Safe Sex Forum at DirectMailCondoms.com--Play Safe, Play Often

We sell condoms, but that’s not all we do. Our mission is to keep you as informed as possible about sex and how to be safe about it. This section has information about condoms, other types of birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and links to important organizations with more information. Birth Control: There are all sorts of birth control out there and finding the right one for you is important. Every method is different, with advantages and disadvantages that go along with each. How do you know which is right for you? We’ve created a run-down on the different kinds of birth control methods below. Click on the link to learn more about each method. Of course, you could probably guess our preference is the condom method, but don’t let us influence you too much:

•The Pill”

• Diaphragms

• IUDS

• Spermicides

• Condoms · Abstinence Sexually Transmitted Diseases (and how to prevent them) · Chlamydia · HIV · Gonorrhea · Syphilis · HPV Other Resources · CDC · Planned Parenthood The Pill:

Taken orally, the pill or "oral contraceptive” is a combination of estrogen and progesterone which inhibits fertility in women. The body will not release eggs from the ovaries, when the pill is taken effectively, and therefore, the woman will not become pregnant. There are many advantages to taking the pill. For one, unlike condoms, the pill allows for more spontaneous sexual acts and always ensures preparation. However, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as Herpes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV. Condoms, however, have been proven effective in preventing such diseases.

The there are sometimes side-effects of the pill which include possible weight gain and depression. If severe side effects occur, consult a doctor immediately.

The Diaphragm:

The Diaphragm is both safe and effective when used properly. Like condoms, diaphragms are normally made of latex. They are shaped like a cup and are inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. The diaphragm should also be covered with a spermicide to ensure sperm does not enter the uterus, causing pregnancy.

When inserted correctly, at the back of the vaginal wall, you should not be able to feel the diaphragm. If you can feel it or feel discomfort, the diaphragm is probably not in the correct position. Again, unlike condoms, diaphragms do not protect against most sexually transmitted diseases. Make sure to remove diaphragm after intercourse.

IUDs: An IUD is placed inside a woman’s uterus and is meant to prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall. The benefit of such devices over one time use birth control methods, such as condoms, is that they are meant to be constant protection against pregnancies. However, these devices must be inserted by a doctor or nurse practitioner. They also need to be removed by a professional. The disadvantage of these devices when compared to condoms, is that they do not protect against STD’s such as Gonorrhea, Syphilis, or HIV. IUDs are also proven to be a less effective birth control method than condoms and redundant forms of birth control should be used even with an IUD.

Spermicides: Spermicide jellies or foams are used to neutralize the sperm before it reaches the egg, and thus preventing pregnancy. In order to be effective as a birth control method, these spermicides need to be inserted into the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. Consult with your physician on proper use for spermicides, but normally, these need to be inserted at least 15 minutes prior to intercourse. Disadvantages to this method is that there is less certainty regarding proper application than such methods as condoms. As with IUDs redundant forms of birth control, like condoms, should be used.

Abstinence:

Abstinence is, of course, the most effective form of birth control and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. In recent years, funding has skyrocketed for abstinence education in the United States. However, it is the view of us here at Direct Mail Condoms that more than just education about foregoing sexual relations is needed to protect youths from the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. The human organism, a combination of animality and the sublime, is programmed with a biological imperative to procreate. We want sex. No amount of education about abstinence will change that. Even those who practice abstinence should be informed about birch control methods, just incase...

Condoms:

Condoms, the birth control method of choice for us here at Direct Mail Condoms, are proven to be nearly 99% effective (when used properly) at preventing pregnancy during sexual intercourse. Condoms are also proven to be effective at preventing the transmission of many sexually transmitted diseases, though not all such diseases. Below we will go through what exactly a condom is, where condoms originated, and where they can be placed within the context of the history of birth control. We will also take a look at different types of condoms.

What is a condom?

Broadly defined, a condom is a device worn during sexual intercourse. The condom is put on a man’s erect penis and serves as a physical barrier preventing sperm from entering the vagina.

What are the downsides of condom use?

As with all forms of birth control, there are both pro’s and con’s to wearing condoms. For one, it is necessary to stop and put the condom on before sexual intercourse begins. We have spoken to many men about this negative aspect of condom use. Some men say having to stop and put the condom on, "kills the mood,” and some men are afraid that stopping to find a condom and put it on will turn off the woman. While, in some ways, these are semi-valid concerns, there are ways around these awkward condom moments. First, be upfront with your partner. Let her know that you value her protection and want to keep her protected. Second, if this first, upfront/blunt approach doesn’t appeal to you, try engaging your partner in the condom process. You could even ask your partner to help you put the condom on. And ladies, trust us, your partner will appreciate your taking the initiative in the condom wearing process.

