Florida Agenda

By San Knew

Life at times can seem to be a numbers game. We budget our time, money and even our health by the numbers. In a way, numbers can act as a system of checks and balances for us – which may explain why they become such an intricate part of lives. I’ve noticed just how much this column comes to rely on numbers. Here is a compellation of a few given over the last year. If any of them spark further, or renew, your interest – feel free to visit the online archives of “Who Knew?” on www.FloridaAgenda.com.

The Female Condom – Changing the rules of the game

“In a report that summarized a study done on 100 men who have sex with men using the female condom, negative experiences included difficulty inserting (33%), irritation (17%), bunching up (12%), unpleasant texture (10%), and noise (9%). Breakage was reported 3 times in 334 episodes of use.”

“Oral” Hygiene
“The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a case study in Chicago linking 13.7% of syphilis cases being contracted orally.”
“But be aware that most mouthwashes have an alcohol level of 6.6% to 26.9% that could be almost four times as much as a bottle of beer or a glass of wine.”

Male on Male Sexual Assault
“An estimated 12% of case victims are in the age range of 25 and older.”

A Bed’s Tale – What’s on the sheets may be as important as what happens between them.

“What you’re missing might put you in danger of becoming one of the three hundred million plus people in the world that contract ‘Sarcoptes Scabiei Var. Hominis’ or what’s more commonly referred to as ‘scabies.’”

Sex – It’s Not All Bad
“The publication attributes somewhere between 120 to 235 calories for kissing, approximately 8 calories for undressing and an actual orgasm can burn as many as 100 calories.”
“So there you have it, no mention of the 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STI) reported each year, nor the $14.7 billion spent on STI related healthcare costs.”

Toxic Relationships: Bug Chasers and Gift Givers
“Though the compilation of these two groups is a very small subset of the population, they have developed a culture of their own, including ‘conversation parties.’ This is one means in which HIV+ men and those looking to be infected can meet.”

“Save the Tatas “– Male Breast Cancer
“The mild growth does put men at a 1 in 1000 chance of developing one of the five types of breast cancers.”

“Gay and bisexual men are 17% more likely to develop anal cancer.”

Three letters that can change your life – and they’re not what you think. HPV (human papillomavirus)
“For gay and bisexual men, it can be a secret killer.

There are 6.2 millions cases in the US each year and over one hundred strains of the virus, forty of which are transmitted sexually.”

The Doctor Is In, But Are You Out?
“New York’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a study showing that 4 in 10 gay men were not out to their doctor.”

Those Crazy Gays…
“For example, one study showed 83 % of transgender people had considered suicide, and 54 % had actually attempted it.”

Talking Dirty: How to Negotiate Safe Sex
“Needless to say, our inhibitions and judgment are impaired with either drugs or alcohol. Studies report that 60% of STDs are transmitted when the partners are under the influence.”

Sam Knew, MSW is an educator and a local counselor. He can be reached at samknewmsw@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/samknew

By SAM KNEW, MSW

Nearly 20 years ago the Reality © Female Condom (FC) gave way to a whole new response to the question of responsibility and empowerment regarding who wears the “pants” in a relationship. The FC is a loose-fitting, pre-lubricated, polyurethane pouch intended to fit into the vagina. The FC changed the rules of the game, giving women (initially) a better way of taking control of an intimate experience. Inevitably, much in the likes of the Lifetime channel, Designing Women and handbags (i.e. the murse) – the gays have followed suit; using the sexual barrier devise as a means for safe anal sex.

Although not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for anal use, the female condom has been gaining more and more popularity among gay men, as well as anyone one who engages in anal sex. The fact that the device is made of polyurethane means it will adjust to body temperature, so both you and your partner can feel each other’s body heat. Another added advantage is that the recipient (bottom) can place the device in place hours before hand and not have to interrupt foreplay placing in the devise or negotiating safe sex practices with their partner – allowing the recipients to take control of the situation and their own health.

However, there are some critics to this device. First and foremost, there has been little research done on whether or not the FC is an effective means to prevent the spread of Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI) when used anally. The International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA) is one of organization that had conducted initial studies. It summarized a study done on 100 men who have sex with men using the female condom. It reported:

Generally what most participants liked about Reality (FC) were its heightened sensitivity and spontaneity, while insertion difficulties and high cost were the factors least liked. Acceptability was higher among men who were HIV-positive, in nonmonogamous relationships, or who had serodiscordant sex partners. Negative experiences included difficulty inserting (33%), irritation (17%), bunching up (12%), unpleasant texture (10%), and noise (9%). Breakage was reported 3 times in 334 episodes of use.

It should also be noted that the lack of scientific research has not prevented many healthy counselors and State Health Departments from encouraging its use for anal sex, to prevent the spread of STIs.

As one health advocate put it in a recent issue of the Washington City, “Even though we do know it can be effective, that’s not something that we can really state yet.” In addition, the DC Department of Health has placed instructions of how to use the devise anally online. The instructions include a popular practice of removing the inner ring that the device comes with (which is optional, and widely recommended for anal use).

The FC shares many of the same risks of traditional condoms, including breakage and skin irritation. One unique disadvantage to the FC includes the possible noise when using the devise; lubricant is suggested to reduce any sounds. A unique advantage of the devise is the comfort and pleasure it provides men who are uncircumcised or have a non-traditional shaped penis in terms of size and shape. The FC is less constricting, does not force the foreskin back over the head of the penis and does not have to fit the penis itself.

Needless to say more studies are needed. One representative for the Female Health Company, the producers of the FC, adds it may be years until we see the FDA approve a Class III, insertable condom for anal sex. Thankfully, you don’t have to wait; female condoms are available in most convenient stores and adult stores. The only thing you have to do is take control and use it.