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Intro

We know the basics, condoms, birth control pills… the pull-out method. But do you understand how they work? What can they be used for, other than preventing crotch goblins? Contraceptives are good for obviously (or not so obviously) anything sex related, aside from protecting against pregnancy some can also protect from STI’s and STD’s others can help regulate hormones and periods. Personally, the lovely people around me have preferred the good ol pill and condoms, but some other lovely people have tried the new things, the implant that goes right into your arm or even the injection that’s needed every month.

Birth Control Sponge

The birth control sponge is a small, squishy sponge inserted deep into the vagina. The sponge will cover the cervix and contains spermicide to prevent pregnancy. There is only one brand of the vaginal sponge that’s available in the US, called the Today Sponge. You can buy the sponge from any over-the-counter pharmacy or drugstore. When placed properly, it can be about 91% effective.

Withdraw/Pull Out Method

The pull-out method is exactly what it’s called; it’s when the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation, preventing pregnancy. It may take a bit of practice, as you may not be in the state of mind to pull out when necessary. To prevent accidents, a second form of birth control is suggested. The pull-out method is about 78% effective, as accidents do happen.

Birth Control Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring inserted into the vagina. There are 2 types, the NuvaRing and Annovera. The ring contains the hormones estrogen and progestin; these hormones in the ring stop ovulation, and the ring also thickens the mucus in the vagina, so sperm can’t swim to the egg. To obtain the ring, you simply need a prescription from a doctor or nurse. When placed “perfectly” the ring will be 93% effective.

External Condoms

An external condom is a thin, stretchy barrier that someone with a penis wears to collect semen during ejaculation. It is also used as a barrier to protect both recipients from STI’S/ STD’s. A condom best works by rolling it on over an erect penis, BEFORE penetrative sex, or penetrative oral. Condoms may be the easiest contraceptive to obtain as most of the time they will be in any grocery store or pharmacy. Condoms, when used ‘perfectly’, are 87% effective.

IUDS

An IUD is a small flexible piece of plastic that changes how sperm moves so it can’t get to the egg, by creating more mucus in the uterus, preventing the sperm from getting to the egg, or preventing the egg from leaving the ovary. There is a hormonal IUD and a Copper IUD, both prevent pregnancy in the same way as stated above. An IUD is 99% effective.

Breast Feeding as Birth Control

Breastfeeding as birth control is when a parent is in the stages of breastfeeding their child and the body naturally stops ovulating, meaning you can’t get pregnant. It only properly works if you’re only breastfeeding; it does not work alongside formula feeding. When done properly, this method can be 98% effective.

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There are so many things to talk about when the conversation starts, but for now I’ll keep it short, the conversation will hopefully be simple, awkward, but simple. Find the things both you and your partner enjoy and talk about it, you can even make it exciting by finding your favorite videos or books even. Whether the things you enjoy are what others would call, “vanilla” or they’re so crazy that porn sites don’t even have categories for them, it's good to talk to your partner so both of you know your boundaries and limits with each other to make the night a pleasurable experience. For some it may take some people a bit longer to get turned on, they may need to get into a specific mind set or feel completely relaxed before getting started. This is why checking in with your partner is important. Especially because of the stigmas around “ruining the mood”, when in reality nothing ruins the mood more than knowing your partner was uncomfortable and didn’t say anything, and you didn’t notice. Some things that may make you or your partner uncomfy could be that neither of you fully prepped yourselves physically, i.e. using lube to avoid that rough friction. Don’t be afraid to check in with your partner during sex, making sure your partner is enjoying their time with you is far from a mood killer.

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“Women must shave to be properly clean”

Since hair can insulate and cause sweat, it can trap bacteria and odors and put you at higher risk for lice. But those risks were for people that did not have access to baths/ showers on a daily basis, i.e. the 1900s. But this is the 2000s now, a short shower or bath every day (if you have access to that) works just fine. You already lightly exfoliate when using a loofah or a washcloth or another cleaning implement. And using a soap or body wash gets rids of any bacteria or sweat that may have accumulated during the day.

“It’s “gay” to wash your ass”

Do I even need to explain why this is wrong? not properly wiping or washing your ass can lead to urinary infections, hemorrhoids, fissures etc. Not to mention, the smell of feces isn’t exactly charming to many nor to your skin, having fecal matter around your anus can also cause irritation and itchiness. And itching with the friction of dried fecal matter and your skin can cause those fissures I was talking about, and once you get those fissures you get these nasty puss filled sores all around your butt, that probably aren’t great to remove. I know this was gross to read, so (if you have the privilege to do so) wash your ass.

“You’re not manly enough if you do skincare”

Wrong, taking care of your skin is not gendered, just like sunburn is not gendered or psoriasis or cancer. Taking care of your skin is very necessary, yes it can be for looking good. But it’s the same as taking a shower, it’s good for getting rid of oil and sweat that may have accumulated throughout the day and keeping your skin clean. No, you don’t need all the serums, but you do at least need a good soap and maybe a lotion. It doesn’t need to be this crazy system of skincare, it just needs to be good for you and your skin, no matter your gender.

