Types of Condoms and What do Women like about them Nowadays, condoms come in a variety of sizes, colors, and even flavors. There are small ones, skinny ones, purple ones, strawberry ones, peppermint ones…you name it, and it probably exists. Soon, we might find that we already have as many types of condoms as Hallmark have cards. There used to be a time in another era when there was only one kind of condom out in the market, as far as the texture (or nubbing) is concerned. That has changed in monumental fashion. Nowadays, they can be adorned with latex or they can be ribbed. Some of them can just be on the exterior but some are studded both inside and outside. Presumably, this is also to provide the user with added enjoyment. Exactly how many different kinds of condoms are out there? Are there in fact any significant differences at all? Basically, all condoms would fall under 8 categories in general, based on the primary consideration. These do not include the ones that would be invented tomorrow (knowing the ingenuity of today's generation, they will come up with something). The first is the material; it is either made from polyurethane or latex. Second is the size that involves the width and not the length. However, those available in convenience shops are standard-sized. Third is the kind of lubrication where different substances are used for different brands of condoms. Fourth is the spermicidal. Spermicidal lubricant is sometimes used to lessen the probability of pregnancy. One of the more common is called nonoxynol-9. Some individuals are sensitive to this and in fact, if used a lot of times, may heighten HIV-infection possibility. Fifth is the Ribbed. There are many people out there, especially young people, who utter in disgust "if AIDS is not so prevalent, I would never use this…I cannot feel a thing." This type is the heaven-sent condom for them. It has ridges making sex more "feel-able" for the couple. Next is color, enough said, it's self-explanatory. Seventh would be flavor, obviously, this is for those daring individuals who have a propensity for oral sex. Tastes can range from strawberry to god knows what else! However, these condoms should not be used for vaginal/anal sex. Eighth and the last, is the reservoir tipped. Most condoms in fact have a reservoir-like end to hold the semen as opposed to the few others which have plain tips. For the reservoir type, make sure that you pinch the tip before dressing it on. This is more or less mandatory because if air gets in, it could easily break when you are busy and that is what you wouldn't like to happen. Actually, there is another one, but since our topic is men's condoms, a simple mention of it would suffice. This is the female condom (If you are a guy reading this and you are the kind who is so averse to putting on condoms, this should give you an idea, right?) Now that we are through enumerating them, let us go to the more important part which is to answer the question "what are the qualities of a good condom?" In terms of material, latex is probably the best; avoid the naturally made ones (lamb membrane for example). Some unenlightened souls claim that a few viruses can go thru latex that is absolutely untrue. Those made from natural materials are porous and so there is a probability of virus-transmission. Another would be the presence of lubricants. Picking the water-based ones is best like those that are pre-lubricated with spermicidal gel or foam. Petroleum, baby oil or cream used as lubricant is risky. These types have the tendency to weaken condoms, even latex. Packaging is also an invitation. (Not only vis-?-vis colors although to some people, color is paramount, they are probably the reason why the glow-in-the dark type was born.) More specifically, what do women want in a condom? Some condoms are packaged to look like tampon containers and a few women are attracted to this. Form also counts - to illustrate, French ticklers (condoms having long appendages) have popular appeal as these (just like the ridges) increase pleasure during intercourse. For this same purpose, some women would insist that their husbands/boyfriends buy the ultra thin type. Of course, not all nationalities are alike. Japanese women in fact, are insistent on using condoms over pills but they are not particular over the kind or form of condom to be used. For as long as she gets assured that it would not break, she probably would not actually care on what specific kind of condom is being used. If you are an American though, a piece of advice: bring your own, the size being manufactured in there might not be to your liking. Lastly, the most interesting though, according to one expert on the topic (she came out with a hilarious yet enlightening piece) - women generally, do not care about the ridges, ribbing or the lubrication. The problem she claims is that condoms are designed by men. She asserts that if women were to be the ones to do this designing, they would just make "padded" condoms. Length may not really be crucial, but according to her, width does and that is where the padding comes in naturally. Women and Hot Flashes You suddenly feel a burning feeling on the face and the upper body, probably with a lightning-fast heartbeat, nausea, vertigo, headache and other irritating symptoms. You are experiencing what is commonly known as a "hot flash." What infernal reason is behind this? Hot flashes are a woman's biological process caused by the hormonal dictates of menopause. Principally that is, but it can also be brought about by particular medications and the styles/manner of living. Technically, menopause is a biological operation and not a deficiency state in estrogen. It happens at age fifty on the average. Specifically though, a lowered level of estrogen directly impacts on the hypothalamus. The latter is that part of one's body that controls sleep cycles, sex hormones and temperature. The lowering of estrogen disconcerts the hypothalamus - and what it reads is "too hot." The brain reacts by announcing an all-out order to the heart, nervous system and the blood vessels: "eliminate that heat." End result is that the heart beats quicker, blood vessels dilate and the sweat glands excrete. The unfortunate consequences would be: the body cools down when factors dictate that it should not, thus, one is soaking wet in the middle of a sales presentation. Not only is it highly uncomfortable, it is embarrassing. This is in fact normal; 85% of women in the US have this as they come near menopause. Twenty to fifty percent continue to have them for a longer period of time. Thus, intensity decreases over time. There are significant differences in terms of onset, frequency, duration and the nature of these flashes. It may last for just a few minutes but it could take more than an hour for one to completely normalize. The most ordinary time of onset is from 6 to 8 a.m. and also between 6 to 10 p.m. Do not despair, if one can really make a conscientious effort of avoiding the triggers, it would be a significant victory. It would be a major first step in winning at least a battle. Hot flash is triggered by the following: alcohol, caffeine, diet pills, spicy food, hot food, hot tubs, smoking, hot weather and still some others. Here are some survival tips: dress in layers and avoid turtleneck shirts. Where possible, lower the thermostat, get a larger bed if you and your partner are on different heat modes but still want to be close to each other, take a shower before crashing, arrive at meetings and functions early so that you can take a pick of your seat, and try tylenol. Regarding the treatment of hot flashes, Chinese medicine has a well-respected reputation. The Chinese have descriptions for all kinds. They involve: acupuncture and herbology. The latter means that different kinds of herbs are mixed to make a particular tea suited to alleviate one's specific symptoms. One of Mayo clinic's doctors, Dr. Loprinzi, has studied that antidepressants also play an important role in treatment. Low-dose may assist in delaying a hot flash. Effexor (venlafaxine) can cut down the frequency of hot flashes by about half, this in close to sixty percent of women with breast cancer. |
