Tag Archives: contraception

dating, sex and relationship, Sex Health

Latex allergy should not be an excuse for avoiding safe sex

Most mechanical contraception items are made of latex. This material is ideal when it comes to protection but unfortunately there are some people that are allergic to latex.

The symptoms and signs of latex allergy are usually clearly visible – unexplained itching and burning sensation in the genital area and discharge from the vagina. In some cases people are facing serious allergic reactions. This is why allergy of this type is causing a lot of problems and unpleasant moments for those suffering from it. These problems can occur in their everyday activities and especially during sex. Most condoms and sex toys are made of this material. However, latex allergy doesn’t mean that you should start experimenting with sex toys. It also doesn’t mean that you should stop having safe sex and forget about condoms. Luckily, there are various types of mechanical protection that doesn’t contain latex and there are also many sex toys made of other materials that can help you satisfy your needs.

Mechanical barriers

Condoms are by far the most popular types of mechanical barriers used among those who practice safe sex. As we have mentioned before most condoms are made of latex but the good news is that you can find both male and female condoms that don’t contain latex on the market. These condoms are usually made by the same manufacturers that produce “regular” condoms. These condoms are usually made of polyurethane or polyisoprene. You should be prepared to pay a little bit more for these condoms but the most important thing is that they are perfectly safe and they even provide a slightly more natural feeling during the sexual intercourse.

Surgical gloves are another item that is often used during sex. They are also made of latex but there are certain models made of vinyl or nitrile. Nitrile surgical gloves are almost completely resistant to damages and they also allow somewhat more freely and more sensitive movements at the same time. In case you didn’t know these gloves are very useful tool for both oral sex and any type of penetration that involves hands and fingers.

Dental dam is another item used in medicine that can be used as a protection during sex. Dental dams are actually a kind of wraps/foils that were first used in dentistry. Today these dental dams are often used during oral stimulation of the genitals or the anus. It is quite easy to buy dental dams and you can even use the internet if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home.

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Sex toys

Almost all sex toys and devices used for sexual stimulation contain certain amounts of latex. You have probably noticed how these toys look like. They are usually bendable and very soft. Every item that looks like that usually contains latex. So, before you buy any of these toys and items check the material that was used in their production. The best alternative for toys that contain latex is to use toys made of hard plastic or silicone.

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What Is Vasectomy?

Many men don’t know what vasectomy is and many have heard about it but don’t know exactly how it works. Some of them think that it is a process for complete removal of the testicles; some think that it is a process that will deny the experience that leads to an erection and orgasm while others think about it as a simple removal of manhood. These assumptions are completely wrong. Vasectomy is a medical intervention that permanently ensures men that they won’t be part of any unwanted pregnancy. It is actually a form of contraception that should be taken only when you are sure that you don’t want children. In many countries this procedure can be performed on patients that are older than 30. The procedure is very simple and it is finished only after a few minutes and the good thing is that there are almost no side effects. The surgeon simply redirects, or gets the vas deferens ligated to be more precise, which stops the sperm from leaving the scrotum. Ejaculation during orgasm is still present just like before the surgery but the sperm now doesn’t contain seed that is essential for reproduction.

When a man starts to think about vasectomy it is a little bit different because first of all examinations are a lot more difficult for men compared to women. Women get used to gynecological examinations after their first sexual intercourse or even before. They are not afraid of the examination itself. When it comes to medical procedures of male genitalia the situation is different. Many men don’t even want to talk about it. It is certainly good to know that not every female contraception (designed just for women) brings only positive effects. Hormonal protection (birth control pills) for example can cause a lot of physical complications like migraine, breast cancer etc. while sterilization or intrauterine devices are much more complicated methods compared to vasectomy. Besides that these methods can cause severe inflammation of the womb, discomfort and bleeding during sex and of course unpleasant feeling for the partner. There are cases with intrauterine implants where a man can feel the implant with his penis. In all these cases it is certainly very important to talk about the various options that are available. Condoms are of course the simplest method.

Another not so well known fact is that vasectomy is a reversible process (in 95% of the cases) which is not the case with female sterilization (irreversible process). Of course before any of these two procedures take place the patient should be completely certain that he or she doesn’t want children. Since it is possible for men to change their mind, doctors can perform a procedure that is called vasovasostomy and procedure that can reconnect the seminal vesicles. However this procedure is not always successful and there is a chance that the patient will remain infertile. The process of vasovasostomy is an expensive and difficult and that’s why patients are advised to think about both vasectomy and vasovasostomy carefully.

