Do you find alcohol has an impact on your sex life? Join in the conversation over on our free, anonymous forum, HANX Life.
We’re not alone: 75% of our community regularly use Lube in their horizontal activities. However, we’ve noticed a big disconnect between their enthusiasm for getting lubed up - and their buying habits.
In fact, 63% said they’d find it uncomfortable buying Lubricant in-store. Here are just some of the reasons why:
Why is it embarrassing to be seen buying it? Blame the British stiff upper lip and prudish sex education for some of those blushes, but we reckon there’s more to it. One big myth that we hear time and time again revolves around the purpose of lube. When we polled our community, 75% associated increased natural vaginal lubrication with being more aroused. The vast majority believe that essentially, the wetter you get, the more turned on you are. We’ve heard from the HANX Gang in our DMs that not getting wet, especially when you feel mentally turned on, can feel really alienating or that there’s something ‘broken’ or ‘unsexy’ about your body. Therefore, if you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, it might make seeking out lube in your local shop an uncomfortable mission to be kept on the down-low, rather than an exciting addition to your sex life.
The reality is, there are loads of reasons why your vagina’s lubrication level isn’t necessarily matching up with your desire level. Whatever you’re up to and however wet you’re getting, a pump or two of the good stuff just accentuates self-love or partnered play, making it smoother, slipperier, and more pleasurable.
We’ve become accustomed to ultra-discreet, nothing-to-see-here packaging for absolutely anything we’re buying online… and that anonymity can be so reassuring, it’s hard to step outside of that. Newsflash: things are changing when it comes to ‘taboo’ items in real world shops. Lubricant now sits on shelves in supermarkets alongside mini vibes - Hey, you can even find penis pumps on-shelf in Tesco.
That hasn’t always been the case. When we launched HANX, we really focused on getting our products on shelf with the UK’s biggest retailers, not just because the aisles were outdated and in need of a serious shake up. Sexual wellness is an important part of our general wellness, given that some studies show getting it on boosts our mood, the immune system and can lower blood pressure, too. If you can whack a bottle of lube in your basket alongside your toothpaste, that goes a long way in encouraging us to invest in our pleasure just as normal as any other aspect of our self-care.
And if all else fails? God bless self-checkout.
“Before I started HANX with my best friend and business partner Farah, I was speaking to so many women in NHS clinics who struggled with low libido or mismatched libidos with their partner, and they reported how it was having a really detrimental effect on their sex lives. We wanted to create something that could help address some of the nutritional roadblocks that get in the way of a normal (for you!) sex drive, and also help women understand their bodies to better understand how they can help themselves.”
Some of the main causes of a low libido may include:
It’s important to consider that everyone is different and whilst one factor may affect one individual, it may be completely different for you!
Libido Lift isn’t like the “little blue pill” you might have heard about for erection problems. We worked with our incredible nutritionist expert Shona Wilkinson to bring together all-natural ingredients that help to boost sexual arousal when you want to get in the mood.
“We were focused on ingredients that have scientific evidence of their arousal-boosting prowess, whether it’s the balancing of hormones, aiding mood and energy, or encouraging blood flow.” - Dr Sarah Welsh
As a powder-based supplement, you can add Libido Lift to the drink of your choice: from hot chocolate to smoothie to champagne (fancy), give it a stir and sip to get in your feelings.
We also know from our community’s feedback that they sometimes find it hard to openly discuss lower libido. Over to Dr Sarah:
“Because you only need to take Libido Lift before getting in the mood, it really does help couples communicate about their sexual drive. It opens the door for many couples to discuss and set their intentions in the bedroom and what they want to get out of being intimate. It’s not just about the physical aspect, there is a big psychological aspect - it’s all about being mindful and ensuring you’re in the right headspace.”
Maca Root Powder
Maca is a plant that originates in the Peruvian Andes Mountains, it has been used for centuries to improve stamina. Incan warriors would consume large amounts of Maca root before going into battle (not too far off the current dating scene!). Hopefully, we won’t be needing any Maca for battle anytime soon but research has shown that Maca root can significantly improve sexual function and libido in comparison to a placebo. Research has also shown that women who suffer from antidepressant-induced low libido also saw an improvement in their sexual functioning after taking Maca root. All hail mighty Maca!
Vitamin B6
Fluctuating hormone levels can be due to a number of factors. Sex hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone need to be in proper balance with each other in order for a healthy sexual desire to occur. Vitamin B6 is a hormone balancing vitamin, and it is needed directly for the regulation of hormone activity. Serotonin, a chemical messenger that is responsible for keeping us happy and mentally stable. A massive part of sex drive is feeling sexy and good about yourself - and low levels of serotonin can massively throw your self-love train off the tracks. A good dose of Vitamin B6 can help regulate serotonin levels so you can get back to feeling like the bedroom badass you are.
Tribulus Terrestris
Even though Tribulus Terrestris sounds like a spell you’d hear in Harry Potter, it’s actually a small plant you can find growing all around Eurasia. It is predominantly used in ayurvedic medicine - one of the oldest medical systems in the world and is still one of India’s main healthcare systems. There is research to suggest that Tribulus Terrestric can increase desire, arousal and sexual satisfaction in women who suffer from low libido.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is an amino acid which is necessary for making proteins. L-Arginine is converted in the body to Nitric Oxide, which causes blood vessels to open wider to improve blood flow. Now, the good news is when we talk about improving blood flow to the body, we’re talking about the whooole body. L-Arginine can enhance blood flow to the genital area increasing sensitivity and arousal. Research has also found that L-Arginine can be especially helpful in alleviating some menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Maritime Pine Bark is extracted from pine trees on the mediterranean sea, and many cultures use different parts of the pine tree in their medicine. In terms of libido, Maritime Pine Bark Extract has been found to improve circulation and blood flow around the body as it influences Nitric oxide in the blood. In turn, this supports blood flow to the genitals which ultimately enhances genital health and lubrication.
Making sure you’re boosting your nutrients with Libido Lift is just one element of navigating a fluctuating libido. From making sure we’re getting enough sleep to moving our bodies and managing our stress effectively, it’s important to take a holistic approach to your sex drive. Getting turned on isn't as simple as the metaphor might imply - so take the time to really tune into your body. Low libido may also be a sign that there could be an underlying problem affecting you whether that be with your health or your relationships, it’s important that if something feels wrong you always check up with your doctor before anything else.
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Ahh, squirting. Sometimes referred to as female ejaculation, this sexual phenomenon has gained notoriety thanks to the popularity of pornography - and discussion about what the hell it actually is. Physically speaking, it’s what we call the release of an odorless, colourless fluid from a vagina during sexual stimulation or orgasm. It might sound like getting wet, but you’ll be able to tell the difference - some people say it feels like a gushing sensation and you can produce a lot of liquid. Not everyone can do it, and if you can, you might not do it every single time you have sex.
Debate rages about what squirting actually is. Research around the topic is limited (as it tends to be when it comes to women’s health and pleasure, grrr), but some studies have found that squirting liquid contains fluid both from the bladder and also from the Skene's Gland, which are two small ducts either side of the urethra. The composition and quantity of the squirting fluid can vary from person to person, with some studies detecting traces of urine in the expelled fluid. However, that doesn’t mean you’re merrily peeing away on your partner/self. Further scientific exploration is needed to fully understand this fascinating, and for many of us, very hot phenomenon.
