My special guest blogger is Ms. Jessica Brown, She is a public health official who is the founder of the Encouraging Life Organization( ELO). The ELO is a community-based organization that was established in 2010. The sole purpose of the ELO is to create community health initiatives that assist in the elimination of sexual and reproductive health disparities among under-served communities. The ELO accomplishes this through developing community outreach efforts, while providing resources and education on health. As the founder of the ELO, it is her focus to coordinate community outreach initiatives and build community partnerships to combat with sexual and reproductive health disparities. Ms. Brown is a native of Sacramento, CA and graduated from San Jose State University where she received her master degree in Public Health. For more information on ELO, please visit http://encouraginglifeorganization.org Enjoy!
Summer is over and you know what that means……”Netflix and Chill” season is among us. As we approach longer and colder nights with the Fall/Winter months, the need for human contact is apparent. This could be a time to look for a temporary Fall/Winter BAE (I hate that word). For some, it is time to get closer to your permanent loved one and for many, it may be a time for random hook ups. Whatever your relationship/dating status, will there be a lot of “Netflix and Chill” late nights?
What are “Netflix and Chill” nights, you ask? Well for me, it means watching a good movie on Netflix (preferably a good documentary or bad black movie), drinking a glass of wine, and going to bed by 11:30pm. According to Urban Dictionary, (my favorite reference site) “Netflix and Chill” is “code for two people going to each other’s houses and having sex or doing other sexual related acts while Netflix is showing in the background.” And here I was thinking it meant that you actually watch a movie and relax. Dully noted…
With the change in the seasons and the upcoming cold winter nights, it makes sense to “Netflix and Chill” but rather you decide to “Netflix and Chill” with a partner, temporary “BAE,” or a random hook-up, protect yourself by using barrier methods such as male or female condoms. Studies have proven that consistent and correct use of condoms can reduce the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission. There are two types of condoms that are effective in reducing STI/HIV transmission; male and female condoms. Male condoms are made up of latex material and cover the shaft of the penis during sex. Male condoms can be used for oral, vaginal or anal sex. Flavored male condoms can be used for oral sex activities such as mouth to penis. Male condoms can be made up of other materials such as polyisoprene, polyurethane, and lambskin, however, latex condoms are the most effective at preventing STI/HIV infection and unplanned pregnancies. Although male condoms remain to be the barrier method of choice, female condoms are just as effective. The female condom is made of polyurethane and if used properly and correctly, female condoms can be more pleasurable to use than male condoms. The female condom is a pouch with flexible rings at each end. The smaller inner ring is inserted into the vagina, while the larger outer ring is placed on the outside of the vulva; around the labia (lips of the vagina). Female condoms can be used for anal sex as well. They are simple, convenient, and allow women to share responsibility for preventing STIs/HIV and unplanned pregnancies. They also provide a safe alternative to people who are allergic to latex. Dental Dam is another barrier method that can be used for oral sex activities such as mouth to vagina or mouth to anus. The Dental Dam is a thin square of latex that can be used to prevent the spread of STI/HIV during oral sex. They can be bought in some stores, or you can make your own using a condom, a latex glove or non-microwavable saran wrap.
Each one of these barrier methods can be an exciting and fun experience for both men and women. They can be used as part of sex play which can improve consistent condom use, thus reducing the risk of STI/HIV transmission or unplanned pregnancies. It is not advised to use all three barrier methods at the same time. When engaging in vaginal or anal sex, use a male or female condom. When engaging in oral sex activities, such as mouth to penis, use a flavored male condom. For mouth to vagina or mouth to anus oral sex activities, use a dental dam. There are other barrier methods that can protect against unplanned pregnancies, however, the three mentioned can protect against unplanned pregnancies and STI/HIV, when used properly and consistently.
As you enjoy the winter months and your “Netflix and Chill” nights with that special someone, remember to protect your penis or vagina by using protection. If you decide not to have sex, there are other activities you can participate in such as sensual massages, slow kissing, masturbation, and mutual masturbation with a partner that can be equally stimulating and intimate. These activities will also protect you from STIs/HIV and unplanned pregnancies. Remember you only have one Penis Kingdom and Vagina Queendom, so protect it….. FYI…..Netflix has AMAZING movies and series coming up this winter too.
For more information on Female and Male Condoms, click on the hyperlink or visit
http://bedsider.org/methods/male_condom#details_tab
http://www.hiv.va.gov/patient/daily/sex/condom-tips.asp
For more information on Dental Dams, click on the hyperlink or visit
http://www.nakedtruth.idaho.gov/dental-dams.aspx
If you would like more information on the Encouraging Life Organization and would like to request our services, please visit
The Juliette Health Organization 