Category: Product Information

What is the female condom?
The Female Condoms is a thin sheath or pouch worn by a woman during sex. It entirely lines the vagina and helps to prevents pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV. Two types of female condom are available.
The FC / FC2 female condom
The FC female condom has been available in Europe since 1992 and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. It is available in many countries, at least in limited quantities, throughout the world. This female condom carries various brand names in different countries including Reality, Femidom, Dominique, Femy, Myfemy, Protectiv’ and Care. In Australia, we know it as Femidom.

An FC female condom
The FC female condom is a polyurethane sheath or pouch about 17 cm (6.5 inches) in length. At each end there is a flexible ring. At the closed end of the sheath, the flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. At the other open end of the sheath, the ring stays outside the vulva at the entrance to the vagina. This ring acts as a guide during penetration and it also stops the sheath bunching up inside the vagina.
There is silicone-based lubricant on the inside of the condom, but additional lubrication can be used. The condom does not contain spermicide.
In 2005 the makers of the FC female condom announced a new product called FC2. This has the same design as the original version but is made of nitrile, which may make it cheaper to produce. The FC2 began large-scale production in 2007. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is already procuring the FC2. The FDA approved the FC2 in December 2008 and the World Health Organisation has stated that the product is acceptable for bulk procurement by UN agencies.1
(There is another Condom Feminine called VA w.o.w. Condom Feminine, distributed mainly in South Africa. We do not stock this item so we will only focus on the Femidom.
How do you use the female condom?
Open the package carefully. Choose a position that is comfortable for insertion - squat, raise one leg, sit or lie down. Make sure the condom is lubricated enough.
If you are using the FC or FC2 female condom, make sure the inner ring is at the closed end of the sheath, and hold the sheath with the open end hanging down. Squeeze the inner ring with thumb and middle finger (so it becomes long and narrow), and then insert the inner ring and sheath into the vaginal opening. Gently insert the inner ring into the vagina and feel it go up. Place the index finger inside the condom and push the inner ring as far as it will go. Make sure the condom is inserted straight, and is not twisted inside the vagina. The outer ring should remain on the outside of the vagina.
To begin inserting the VA, hold the sponge and frame close together and place the closed end in front of the vagina. Use two fingers to push the closed end containing the sponge inside the vagina as far as it will go. Make sure the sponge is opened up flat once it has been inserted. The frame should remain on the outside of the vagina.
The penis should be guided into the condom in order to ensure that the penis does not slip into the vagina outside the condom. Use enough lubricant so that the condom stays in place during sex. The female condom should not be used at the same time as a male condom because the friction between the two condoms may cause the condoms to break.
If the condom slips during intercourse, or if it enters the vagina, then you should stop immediately and take the female condom out. Then insert a new one and add extra lubricant to the opening of the sheath or on the penis.
To remove the condom, twist the outer ring or frame gently and then pull the condom out keeping the sperm inside. Wrap the condom in the package or in tissue and throw it away. Do not put it into the toilet. It is generally recommended that the female condom should not be reused.
The female condom may feel unfamiliar at first. The female condom may feel different and some people find it difficult to insert. Some women find that with time and practice using the female condom becomes easier and easier.
What are the benefits?
Opportunity for women to share the responsibility for the condoms with their partners
A woman may be able to use the female condom if her partner refuses to use the male condom
The female condom will protect against most STDs and pregnancy if used correctly
The FC or FC2 female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so as not to interfere with the moment
The FC and FC2 female condoms are made of polyurethane and nitrile, which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than latex. These materials can be used with oil-based as well as water-based lubricants. No special storage requirements are needed because polyurethane and nitrile are not affected by changes in temperature and dampness. In addition, these materials are thin and conduct heat well, so sensation is preserved.

What are the disadvantages?
The outer ring or frame is visible outside the vagina, which can make some women feel self-conscious
The FC and FC2 female condoms can make noises during intercourse (adding more lubricant can lessen this problem)
Some women find the female condom hard to insert and to remove
It has a higher failure rate in preventing pregnancy than non-barrier methods such as the pill
It is relatively expensive and relatively limited in availability in some countries
It is recommended that the female condom be used only once

