fuckyeahsexeducation:

ancientavian:

I’m surprised I haven’t seen this around Tumblr yet, honestly.

There seems to be a huge misunderstanding concerning what consent is when it comes to sex. And yet — when discussed with teenagers — the idea that “unless someone says ‘yes’, it’s not consent,” is easily accepted. It’s not a hard conversation: Unless you get a “Yes,” assume “No.” Uncomfortable, maybe, but difficult? Hardly.

Please make the line between a clear “Yes” and anything else — whether it be someone drunk, asleep, or otherwise unable to say “No” — something schools must cover in health or sex ed.

If STI information and methods of contraception are standard fare, consent should be, too.

I think we’ll need to make accurate sex education mandatory first, but this definitely needs to be part of it.

• I don't have sex.
• Patriarchy:Prude.
• I have sex.
• Patriarchy:Slut.
• I have safe sex.
• Patriarchy:Prude and slut at the same time.
• I got pregnant from having unprotected sex.
• Patriarchy:Dumbass slut.
• I got an abortion.
• Patriarchy:Baby killer.
• I had the kid.
• Patriarchy:Welfare queen.
• I got married, then had sex, then had a kid.
• Patriarchy:K, but we'll pay you less and blame your being a mother.
• I got married, then had sex, and became a full time mother.
• Patriarchy:You're a welfare queen too.
• I got married, then had sex, then worked at the same time.
• Patriarchy:You're a terrible mother, and don't ask us for help with daycare. Get back in the kitchen.
• I don't care what you think.
• Patriarchy:What a bitch.
• What the fuck can I do to make you happy, patriarchy?
• Patriarchy:lol what a doormat.

fuckyeahsexeducation:

There are two main types of condoms, internal and external. External are the most common ones, those that cover the penis. Internal condoms are inserted in the vagina/anus, one ring holds it down and another outside of the vagina keeps it secure. It is less common and more expensive but because it covers part of the vulva and is bigger and latex free it is preferred by many who use it. External condoms can be used with vaginal sex, anal sex and oral sex. The reasons why condoms are so popular is because they are less expensive and they’re the only forms of contraception that protect against STIs. Now you might think that you don’t need to use condoms if you or your partners have never had sex before, say that they’re STI free, or if you’re monogamous but that’s not true. Many STIs can be gotten from non sexual means, and some can be asymptomatic. You or your partner might not even know they have an STI. That’s why it’s important to get frequent STI tests. However, not all tests test for everything and even then Herpes and HPV are incredibly difficult to test for and you might come  up negative for them when you actually do have it and can pass it.  That’s one of the reasons why internal condoms are popular, because it covers part of the vulva it protects more from STIs that are passed through skin contact like HPV and Herpes. Using condoms also decreases your chance of infections like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs. They also usually provide shorter clean up time as the sperm is contained. They provide good protection from unwanted pregnancy, especially if used with other methods.

The most common reason of condom failure is not using it every time you have sex and not using it throughout sexual activity. You must put the condom on before sexual activity where you come in contact with the penis begins and you must use it without taking it off until either you switch from anus to vagina, you’re done with sex, or ejaculation occurs. If you wish to continue on with sexual activity after ejaculation put on a new condom. EVERY TIME. Another huge cause of condom failure is not using lube. Using lube on the outside of the condom reduces the chance of the condom breaking. Even if you think there is enough vaginal lubrication it’s best to use lube. Any time you have a problem with a certain kind of condom; doesn’t feel good, it breaks, it slips off, try a new condom! You’re probably going to have to try different sizes and brands of condom to find what works (or you can use the internal condom). It should be tight enough it doesn’t slip and it’s not baggy, but loose enough it doesn’t cut into the skin or feel uncomfortable.

Although internal condoms come in pretty much one kind, external is limitless. The first differentiator is material. There are latex condoms and non latex condoms. Non latex condoms of course can be used if you have a latex allergy, but some people prefer them because they are thinner and less likely to decrease sensitivity. They can be more expensive though. There are two main types, polyurethane and lambskin. There are some other synthetic materials like AT-10 resin and polyisoprene though these are less common. Lambskin does not offer protection from STIs so if that is one of your reasons for using it I would choose something else. However, out of all condoms these usually are said to feel the most natural. The reason why people sometimes prefer non-latex condoms is it conducts heat better (which makes it feel more natural), it has a longer shelf life, it can be used with oil based lubricants (although you should never use oil based lube in the vagina), and it doesn’t have an odor. You do have to be more careful because sometimes they are more apt to break. Be sure to use lube and put it on correctly, as this decreases that chance.

The next type is size and shape. External condoms come in all shapes and sizes! Every brand has different sizing so be sure to try out different brands to find what fits you. If it slips, it’s too big. If it feels uncomfortable or tight or digs in to your penis it’s too tight. The main sizes are small, regular, large, and Extra Large. Don’t feel like this is calling your penis any specific size, because really every brand is different. You may be small on one brand and regular in another, or large on one brand and extra large on another. If it still feels uncomfortable or too tight or doesn’t quite fit right you may need a different shape. Especially if you have your foreskin, you may need a wide or extra wide head. If the problem is that it’s too loose on the bottom and/or too tight on top, you may need a tapered condom. I wouldn’t suggest getting a condom without a reservoir tip. Although this can make a better fit of the condom, without the reservoir tip you’re more likely to break the condom when you ejaculate.

