Condom facts

I think most people know the basics of condoms: made of latex, roll them on, they offer protection against STDs and pregnancy, but there's a lot more to them, that people don't always know.

Reservoir tips
The vast majority of condoms have a little nub at the top. This nub is called the reservoir tips and is used to collect semen. When a condom is put on, the reservoir tip should be pinched shut to leave room for the semen (instead of filling it with air which makes it more likely to burst).

Spermicide
Commonly added to condoms, spermicide is flavorless and kills sperm to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately spermicide can cause vaginal (or oral or anal) irritation, causing infection and making it easier for STDs to be caught, particularly HIV. Spermicide condoms should not be used for anything other than vaginal sex. Some schools of thought argue that spermicide should never be used at all.

Doubling up
If one condom gives protection, won't two give twice as much? No. Layering condoms increases the chance of them tearing.

Lubricants
Oil-based lubricants can damage latex condoms. Be sure to use water- or silicone-based lube. Oil-based lubes include hand oils and vaseline, so think twice before using a home-made lube. (Silicone lubes can also damage sex toys, so check for that.)

Latex
The standard material for condoms, it is cheap, flexible and relatively thin. Condoms from latex protect against STDs and pregnancy. The downsides to latex are the smell and taste (particularly for oral sex) and allergies to it are common. It also does not conduct heat well.

Lambskin
Actually made from sheep intestines, lambskin is an option for people who are allergic to latex. Lambskin condoms are thicker than latex, and more expensive. They protect against pregnancy but don't provide as much STD protection as latex. Historically, this is what people used

Polyurethane
The standard alternative to latex. Polyurethane condoms conduct heat better than latex ones, can be used with oil-based lubes, and lack the gross latex smell. Unfortunately they are more likely to break or slip off during sex. They are also more expensive

Polyisoprene
The newest condom material. Made of synthetic rubber, polyisoprene condoms have all the advantages of polyurethane without the increased risk of breaking. They are also much thinner than both latex and polyurethane condoms, without adding any risk. The downside is they cost more, and none of the bells and whistles of latex condoms (flavors, extra shapes, ribbing, sizing options, etc.) are available.

Remember that "perfect use" and actual condom use have very different failure rates. By paying attention to how you use condoms, you can greatly improve the protection you get.

Image source: http://www.tac.org.za/community/taxonomy/term/63

Safe Sex of Various Kinds

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Just Let it Flow

Stress is so prominent these days and we all have this huge work load whether dealing with our jobs or school. Sometimes us girls just need to take a load off, I don't mean figuratively either. It is so important that we take some time and feed our sexual needs, desires, and fantasies; we don't all have that special guy or gal who can provide us with some load release at the drop of a hat, sometimes we have to get our hands dirty and do the job ourselves.

The author of Women's Sexualities, psychologist Carol Rinkleib Ellison, Ph.D. conducted a survey in 1993 that announced that 75% of women fessed up to pleasuring themselves within the last three months; these women knew how to have a solo party. Masturbation has no limitations to who can play the game, many of these women were average Janes, who had a house, husband, and a great family, many of them didn't have a bad sex life either. Another study shows that women who are married or have live in partners tend to play with themselves more than single girls who are in the dating circuit.

Self-pleasuring has more benefits than just releasing some unwanted stress, it helps with having a higher self-esteem, better body image, and a more active sex life. These confidence boosters are great for our poise; it makes us more desirable which in return may make us a little bit more horny at times.

It is important that we can find a moment in our busy schedules to spend some alone time with our friend down under, I mean she is our best friend if treated right. So many girls have this mentality of masturbation as being taboo or out of the ordinary, this is not the case at all; we all do it, so express it, open up, let your mind wander. Finding fantasies that will help make our internal bombs explode is crucial. We have to dig down deep into our dirty minds and explore the wild sexcapeds that we dream or day dream about. We have to remove ourselves from situations such as going to school, work, or even doing the laundry, this is our time to shine and no one can take that away from us. So when you are sitting alone think about that past sexual experience you had with the really hot guy from the gym, or when you happened to stubble across free porn on the internet, use those mental images to get busy. Don't be scared that you are being too crazy either, some women get off on the idea about being tied up or having that wild threesome, to each her own, don't judge and you won't be judged, beside who has to know?

