sinslaidbare's diary

sinslaidbare's Diaryland Diary

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Roadblock!

Itï¿½s not very exciting to talk about the things in life that arenï¿½t fun. However, if you donï¿½t pay attention to some of the ï¿½boringï¿½ details sometimes, you will end up causing yourself more trouble than you can imagine. Ask Max: nobody ever told him how often to change the oil, so he was left with the impression that you changed it when the light came on, just like you put gas in the car when that lamp comes on. The light eventually did come on, too. About 20 seconds before the engine seized. The replacement cost him five thousand dollars.

To the best of our knowledge, there is no efficient way to replace your genitals, even if you have gobs of money. You need to be careful with them, and this means going in for regular maintenance and diagnostics. If you avoid going to the doctor because you just donï¿½t find it fun, well, pardon us if we never have sex with you.

If you are sexually active, get tested for everything. If you change partners frequently, get tested that much more often. If you canï¿½t afford it, you cannot afford to have sex.

If you are in a non-monogamous relationship, or even think you might be, you need to be using some form of protection. Even if you are monogamous, there is more out there to worry about than just disease. Suddenly finding yourself shouldered with the responsibilities of parenthood could drastically change a life you may not have even lived yet.

Protection does not just mean condoms!

If you are only using condoms as your primary method of protection from disease and pregnancy, you are playing roulette. Stop that.

Zoï¿½ Says:

A lot of women cannot afford hormonal birth control methods (the pill, patch, shot, etc.). They also provide no protection against STDs. Whether or not you are on the pill, you should be using a barrier method to prevent infection.

Barrier birth control methods on the market today:

Sorry to say this, but the only form of birth control that is 100% effective is abstinence. However, since I doubt you think "chastity belt" when you think "protection," I took the liberty of rounding up a bit of information on the more common forms of barrier birth control on the market today. (Side note: abstinence does not mean you canï¿½t still play around. See our previous entry for our opinion on mutual masturbation.

Condoms: A latex or polyurethane sheath that is rolled down over the penis before intercourse. Designed for one time use only. (I once saw a guy remove a condom, turn it inside out, and keep going. Do not do this. ï¿½Max)

Benefits: Condoms are fairly inexpensive, come in a large variety of options (lubricated, colored, flavored, ribbed, and so on). They are also readily available in most grocery stores and drugstores, as well as vending machines in public restrooms. No prescription is required.

Drawbacks:

Condoms are definitely not for those with latex allergies or sensitivities. There are non-latex condoms, but they are less effective. If you are forced to use them, take extra precautions.

Some men feel that condoms dull sensation or "ruin" the mood in the time it takes to put one on. Max says itï¿½s like trying to masturbate through a raincoat. This is a drawback, not a reason not to use them.

Latex condoms can only be used with latex friendly lubrication, as oil-based lubes may increase the risk of breakage. Weï¿½ve seen condoms explode when rubbed with petroleum jelly.

Failure rate: 14% with typical use. These rates are reduced when condoms are used in conjunction with other forms of birth control.

Cost: Usually $0.50 to $1.00 a piece for the basic condom. They tend to be cheaper if purchased in bulk.

Bottom line: For price, ease of use and protection against STDs, the condom has our vote.

Female Condom: A polyurethane sheath, similar to the men's condom, which is designed to be inserted into the woman's vagina. The female condom is designed for a one-time use only.

Advantages:

The female condom provides some protection against STDs, but not as effectively as the male condom.

Can be used with oil based lubricants.

Can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse.

Does not require ongoing use of hormones, which many women dislike.

Disadvantages:

Some users find the female condom awkward and unsightly.

The outer ring may cause irritation to the labia of the wearer, particularly if worn for an extended period of time. The inner ring is difficult to place properly in the vagina.

Should never be used along with a male condom.

Urinary tract infections may occur.

Failure Rate: About 21%, according to early studies. This rate could probably be reduced if the female condom was used in conjunction with a spermicide of some type.

Cost: $2.50 to $3.50 per condom.

Bottom Line: It's a good idea, and I think it's one to watch for developments and improvement. Used in conjunction with other methods, I think the female condom is a good choice.

Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a shallow latex cup which blocks the entrance to the cervix. It is designed to be used with spermicidal cream, jelly, or foam. Each diaphragm can be used many times.

Advantages:

Since the diaphragm is inserted up to six hours prior to intercourse, sex can be more spontaneous, or may occur multiple times, provided that spermicide is reapplied within a certain time frame.

The diaphragm does not require ongoing use of hormones.

Disadvantages:

The diaphragm requires a prescription and a fitting by a doctor, as well a brief formal training in its proper use.

A poorly fitting diaphragm can erode the walls of the vagina.

If the diaphragm is left in place for too long, there is an increased risk of urinary tract infection or toxic shock syndrome.

Many people are sensitive or allergic to the latex used to make diaphragms.

May become dislodged.

A ten pound weight fluctuation requires a refitting.

Diaphragms do not reduce the risk of acquiring STDs.

Failure rate: Typically, 20%.

Cost: $20- $45, plus the cost of spermicide. This does not include the cost of a visit to the doctor's office.

Bottom Line: Not an abysmally bad failure rate (see cervical cap) but not all that great, either. It seems that there are an awful lot of drawbacks for only a few benefits here. Moving along....

Cervical Cap: The cervical cap is a soft, cup shaped latex device which fits snugly over the woman's cervix. It, like the diaphragm, is designed to be used with a spermicidal jelly, cream or foam, and can be used many times.

Advantages:

The cervical cap can be put into place up to eight hours prior to intercourse, and may be left in place for up to 48 hours.

Unlike diaphragms, additional spermicide is not required while the cervical cap is in place, regardless of how many acts of intercourse take place.

The cap does not require the ongoing use of hormones.

Disadvantages:

There is a risk of cervical erosion and toxic shock syndrome, especially if the cap is left in place longer than the recommended time frame.

The cervical cap requires a visit to a doctorï¿½s office to properly fit the device, as well as a brief training on how to properly use it.

It may be difficult to place properly in severely obese women.

Some people are allergic or sensitive to the latex in cervical caps.

The cervical cap does not protect against STDs.

Must be replaced yearly.

Failure Rate: If the woman has had no children, the failure rate is estimated to be about 20%. However, if a woman has had children, the failure rate jumps to around 40%.

Cost: $20-$40, plus the cost of spermicide. This does not include the cost of a visit to the doctor's office.

Bottom Line: For the women without kids, this seems to be about as the same as a diaphragm-- a middle of the road form of contraception. For those women who have kids, this is a terrible choice.

Standard disclaimer: We're not doctors. We don't even play them on TV. (If you can get us a job doing that, e-mail us.) I wouldn't trust us with your car keys, if I were you... I certainly wouldn't trust us with something as important as your reproductive health. Go to your doctor and discuss your options with him or her. You'll be glad you did.