Condoms have never been anyone’s favorite sexual accessory, but in recent years, it appears that more people are choosing to have protection-free sex. This new reality is disturbing.

A false sense of security

A recent study released by Online Doctor, a United Kingdom-based online physician consultation and prescription service, found that 55.1 percent of Europeans and 65.5 percent of Americans have unprotected sex. The most disturbing figure the study revealed was that 29.1 percent of Americans didn’t use protection every single time — the gender breakdown for this statistic is 36.8 percent women and 23.5 percent men. Europeans don’t use protection 18.2 percent of the time — the European gender breakdown is 20 percent women and 16.8 percent men.

Although this study is less than perfect — the people who created the study only surveyed 2,000 people (1,000 Americans and 1,000  Europeans), the study doesn’t describe who these people are, how old they are, etc. — it does highlight that many sexually active people don’t use protection during sex.

Why condoms have fallen even further out of favor

Although we live in the age of drug-resistant gonorrhea, teens, adults, and seniors often still choose to forgo protection.

The reasons people make this dangerous decision are simple and sadly, classic.

Lack of education

Lack of education about sexual health comes in many forms, but the most damaging seems to be that people are unaware how to obtain condoms, have a difficult time communicating the desire to use protection, and people tend to not be able to grasp the probability that something could go wrong — they don’t understand how susceptible they may be to unplanned pregnancy, or sexual infections.

“A poor understanding of probability is a real problem,” Nicole Prause, Ph.D. at Liberos LLC, says.

“If you tell people about the dangers of HIV or risk of pregnancy, but they fail to understand that this very rare risk occurs with every sex act, people are lulled into false security.”

According to the CDC, in 2014, there were an estimated 37,600 new HIV infections. In 2015, youth aged 13 to 24 accounted for 22 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States. The CDC also reports that there was a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections over the last 5 years. And of teenagers who become pregnant in high school, there is a cycle of low education, poverty, single parenting, and teen parenting — 70 percent of teen mothers do not finish high school, Grubb adds.

And often, the choice to not wear a condom comes during the heat of the moment. Also: If a person doesn’t see an obvious sign of a STI, he or she may not think a condom is necessary. And, unfortunately, most people don’t ask their partners if they have a STI.

Other methods of birth control work

The pill, contraceptive shots, IUDs, and great period tracking apps have also helped condoms become less “important”.

The U.S. health system has effectively increased contraceptive usage among adolescents and young adults. These methods include long acting reversible contraceptive methods. But because of contraceptives’ effectiveness, adolescents often forgo condoms.

Part of this is because more people associate condoms with preventing pregnancy and not a barrier to STIs. So, women who are using various contraceptives — or their male partners — may think a condom is unnecessary.

Change sex education

So, how can we stop this dangerous trend? A combination of methods is key.

First, sex educators need to be able to rewrite sex education curriculum for the next generation of teens. Comprehensive curriculum is integral and should include scientifically accurate information. Topics that deserve attention are abstinence, condoms, contraceptive methods, pregnancy, STIs, and healthy relationships.

“We need to make sure our kids grow up respecting their bodies and their self. [We need to] talk to them about how to manage situations that they may find themselves in,” Cath Hakanson, founder of Sex Ed Rescue, says.

“It is about respecting yourself enough to do what is right for you. Not what the ‘condomless’ partner wants.”

Second, people of all ages — especially teens — need easy access to condoms. Location, price, privacy, etc. is important.

“If an adolescent must ask a pharmacist to unlock a cabinet for condoms, they are less likely to purchase them,” Grubb says.

Access to free or low cost condoms that are easily available in a non-stigmatizing manner will improve condom usage.

And lastly, educators should teach teens how to safely, kindly, and effectively communicate with his, her, of they’s partner.

“Strong communication skills and being in a relationship that has open dialogue improves condom usage,” Grubb adds.

“Adolescents and young adults must feel empowered to discuss and negotiate condom usage with their partners.”