To really get down to the juicy parts is how are we going to pull this off or should I say let it out? There are so many different ways that we can releases ourselves, our bodies are full of nerves that will send sexual stimulation to our mind. This is where no one can tell you what to do or how to do it, let your hands wander, learn your body, spend some time with it, allow yourself to relax and feel sexy. You may enjoy the company of a toy vibrating your way to heaven, but it's important for you to figure out what you like. Remember you can't get frustrated if it takes a little while to figure out what feels good, this could be like a trial and error science experiment, that takes patience and muscle control; don't give up, if you fail the first time try it again, it's not a competition and practice makes perfect.

Sexual assaults

{I think it's important that you know of another great resource available on campus: the counseling center is open to students and they are able to fit you in whenever its easy for you. They even have appointments til 9PM! The therapists there are a great resource for you, plus it's totally and completely FREE (unless you miss appointments which will cost you $100). Even if you just want one hour every two weeks that you can spend simply talking about what's going on in your life then they are the people to call. They are located on the bottom floor of the Armacost Library in the student development center and you can reach them at (909) 748-8108. For information provided by the UoR on sexual assault click here. }

_________________________________________________________

The following statistics are a shocking overview of rape and sexual assault provided by www.rainn.org :
~Every 2 minutes someone in the U.S. is sexually assulted.
~1 in every 6 American women has been the victim of attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
~Approximately 73% of rape victims know their assailants.
~Only 6% of rapists will ever spend a day in jail
because 60% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police.

In one survey, 1 in 12 college men admitted committing acts that met the legal definition of rape or attempted rape. Yet only 1% of those men actually saw their behavior as a criminal act!

rogueimc.org/en/2006/07/6985.shtml

Here are some quick tips on how to stay safe (especially on college campuses):
~always monitor drinking,
~never let anyone make a drink for you,
~never let your cup out of sight,
~always use the buddy system!
~Just because your friend wants to go home with a guy she just met, doesn't mean you have to leave her alone with him. Think of it as an updated version of "friends don't let friends drive drunk"!

WHAT ARE ALL THE OPTIONS? WHAT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Many women don't want to get pregnant, but they don't use protection all the time because they don't know all the options. I have heard of women not using any protection because "condoms hurt" or "the pill makes me sick." The truth of the matter this is true, the condom, or pill is not for everyone, but there are other options. Women's Health helps us girls out again by giving us a place to find out about all the methods in one place.

We have the option of:

The Pill-the is 98% effective, it works by controlling your bodies hormones which then prevents your eggs from being released.

The emergency pill-other wise known as plan B is a great choose if you got lost in the heat of the moment and forgot to use other options. This is a pill that you take once within 72 hours of the act, but it can be costly so I wouldn't make a habit out of it.

IUD-is a small plastic device that the doctor inserts into your uterus, depending on the type, it can last 5 years or 10. There are two types of IUD, one in which uses hormones the other which doesn't. The up side to this method, no taking a pill everyday. One unpleasant thing about this birth-control is every month you must search for the string to make sure its still in place, this seems to be a little scary to me, but not for everyone. Another downside is that for some women in may increase your chances of infections.

The Ring-This is a small (2 inches in diameter) ring in which every month you insert by yourself. It is mentioned that their are some incidents that the Ring has fallen out or became dislodged, either during sex, or during a bowel movement, but conveniently this can be replaced, without any worries, within 3 hours.