Using the female condom for anal sex
Some people use the female condom for anal sex. Although it can work effectively, it is difficult to use and can be painful. There is also the risk of rectal bleeding which increases the risk of contracting HIV. So it’s better to use male Condoms for anal sex with plenty of lubricant NOT containing Nonoxynol 9.
Support for the female condom
WHO and UNAIDS are encouraging wider access to the female condom as a method of preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Many governments and non-governmental organisations provide female condoms for free or at subsidised prices as part of their HIV prevention and family planning programmes.
Worldwide use and availability
The female condom is used in public health programmes in more than 90 countries and is commercially marketed directly to consumers in ten countries.3 It is quite widely used in some places where it is actively promoted, such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Brazil. However in many parts of the world it is hardly available at all.
In fiscal year 2008, the makers of the FC female condom sold 34.7 million units worldwide, up from 25.9 million in 2006 and 14 million in 2005.4 Many of these condoms were purchased by donor agencies such as USAID and UNFPA. The VA currently sells in much smaller quantities. Altogether, female condoms account for only around 0.2% of global condom use.
In 2005, nearly two thirds of all female condoms were used in Africa, while the next largest shares went to North America and Europe. Asia accounted for less than 1% of the global total in 2005, though figures for later years may be higher due to growth in India.5
Future of the female condom
The two female condom manufacturers hope that demand for their products will grow substantially in the near future. However both are small companies with limited promotional resources, and it remains to be seen whether FC2 or VA will prove much more popular than the original female condom – even if they are cheaper.
New female condoms are being developed by the non-governmental organisation PATH and by a Belgian company called MEDITEAM. These are still a long way from becoming widely available and their future prospects are uncertain.6
The benefits of expanding female condom use could be very great. A study in 2006 found that countrywide distribution (equivalent to 10% of condom sales) of the FC2 female condom in Brazil and South Africa would be “useful and cost-effective” for preventing HIV. The cost savings could be greatly increased if 300 million FC2s were acquired through a global purchasing mechanism, which would cut the price per condom by two thirds.7
Wider use of the female condom in developing countries depends on the commitment of governments and other major donors. To achieve its full potential, much greater efforts need to be made worldwide to promote the female condom, to make it more accessible and acceptable.
This article was written by AVERT, Averting HIV and AIDS

Cock Rings (also called penis rings) bind the penis and testicles. This traps blood in the penis, which can result in engorgement, greater sensitivity, and a firmer erection. Cock rings come in many styles, including the basic single strap-style, those that separate the balls, and those that vibrate the clitoris during vaginal intercourse, which are great for partners.  For Couples

To use a cock ring, strap it around the base of the penis and behind the testicles. If you’re new to cock rings, look for styles that are easy to remove and adjust. These cock rings can be put on at any time during an erection. Secure the strap as snugly as is comfortable. If you are using a cock ring that is not adjustable, put it on when your penis is flaccid. Hold the ring under your balls and insert your testicles one at a time. Now push the penis through. The only way it will come off is if you lose your erection. We don’t recommend the metal rings for cock ring neophytes.

We recommend removing the cock ring after a maximum of 20 minutes. Spending too long with a cock ring on can damage the capillaries and bruise the penis, leaving you sore for a few days. Cock rings aren’t recommended for anyone with vascular disease, such as diabetes, or nerve disease. If you experience discomfort, take it off, although they are generally not the most comfortable thing to wear.

One of the better ‘Cock Rings’ for couples is called the Rockin Rabbit Cockring (White).  Now this is a cock ring.  For the guy, as described above, it will allow blood to enter the penis, but not escape.  Once you have it on, it is difficult to get off unless you use lots of lubricant or wait until you loose your erection.  It is a little uncomfortable, but the benefits are:  The female will experience intense vibrations through the two bullets as well as a very hard and strong penis.  For the guy, you will not be able to cum for a period of time, however, due to the strong vibration, eventually you will override the power of the ring and you will experience the biggest orgasm you have had for a long time.

If you think the Rockin Rabbit sounds a bit full on, try the following:  One that we recommend, it is the worlds #1 selling couples toy is called the Lava Up (pink).  Technically this is not a true cock ring (but it belongs in the same family) because it is not designed to fit tight around your penis, but rather firmly around, providing great pleasure to both partners.  It was originally designed to help the female reach orgasm during intercourse, and that is a job it does well.

Have fun experimenting.

Glass Dildos (and glass vibrators) are made from hand blown Pyrex glass. Styles for these beautiful creations range from crystal clear and perfectly smooth to brightly colored glass covered with ridges, bumps or swirls. They are works of art that can be appreciated for their beauty as well as their unique feel in the bedroom.

The first question people usually ask about glass dildos is are they safe. The answer is that they are safe as long as they aren’t damaged. Fortunately, Pyrex is a very durable glass that is not easily damaged when cared for properly. Chips and cracks are rare, unless you make a habit of dropping the dildo onto hard surfaces such as concrete, or expose it to extreme temperature changes such as taking it directly out of the freezer and dropping it into a pot of boiling water. It doesn’t take much to care for a glass dildo - just a bit of common sense.
Cleaning a glass dildo is also very easy. All you need is a little soap and hot water, some rubbing alcohol or a dab of sex toy cleaner - whatever you have handy. Glass, unlike silicone, rubber, jelly or plastic is not affected by most cleaning solutions. Just be sure to avoid harsh abrasives and you’ll be fine. A quick rinse with a little soap and water should do the trick.
Besides easy cleaning, glass dildos have a few other nice features. To start, they can be heated or cooled, which is great on a hot summer day or a cold winter’s night. The thick glass tends to hold temperature very well so you can count on at least 45 minutes before having to re-heat or cool it down. They’re also good for sharing with partners because they aren’t porous and are easily sterilized. If you wanted, you could use a glass dildo on a partner, wipe it with rubbing alcohol, and then use it on yourself with no problem. They’re also totally inflexible, making them ideal for G-Spot stimulation.
As with most hand-crafted items, glass dildos are expensive. The cost starts around $50 and moves up from there - much more than the average dildo. You can also have one custom made to your exact specifications, which runs about $400 to $500.
Over all, these are unique playthings that offer features not found in other sex toys. From adventurous newcomers to experienced connoisseurs - glass dildos might be worth a second look.