While hormonal changes during menopause can potentially reduce natural lubrication, leading to vaginal dryness, the ability to squirt remains a possibility for some.
Here are five reasons to get stuck into sex in the summer, and embrace our cute new mini suction toy as part of your sunny weather ritual.
Whilst STIs are an occasional occupational hazard of living a sexually adventurous life, it's important to be aware of the rising numbers of infections out there, the precautions you can take to look after yourself and your partner/s - and what to do if something less-than-fun pops up afterwards.
No, it's never fun to find out that you have a sexually transmitted infection – and there’s a huge amount of stigma around having the conversation. Ever heard someone refer to themselves as “clean” when asked about their sexual health status? Having chlamydia, gonorrhoea or HPV isn’t a moral failing, but much of the language around these infections perpetuates the idea that sex is shameful, and having STIs makes you ‘dirty’, ‘slutty’ or ‘bad’. We surveyed thousands of sex-havers, and less than 50% felt comfortable telling others that they’ve been treated for an STI. It's clear: we need to tackle this taboo.
What really matters is taking care of your health, and how you tell people you’ve tested positive to empower them take care of their health, too. So, what do you do if you find out you’re part of the STI club? Henn Mossery-Golan shares their advice…
Spotted some funky symptoms (small bumps on your vulva/penis, unusual discharge, pain during sex or peeing) and got it checked out? Caught a symptomless case at a regular checkup? Welcome the STI Club. First, make sure you take up care to treat your STI. Next, it’s time to make sure your partner/s are aware. Our co-founder Dr Sarah Welsh, who spent years working in NHS sexual health clinics, explains:
“It's important to proactively share your STI status with your partners generally. You’re not only helping them protect themselves, but practising great sexual manners that put you in good stead for when the conversation is a little trickier. It might feel awkward, or not such a big deal if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms, but remember that if left untreated, some STIs can cause infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease or further medical complications.”
Had a positive test and need to update your latest partner/s? Think about what you want to say and what they really need to know. If you’re nervous, have a test run with a friend first. Sometimes saying it out loud rather than playing it over and over in your head can summon the confidence you need before laying it bare for real. Here are our top tips:
40% of us prefer to tell a partner about an STI diagnosis in person. However, if you don’t feel comfortable or safe to do so, you can inform them via text, over the phone, or utilise the anonymous services of your sexual health clinic to do so. Consider your relationship to the person you’re informing. If you’re in a committed, monogamous longterm situation, it’s probably best to have a sit-down chat. If you’re playing the field or practicing ethical non-monogamy, that might allow for a less face-to-face approach.
Don’t beat around the bush (as it were). Be clear and focus mainly on the facts to avoid misunderstandings - your aim is to inform and encourage them to get tested. They might be upset, worried or angry, so be prepared for judgement in the heat of the moment. Be clear on your personal boundaries, too. If you don’t want to talk about how/where/who is involved, you don’t need to share any additional details.
Speaking about sex can feel vulnerable at the best of times, but it’s important to be confident when communicating your news. Your partner might feel nervous about getting tested themselves, so aim to proactively support and guide them through the next steps if they need it. If you used an at-home STI test, you could share the link so they know exactly where to order their own online. Your open attitude will help inform their own response.
Use this moment of openness to discuss what you can do to prevent getting or spreading STIs again. Packing protection is key: condoms and dental dams are both easy to carry and very effective when used correctly. Top tip: if you’re bringing lube into the equation, make sure to use a water-based formula as oil can degrade latex, leaving you open to STIs and/or pregnancy.
We know it can be scary or difficult to approach this topic with former partners, but we hope this guide has been helpful and you feel comfortable taking your next steps. If you need extra advice or are looking for similar stories, have a look on our HANX Life forum, where you can anonymously share stories and ask for help on anything from sex tips to book recommendations.
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Sunlight can boost your levels of serotonin (the mood regulator), and vitamin D, both of which are important in experiencing pleasure and a strong libido. In fact, a Vitamin D deficiency can cause low estrogen and testosterone, which directly result in a lower sex drive. So, as we soak up more serotonin and vitamins from the sun, the result might be a little randy.
Hate heading to bed when the sun is still up on a hazy summer night? Over to our Co-Founder Dr Sarah Welsh:
“Melatonin, the sleep hormone, actually decreases with time spent in the sun. In darker winter days, the snoozy hormone can interfere with production of sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. However, exposure to summer’s glorious rays actually reduces production of the melatonin. Low levels of melatonin may be bad for your sleep cycle, but could explain how long summer days turn into even longer nights.”
Another reason we might be more attracted to one another in the summer? Sweat. Studies have shown that pheromones expressed through sweat can have an arousing effect on certain people. More exposed skin allows the chemicals to be more easily conveyed to our “potential mate” (all a bit National Geographic, isn’t it). If you’ve ever felt turned on after getting a whiff of your partner straight from the gym, this is the sexy scientific basis behind it.
Hot Girl Summer arrived on the scene and is not leaving any time soon. Dating is definitely seasonal. Whilst in autumn/winter, we’re encouraged to participate in “cuffing season” and find someone to snuggle up with when it gets colder, we’re all a bit more likely to let loose as the sun comes out. Forget chemical reactions – longer, lighter days are conducive to mixing up your routine and enjoying what the summer has to offer. As we’re often in a cheerier, more relaxed mood, we often spend our days lounging in parks or pub gardens, leading to a less agitated state. Basically, we might just be more open to experimenting with new things…and people!
If you’re getting ready for the approaching summer of sex, make sure you don’t get carried away. The UK is reporting STIs including gonorrhea are at an all-time high, so remember to carry condoms (the best method of preventing a nasty surprise). Hot weather can also leave you feeling the ick – literally. From avoiding yeast infections to festival sex no-nos, here's how to keep your vagina happy this summer.
Looking for your summer essentials? We've got you covered.
@scottyunfamous_ ♬ original sound - NasFromTheGram
Superstar Shakira Scott, AKA Scotty, is (in)famous for her sex education videos executed in tasteful lingerie. Sick of seeing no one in the sexual wellness space who looked like her, Scotty started her platform to educate others and create a community where women of colour and beyond felt comfortable to explore their sexuality and share their experiences. In addition to her TikTok and Instagram being fantastic educational tools with a side order of lols, Scotty also regularly hosts kink and sexual wellbeing workshops including How To Live Your Best Heaux Life. Trust us, last time we attended, I ended up picking my porn star name and getting flogged fully clothed (with consent!).
@_rubyrare ♬ original sound - Ruby Rare
Ruby started as a sex educator with Brook, the UK’s leading sexual health charity, and has used the knowledge she’s gained to encourage others to feel more confidence in their sexuality. They speak openly about their queerness and the importance of inclusive education, as well as debunking myths around polyamory. Her bubbly nature, signature pink hair and colourful clothing makes her videos informative and delightful to watch!
@vaginarehabdoctor ♬ Beyonce x My Husband x Casa Di Remix - CasaDi
Understanding our bodies and how they work is a fundamental pillar of sex education. The Vagina Rehab Doctor is a pelvic floor specialist who uses TikTok to share tips on how to strengthen your pelvic floor, which symptoms to look out for if you think you have thrush, and which movement exercises you can do to boost your libido. She uses humour and fun dance moves to educate her audience on vaginismus and painful penetrative sex. I’ve learnt a lot from her videos and only wish I’d found her sooner!