Related on EcoSalon
It’s Not East Being Bisexual, Especially at the Doctor’s Office: #NowWhat
Yes, It’s Time to Make a Condom Emoji Already
11 Insanely Funny Condoms (but Would You Actually Use Them?)

The post A Whole Bunch of Reckless People Think Condoms are Useless, Study Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

Do you think funny condoms make a great gag gift, or do they just make you gag?

When it comes to funny condoms, I’m a total fence sitter: As a gag gift I can understand their charm, but how many of you would question your taste in men if he busted out one of these bad boys?

1. If he’s been sporting track pants a little too much…

What better way to make it up to you than by getting dressed up? I have to admit, no matter how frumpy he’s been lately, I’d probably fall for these ridiculous tuxedo condoms. Well, as long as a bottle of wine preceded them.

2. If saving the world is a turn-on…

Endangered species condoms are distributed at concerts, bars, universities and other local events to raise awareness about how human population growth is linked to the extinction crisis. There are condoms that represent sea turtles, panthers and other endangered species. I’m all for helping these adorable creatures, but I don’t think I could get past the guilt of what they’re going through to get in the mood (sorry boys).

3. If you’re a wizard with a spray can…

Okay, so I understand the sentiment behind this little invention that couldn’t, but that’s about it. The spray-on condom was invented so guys wouldn’t have to worry about buying the wrong size condom, which as we all know is a total buzzkill. But you know what else is a buzzkill? For men, being instructed to “insert penis into chamber.” For women, waiting for the paint to dry.

4. If you’re a coffee addict…

Coffee Sensations condoms were created with a noble purpose in mind: To raise awareness and help prevent AIDS in Ethiopia. I love me some coffee, but… wait, do they come in decaf?

5. If you’re in the mood to do a little math…

Condometric condoms measure the length of his penis. Okay, cool, but I’m confused about who these are supposed to turn on: Me or his frat buddies? Do I write down the answer first, or…

6. If you don’t feel like cooking…

J&D’s Bacon Condoms not only look like bacon, they also have a trusty sidekick (you know, like Batman): J&D’s baconlube. I wish I was joking.

7. If you’re into trying new things…

Kamasutra condoms by Atypyk are available in random packs of 10, and each depict one of 64 Kamasutra positions. If you end up limping the next day, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

8. If you’re afraid of the dark…

Perfect for if you can’t decide between keeping the lights on or off, LoveLight condoms are a nice compromise. (But if he suggests that you be Princess Leia and he’ll be the light saber, run. Run away screaming.)

9. If you’re really into narcissists…

MyFace condoms are customizable to include your name, picture, and special message. (I think these would be funnier if found in a lost wallet.)

10. If you want to mix business with pleasure…

McCondom Whiskey Flavored condoms: Since whiskey got you into this mess, why not?

11. If you enjoy amusement park rides…

Kind of like a roller coaster, only not, the Trojan Vibrating Ring condom practically has sex for you! Sigh.

How do you feel about funny condoms?

Related on EcoSalon

9 Natural Ways to Spice Up Your Sex Life

Can a New Outlook on Sex Save the World?

Can You Really Be “Good” at Sex?

Image: New Condoms

The post 11 Insanely Funny Condoms (but Would You Actually Use Them?) appeared first on EcoSalon.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations is offering $100,000 to the most innovative development in condoms.

Okay, if you said “ew” you’re not alone. It’s a little bit creepy thinking about Bill Gates thinking about your junk and wanting you to have better sex, but that’s probably nothing $100,000 can’t fix, particularly if you’ve got any skills in working with latex. And even if you’re not the scientist who’s going to revolutionize condoms, chances are at some point, you’re going to benefit from the innovation.