The Shot- is given every 12 weeks which then releases hormones into the body. This method is also known to stop periods all together. :) Sounds too good to be true? Well in my opinion it is. Problems consist of weight gain, depression, hair loss, and decrease in interest of sex, and only can stop after you stop taking shots, and 12 weeks for the shot to leave your system.

The Patch- is a small sticker that you place on your butt, lower abdomen, or upper body that releases hormones into the body. There are some worries with this method because it releases a higher dose of hormones then the pill, so be sure to discuss this factor with your doctor.

The Implant- this small device in inserted in your arm by a professional, and can last up to 3 years. No need to worry for 3 years, no checking and no daily pill. This device releases hormones into the body, it is known to change bleeding pattern, or stop them all together. There are some side-effects such as mood changes, weight gain and skin changes.

The Sponge- is a sponge like material that you get wet and then inserted into the vagina, it can then be removed, but you must wait 6 hours after sexual intercourse. This is not a hormonal treatment, but a spermicide that starts working right away. What many girls do complain about is how mess it is to clean up.

The Diaphragm - is a soft rubber dome that you cover the cervix. It is reusable and many women have no problems inserting it.

The Condom-is available for both men and women to wear, both preventing sperm to enter into the uterus. The downside is that the condom is only a one time use item and many people complain that they are uncomfortable or interfere with sensation. The upside to this method is that it is the only method that prevents against STDs if used properly, but not always a guarantee.

It is important to use what is best for you, don't use what works best for your friends or your mother, but read all the information about each one and make your own decision.

Image source: http://blackliberal.wordpress.com/2009/02/
Edit: 12/9 for easier reading and image added

Facts about Birth-control

Recently Women's Health Magazine had a test to inform women of the facts and myths of birth-control.

BIRTH-CONTROL FACT OR FICTION?

In this test it informs the ladies that you are still able to get pregnant on your period. That every women ovulates at a different time and it is hard to know when your time is. It also says that a man's sperm can live inside a women for up to six day. The best way to ensure that you don't get pregnant is too be safe, use protection.

The test goes on to inform you that if your stomach is upset (yes, this means throwing up or diarrhea) you should use extra protection (a condom) if you use oral contraception. The birth-control pill is absorbed through your digestive system, therefore if it is leaving your system too quickly it does not have time to do its job.

Then emergency contraception is discussed. It states that this pill is 75 to 89 percent effective, which it pretty good, but if your period is late take a test, but don't stress.

The test also talks about the different types of birth-control available IUD, condoms. A myth that many people believe is that condoms prevent many sexually transmitted diseases. Genital warts, herpes, and crabs for example larger areas then the condom covers, therefore its not a perfect solution, but they do prevent the spread of some infections. The moral here is to be careful, and maybe know or at least look at what you put inside you before you do.

Another problem that many women are unaware of is that herbs, and other medications can alter the affects of the birth-control pill. So before you take any new medications talk to your doctor about the affects on your birth-control.

Staying healthy means staying happy!!

We've all heard the song, "Manic Monday," by The Bangles, where Mondays are crazy hectic and Sunday is a "funday." Well it turns out that The Bangles got it half right, but only by a hair. According to this article The University of Sydney and the NTF Group worked in conjunction to survey people on their moods throughout the week. They found that throughout the week there was surprisingly little variance in mood. It does appear that Sunday is more of a "funday" than other days and Wednesday appears to be the day that most people fall into a slight funk... but only by a tad.

Here are some tips to help you (and me) stay positive regardless of what day it is:

1. Keep connected with good friends
2. Listen to The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson... or music that cheers YOU up
3. Get physical/exercise
4. Volunteer
5. Get enough sleep
6. Eat well
7. Take time to relax (this doesn't include watching TV- too much TV can lead to depression)
8. Be thankful for what you do have in your life. Write it in a journal and look back on it when you're down
9. If you are not happy then change something. Read a new genre of book, try waking up 15 minutes earlier, etc
10. Be flexible- when one door closes another opens
11. Smile :-D I try to smile I pass on the street, in an elevator, people in the grocery line, etc.

http://dreamscapes.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/in-a-big-random-moment/

Don't scoff at this! Take it from countless researchers being happy leads to a healthier life! Those who are optimistic are able to lead a life of less stress and better overall health (optimistic breast cancer patients had better health outcomes than pessimistic patients).