@sexedfiles a few things to think about for the first time 💘 - identify your wants - identify your boundaries - communicate - decide what to do together - practice safer s — x - take your time - prepare to make mistakes - ( i forgot to mention, but 4 PLAY) - be gentle with yourself - check in with one another during and after - stop if it hurts or if you don’t like it - get help if you need it - HAVE FUN #datingtips #relationshipadvice #datingadvice #answeringquestions ♬ Kawaii Aesthetic
Mariah’s videos answer all the questions you’re too shy to google including:
Nothing is off limits! She uses the skills she’d developed working in schools to bring a kind and judgement free voice to Sextok.
@itsmillyevans And remember there aren’t always symptoms so get tested if you think you’ve been exposed 🦠 #healtheducation #STI #health #relationships #education #learnontiktok ♬ original sound - Milly Evans
Milly’s videos are a great source for the sex education that many of us never received. Passionate about mandatory, consent-based and inclusive sex education, they use TikTok to talk about topics that may be too taboo for others. Sprinkled between their educational content are honest discussions on their sexuality and experience dating as an autistic person.
Last month, we tackled the silence and shame around the more-common-than-you-think vaginal health condition vaginismus by putting it on billboards all around the UK, creating a straight-talking digital guide to communicating about the condition and hosted an in-person meet up to bring the conversation to life. When we heard how much you wanted to see visibility of other conditions which are also stigmatised, we caught up with our Co-Founder Dr Sarah Welsh. In her time as an NHS GP and in sexual health clinics, she heard from many patients experiencing endometriosis. Here’s her expert take on why it can negatively impact sex - and how to achieve pleasure when you’re managing pain...
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in your uterus occur elsewhere in the body. Just like those in the lining of the womb (uterus), these build up, break down and bleed each month. However, there is nowhere for this blood to go - unlike that in the womb (a period). An often misunderstood condition, endo can cause painful periods, bowel conditions like IBS, pelvic inflammation, fatigue and affect fertility. One topic that isn't spoken about so much is painful sex. Penetrative sex can feel sore, thanks to pressure or pulling on endometrial tissue and vaginal dryness. For some, it's quite mild, for others however, the pain can be severe and might occur either/both during sex or afterwards. This can have a real impact on enjoyment of sex, and have a knock-on effect on your pursuit of pleasure - and even cause relationship problems when partners don't understand what it is that you're both navigating.
Around 1.5million of us with uteruses in the UK are currently living with endometriosis… So, why isn’t it taken seriously? Cultural squeamishness around menstruation has something to do with it, making it harder to speak up to your partner/s, family, friends or doctor if your periods are very heavy or just not ‘normal’. Similarly, it’s not the easiest thing to bring up other endo symptoms such as painful bowel movements, so body taboos really do make it less likely for people to seek help about the condition, full stop.
Props to the names in the public eye who have spoken up about their experiences, including wildlife expert Bindi Irwin who recently revealed she was told by a medic that endo pain was “simply something you deal with as a woman”. Shocking, and not an isolated incident, as many have experienced misunderstanding from the medical profession. In fact, a study by period care pros Yoppie showed that you could travel to the moon 456 times before you get diagnosed with endometriosis. From our community, we’ve heard from those whose extreme pelvic pain was dismissed as 'just' period aches and pains, and upsettingly, more than one person has been advised to push through painful sex with a glass of wine. (Side note: please don’t do this).
Ultimately, a combination of lack of awareness, symptoms which vary from person to person and resemble other conditions, plus dare we say it, gendered pain stereotypes (especially so for Black women), all make it hard to get treatment which is so dearly needed. In optimistic news, a groundbreaking clinical trial led by the University of Edinburgh is set to explore a potential new treatment which could improve the day-to-day life of those with endometriosis. Watch this space…
Living with endometriosis doesn’t have to mean a sex-free future. Whether you’re planning on partnered pleasure or going solo, here’s how to approach it:
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This Cervical Cancer Awareness Week focuses on increasing awareness and uptake of cervical screening, with 1 in 3 people with a vagina not attending a smear test (also known as a pap smear in the US) when invited to do so. Right now, they’re currently available to anyone in the UK with a cervix between the ages of 25 to 64.
Never been for a cervical screening before? Been a while? Let Dr Sarah take a load off your mind. Here are eight things not to be worried about, from the vagina girl herself:
Keep the Agent Provocateur for the bedroom, baby. From comfy grundies to oh-my-god-all-my-other-knickers-are-in-the-wash Victoria Secret thongs, you don’t need to think twice about what underwear to wear to your appointment. In fact, we don’t even get a glimpse of your sartorial choices as we step away behind a curtain to give you privacy to take off your pants and get comfortable before we begin your smear test.
Au natural, landing strip or the Hollywood: it’s your call. Remember, it’s not just there for cosmetic purposes. Pubic hair is basically a natural lubricant, which helps relieve friction during skin contact (okay, okay, we’re talking about sex). It also protects you from bacteria and wicks away sweat and if you’re washing frequently, definitely isn’t unhygienic. Whether you decide to embrace the bush, do a little maintenance or go smooth like a seal, we aren’t judging - and we’ve seen it all!
Don’t let spots stop you, either. From ingrown hairs to razor burn, the odd pimple or body acne, they shouldn’t get in the way of attending your appointment. The average healthcare professional has seen some pretty wild things in their time (ask me about the most unusual things I’ve retrieved from vaginas), so skin conditions aren’t going to put off giving you the best smear test possible.
Body image can impact everything from our libido to mental health, and even attendance of important medical appointments. Research by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust showed 50% of young women surveyed feel embarrassed to attend due to weight or body shape. We can’t emphasise this enough: cervical screening saves lives. Your healthcare professional is concerned about performing the test and getting the best possible sample to be tested - not your body shape.
The same survey showed that 54% are concerned about whether their vagina smells ‘normal’. The simple answer: don’t be. The longform answer: it’s not surprising that people have concerns about their body odour, when misogynistic jokes about fishy vaginas abound alongside the myth of ‘the perfect vagina’ (see below). Generally speaking, vagina odour tends to be gently musky and can be a little tangy or sweaty depending on your pH balance. If you notice a strong, foul smell or anything out of the ordinary for you, speak to your GP or a healthcare professional who will be able to work with you to figure out what’s happening. As for during your appointment: if we notice anything that might indicate a yeast infection such as thrush, bacterial vaginosis (which can smell fish-like) or anything out of the ordinary, we’ll help - no big deal.
Stretch marks are indented streaks on the skin that may appear purple, red or brown depending on your skin colour, and are caused by skin stretching or shrinking quickly. Hormonal changes, medication, growth in puberty and weight loss or gain, especially during pregnancy or post-partum, can leave you with so-called ‘tiger stripes’. Tabloid culture of the 2000s especially fuelled stigma around their appearance, but there’s nothing weird about having them. In fact, most of us do at some point in our lives!
There’s enough material to write a whole book on vulva shame (in fact, we were once asked to do just that!), starting with the labia, aka the fleshy skin folds or ‘lips’ on the outside of your genitals. They have a very important purpose: to protect your vaginal and urethral openings from bacteria, friction and dryness. However, they’re not getting the love they deserve and are often subject to shame and stigma. Pervasive attitudes around what makes a ‘pretty vagina’ (side note: can we teach everyone to use the correct terminology from a young age? It’s a vulva!) combined with ‘neat’, perfectly symmetrical vulvas in pornography have created a false narrative around our bodies. Take a trip to London’s Vagina Museum to learn more about vulva diversity, or discover UK artist Lydia Reeves’s vulva casts, which capture the incredibly broad and beautiful spectrum of vulvas out there. Yes, it’s time to love your labia in all its unique glory.