The Gates are interested in seeing condoms get an upgrade so that they’re more fun and pleasurable, and ultimately a more appealing use of birth and disease control for sexually active couples throughout the world. With a new design and packaging, the goal is for men in particular to find condoms less as an interference with sexual pleasure and more of an enhancement. The use of condoms, says the Foundation, improves public health and reduces the rate of unwanted pregnancies and STDs (gonorrhea is now essentially antibiotic resistant).

If there seems to be little left in the way of innovation when it comes to the condom, the Gates are inspired ORIGAMI condoms that are made from silicone and offer varieties for women and men (and for receiving anal sex). For men, the condom has an accordion-like shape and is designed to enhance pleasure.

Could you imagine wearing a cloth condom? Inhabitat reports that bioengineers at the University of Washington have been developing a ” super-fine cloth that slowly releases spermicides and anti-HIV drugs.”

To learn more about the competition, visit the Gates’ website.

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Image: Hey Paul Studios

The post Bill Gates Wants to Buy Your Condoms appeared first on EcoSalon.

High-end dining just got a lot higher.

Just when you think going out to eat is losing its magic, these 10 oddly themed restaurants push the envelope and really get you your money’s worth. For some of them, food is secondary to the ambiance, or not even part of the picture. For others, the tastes of the menu items are piqued by the complementary atmosphere. Whatever you’re into – cats, ninjas, or handcuffs – a few of these restaurants are sure to make it to your bucket list.

Yellow Treehouse Café, New Zealand

The Yellow Treehouse offers a unique setting that channels the excitement of your tree-climbing days. Patrons of the restaurant dine in an illuminated pod-shaped structure perched 10-meters high in a Redwood tree. The pod can hold 30 guests at one time. As for the food, it stays grounded – all dishes are fresh, seasonal, and adapt to clients’ needs.

Cabbages & Condoms, Bangkok

As its namesake suggests, the food at Cabbages & Condoms is “guaranteed not to cause pregnancy.” The restaurant was created to support the Population and Community Development Association, an organization that provides sex/AIDS education and awareness. The garden restaurant is an introduction to Thai food – in only the safest way possible – and instead of mint favors on your way out, you’re given a box of condoms.

Calico Cat Café, Tokyo

Imagine going to a café that only serves cat food, but there’s a chance that it’s too crowded to get a seat. The Calico Cat Café in Tokyo is just that popular. The café caters to your love for coddling and feeding cats sans the commitment. Patrons are asked to sanitize their hands and remove their shoes upon entering and to abide by set rules: do not hold or stroke a cat if it resists you, do not wake a napping cat, do not hold cats with scarves around their necks (they are too young), and do not bring cat nip or cat food to the café. For $9 per adorable hour, the café is a bargain. Only, you’ll leave hungry.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives

The magical Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is the first of its kind in the world. The restaurant is located 5 meters (16 feet) under water off the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and serves contemporary Asian-inspired European cuisine. The restaurant is encased in R-Cast acrylic and can host 14 people at one time, offering a 270° panoramic underwater view.

Unsicht-Bar, Cologne and Berlin

Heighten your other senses by taking away one very important one: sight. The Unsicht-Bar, with locations in Cologne and Berlin in Germany, uses the dark to strip patrons of their vision and take them on a culinary adventure that requires they focus more on taste, temperature, texture and smell. All light is forbidden, including that coming from watches and cellphones. The restaurant’s waiters are also either blind or visually impaired. The food, which is described enigmatically to leave an element of surprise, is served in a context-appropriate manner, avoiding a confusion of flavors or a potential mess. The flavors are simple, but profound in that they are enjoyed in an entirely new way – without visual prejudgment.

Ninja New York, New York City

Japanese cuisine just got more interesting. At Ninja New York, diners are wowed, and often at the edge of their seats, with ninjas jumping around, pop rocks on sushi rolls, smoke machine action, magicians, and an overall festive and upbeat atmosphere. The restaurant’s décor aspires to mimic a ninja village from the feudal days, providing patrons with a sense of what it was like back when.