Now you can go for some extras. They do make extra thin condoms, which despite popular belief, are just as effective as regular and no more likely to break. It may also feel more natural. Textured condoms are very good if the person with the vagina wants more stimulation or if you find that with a condom there’s too much lubrication and not enough friction. Some people have the opposite problem, with a condom there’s not enough lubrication. You can get lubricated or extra lubricated condoms. You can also use lube with the condom (water or silicone based is best). In fact it’s suggested to always add a little lube at the tip of the penis and on the outside of the condom to promote sensitivity. Some people don’t have good reactions to lube. I’d suggest getting all natural lube, or at least making sure it doesn’t have glycerine or parabens as those are irritants commonly found in lube. You can get condoms with spermicide, but this offers no extra protection and since it’s more expensive I wouldn’t suggest it. Some people have good things to say about “pleasure enhancing” lubrications, but some people have bad reactions so be wary of it. Condoms also come in a lot of fun types. You can get colored or glow in the dark condoms. You can get flavoured condoms, but only use that with oral sex as it can cause infections in the anus or vagina. Using a condom during oral sex can be great. Not only does it protect against STIs passed through oral sex, if you don’t like getting semen in your mouth it makes for quicker clean up. Another good condom use is to cut the tip and base and down the side to make a dental dam. This you can use during oral sex with a vagina or anus to ensure no STIs are passed. Dental dams don’t come in many different kinds so it can be fun to use a ribbed, colored, flavored, or glow in the dark condom. Just make sure the flavored side is facing away from the vagina. It’s a good idea to use a condom with toys as well, especially if it’s not pure silicone or you share it. 

Here are some common problems with condoms, and the advice I’d give:

It’s uncomfortable for my penis/I can’t hold an erection/can’t ejaculate

This is probably a size issue. Either look for a larger size, or try a wide/extra wide head or tapered condom. An internal condom may also help. It could also be an allergic reaction to the condom or lube

It’s uncomfortable or hurts my vagina

It’s either an allergic reaction to the condom or lube, or it could be you don’t have enough lubrication. Try either an extra lubricated condom and/or some water based lube. You may need a lot but you should get there! Also, be sure to use extra foreplay. Internal condoms can also cut down on friction that causes pain.

It doesn’t feel as good/decreases sensitivity

Try an extra thin condom, non latex condom, or internal condom. Be sure to use a little lube inside the condom as well as outside.

It lubricates too much

If you’re using lubricated condoms try unlubricated. Or you could try ribbed or textured condoms.

Price, it’s way too expensive

Many health clinics (Planned Parenthood included) offer free condoms in many different kinds. There are also commonly free condom drives online

http://www.rubberrevolutiondc.com/get-condoms

http://save.lovetoknow.com/Get_Free_Condoms_for_Teenagers_Online

http://www.clubcondom.com/

http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/gaccapply

Many condom websites also do give aways.

This is a good guide: http://std.about.com/od/prevention/qt/freecondoms.htm

Now that you’ve picked out what condom to use, time to put it on. See this link for details

fuckyeahsexeducation:

The patch is a small adhesive patch that sticks to your skin. It is a combination hormonal method, meaning it uses both progestin and estrogen. It prevents pregnancy the same way as other methods, preventing ovulation. A new patch is placed on the skin once a week for three weeks, and then a break is taken to have your period. If you’re interested in skipping your period with this method talk to a doctor about not taking the week break. It’s best to talk to your doctor before doing this. It can be less effective for people over 200 lbs, so this is something to talk to your doctor about. You should not take the antibiotic rifampin while on the patch, although you can take other antibiotics. You also should avoid herbals like St. John’s Wort. Like other combination birth control forms it can make your periods lighter, although irregular periods are common especially the first three months. It has the same common side effects as other methods, like nausea, libido change, and breast tenderness. Some people experience irritation where the patch touches the skin. In the United States the only available brand is Ortho Evra, in Canada, the UK and other countries it’s Evra. 

As always, starting the patch within the first 5 days of your period makes it effective right away. Otherwise, use protection the first week. Make sure to apply the patch on the same week day every week to make sure it remains constant. Make sure the area you apply it to is clean and dry. Be careful when opening the package not to tear or damage the patch. Make sure to check it every day to make sure it stays firmly on your skin. Some people have trouble keeping the patch on, especially after showers. If it does fall off try to reapply it. If it won’t stick put on a new patch. If it falls off and you don’t notice for a day or you’re not sure when it fell off apply a new patch and start applying patches on that day of the week instead. Also, use a back up method for a week. You can remove any build up on the adhesive with baby oil when you change your patch. Avoid putting the patch in the same place for more than 2 consecutive weeks. Don’t put band-aids or the like on top of the patch as that can decrease effectiveness. If you forget to apply a new patch on time, apply it as soon as you remember and use a back up method for a week. If you have any side effects or forget to change the patch you may want to switch to something else. As always, this does not protect against STIs.