Getting Gardasil - Looking at the math

In the previously posted article, the researcher states that getting the vaccine makes no sense, with 44 deaths in 15,037 tested girls who had adverse affects. (The number of girls who did not have side effects is not given; we don't know if half of the subjects had problems or just one percent.)

No matter what small percentage of girls have side effects in the first place, 44 deaths sounds pretty bad, so is the vaccine worth it? Let's calculate the predicted number of deaths within the population of affected girls without the vaccine:

15,037 girls had side effects from the vaccine (1)
*80% of women in the US get HPV during their lifetime (2)
----------
12,029.6 of the girls with side effects would get HPV in their lifetime
*5% of HPV infections cause cancer (1)
----------
601.48 of those girls would get cervical cancer
*29% deathrate of cervical cancer (3)
----------
176 of these girls would die of cervical cancer
-44 deaths from the vaccine (1)
----------
132 survive who wouldn't otherwise

So without any other changes in cervical cancer treatment, just having the vaccine would save 132 of the girls who had side effects. Seems worth it to me!


(1) http://thebulletin.us/articles/2009/10/25/top_stories/doc4ae4b76d07e16766677720.txt
(2) http://www.ashastd.org/hpv/hpv_learn_patfactsheet.cfm
(3) http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_the_key_statistics_for_cervical_cancer_8.asp

Edit: Changed source 2 to one with more consistent statistics

Keeping you in the loop

Here's the deal: as far as I'm concerned from the research I've done the human papillomavirus vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, are basically frivolous. I'm not saying that some women's lives aren't saved by the vaccines because that's not true. All I'm saying is that I don't know if it's worth the time, money and trouble.

Though hugely prevalent, with one in four US women getting HPV in their lifetime and typically in their 20's, 70% of all HPV infections resolve themselves without treatment within a year of contraction. Within two years 90% of HPV infections will be cleared from the system. Even of the 10% of infections that remain, only 5% could result in cervical cancer.

In the US, cervical cancer is most prevalent in Hispanic women, occurring more than twice what is seen in white women. African-American and American Indian women also develop cervical cancer at an alarming rate of about 50% more than white women. Researchers believe that these population groups, as well as women with low economic statuses, are less likely to receive annual Pap smears. In the US between 1955 and 1992, the cervical cancer death rate declined by 74% and continues to decline by 4% every year because of regular Pap smears.

Additionally, four out of five women with cervical cancer are women in developing countries, not in the US. This of course isn't surprising; we have access to health care and regular Pap smears!

My take is that if you have multiple sexual partners, don't regularly get Pap smears, can afford the expensive three dose vaccine (or have a great health insurance), and aren't terrified by the side effects then get yourself protected, especially if you are Hispanic, American Indian or African-American.

Just don't get suckered into something just because there are catchy commercials about it.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Part 2 - The Curable Ones

Fortunately, most STD's are now curable. So what do we need to know about these?

Chlamydia
This is incredibly common bacterial infection and rates of infection are increasing particularly in teenage women. It generally gets passed through sexual fluids, so using condoms provides a lot of protection. It does not generally present with symptoms, but can be tested for with a simple urine test. It can cause infertility if left untreated, so just one more reason to get tested regularly!
Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics, but since it's bacterial (and not viral) people can get it more than once, so if someone has it their sexual partners should be tested (and treated) too, or they'll be reinfected. It's also important to take the full prescribed course of antibiotics, the the disease does not become resistant.