Chill Out, Dubai

As if Dubai has not enough marvels as is, the city offers a unique way to, well, chill out. Chill Out is an architecturally fascinating refrigerator lounge with special lighting and design works that highlight the innovativeness of the frozen structures. Before entering the bar, Patrons are offered thermal clothing – parka, shoes, and gloves – and are then led to the Eskimo oasis. A complimentary mocktail or hot chocolate welcomes you.

Devil Island Prison Restaurant, China

This restaurant was initially conceptualized to scare people from a life of crime. Upon entering this restaurant, patrons are allocated a number, photographed, fingerprinted, and optionally handcuffed. The interior of the restaurant is designed after a prison, with sliding jail doors, metal floors, and rusty iron bars. Patrons dine in a prison cell and are served by waiters dressed in black-and-white striped inmate uniforms. Food includes fried, coffin-shaped bread.

Dinner In The Sky, Worldwide

Suspended 50-meters high by a crane, diners at Dinner in the Sky can host an event practically anywhere. The table is equipped with 22 seats, one chef, one waiter, and one entertainer. Dinner in the Sky operates in more than 15 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The event can be hosted for up to 8 hours, with the time fragmented – people can come and go at whatever interval of time. As for a bathroom break, have no fear, the crane will lower for relief without interrupting the experience for more than a few minutes.

Marton Theme Restaurant, Taiwan

Originally serving chocolate ice cream in toilet-shaped containers, Marton Theme Restaurant has certainly gained quite the fanfare over the years. There are now Marton restaurants across Taiwan and the company has recently changed the name of its restaurants to “Modern Toilet Restaurant,” all of which offer a full menu that can be enjoyed whilst sitting atop a toilet.

Images: Jeremiah Ro, Meredith P., Carsten Lorenzten, Karendotcom127, Wonder Bus Tours Dubai, Smart Travelers

The post 10 of the Strangest Restaurants From Around The World appeared first on EcoSalon.

A weekly look at sex and culture, by the numbers.

All that twisting and turning and vaulting of Olympic bodies this week got us thinking…about sex, of course. This week’s Sex By Numbers offers Olympic-themed trivia about everyone’s other favorite sport.

150,000: Number of un-branded condoms delivered to the Olympic Village for the use of the 17,500 athletes who may be inclined to get it on after (or before) their event.

6 Weeks: Amount of time Muhammad Ali would reportedly go without sex before his big fights. Despite this, scientists say that there is no evidence that pre-competition sex reduces performance, endurance or power.

#1: Olympic Judo athlete Kayla Harrison became the first American gold medalist in her event this week. Her victory is even more sweet due to the fact that her sport has not always been kind to her: in 2007, she put her former coach behind bars for sexual abuse.

4th: Place that American hurdler Lolo Jones finished in the 100m hurdles final. Jones gained celebrity status earlier in the summer when she declared on Twitter that, at 30 years old, she was still a virgin.

12th: If the 100 million females who read the 64 international editions of Cosmopolitan made up a country, it would be the twelfth largest nation in the world. It’s fairly likely that their strongest sport would involve inventive sexual positions.

6: In addition to the times of year when the Olympic Games are held, Summer and Winter are also when people are most interested in finding sex. When examining this 6 month seasonality cycle, researchers found a spike in Google searches for dating sites and prostitutes during these times of year.

3: Number of experts—an endocrinologist, gynaecologist and a genetic specialist—on an Olympic “expert panel” which was assembled to determine cases of gender ambiguity at London 2012. Thus far, the panel has not been used.

65%: Those who support same sex marriage seem to be edging ahead of the competition; 65% of Democrats report that they now support the equal right to marry.

Image: The Drum Fauxlympics

The post Sex By Numbers: Go For the Gold appeared first on EcoSalon.

A weekly look at sex and culture, by the numbers.

Men and women were created equal, but they’re by no means the same. When it comes to sex, the differences between our genders are ever apparent. This week’s Sex By Numbers examines our sexual discrepancies—including fantasies, post coital slumber, and online romance scams.

