Next
month it's National Condom Week (12-18 May). So, to help you rubber up-up-and-away,
here is PN's guide to finding the right condom for you. Laurence
Gibson investigates
The condom has an interesting history. As early as 3000 BC men were covering their reproductive organs with sheaths made of fish bladders or lamb intestines as a form of protection against evil spirits. By 1500 BC, the concept of using a barrier during sex was conceived by the ancient Egyptians.
In 1701, the first condom manufacturer opened in London to serve brothels and help prevent unwanted diseases and pregnancy.
But it wasn't till 1932 that latex condoms were developed - enabling thinner, disposable and tube-shaped ones to become available.
Today
condoms can be brought in all shapes, sizes and flavours, from anywhere and everywhere.
In London, gay men don't always have to cough up to get their hands on them. Mark
Maguire, from Camden and Islington Health Authority says: "Freedoms supply limited
numbers of free packs of condoms throughout London for times when you need them
in a rush. But they are not intended to be your only supply of condoms and lube."
Durex
- sponsors of National Condom Week - has a huge variety to choose from. Whether
it's the sensitivity of the Fetherlite (officially the biggest-ever-selling Durex
condom), or the strength of the ULTRAstrong, or simply the taste of the flavoured
Select condoms you require - there is something for everyone.
According to Durex research, one in seven people are still having unprotected sex, with young people being the greatest risk-takers. Twenty-eight per cent of 16-20 year olds and 30 per cent of those aged 21-24 admit they've had sex with a new partner without a condom. Thirty per cent of gay men, too, have recently conceded having unprotected sex with at least one person over the last year.
Mates
Condoms, launched in the 1980s to compete with the monopoly brand Durex, have
a knack of appealing to the younger customers in the market. However, with a similar
range to Durex, just make sure you avoid any condoms lubricated with nonoxynol-9
(N-9). Just small amounts of N-9 can cause significant damage to the lining of
the rectum when used for anal sex - significantly increasing the risk of HIV and
other STIs.
Femidom
- the female condom made by Mates - is a pre-lubricated, soft, polyurethane sheath
that lines the vagina. It warms immediately to body temperature and is easy and
comfortable to use. Femidoms are stronger than latex, odourless and, unlike latex,
can be used with both water-based and oil-based lubricants. Nevertheless, Femidoms
remain relatively undiscovered in the UK - business in the UK only represents
two per cent of total sales, but 60 per cent of sales go to the developing world.
"Since being launched in 1992, the Femidom has been ridiculed over the years. But now, the media and health professionals have acknowledged its role in STI prevention and contraception," comments Mike Pope, from the Female Health Company.
Some men with larger-than-average cocks also find Femidoms easier to use. By taking out the plastic ring at the end and simply putting it over the shaft, they can be more comfortable than tighter condoms.
"Oh
no," I hear you cry, "there are just too many choices. I need a rubber which will
feel exactly right, be safe and have the right bells and whistles!." Well, look
no further. The condom retailer Condomania has
come up with just the thing for you. Visit their website and use their Condom
Wizard to guide you through your options. Answer a few simple questions, and hey-presto,
the wizard produces a list of suitable johnnies for you.
Whether you are gay, straight or anything in between - there are plenty of alternatives when it comes to choosing the best rubber for you. Just remember to do one thing: When you next go into heat, package your meat.
Some of the best deals can be found on the web - especially if you buy in bulk!
Check out:
www.condomsonline.co.uk
www.14-condoms.co.uk
www.durex.com
www.condomania.com
For more immediate purchases, supermarket prices are typically;
Durex Featherlite 18 for £7.98
Mates Natural 12 for £5.48
Avanti (non latex) 5 for £7.78
Femidoms 3 for £5.00
A
little lightweight
The
nice thing about Paperchase's spring collection
is that it brings us so much more than simply stationery. Home storage and desk
accessories in cheerful colours and light materials, at reasonable prices, are
the highlight this season. Worth singling out are the Woodgrain stationery box
and magazine file and the Spiral bamboo bowl, as well as the fibreglass Tubular
vases (in April colours green, purple, turquoise and pink) for flowers or garden
bulbs. In 50s culinary retro, they've also spiral-bound recipe books to fill with
your favourites, and best of all, you can get a nest of three black or clear acrylic
cube tables for under £100.
Woody
plastic bowl £2.50, spiral bamboo bowls £8.50, woodgrain magazine holder £6.75,
woodgrain box £6.50, fibre glass tubular vases £17.50-£50, black cd box £5, embroidered
cushion £12.50, recipe books £8.75, Nest of three small clear/black tables £85;
larger size £180.
All
products are available via mail order, tel 0161 839 1500. Paperchase shops are
around the country with selected stocks, or visit: www.paperchase.co.uk
"Do
your wee bit for charity" hails the slogan for the Prostate Cancer Awareness campaign
that ran last month (24 April - 1 May). Either play the Peeball web game that's
'changing the way men across the UK think about going for a piss', or buy the
Peeball itself. So far, 450,000 Peeballs have been sold through stores like Virgin
Megastores, Our Price, Ryman and River Island. According to a Virgin spokesman,
the Peeball is "a sales phenomenon!" The game itself has already raised over £120,000.
On a more serious note, a British man has a one in 13 lifetime risk of developing
prostate cancer.
Peeball £1.00 at selected stores. For more info contact: info@peeball.com or tel 020 8222 7653. Visit: www.peeball.com
The Prostate Cancer Charity: tel 0845 300 8383. Visit: www.prostate-cancer.org.uk