Gonorrhea ("the clap")
Another bacterial infection that is becoming more common. Gonorrhea is spread by skin-to-skin contact, so condoms provide only a bit of protection. A genital infection causes puss and sometimes blood to come from the genitals, and painful peeing. If left untreated it can cause infertility.
Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. Same story as chlamydia: everyone involved needs to be treated, and the full course needs to be taken.

Pubic Lice ("Crabs")
These are insects that live specifically on pubic hair. They are generally passed through skin-to-skin contact. They cannot be passed to or from animals (except gorillas, if that's an issue for you). The symptoms of lice are itching and occasionally blue spots due to their bites.
You can get rid on lice through shaving, using a special shampoo, and washing all cloth that comes in contact with the genitals (underwear, sheets, towels, etc.) thoroughly.

Syphilis
This is a bacterial infection that was nearly eradicated in the US, but is now increasing. Syphilis is pass through contact with syphilis sores. The initial symptoms are sores, rash, hair lose and mild fever or sore throat. Afterward, the disease lies dormant (infection-wise) in the body, eventually it can cause brain damage and death. Syphilis also makes it easier to get HIV.
Syphilis used to kill many people--syphilitic madness was well-known, but it's easily cured with penicillin. If you get syphilis a doctor can give you a dose of penicillin (or another antibiotic, for those of us who are allergic), and you'll be good to go. Again, everyone involved needs to be treated so people don't get re-infected.

And I think we have the different STDs covered!
More information on STDs can be found at Scarleteen

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Part 1 - The "H"'s

According to the CDC STD rates are up, particularly in teenaged girls.

So do you know all about different STD's? If not, let's review.

There are seven main STD's:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Herpes
HIV
HPV
Pubic lice
Syphilis

One thing to remember: If it begins with an "H" it's incurable. So let's start with those.

Herpes (HSV on a blood test)
There are two types of herpes: Type I which is nearly always an infection of the mouth, and Type II which is usually an infection of the genitals. Both types present as sores if the affected areas ("coldsores" for Type I), and are most contagious when sores are present. But they can be spread when there are no sores at all, and many people never have an outbreak. Many people have herpes and never know it.
Herpes is spread my skin-to-skin contact, so condom-use offer some protection, but will not prevent transmission. All contact should be avoided during an outbreak.
Fortunately there is medication to minimize outbreaks in the people who get them: antivirals. Acyclovir, the oldest and most common antiviral is available through generic medication programs in several pharmacies, including Target. That means it's available with or without insurance for $5 a month (or $12 for three months).
Herpes is diagnosed through tests on open sores or blood tests. The blood test is not part of standard STI tests, and is not considered particularly reliable.
Getting herpes might be embarrassing and uncomfortable (particularly if one gets regular outbreaks), but it is incredibly common (80% of adults have Type I, 20% have Type II) and very treatable even though it remains incurable.

HIV (AIDS when it progesses)
HIV destroys the immune system, and is the most dangerous STD out there.
Fortunately it's transmitted by bodily fluids (blood, semen, breast milk and vaginal secretions), which means that condoms provide major protection against it.
It's generally passed through vaginal or anal sex, but can be transmitted through oral sex as well. It's more easily transmitted from a male sexual partner than from a female one. It is not transmitted by kissing (unless a HIV-positive kisser has open cuts in their mouth).
HIV does not always show symptoms but it can be tested for with a blood test. It can take 3-6 months for HIV to appear on the blood test after infection, so a good rule-of-thumb for condom-usage is to never consider forgoing condoms until there is a negative HIV test result after 6 months of monogamy.
HIV can be treated with antivirals and help from healthcare providers.

