a matter of life and death.

Source: Here

No condoms for almost half of students

BOOZE A FACTOR: Alcohol and sex go hand in hand with many young people, say Victoria University of Wellington students Harry Evans, 20, and Stella Blake-Kelly and Molly McCarthy, both 21.

Source: Here

Benefits of Using Natural Products

The use of natural-based products has grown popular over the recent years due to the supposed benefits these products provide. For starters, most of these products are marketed to contain no traces of harsh and harmful synthetic chemicals, which for many, causes irritations and allergic reactions.

With the growing popular of these products, there is now a wide range of organic and natural products available in our local groceries, pharmacies and supermarkets. Everything from naturally grown food, natural skin care products, to even organic condoms.

Here are some more benefits that natural products have over other products in the market.

Naturally grown food

You can’t go wrong with naturally grown food. Organic food goes through a natural farming or livestock caring process, ensuring that produce and meat aren’t modified genetically. There have been cases of traces of pesticide- and chemical-based fertilizers found inside fruits and vegetables, which may lead to toxic poisoning.

Likewise, livestock that is fed non-organic food may also consume fewer nutrients than naturally fed animals.

Skincare and beauty products

Skin care items made from natural or organic ingredients are gentler to your skin compared to traditional beauty items. These products are typically made from vegetable and fruit extract, with very little to no chemicals mixed with them.

Moreover, no synthetic coloring and harsh smelling perfumes are added to the production of these items. Natural beauty products are also safer for kids—it’s worth pointing out there have been identified cases of children winding up in the hospital after accidentally consuming their mothers’ skincare and beauty products.

Homecare products

Not only can you buy organic and natural home care products at the market, you can also make and use them at home. You can create an effective and instant all-around cleaning product using ingredients that you can find in your own kitchen. It's cheaper and works just as good as the cleaning products you buy at the supermarket. Check the net for online home cleaning remedies and recipes.

Medicine and health care

Man has been using plants to cure illness since the beginning of time. Natural remedies are proven effective and safer since it’s difficult to overdose on them. Likewise, many medicinal and healthcare items are made from animal products. For example, organic condoms are made for sheep or lamb intestines. These are effective contraceptives and feel natural when used, as if you are not wearing a condom at all.

The next time you by something, try going organic. You might just like the effects of natural products and change your whole lifestyle.