Talk to your doctor or practice nurse about what to expect. They'll go through the procedure with you and put your mind at ease. Take a look at TikTok, too, where lots of people share their experiences and help demystify it. If you’re feeling anxious or have had a family/friend experience cervical cancer, it's often tempting to go for your screening earlier than invited (they start aged 25 years in England). However, unless you’re having any symptoms, this is not helpful. Cervical screening in young people is more likely to pick up normal cell changes, which may result in unnecessary treatment while not changing the number of cases of cancer. Remember, cervical cancer in those aged below 25 is very rare.
This is a common objection, and, unless you’re using a condom with a numbing agent, you should still have a substantial amount of feeling. HANX Condoms are ultra-thin (only 0.55-0.66mm thin, roughly the width of a single pube) to ensure you still get all the sensation to take away from the fun. Often, people are inadvertently using condoms with chemicals that can reduce sensation. If you’re opting for extra-safe or extra-thick condoms, these can also be thicker and reduce feeling slightly.
Condoms should definitely not give you UTIs or thrush, but unfortunately, some do use chemicals which can lead to thrush or UTIs. Sometimes it can be the added lubricant - often they contain glycerin, a sugary solution which can feed the bacteria that can cause thrush. Our Co-Founder Dr Sarah Welsh formerly worked in NHS gynaecology and is an expert on all things vaginal, including one of your most asked questions: can condoms cause UTIs?
Condoms have an amazing ability to stretch over some particularly mad objects, it is important that you get the right size. If you find that the condoms feel tight and restrictive around the base of a penis, then you might need to size up. Alternatively, if the condom is regularly slipping off, then you may need to size down. Our Condoms come in two sizes - standard and large - with differences in width and length:
Not ours! We don’t have any scent added to ensure there are no unnecessary chemicals, especially for those with allergy issues,, and to avoid harsh smells that can be off-putting in the moment.
Listen, we get it. We’re proud proponents of destigmatizing sex and contraception, but we know hanging around the condom aisle isn’t always the place you want to be. That’s why we offer discreet online delivery, with plain unbranded packaging on the outside. Our boxes themselves are a subtle white and gold, designed to be aesthetically pleasing and not masculine and garish like other brands on the shelf.
Personal preferences are completely valid. If you prefer being on the pill or other contraception, that’s great! However, always respect consent, and be ready to have honest and open conversations about contraception methods when you’re hooking up with people. Remember, condoms are the only method of protecting against both STIs and pregnancy.
Feel like giving condoms another go? Check your sizing and give HANX a try - our hundreds of 5 star reviews talk for themselves.
Starting a new form of contraception can be daunting, especially when it’s one that works internally. Unlike physical contraceptive barriers, such as condoms, it can be difficult to know if you are or aren’t protected. There are plenty of questions that come from this uncertainty, and the answers to these questions depend on the type of pill, where you are in your menstrual cycle, and other factors too. Here, Team HANX (led by our co-founder and gynaecology doctor, Dr. Sarah Welsh) give you the lowdown on all the must-know facts to feel comfortable moving fully onto hormonal contraception.
To understand when you are and aren’t protected on the pill, you need to understand how the pill works in preventing pregnancy.
Pregnancy arises when an egg, that’s been released from an ovary, is fertilised by the sperm. This then grows within the uterus, forming a foetus. There are a variety of ways of preventing pregnancy - some methods, such as condoms, prevent semen from entering the vagina, and others, such as the pill, use hormones.
Contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by:
There are two types of contraceptive pill - the Combined Pill, and the Progesterone-Only Pill (commonly called the mini pill). Both types of contraceptive pill work by releasing additional hormones into your body. For the Combined Pill, this is oestrogen and progesterone, whereas the mini pill only contains progesterone. These hormones are naturally present within the menstrual cycle, but the additional hormones found in the contraceptive pill adjust the cycle and bodily functions to prevent pregnancy.
The combined contraceptive pill can be started at any time during the menstrual cycle, but the point at which it becomes effective can vary. Whilst it’s tempting to give up on other forms of contraception immediately, depending on when you start the pill, you may need to use other forms of contraception.
If you have just given birth, or had an abortion or miscarriage, guidance can differ. We always recommend checking with your GP if you’re in this situation, or have any other medical concerns that may impact your contraception.
Similarly to the Combined Pill, you can start taking the mini pill at any point during your cycle.
We’re all human, and sometimes after a long day you can find that you’ve missed your pill. It happens, but it can be hard to know if you’re still protected.
N.B. When we say pill break, we mean the 7 inactive pills that most Combined Pills contain that trigger bleeding.
As the Combined Pill often includes a 7-day break, this can impact your level of protection against pregnancy when you miss a pill.
Whilst the pill tends to be absorbed relatively quickly, if you’re sick or have diarrhoea 2 hours after taking the mini pill or 3 hours after taking the combined pill, then it’s unlikely to have been absorbed by your body. In this scenario, it’s recommended that you take the next pill immediately and continue as normal.
If you continue to have sickness or diarrhoea, count each day you are ill as a day that you have missed your pill, and follow the above guidance.
Whilst the pill is a very effective method of contraception, it needs to be taken at the same time every day for peak effectiveness. If you miss a pill (or more), it’s highly recommended that you use additional methods of contraception, such as Condoms, to avoid pregnancy.
If you’re struggling to get an appointment with your GP, we also sell a variety of contraceptive pills here at HANX - avoid the frantic 8am call just to be kept on hold, and make sure you get your preferred brand. Simply fill out a form for our pharmacy to review, and get the pill delivered easily and discreetly.
What causes UTIs?
UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, and can be caused by a variety of reasons - and no, it doesn’t mean you’re dirty or unclean. Sex can be a trigger for UTIs for vagina-owners, so make sure you pee after sex (even if you use a condom!). Weak immune systems, pregnancy and dehydration can be other causes of UTIs, so staying hydrated and keeping as fresh and clean as possible.
Why are chemicals in condoms bad for us?
Whilst some of the buzz names brands give to condoms for additional effects can be tempting (long-lasting, anyone?), often this means they have chemicals in them that disrupt the vaginal microbiome. The vaginal epithelium is highly water permeable in a way our skin is not, meaning this membrane is very absorbent, and even chemicals placed in the vagina can be absorbed without being metabolised.
Did you know, it’s estimated that less than 1% of the population has a latex allergy, and often people mistake negative reactions from the chemicals within condoms for a latex allergy?
What chemicals in condoms can cause infections?
In summary
There are lots of different causes and reasons why you might be getting UTIs, but many condoms still aren’t designed with delicate vaginal tissue in mind. If you’ve tried everything else and are still encountering persistent UTIs, why not try HANX? Our Condoms are designed by a gynaecology doctor (Sarah, our co-founder), and we’ve just made our ingredients list simpler than ever.
