Types of Condoms and What 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, espe cially 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-à-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.

Alternative Ways to Relieve PMS

A growing number of women suffering from premenstrual syndrome or PMS are seeking help from both conventional and alternative health practitioners. Studies show that women who opted for alternative therapies usually found them to be effective. As such, the medical community should be accustomed with the efficiency of innumerable evidence-based natural interventions. A recently conducted survey indicates that 42% of women suffering from PMS take prescription or over-the-counter medications to mitigate their symptoms. In this group, about 80% were using OTC medication, mostly to control pain.

For years, traditional medicine had provided suggestive treatments for PMS that does not always work. Most doctors are unaware of the latest research on hormone balancing while others never had any training in PMS. Alleviating bloating with diuretics, headaches with painkillers, and anxiety with Valium only mask the underlying imbalance that cause PMS. A lot of these prescribed treatments often have side effects.

Although a safe and guaranteed cure for PMS is yet to be discovered, there is a number of lifestyle and alternative therapies that can reduce symptoms and possibly even improve your quality of life. On the other hand, psychotherapy can provide insight about stress. However, it sidesteps the nutritional and biochemical aspects of this disorder.Exercise is the best self-care method that you can be employ in dealing with PMS symptoms. It does not necessarily mean a strenuous and sweaty afternoon at the gym; it may be something simple like walking regularly. On the average, regular exercise is considered to be done at least three to five times a week.

Adopting specific dietary modifications could also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms. Review your dietary needs and eliminate caffeine, sugar, alcohol, dairy, and excess soy. While you’re shunning "bad foods," it is important to get plenty of the "good" vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Try nurturing a diet of fresh, in-season, organic fruits and vegetables.Aside from exercise and dietary measures, some alternative therapies might also be helpful. Reducing stress by trying several relaxation methods such as relaxation exercises, roll breathing, yoga, and massage therapy might proved to be advantageous.

Another widely used therapy for PMS includes bright light therapy. Some studies suggest that getting more natural or full-spectrum light on days when PMS symptoms are present may help reduce severity of symptoms.There is emerging evidence that suggests PMS sufferers may reduce their dependence upon synthetic drugs by undergoing chiropractic or acupuncture treatments heightened. Several small clinical studies have verified that the combination of chiropractic manipulation and soft tissue therapy is an effective intervention in the management of various PMS symptoms, particularly with the relief of associated back pain, abdominal cramping and dysmenorrhea.

Though most of the therapies mentioned are not considered standard treatment for PMS, some of them might be helpful in relieving some symptoms. But most importantly, these treatments are safe and well-tolerated.