80: Percentage of men who report they easily drift to sleep after having sex. Women, on the other hand, struggle with this, with just 46% reporting that they manage to easily slip into post-coital slumber

2-3: Number of times per month women in a survey reported fantasizing about “pleasant” sexual encounters; men, unsurprisingly, do this much, much more

28: Age at which 2000 British women reported feeling their sexiest, independent from a man’s perception or input

20: In a study that asked men and women to rate their levels of pain for a variety of different conditions—including arthritis and diabetes—women reported pain levels that were 20% higher than that of males

2,600: Number of online romance scams that have been reported to the FBI thus far in 2012. Women fall victim much more frequently than men, filing more than 1,800 of the complaints.

40: Percentage of condom-buyers that are now female. Just five years ago, 80% of condoms were bought by men.

$13,500: Cost of a 24 karat gold-plated vibrator, an indication of the growing market for and interest in women’s sex toys, an arena once dominated by men.

14%: Portion of the wage discrepancy between men and women that Italian researchers posit can be attributed to menstruation.

Image: mexindian

The post Sex by Numbers: Men vs. Women appeared first on EcoSalon.

A weekly look at sex and culture, by the numbers.

Maybe it’s been a rough week for you. Maybe your dating spreadsheet wound up on the Internet and you had to give up your Match.com profile. Maybe you were discriminated against by the casting director for The Bachelor. Well, cheer up, because it’s time for Sex by Numbers to remind you that it can always get worse.

5: years an Australian woman’s worker’s compensation case for injuries suffered during sex while on a work-related trip has been tied up in court

3: number of Secret Service employees leaving their positions after an encounter with Colombian escorts during a presidential visit to Cartagena

192 million: number of condoms New York health officials have distributed since 2007

3 years: age of a relationship when a couple with young children is likeliest to split up

51: New York sex workers who reported having their condoms confiscated or destroyed during interactions with police

26: number of people arrested last year for public sex in a nine-day sting of a Wisconsin nude beach

1: vegan-only sex shops operating in Berlin

Image: Moaksey

The post Sex by Numbers: Legal Troubles appeared first on EcoSalon.

Column Facts are facts.

If there’s a theme to this week’s Sex by Numbers, it’s that none of you seem to be able to make up your minds. In general, you’re having more sex than in years past, but you’re not sure yet if you approve. Also, you should probably be using condoms more often.

Factor by which the number of therapists specializing in treating sex addicts has grown in the last decade: 15

Percentage of Americans who believe it is “morally wrong” for unmarried men and women to sleep together: 30%

Percentage of Americans who described themselves as “sexually adventurous” in an ABC News poll: 42%

Number of Britons who believe having sex while standing up cannot result in pregnancy: 1 in 10

Odds that any given heterosexual couple will use a condom during vaginal penetration: 1 in 4

Maximum benefit granted by Veteran Benefits Administration due to anatomical or permanent loss of “external sex organs”: $50,000

Percentage of Americans who believe it is “morally wrong” for married people to have affairs: 92%

Married women who said they married their best-ever sexual partners: 47%

Image: a tai

The post Sex by Numbers: Of Two Minds appeared first on EcoSalon.

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Cell Phones
We’ve all heard the rumblings about the dangers of cell phone radiation. But it turns out, your actual cell phone might make you sick. As the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports via Newsweek, the nickel in cell phones can lead to red, itchy skin.

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Water
Yes, some people are allergic to the wet stuff. Aquagenic urticaria is a disorder that gives people hives, rashes and even blisters when they come in contact with water. It is an extremely rare, temporary condition.

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Sex
Experiencing a burning, itching, or swelling in the genitals? You might be allergic to sex. Some women have an allergy to their significant other’s semen.

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Exercise
This might just seem like a good excuse to skip the gym for most. For an unlucky (or lucky) few, it is because they suffer from exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Nausea and vomiting are just some of the symptoms associated with this disorder.