Contraception, sex and relationship, Sex Health

Few Forms of Long-Term Contraception

There are few forms of long-term contraception that can prevent women, which already gave birth, from another unexpected pregnancy. As we all know there are various types of contraception, which are suitable for different periods of our lives. For example young women and girls that are sexually active, short-term forms of contraception that usually don’t affect the reproductive system like condoms or birth control pills. Unlike them, older women who have decided to take a break between each delivery or maybe they have decided that they don’t want children any more can use forms of long-term contraception.

Sterilization

This is a radical form of long-term (definite) contraception and every woman that considers this option should understand that there is no turning back after the procedure is done. Sterilization is good because it doesn’t affect the sexual life at all and there is no need for other contraceptive measures. Women should remember that attempt to reverse this process by trying to re-establish the patency of fallopian tubes is very risky and complicated surgical procedure that is not always successful. That’s why doctors suggest that women who want to take this procedure should be well informed about other long-term methods of contraception, that can be also very effective but unlike sterilization they are not permanent.

Hormonal intrauterine systems

These systems contain a reservoir with progestogen hormone, which releases a small dosage of the hormone in the womb every day. With the help of this hormone, the mucus in the cervix is thickened so the passage of sperm into the uterus is blocked. Even if some of the sperm has managed to get inside the uterus the normal movement will be difficult. Due to its local affect on the uterus it also reduces the overgrowth of the lining of the uterus. Furthermore this makes the menstruation milder, shorter and even less painful and in some cases women using this type of contraception don’t have menstruation at all. Besides that this systems can prevent infections in the pelvic area and occurrence of endometrial cancer. Because it acts locally the hormonal balance in the body is preserved and there are no side effects. These hormonal systems can be implanted six weeks after birth and mothers who are breast feeding their babies should not be worried because these hormones don’t affect the milk. Hormonal intrauterine systems are almost 100% effective, they last for five years and they can be easily removed if needed.

Copper-based intrauterine devices

These devices are similar to the hormonal systems in their appearance and they are a well known and recognized method of long-term contraception. They are made of copper and plastics and what makes them different from the previously mentioned devices is that they do not contain hormones. They work in a simple way by disabling sperm on their way to the fallopian tubes and make the connection between sperm and eggs impossible. They can last from three to ten years, depending on the type of the device. These devices are more than 99% effective. They are not recommended for women that have not yet given birth or anemic women because sometimes they cause longer and more intensive menstruations.

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Types Of Contraception

Contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy by preventing the fertilized eggs to enter the uterus or preventing the eggs to be fertilized in first place.

There are several types of contraception and choosing the right one depends on several factors including current state of health, convenience and ease of use of contraception, side effects, risk factors and sometimes price. It is best to consult your doctor before you decide to use any kind of contraception.

It is good to remember that you can change the method of contraception any time you want. When you are trying to choose the type of contraception that is best for you take these things into consideration – how often do you have sexual intercourses, do you have a stable relationship, are you ready to make plans when it comes to sexual activity or do you want to use a type of contraception that does not depend on planning. Whatever your choice is you should use it properly in order to have good results.

Birth Control pills

Some birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin (so-called combined pills) while others contain only progestin.

Combined pills prevent ovulation. These pills are taken daily no matter how sexually active the woman is.

Progestin pills prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus making the eggs unreachable for the sperm. These pills have to be consumed daily just like combined pills.

Hormonal Injections

There are two types of hormonal injections that can be used as contraception.

Injection with progesterone is injected once every three months and prevents pregnancy in three ways: by preventing ovulation, stops the sperm from reaching the egg and prevents implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. The method is almost 100 percent effective. It is injected into the muscle in the first five days of menstruation while the rest of the injections are given over a period of three months. Side effects include irregular bleeding, headaches and weight gain.

Injection with progesterone and estrogen is injected once a month. This method is also highly effective. Possible side effects include changes in menstrual cycle and weight gain.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

This device looks like a plastic box with a floss attached on it and it is inserted into the uterus with the help of a doctor. It prevents the entry of sperm inside the fallopian tubes. After insertion, the copper IUD (small plastic device with copper wrapped around its grounds) can remain in place for up to 10 year. All intrauterine devices must be removed by a doctor. Keep in mind that IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Possible side effects include cramps, pelvic inflammatory disease, bleeding and infertility.

Male Condom

The male condom is applied on erected penis before entering the vagina. Male condom creates a physical barrier between the vagina and the penis and prevents pregnancy and diseases.

Female Condom

A female condom is one that you inserted into the vagina instead of penis. It surrounds the penis during the intercourse and serves as protection for vaginal and cervical infections and of course – preventing pregnancy. The female condom can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse and can be used only once. The female condom is stronger than the male condom and should not be used together with a male condom.