Hey Flo babes!
It’s me again, Dr. Natasha Ramsey MD here to drop some sexual health gems.
You probably know that we are period product experts, but did you know that Here We Flo also makes condoms?
And of course, these are better for you, and the planet!
XO! By Flo Hi-sensation and Ultra-thin Condoms are safe, sexy, and sustainable. They are vegan, made with sustainably sourced rubber latex but still give you all *those* feels.
Did you know recent data shows the proportion of sexually active people using a condom during intercourse fell from 70% to 61% between 2014 and 2022?
Well I’m here to give you the real deal and make condoms cool again.. because SAFE IS SEXY!
What is “safer” sex?
Let’s make some things clear, everyone’s definition of sex is different! I always say, any contact with anyone’s mouth, vagina, penis, or anus can increase the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). And penis in the vagina sex puts you at risk for pregnancy.
So the first step to safer sex is COMMUNICATION and making sure you are on the same page with your partners. Important topics of discussion are previous sexual behaviors, current sexual partners, birth control status, recent STI testing and results.
CONSENT about what sexual behaviours you and your partner want to engage in is necessary. Remember that consent is all about setting your personal boundaries and respecting those of your partner. This all happens before sex even happens. For more info about consent check out planned parenthood.
Last but not least is CONDOMS. So let’s jump into the nitty gritty.
All About Condoms
Condoms date back all the way to ancient times. Back in the day, condoms were made of linens and animal membranes to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Image sourced from Claude Mariottini.
Latex condoms became popularized and mass produced in the 1900’s and became even more popular and available worldwide during the HIV epidemic.
Condoms come in a variety shapes, sizes, flavours, textures, and thinness. There are internal condoms also referred to as male condoms which are placed on the penis and external condoms also referred to as female condoms which are placed into the vagina.
With so many options, it can feel impossible to choose, but Here We Flo makes it so. damn. easy.
XO! By Flo Hi-sensation Condoms are ultra-stimulating, ribbed, dotted + lubricated and XO! by Flo Ultra-thin Condoms give that “nearly naked” sensation, with ultra-smooth lubrication you’ll feel everything except the condom.
It get's better.. XO! by Flo Vegan Condoms are made from ethical + sustainable rubber harvested from rubber trees through the "Regenerative Rubber Initiative” a cooperative of small agroforesters supporting biodiversity.
Benefits of Condoms
There are so many benefits to condoms.
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Flexibility: Condoms allow for more spontaneity and don’t require a prescription or taking a medication and they can be started and stopped whenever.
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Confidence: Helps partners feel more confident and in control of their sexual health.
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No Hormones: No impact on natural hormones, making it a great choice for people who can't or don’t want to use hormonal birth control. Can be used alongside other contraceptives (like birth control pills or IUDs) for extra protection.
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Pregnancy Prevention: Condoms are super effective in preventing pregnancy. When used correctly, they are 98% effective! They work by preventing the egg and sperm from coming in contact.
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STI Prevention: Condoms are the only method that protects against STIs and pregnancy. There are many different types of STIs and they can be spread in different ways. STIs are fairly common, but there is still a lot of stigma. Luckily testing is simple and most are curable and all are treatable.
Condom Convos
Now we know the benefits, but how do you talk with your partner without switching up the mood? Discussing condoms with your partner is about confidence, respect, and making sure you and your partner are on the same page.
Talk about it before you’re in the moment.
E.g: "I safe sex is important to me, so I always use condoms. How do you feel about that?"
Practice and be direct, confident, and clear.
E.g: If they say, “Condoms don’t feel good”, you can say “There are so many types of condoms, let’s find one that feels good for both of us.”
Keep Condoms Accessible.
Have your XO! by Flo condoms on hand like in your bag, bedside drawer, or anywhere convenient.
Make It Sexy.
Incorporate it into foreplay, make it playful, talk dirty- these are all some tips to keep it steamy.
Lastly, here's a couple more tips for using Condoms:
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Used condoms shouldn’t not be flushed because they can block sewage systems and harm marine life.
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Use lube! Water based lube is best.
So, we're bringing condoms back like they never left (because, let’s be real, they shouldn’t have!)
Safe sex is always in style, and with the right protection, pleasure doesn’t have to come with a compromise. So go on, stock up, wrap it up, and enjoy the comeback tour!
With Love,
Dr Ramsey & Here We Flo Babes