“If a woman has discharge, she is dirty”

Incorrect, vaginal discharge is completely normal. It’s simply the way the vagina stays clean and healthy, no douching required, (I’m serious, don’t do that, you’ll mess up your PH). Discharge can actually be pretty helpful as it can indicate to you when you may have an infection, something is disturbing the health of your vagina or simply when your period is on its way. Discharge is always normal, the most you may have to do is change your underwear when normal. And when not normal, simply find your closest clinic and get the medicine you may need.

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Intro: Sex toys! They’re fun and a lot of the time oddly pretty to look at, the insertable ones at least. Sorry penis havers you got the short end of the stick, the prettiest toy you get is a massager that’s blue or if you’re feeling really fancy, clear. As fun as some sex toys look, there are a good amount that aren’t exactly fun for the body. The well known dildo is a perfect example, used since prehistoric era of 28000 BC they’ve been made of all types of materials, antler bone, wood, bronze, gold, silver, copper, ivory and more recent times i.e. 90s to modern times, Body safe rubber/ silicone, Pyrex Borosilicate glass, metal (more specifically stainless steel) and still wood (professionally polished this time).  But there are some materials that are still best avoided or should be used with extreme caution.

Dangerous:

Jelly Toys

Jelly sex toys are made cheaply using unsafe materials that most often contain phthalates. According to the CDC, “Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable”. These phthalates can affect the reproductive health of both men and women. Aside from this unsafe material jelly toys are also porous, meaning bacteria may remain in the toy. 

PVC Toys

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, it’s basically a hard plastic used for many other products. PVC by itself is just fine, the problem is when sex toy manufacturers take cheap shortcuts. They need to make the PVC plastic soft so said manufacturers get their hands on it. They need to make the PVC plastic soft, so these manufacturers may use as mentioned before, phthalates. As phthalates can soften plastics.

TPR/TPE Toys

TPR/TPE also known as thermoplastic elastomers are a material that consist of both plastics and rubbers. It is still porous and if not washed and dried properly it can be a bit more susceptible to molds or other bacteria. Use with caution, i.e. using a condom on yourself or the toy.

Cyber Skin Toys

These toys try to mimic the feel of human skin for a better experience, the majority of these toys, both dildos and massagers, feel soft and silky. But that soft feel can sometimes come from using plastics like PVC. But others can simply use thermaplastics (TPR/TPE) which are still porous but lack so double check materials when buying from websites or even in stores and make sure to clean thoroughly.

Safe:

Intro: Now that you know the unsafe materials of sex toys you’re probably wondering, what makes these materials, (silicone, Pyrex Borosilicate glass, metal and wood), so much better and safer? Well hold your horses you horny human, I got you.

Borosilicate Glass Toys

Pyrex used to be the type of glass for both Tupperware and sex toys until Pyrex was bought out by a manufacturer and those manufacturers stopped using the proper process that made Pyrex glass and begin using cheaper processes that now would cause Pyrex glass to chip and crack and obviously you don’t want that near your bits.Borosilicate glass that can withstand stress along with high and low temperatures. Borosilicate glass is what you should look for when purchasing glass sex toys.

Borosilicate glass is a type of glass made with silica and boron trioxide as the main components. The boron trioxide is what gives this lovely glass its strength, making it thermal shock resistant. Glass sex toys are a perfect material for sex toys as it’s non-toxic, non-porous and non-toxic and can easily be washed with soap and water.

Wooden Toys

Wood is a good material as when polished, I REPEAT, POLISHED, it creates a sleek and waterproof surface for the toy, most professionals polish with a body safe lacquer making the toy non-toxic and non-porous. Some craftsmen used a food safe wax or oil, which is fine, but can eventually wear off and warp your toy due to moisture.

Stainless Steel Toys

Stainless steel toys are made from iron ore, chromium, silicone, nickel, carbon, nitrogen and manganese. Carbon and nitrogen are added, so that the toy won’t corrode or rust. These sex toys are appealing due to their hypoallergenic qualities and rigid nature. Stainless steel like all the other safe toys is non-toxic as it lacks phthalate and is non-porous. They can also be easily washed by washing in the dishwasher.

Silicone Toys

Silicone is a type of polymer and one of the best materials for a toy as it’s nontoxic, non-porous and hypoallergenic. It’s very sterilizable with mild soap and water with no chance of bacteria or molds sticking in any nooks or crannies. Basically, it’s one of the absolute best/ safest materials for those bits of yours.

I wanted a magazine cover that would catch attention and hopefully make a person or two laugh

Just like the first cover, I wanted something that caught attention, and for this cover, something relatable, i.e., a view a good amount of people recognise once a month