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We can’t quite believe it ourselves but this is the first time we’ve made any changes to the physical condom itself since we launched back in 2017. Normally, many startups and early stage businesses go through several phases of product when they’ve gone live, iterating based on feedback. However, when we were primed to quit our jobs for johnnies, we spent many hours stacking up research and development time before we headed to our factories as we had to a) to prove there was demand and b) be very clear about exactly what we wanted from HANX condoms. We asked 2000 women what they wanted from their choice of contraception and this feedback, plus our Co-Founder Dr Sarah Welsh’s background in gynaecology, formed the basis of our clean, natural condoms.
So, why are we making changes now, after five years and lots of HANX condom love? Factory hairnets on, people. Condom manufacturing batches tend to be on the larger size (think thousands and thousands and thousands), so as a small business, it’s important that any improvements we make are 100% right to avoid waste. This change coincided with a major milestone for HANX - launching in the USA! It’s been both exciting and one of the trickiest processes we’ve worked through so far, as condoms are a medical device and consequently require FDA (Food & Drug Administration) regulation to be sold in the US. This proved the perfect time to reevaluate all of our ingredients and processes, to make sure our condoms are serving sexiness without a side of soreness.
No casein. No beeswax. Our Condoms are certified by The Vegan Society, meaning we do not use animal by-products in these products. They are also cruelty free, and we never test on animals. Promise.
We’re still CE certified.
Peace of mind guaranteed. HANX Condoms are verified by the CE mark and undergo rigorous testing to ensure maximum safety, and are also FDA approved.
We’re still focused on being as sustainable as possible.
We’ve reduced energy consumption, chemical load, and waste. Our condoms are made from latex which has been responsibly sourced and traded and our outer boxes are made from recyclable cardboard.
Whether you’re based in the UK or US, give us a try and tell us what you think of our new and improved condoms. Any questions, drop us an email to our Customer Love team or slide into our DMs.
Our skin is highly absorbent, so anything that comes into close contact with it is going to end up migrating to the deeper levels of the skin and potentially the rest of the body. Not to mention when your vaginal skin gets up close and personal with condoms, those chemicals can cause immediate reactions like irritation, pain and swelling. These symptoms are often confused with a latex allergy, though in reality less than 1% of the population are actually allergic to latex, which means that if you’re reacting to a condom, you’re probably reacting to the chemicals used to create that condom. So, what are those chemicals? Conventional condoms contain...
Though research hasn’t indicated it can cause cancer, Nitrosamine can trigger tumour growth. The use of Nitrosamine has even attracted the attention of the World Health Organisation who asked condom brands to consider removing it from their manufacturing process, as it’s an unnecessary ingredient.
Glycerin is a very popular lubricant added to condoms, that when left in the vagina can transform into sugar, which feeds yeast. And yeast infections (aka. thrush) are the absolute worst – it seems completely ridiculous to put something into our vaginas that’s going to increase our chances of having one of these painful infections. The worst part is, legally condom brands don’t have to put this on the packaging.
Nonoxynol is the most common spermicide, which is designed to kill the little swimmers. Unfortunately, Nonoxynol also damages healthy cells along the vaginal wall making you more susceptible to an STI in the future. Oh and an added bonus, you’re also more likely to get a UTI. Yeah, ya heard it here first, spermicides suck.
Benzocaine is added to condoms to make men last longer as it minimises sensitivity. It is also an endocrine disruptor, which means it messes with the hormone messaging system that regulates some bodily functions like sleep and your sex drive. Unfortunately, the more you’re exposed to it, the greater the impact on your hormones.
If you’re vegan or trying to live a cruelty-free lifestyle, then most condoms aren’t aligned with your values. Even if you want to minimise the animal products you’re consuming/using, conventional condoms are a good place to start. Whilst none of these ingredients pose an immediate danger to your health, many of them cause problems over a longer period of time and are something to be wary of.
If you’re living an ethical vegan lifestyle or you’re an animal lover and want to minimise harm done to animals, then natural, vegan condoms belong in your home. HANX is both vegan and cruelty-free which means no animals were harmed in any part of the production process. Be wary of products which are natural but not necessarily vegan. Lambskin condoms for example are natural, though as they’re made from animal intestines, they’re obviously not vegan. Check out our article on vegan condoms to learn more.
Condoms which offer special powers like ‘extended pleasure’ are basically telling you they’re full of chemicals. Avoid these and switch to a natural condoms with one aim, to protect you.
While there are organic certifications for things like food, these do not apply for condoms so you can’t technically search for organic condoms. However, you can use vegan, Fair Rubber, sustainable condoms. We always look to be as sustainable as possible, and our Condoms are made from latex which has been responsibly sourced and traded. We also have reduced waste and energy use, and our outer boxes are made from recycled cardboard. Get your vagina-friendly HANX condoms now.
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Billed as a ‘myth-busting call-to-arms’ that vehemently attacks the falsehoods that have dominated sex education in the UK and around the world, Smith Galer’s work is clear, concise and an absolute must-read. Each chapter focuses on a different sex-related myth, covering a range of topics from virginity to virility. The vast majority of adults in the UK will have encountered many of the issues that Smith Galer describes - after all, when half of a country cannot correctly identify the vagina, it’s clear sex education is severely lacking.
In my own school, we only had sex ed (i.e. were taught how to roll a condom on a banana) after half the class had started exploring their sexuality and false rumours had started to spread. She explores how culture places undue emphasis on penetration and promiscuity rather than safety and comfort, carefully identifying a variety of damaging misconceptions prevalent in culture before delicately discussing solutions and ways to improve sex education for all. Whilst sex can still be a difficult and intimidating topic, it would be great to see the country move beyond whispering the words ‘vagina’ like they’re in a Miranda sketch and start to openly talk about these important topics.
@sophiasmithgaler My latest report for you - and it’s a big one. #abortionrights #newsreporter #UKnews #USnews ♬ Blade Runner 2049 - Synthwave Goose
Losing It doesn’t just focus on the UK - Sophia explores the stigmas permeating cultures internationally, including falsehoods surrounding virginity, tightness and the hymen. Vaginoplasties, fake blood kits and Kegels are explored in-depth and Smith Galer exposes the companies that are built to capitalise on women’s insecurities, and explores the moral balance between legal repercussions and the freedom of choice when it comes to these operations fuelled by misogyny and misinformation. Whilst we never want to remove women’s autonomy to decide what to do with their bodies, they should never feel pressured into making decisions due to falsehoods and a lack of information.
A must-read for anyone interested in worldwide attitudes to sex, and how they must be challenged in order to make society safer for everyone - a HANX team favourite, and one we wish we had available when we were at school.
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For many of us, our early experiences around getting it on are tinged with embarrassment or lack of knowledge. Sometimes, our questions are answered by being told to ‘shhhh’, handed a book about the birds and the bees or a packet of condoms and expected to get on with it. The reality is, we need to be open, accepting and honest when it comes to talking about the ins and outs - in school, hospitals, group chats and beyond.
Since quitting our day jobs to start HANX nearly five years ago, talking about the ins and outs of sex has been our life. We’ve hosted Sex Ed sessions in secondary school classrooms, educated investors on the nuances of vaginal health in pitches and unashamedly talked lube ingredients with strangers at house parties. What have we learnt? If we’re awkward, chances are the people we’re speaking to will feel awks, too. Our attitude is and will always be open, accepting and honest (plus accepting that there might be a few giggles to start with) when it comes to our bodies, how to take care of them and how to feel good, too.
