Sex Toys Archive

Weighing HIV Statistics for Safety

Posted on April 2, 2012.

I’m often asked about “who’s most at risk for HIV,” and it can be a complicated answer. A lot goes into “risk” for health issues and it depends on what I’m really being asked- statistics? Biological vulnerability? Gender inequalities? Race-related inequalities? Socioeconomic disparities? Or is someone looking for reassurance about their relationship? Facts are, some [...]

Robot Love and Sex Toys

Posted on February 20, 2012.

I was a little wary of Googling it, because I wasn’t sure what might result but I did it anyway: “history of sex toys.” I was prompted by a radio story I heard on CBC Q about having sex with robots and a piece about manufacturing sex toys in China (the demand’s increasing at home [...]

Safer sex advice says “Use a Condom.” What if Your Partner Won’t?

Posted on August 15, 2011.

“I think you need to have something about how men don’t want to wear condoms,” said Carol. The “Use a condom” message is spouted by HIV prevention educators (including myself) the world over, but we know it’s not always reasonable advice. There are situations where women and men alike can’t use a condom.

Gals I Adore

Posted on August 8, 2011.

I’m fascinated by things our amazing bodies can do and what to do to help them when things aren’t going too well. Luckily, I get paid to do this: I work in HIV education/ prevention. There are some folks I visit online on a regular basis online, and I sing their praises for their generous and provocative thoughts, questions and observations.

Relationships that Count

Posted on June 27, 2011.

I had the best afternoon last week. I was in a room full of soon-to-be doctors, nurses, social workers, pharmacists and counselors to talk about sexual health, specifically HIV, and what’s so different for women. Patients, clients, whatever they’re going to call them- it’s the relationships that count.

Sex Education or Silence?

Posted on May 9, 2011.

Have I ever mentioned the old Herman cartoon where a woman is at her doctor’s office? She says, “They had much nicer diseases when I was a girl.” Yeah, right. STIs are old news, except for HIV (although it’s been around longer than you might think). So talking about them is good IMO.

Lube To Get a Harm Reduction Boost with Microbicide

Posted on March 14, 2011.

Readers here will know I sing the praises of lube. Lubes can go a long way in helping to make sex more comfortable. It can be fun, make things slide a little smoother, and decrease the risk of tearing vaginal or rectal tissue, a risk factor in getting STIs. Using it with condoms can [...]

STI Smarts and Compassion

Posted on February 28, 2011.

I was surprised to read about a recent survey in the U.K. that revealed 20% of the respondents didn’t know that HIV could be transmitted between men and women during unprotected sex (up from 9% ten years ago). Whaaat? It’s 2011, people. I’d hoped HIV awareness was further along than that. When it comes to [...]