Another common condom complaint is that the condom dulls the sensation of sexual intercourse. And, in many ways, this is true about condom use. The condom does in fact act as a physical barrier from penis and vagina. However, while it may be impossible to completely negate this negative consequence of condom use, there are ways to minimize it. For one, there is an extraordinarily wide variety of condoms, ranging from thicker condoms which minimize sensitive during intercourse, to thinner condoms that are designed to maximize sensation. These thinner condoms should be used for those who want maximum sensation. There are also warming jells and jellies that can be used to add sensation to intercourse.

Finally, condoms need to be kept on hand. The man or woman needs to have prepared for sexual intercourse by purchasing condoms beforehand. For this reason, using condoms can be risky. If a situation arises in which sexually intercourse seems imminent, there can be the temptation to think to oneself "well just this time we will go without.” This is a risky frame of mind for obvious reasons. For one, it only takes one act of sexually intercourse to become pregnant. Second, not wearing protection leave one at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases. DON’T CHANCE IT. Always be prepared and have condoms on hand and make sure they are not beyond their expiration date. At Direct Mail Condoms, we offer the consumer constant protection by offering to deliver condoms on a monthly basis, eliminating the need to plan trips to the pharmacy and worrying about running out of your supply.

Benefits of condoms:

While there are some disadvantages to condom use, we here at Direct Mail Condoms are condom supporters for the following reasons:

Condoms are 98% effective (when used correctly), at preventing pregancies and many sexually transmitted diseases. If you want to be sure that you are not taking an undue risk, wear a condom. Unlike birth control pills or some other forms of birth control, condoms must be put on directly prior to sexual intercourse, thus allowing you be sure you are protected during the act.

Condoms are often less expensive than other forms of birth control. Many pills can be very expensive and all birth control pills will require a doctors visit in order to obtain a prescription. Condoms can be purchased in bulk or as needed. Condoms can also be obtained for free from certain non-profit organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, or local clinics. Visit the Planned Parenthood website, www.PlannedParenthood.org, to learn more.

Unike many birth control methods, condoms are effective in protecting against sexually transmitted diseases. Even if a woman uses the pill effectively, she will not be protected against the transmission of diseases. Therefore, even womem using the pill should insist on their partner (if they are not familiar with their partner's sexual history) wear a condom for protection.

One of the greatest benefits of condom use is that they can be used only when they are needed. In order for the pill to be effective in preventing pregnancy it must be taken methodically and on schedule. The benefit of condom used when contrasted with the pill is that condoms can be purchased and used only when sexually intercourse is likely.

Finally, what some men find irritating about condom use, others find appealing; that is, as we discussed, using condoms can dull the sensation of sexual intercourse. The upside of dulling sensation is that it allows men who would otherwise finish early to last longer. Premature ejaculation is a problem that many men struggle with. Condoms can to a certain extent help with this problem if it is a matter of over-sensitivity.

How to Put a Condom On:

1. Tear open wrapped condom. Make sure that the packaging is not compromised. The wrapper for the condom should not be pre-torn, cracked, or broken in any way. If the condom wrapper is compromised, grab a different condom.

2. Make sure to put on the condom before the penis touches the vagina. Males secrete a pre-ejaculate while stimulated which can contain enough semen to possibly cause pregnancy. So make sure to wrap it before penetration.

3. Condoms normally come in a coiled form. The coiled condom will roll down the shaft of the penis easily when it is rolled the correct direction. Make sure you are applying the condom correctly and that the appropriate side of the condom is facing outward. Many condoms will have a lubricant on the outer layer.

4. If you are going to put on a separate lubricant, it is at this point when the lubricant should be applied to the condom. Put on the appropriate amount (usually specified on the lubricant bottle/tube).

5. Roll condom down the shaft of the penis.

6. Make sure that there is some space at the end of the condom (above the tip of the penis), in which semen may collect safely. If there is air in this space, pinch the condom to squeeze out the air. There needs to be space at the end of the condom in order for semen to collect properly.

7. Make sure the base of the condom hugs the base of the erect penis securly.

8. Make sure there are no air pockets in the condom.

9. Ensure the condom is lubricated to ensure the condom does not tear or break.

10. Enjoy

11. Remove condom by unrolling it from the penis. DO NOT USE A CONDOM TWICE. Condoms are made for single-time use only. Throw condom away properly. NOTE: try not to throw condom in the toilet and flushing it. We have talked to many men who have tried this method who have, much to their chagrin, seen an unwelcome floating condom at a most inconvenient time.