For us, sex positivity means encouraging not just ourselves but the world around us to challenge preconceptions, internalised stigma and fears around openly discussing a historically taboo topic. That’s the thing with taboos: they’re social conventions and exist as long as we allow the custom to continue.
Sex positivity can also include:
“Being sex positive is about accepting and learning about that diversity in order to approach sex with a nuanced awareness of everybody’s multi-faceted, fluid sexual identity.”
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With dating season swinging and our DMs pinging, Dr Sarah and the Phizz team share their tips for getting better at getting it on…
Building stamina is key to improving your sex life. Think about it like this: if you’re trying to hit Pornhub level rutting without so much as a warmup, you’re going wrong from the start. Over to Dr Sarah:
“Regular exercise can improve your overall cardiovascular health, plus your stamina. Couch to 5k is a great place to start, or checking out group classes in your local gym. You don’t need to become a gym bunny if that’s not your vibe, but making sure you’re getting in 30 mins of movement a day can be a big help. A walk around the park, Youtube Yoga session or weights in your bedroom all count!”
Raven Smith’s hilarious meme said it best. If you’re planning on getting jiggy but are fueled by just half a cup of oat flat white and a prayer, you’re probably not going to be on top form in the bedroom/bathroom/insert sex-location-of-choice. Don’t underestimate the impact of dehydration on your mental and physical health. Phizz explains:
“The average person drinks just 1.7 litres per day - well below the recommended 2.5L (for males) and 2L (for females). Just 1% dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps and concentration loss.”
All massive mood killers - let alone restricted blood flow to the genitals, which can cause vaginal dryness and difficulties maintaining erections.
How to tackle dehydration:
What’s in your lunchbox can have an impact on your sex drive, too. Dr Sarah delightfully recommends “eating the rainbow. Plenty of colourful vegetables, nuts and seeds for a great source of vitamin E, alongside whole grains for zinc and greens and grains for magnesium.”
Here are three sexy foods that you might not realise have an effect on randiness:
In fact most of us aren’t actually giving our bodies what they need. Phizz explains:
“Over 50% of people don’t get the vitamins + minerals they need through their daily diet. Vitamins and minerals are needed to protect your immune system, convert energy into food and repair cellular damage.”
If you’re struggling to hit your five-a-day, or need a little extra fizz, their effervescent tablets are formulated to provide essential vitamins & minerals for natural energy, reduction in fatigue, normal functioning of the immune system and mental performance.
Working on your headspace pre-sex is just as important as flexing your muscles. Devoting time to properly prepare for intimacy (however you define it), can help supercharge performance.
Geared up to get it on? Find both HANX and Phizz at Sainsburys stores and online. Learn more about Phizz’s innovative, science-backed effervescent tablets at https://www.phizz.co/ and use code PHIZZ20 for an exclusive 20% off (excluding product bundles).
God bless, Meg Ryan. Her silver screen portrayal of a fake orgasm is cinematic legend - but there's more truth to faking it than you might think. Yes, this Global Orgasm Day, we're diving into the realities of the orgasm gap.
Wondering what on earth the “orgasm gap” actually is? We're talking about the disparity between men and women experiencing orgasms and like the classic London tube platform announcement, you better mind it.
Male orgasms are typically presented in pop culture and casual conversation as rather straightforward: wham, bam, thank you ma'am. In contrast, the female orgasm is often presented as a complex, elusive and downright mysterious phenomenon.
So why does it matter whether we're climaxing? Often overlooked when dealing with health professionals, orgasms are a really important part of our more general physical and mental wellbeing. Not only does cumming release hormones that promote affection and act as a natural anti-depressant, it increases blood flow to the skin, strengthens the immune system are good for our cardiovascular health.
The gap has come about as a result of sociocultural and evolutionary factors - so how can we tackle have more orgasms in our own partnered sex lives?
1. Don’t fake it. 💦
We've all done it. Well, most of us. In fact, according to one study, 80% of us have faked an orgasm at least 50% of the time during vaginal intercourse. There are lots of reasons why we might resort to method acting as hard Meryl Streep between the sheets:
Be sure to communicate with your partner/s. Unless they're a rare sexual psychic, it's highly likely they're unable to read your mind - and we can’t expect the people we're having sex with to know what gets us of if we're not being honest about exactly that. Faking orgasms reinforces misconceptions about our sexual needs and desires and ultimately prolongs that orgasm gap. Having a conversation before you get down to it is sometimes easier, as it's a less pressured situation. Ask your partner what really takes them to the brink, and share what sparks your own oh-my-god moments.
There's still a huge amount of stigma around the female orgasm. Candid, open and honest conversation around pleasure with partners and friends can help tackle some of the reserve, awkwardness or shame we carry with us. Many of us had less than ideal sex education at school, where the female orgasm wasn't centred or even mentioned. That left us at the mercy of OTT and misleading depictions in pornography and pop culture as a key point of reference, which can lead to a sense of inadequacy. (Side note for pornographers: most people with a vagina don't screech like a banshee and quiver into an orgasm at the mere thrust of a penis/toy).
Stigma can also lead to confusion about our own bodies. A survey by The Eve Appeal found that women are more acquainted with the male anatomy than their own. Their research found that a mere 35% of women were able to correctly identify the female anatomy, versus 60% who could correctly label a diagram of the male body. This ignorance about our bodies is leaving us shortchanged when it comes to cumming.
It's easy to get into a sexual routine. The same positions, settings can mean a once-thrilling Thursday night shag-a-thon can end up as just another task on the to-do list. Stuck in a sexual rut mentally and physically? Change things up a little.
Often we're not fully relaxed when we're getting down to it, and without realising it, are actually holding our breath. This means oxygen and blood aren't flowing like they need to for a positive orgasmic experience.
If you regularly find yourself struggling to relax during sex, it may be worth exploring mindfulness. Desire is just as much a psychological as a physical thing. In fact, it actually begins in your brain before shimmying on down to your bits and bobs. The principle of mindfulness is being present: greater awareness and full immersion in the present moment. Instead of focusing on your sexual performance or the orgasm as an 'end goal', direct your attention to the sensations both inside and outside your body:
Alongside this, using an mindful sex audio guide such as Ferly can be very helpful. Their platform is designed to help women and people with vulvas tackle everything from low desire for sex to ditching shame.
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Whether you're strolling through the mud with your sweetheart or waking up in a warm tent with the cutie you met at main stage, we've put together our rules for getting it on when you're out in the fields. Keep safe, have fun and don't forget the six commandments of festival sex.
You might be putting real life on hold for four hedonistic days and nights, but STIs don't abide by the 'what happens in the tent with that hottie in a bucket hat STAYS in the tent' rule. Carry condoms in your bum bag to avoid bringing home an itchy souvenir.
Portaloos on day 3 of a festi + Cystitis = nightmares for eternity. Stay hydrated, pee as much as you can (push through the hangover and make an early morning loo trip just as they've been cleaned) and wash your vulva at any opportunity. If you’ve splashed out on a fancy shower pass - ooh, get you. If you’re slumming it *raises hand*, go to town with an unscented, biodegradable wet wipe or splash of bottled water. Prone to a twinge? Prep ahead and take our Cystitis treatment for on-the-go relief by the main stage.
Make sure your mates know where you're slipping off to, and who you're slipping off with. Establish boundaries before you get down to it, too. Your festival beau/s should be aware of what you're up for and crucially, what you aren't.
