One of my homeboys said to me the other day “I think it’s great you have the sex column…but sis, when are you gonna talk about protection?” While sexual health and wellness was one of the things I thought about when I first decided to take this role on, I have to admit that condoms are so second nature for me, I almost forget sometimes that so many of my peers are out here wildin’ the Fawk out and doing the raw thing. I can’t and I won’t. In the words of Bernie Mac: “MotherFawker, for WHAT?”
It’s 2010. I don’t care what kind of birth control you’re on, you aren’t on AIDS control. And while I realize that there will come a time for most of us when removing the sheath will become necessary and/or appropriate (i.e. when we are ready to make a child), I’m not of the school of thought that supports unprotected sex for ‘monogamous’ relationships prior to marriage or some other such lifetime commitment. That’s just my personal thing. You may feel otherwise and that’s cool. And by “that’s cool”, I mean…I’m sorta judging you right now.
But if you ARE gonna be smart about your Hot, don’t think for a minute that you have to compromise the fun. Condoms come in all types of wonderful shapes, sizes, thicknesses, price points, colors…think of them as sex props as opposed to a burden.
My number one all-time favorite condom is the Magnum Ecstasy. Before you gag, let me remind you that Magnums are not that much larger than the average condom (read here for more on that). However, you don’t want to use them on your smaller partners either, as too large a condom is more inclined to slip off. The Magnum Ecstasy is incredibly thin; as the box states it feels like “nothing at all.” This is a great rubber for the couple or partner who feels like condoms are a nuisance. PS: AIDS is a nuisance. Message.
For those of you with latex allergies (please confirm that you are *actually* latex allergic, as this malady is a commonly used excuse for having unprotected sex), you now have a wide variety of options. Lambskin is allegedly the best feeling thing out there BUT it doesn’t protect against STDs. Eff that.
What does protect against both pregnancy and infection: polyurethane. Click here for a list of makes and models and all that good stuff. Also, the Reality Female Condom (which must be both under trademark AND only produced by the one company, as it has been referred to simply as “the Female Condom” for mad long) is polyurethane and safe for people with aversion to latex. The coolest thing about that one: you can put it on up to eight hours prior to intercourse.
Want to make the whole (male) condom thing a bit less clinical? Put it on with your mouth.
Here’s the point: sex is good, sex is great…but sex can bring you closer to your expiration date. We aren’t living in the era of dry, itchy, one-size-fits all prophylactics. You have options, ladies (and gents). Use them.