HPV or genital warts
Like Herpes, HPV will only sometimes show symptoms--in HPV's case, warts on the genitals--but is generally assymptomatic. It passes from skin-to-skin contact, so condoms will only provide minimal protection, and it is contagious even without warts. It is, however, generally passed from genital-genital contact, so unlike herpes, it's usually only transmitted during sexual activity.
HPV is very hard to screen for: the signs of having it can sometimes be seen in a women's pap smear, but there's no accurate screen for men.
The warts themselves can be removed, but the virus' presence in the bloodstream cannot be.
Certain strains of HPV can cause cervical, throat and prostate cancers. A vaccine for several of the cancer-causing strains is available. The student insurance at Redlands does not cover the vaccine, which costs $375-450 total (for three shots). When covered by insurance, the vaccine is only covered for women between 9-26 years of age, but gay men also have an elevated cancer risk from the virus. If you are a women with private insurance, check to see if it's covered--it generally is. It's believed that more than half of college women get HPV while in college, so the sooner one is vaccinated the smaller the chances of aquiring it.

Girls who can't afford the $10 a month for birth control, a pelvic exam or PAP smear and are having unprotected sex should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections. There is another option for you, maybe a little more time consuming, but worth it, it's FREE.

Less then a mile away, just a few blocks away, from the University of Redlands is a clinic for all women's needs. The clinic, Redlands Public Health Reproductive Health Services, is located at 800 E. Lugonia Ave., Suite F, Redlands, CA, 92374 (in the Walgreens parking lot). The staff is very welcoming to all women (and I'm sure men as well) and very kind and understanding. When arriving at the clinic you are asked what you are wanted to be seen for and given paper work to find out if you can qualify for treatment. Because many of us students are young, and don't make the money we hope we will someday make, most of us will qualify. Some of the questions they ask seem to be peculiar, (is anyone forcing you to come here, or are you keeping this visit from anyone?) but the reason they ask this is to protect you. Some women are in abusive relationships, where their husband or boyfriend wants them to have children, or their father is unaware they are sexually active. The clinic provides tests of many kinds as well as birth-control of all kinds. The thing that makes this program so great is that they are not there to judge, they know that women have sex, and they know that women enjoy having sex and will continue to have sex, there task at hand is to help educate women who are unaware of some of the risks and help prevent women from unwanted pregnancies, and diseases.

During your visit to the clinic, you see a doctor, take the tests you need, and are given a green card for your prescriptions, this magic card can get you birth-control pills for free. This healt

h clinic is opened Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., walk-ins welcome and appointments are available. For more information visit the website at http://www.birthcontrol4u.com/01map.htm

Down the rabbit hole (at U of R)

It may not seem like much, but our tiny Student Health Center on campus is pretty awesome. We went to ask a few questions one day and here is everything we learned all compiled into one wonderfully helpful blog just. for. you.

First of all we'd like to point out that the Health Center is open Monday-Friday 8am-11:30am and 1pm-4:30pm and you can reach them at ext. 8021. If you need a doctor right away it is important to look HERE because that is where to go if the Health Center is closed.

Things we learned:
~ office visits are FREE (no matter what it's about)
*this includes cold vs flu questions, chronic diseases, TB screenings, sport physicals, evaluation and treatment of injuries, health education AND women's health exams!

~ if you go in for a women's health exam they ask you about your sexual history, give you a pelvic exam, and a PAP smear (which looks for cancerous or precancerous cells and is $10).
*Then they see if you want to be checked for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea ($20), HIV and Syphilis ($14). If needed, a Complete Blood Count test is $6 and a basic blood chemistry test is $8.

~ they offer the birth control pill($10/month), the Depo Provera birth control shot($50/3month) and condoms

~ they have ECPs, the morning after pill, for $15.

~ if any other lab test needs to be done they can easily give you the price.

~ they can give you any other prescriptions that you need for an additional fee

~ unfortunately if you need an x-ray or something along that nature they won't be able to accommodate you, but will refer you to a nearby hospital.


These women are amazingly thorough and it's really affordable. Props to the UoR Student Health Center

Get in touch with the Student Health Center! For those of you who, like me, don't understand where you get the number to dial BEFORE the extension, just dial this: (909) 793-8021. Now get in there and get checked out or just as some questions!