It's easy to unknowingly end up starring in a 18+ shadow show. Watch out for cheeky silhouettes projected on your tent walls if you're using a torch/phone light...
It's safer not to take drugs, but if you do, remember that they can make you lose inhibitions and be more sexually adventurous. Drink plenty of water, use a condom and alert your friends and a festival steward if you or your partner start feeling unwell. On-site healthcare providers are there to give you the best care - they aren't looking to get you in trouble.
Hot, sweaty mosh pits mean damp, moist knickers - the perfect environment for a yeast infection. If you find yourself with chunky white discharge, burning of the vulva and/or pain when you pee, there's a chance you've got Thrush. Find our top tips for avoiding it (the camper's nightmare) and how to treat it. Remember, thrush isn't a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be triggered by a bit of festival sex.
Basically, remember to pee ASAP after sex to clear out the vagina (from secretions and semen). If your festival hottie is using their fingers, mouth, penis or sex toys, bacteria present can be introduced, disrupting the natural ecosystem of bacteria and Candida in the vagina. Keep as clean and fresh as possible before you get down to it.
Planning your next festival trip? Our 3 packs of sustainable, vegan Condoms are perfect for a wild weekend - shop here.
We're starting with something a little bit different. Where our heads might usually swim with the anticipation of a text back and the dopamine swirl of skin on skin after pandemic years of self-seclusion, we’re turning inwards to focus on our first, true love. It's time to have an affair with yourself.
Not everyone knows how to enjoy being single. Hardly surprising when being in a relationship is upheld as the ultimate goal for all of us, from Disney movies to auntie inquisitions at family gatherings. The truth is, you don't need to be single to date yourself. Practicing self-love is just that: an act that must be practiced and long lazy evenings, dappled in warm shadows, are the perfect setting to become devoted to ‘me, myself and I’.
Here are our starting points for falling in love with yourself:
How are you practising self-lust? Tell us over on Instagram...
]]>Libido can be knocked by many things – stress, physical ailments, relationship problems, depression, anxiety. The brain is our largest sex organ and it is important to understand how different factors can affect our sexual accelerators. Using mindfulness and getting back into our bodies can help with loss of desire, as well as communicating with our partners.
Talking to our partners about any sexual issue can seem daunting. Try to remember these tips, to help you during a conversation with your partner:
Ejaculation times can be affected by a number of things, normally when we get into our heads and out of our bodies we can notice it is more difficult to cum. Relaxation will be key, using mindfulness to get into a more aroused state. Communication with your partner will also ease the pressure and practising by yourself to see what heightens the pleasure in your body.
Premature ejaculation is a very common issue and normally improves with practise. Start by trying the following things:
Using porn can make us reliant on visual stimulation. It is important to regularly try masturbating with no porn, using just touch and thoughts. It might take you a bit longer at the start, but you will soon get used to just touch and finding thoughts that arose you. This can help with your confidence around erections when you are with partners. Try to mix up your masturbating, using lube, trying different positions that might be more like having sex. Dive into more helpful advice on porn and erectile dysfunction with Mojo here.
Big thanks to Amanda and Team Mojo for the open, non-judgemental advice on all things weiner-related. For more advice on erection issues and taking care of your penis, check out the Mojo blog.
]]>Our lubricant is water based, long lasting, gentle, vegan, paraben free and like all HANX products, it's endorsed by medical professionals. (Our Co-Founder Sarah is a gynaecology doctor, so she knows what's good when it comes to keeping genitals in tip top condition!).
The base of a lubricant is the most important ingredient, especially in a natural lube where the base can make up the vast majority of the product. We spent 8 months developing our lubricant and in that time we did some serious research before choosing a lubricant base. In fact, feedback from over 5000 lube lovers helped to form the basis of our ingredients list!
We're big believers that water based lubricant is quite simply the best choice for getting down to it. Here's why:
There are a lot of reasons to love H20. Water based lubricant doesn’t trap bacteria, it’s kinder to the natural balance of the vagina, and it’s residue free, meaning no stickiness or mess on your sheets. Our water based lubricant is naturally formulated without any nasty chemicals or parabens. Best of all, it’s texture resembles natural bodily lubricant so it feels amazing.
We believe we have a responsibility to look after Mother Earth and to do our bit to fight climate change. Animal agriculture has a significant impact on global warming and we want to do our best to create sustainable products that are kinder to the animals and to our planet. So all of our products are vegan certified, including our lube.
Our lubricant is designed with real bodies in mind. Our product development team work very closely with our Co-Founder, Sarah. With her experience in the medical world, she ensures our formulas are gentle and kind to your body. For that reason, we use only six ingredients - and what we leave out is just as important as what we put in. You won't find any yeast infection-causing glycerin or flavourings in our lube, nor tingling/heat sensation causing chemicals. When you're being intimate with a partner or solo masturbating, the only thing on your mind is how much fun you're having - not a trip to the chemist the next day.
Well, do you have to ask... look no further!
HANX lubricant is safe to use wherever, whenever with whoever turns you on:
Ever felt nervous before meeting up with an app match or having sex for the first time with someone new? You might have reached for an alcoholic drink as you’ve heard it’ll help you feel less wound up. More than once we’ve administered pre-first-Bumble-meetup G&Ts in a dingy pub to counteract a Team HANXer’s anxiety. Yes, dutch courage, otherwise known as liquid courage, means having a swift one to make you feel more confident. The positive societal associations around drinking alcohol – increased confidence, lowered inhibition, engagingly witty banter – have become a motivator for getting your drink on pre-date. It’s a really common behaviour, but many people don’t necessarily understand why it’s a go-to for boosting our sociability.
Alcohol has an impact on our prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain associated with decision-making and social behaviours), putting it more under the control of mid-brain dopamine neurons. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in controlling reward and pleasure in our brains. When we drink, the ethanol in alcohol actually increases the release of dopamine – making us feel good, and want more of the source of that feeling. Dopamine is colloquially known as the ‘feel good’ hormone, because it’s associated with pleasurable sensations. One pint down, and you might find that the angst about whether you’re catfishing someone starts to disappear and your best jokes make an appearance. Et voila, your self-restraint is being tempered by alcohol-induced dopamine release.
So, if alcohol can make us a funnier, more relaxed version of ourselves at the start of the night, you might be thinking that that will translate to the bedroom/sofa/living room floor, too. Alcohol is biphasic, so there may be a sweet spot where your blood alcohol level hits a certain point and you’re feeling ultra-stimulated and turned on. However, that sexy high is likely to be followed by a dip as your blood alcohol level drops and you experience a subsequent depressant effect. This hasn’t stopped the perpetuation of the popular myth that getting your drink on is an aphrodisiac to be reckoned with. If you’re planning a spicy Valentine’s night with Tom/Kela/Rae from Tinder, factor in the impact of heavy drinking on your shag-a-thon. Overdoing it can have a real impact on our sex drive and overall performance – and I’m not just talking about “brewers droop”.
One commonly asked question (albeit with a blush) is: “does drinking beer make it harder to orgasm?” The taboos around talking openly about sexual performance mean that far more of us experience issues with sex after drinking alcohol than you’d think.
We’ll start with women and people with vaginas, as the dominate conversation around the impact of alcohol tends to focus around the male experience. You might find that you’re not getting as wet as usual, as alcohol causes reduced vaginal lubrication. There’s even evidence that you might find it harder to have an orgasm – or when you do, it’s less intense than you might usually experience.