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Soy
Soy is actually one of the most common food allergies in children, though some adults suffer from it. Symptoms include hives, swelling, wheezing, dizziness, and tingling in the mouth.

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Condoms
Latex allergies come from the proteins found in natural rubber, from which latex is derived. And since some condoms are made with latex, this can lead to a (pause) sticky situation for some. Symptoms include redness and itching, but trouble breathing is also possible.

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Sun
There are actually several different kinds of sun allergies. As The Mayo Clinic reports, these are “polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), actinic prurigo, chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) and solar urticaria.” Symptoms include hives, blisters, and painful rashes.

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Chocolate
Yes, an unlucky few are actually allergic to chocolate. This is common in people who are already allergic to other food items such as milk, nuts and eggs.

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iPod
Remember how cell phones can cause allergies? So can your iPod. It turns out that the nickel found in iPods can be just as irritating as some of your annoying neighbor’s musical choices.

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Alcohol
Yes, that glass of wine might be giving you more than just a hangover. However, it is not the alcohol itself which causes the reactions, but often the sugar and fermentation process used in creating it. So next time you break out in hives, you might want to put the glass of wine down.

Images: mcfarlandmo, compujeramey , darkpatator, wtlphotos, mikebaird, fotoosvanrobin, rorrororro, tambako, feastguru_kirti, nez
hlkljgk

The post 10 Everyday Things You Might Be Allergic To appeared first on EcoSalon.

When you have bad allergies, it can seem like you are allergic to everything. Turns out, you might be! Or you might just be super paranoid. We don’t judge. But what we can do is offer a list of everyday objects or activities that could have you swelling up like ice in the Arctic. Check out some common things that might get you sniffling and sneezing.

Cell Phones
We’ve all heard the rumblings about the dangers of cell phone radiation. But it turns out, your actual cell phone might make you sick. As the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports via Newsweek, the nickel in cell phones can lead to red, itchy skin.

Water
Yes, some people are allergic to the wet stuff. Aquagenic urticaria is a disorder that gives people hives, rashes and even blisters when they come in contact with water. It is an extremely rare, temporary condition.

Sex
Experiencing a burning, itching, or swelling in the genitals? You might be allergic to sex. Some women have an allergy to their significant other’s semen.

Exercise
This might just seem like a good excuse to skip the gym for most. For an unlucky (or lucky) few, it is because they suffer from exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Nausea and vomiting are just some of the symptoms associated with this disorder.

Soy
Soy is actually one of the most common food allergies in children, though some adults suffer from it. Symptoms include hives, swelling, wheezing, dizziness, and tingling in the mouth.

Condoms
Latex allergies come from the proteins found in natural rubber, from which latex is derived. And since some condoms are made with latex, this can lead to a (pause) sticky situation for some. Symptoms include redness and itching, but trouble breathing is also possible.

Sun
There are actually several different kinds of sun allergies. As The Mayo Clinic reports, these are “polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), actinic prurigo, chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) and solar urticaria.” Symptoms include hives, blisters, and painful rashes.

Chocolate
Yes, an unlucky few are actually allergic to chocolate. This is common in people who are already allergic to other food items such as milk, nuts and eggs.

iPod
Remember how cell phones can cause allergies? So can your iPod. It turns out that the nickel found in iPods can be just as irritating as some of your annoying neighbor’s musical choices.

Alcohol
Yes, that glass of wine might be giving you more than just a hangover. However, it is not the alcohol itself which causes the reactions, but often the sugar and fermentation process used in creating it. So next time you break out in hives, you might want to put the glass of wine down.

Images: mcfarlandmo, compujeramey , darkpatator, wtlphotos, mikebaird, fotoosvanrobin, rorrororro, tambako, feastguru_kirti, nez
hlkljgk

The post 10 Everyday Things You Might Be Allergic To appeared first on EcoSalon.