People with penises may find it harder to ejaculate, or conversely, may experience erectile dysfunction AKA coming very swiftly. Let’s touch on brewers droop, too. This refers to the temporary inability to get or maintain an erection, caused when alcohol slows and prevents the release of sex hormones, which affect blood flow to the penis.
Beyond impacting our pleasure, excessive alcohol consumption opens the door to greater risk. Alongside impacting our ability to fully consent to sexual activity, it also increases the chance that we’ll engage in risky sexual behaviour. Make sure to carry condoms (if applicable) and have an open conversation with your partner about contraception before you have a few too many.
Do you find alcohol has an impact on your sex life? Join in the conversation over on our free, anonymous forum, HANX Life.
Smear test. Cervical screen. Pap smear. Whatever you call it, make sure you get it. If you're due a smear but are feeling too anxious, too busy or plain didn't realise how important it is, this is your reminder to get that appointment in. You might have been put off by the lack of access to GP appointments, lockdown restrictions over the past two years or stories about how uncomfortable it is, but it really is so important to book your cervical screening appointment.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix (the entrance to the womb from the vagina).
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and those with a cervix. In 2018, an estimated 570,000 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 311,000 died from the disease. Around 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year. It's possible for people with a cervix of all ages to develop cervical cancer, but the condition mainly affects those who are sexually active, aged between 30 and 45.
The statistics are pretty sobering: cancer of the cervix takes two lives every day. What we do know is that smear tests save lives. In fact, 3/4 of those diagnosed with cancer could be prevented through regular cervical screening. This is a preventable disease - so it's vital we reduce stigma and encourage greater uptake of screening.
About 3,100 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year, with practically all of them being due to HPV. When you get a letter from your doctor inviting you to book your test, it's vital to make sure you follow up. The screening process aims to pick up early cell changes caused by HPV, known as the pre-cancerous stage, and to remove these cells before they become cancerous. Hence, screening can prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place.
Symptoms can include:
These symptoms don't exclusively mean cervical cancer, and they are present in many different diseases, too. However, if you do experience any of the above, you should seek medical advice so they can complete a thorough history and examination. Knowing your normal is so important: if anything feels unusual or out-of-the-ordinary for your body, see a professional to get checked.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name given to a very common group of viruses. There are many types of HPV, some of which are called "high risk" because they're linked to the development of cancers, including cervical cancer. Other types can cause conditions such as warts or verrucas. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by infection with a high-risk type of HPV. HPV infections don't usually cause any symptoms, and most people won't know they're infected - which is why it's so important to get your cervical smear. In England, girls aged 12-13 years are routinely offered the first HPV vaccination, with the second dose 6-12 months after the first. The HPV vaccine is effective at stopping girls getting the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.
A huge part of reducing yours and others’ risk of cervical cancer is by improving the education around it, and ensuring those people close to you are well informed. Talk to your friends and family, discuss cervical cancer, smear tests and educate each other. Challenge the negative narrative by focusing on the importance of the outcome. Intimate health can be a taboo topic to bring up even with your BFFs, but it's never been easier with the flurry of content demystifying the process. Here are a few ways to get the ball rolling:
There is a wealth of support and information out there, including medical advice at your GP or hospital, as well as via your sexual health clinic.
For more information, visit Jo’s Trust, NHS website, and our Dr HANX feature on gynaecological cancers.
Flavoured condoms: are they just a bit of fun or will they actually leave a nasty taste in your mouth? Team HANX investigates.
First things first: flavoured condoms are an acquired taste (‘scuse the pun). Unfortunately for vagina owners, those novelty banana, cherry or donut flavoured johnnies you might have received from your Secret Santa probably feature sugar-based flavouring. Now if there’s one thing we know, it’s that yeast feeds off sugar - and you definitely don’t want to be encouraging the growth of yeast down there. Join us as we explore why flavoured condoms might not be the best choice for vaginal intercourse, and which condoms will help keep your vagina happy.
If you're new to the phenomenon, flavoured condoms are just regular latex condoms with a flavoured coating. Without going all Gareth Keenan, you can now find flavoured condoms in almost any flavour. From chocolate to cola, it might sound like a bag of pick and mix, but flavoured condoms were actually designed to make oral sex with a condom more enjoyable. Some people who don’t like the rubbery, chemically taste of traditional latex condoms, so these funky little numbers were developed to make going down less 'oof' and more 'mmm'.
No, you can't get pregnant from oral sex... but you can transmit and receive STIs. It's really important to use condoms for oral sex to protect yourself against STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Many people know that STIs can be transmitted through vaginal or anal sex, but don't realise that going down without any protection can also be risky. Even if your sexual partner says they haven't seen any symptoms, it doesn’t mean they don’t have anything unwanted hanging out in their genitals. Some STIs like chlamydia can go unnoticed for months on end, without any symptoms ever presenting themselves.
Good question. Flavoured or not, there are certain standards your rubber johnnies need to meet to be certified by the CE mark in the UK (yes, HANX is CE certified!). Make sure to check the packaging of your condoms for this mark, especially if you've received a glow-in-the-dark, blue raspberry flavoured set in your stocking from *that* kooky mate.
For our friends with vaginas, our second piece of advice is crucial. To make condoms taste like a reject from the Skittles factory, condom manufacturers need to add numerous chemicals. The more chemicals in a condom, the higher the chance of vaginal irritation or a full-blown yeast infection. Glycerin is particularly troublesome, as sugar will inevitably wreak havoc on the carefully balanced ecosystem of your vagina. It can disrupt your pH, leaving you more susceptible to developing Thrush or Bacterial Vaginosis. Feeling the effects? Check out our same-day-dispatch intimate health treatments.
Sounds weird but it's true: the product you're using to protect yourself against STIs might actually increase your chance of contracting one. Like Team HANX before our first oat flat white of the morning, vaginal tissue is very sensitive and easily irritated. If the chemicals and flavourings cause vaginal soreness, it can make it easier to contract an STI. Similarly, not all flavoured/novelty condoms are designed for vaginal (or indeed anal) sex. If you are determined to get down to flavour town, be sure to check the packaging for any instructions to make sure your fruity french letter is suitable for your plans.
Thinking outside the box, eh? Technically, yes, you can. However, just like flavoured condoms, flavoured lubricants are made using ingredients that can disrupt your vagina's natural pH balance. If you really like adding a bit of flavour to the bedroom (bathroom, living room or kitchen), make sure to use a water-based flavoured lubricant, rather than an oil-based formula. This is because oil breaks down the structure of latex causing it to degrade, leaving you at risk of STIs and/or unwanted pregnancy. Learn more here.
To protect yourself against everything – pregnancy, STIs and yeast infections – use a natural, non-flavoured condom. When we developed our own HANX condoms, we used all our Co-Founder Sarah's experience in NHS sexual health and gynaecology to create a condom that offers the protection you want, without that classic rubbery smell or taste. We've removed any fragrance to ensure our friends with allergies and those who don't like additional scents are good to go, too!
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For the uninitiated: fanny farts, fanny flutters, vaginal flatulence or the cheekier vart all refer to the same thing: the noisy expulsion of air from the vagina. They sometimes crop up as a veiled reference in pop culture (check out this front bottom crack in the Melissa McCarthy-fronted Ghostbusters or Kourtney Kardashian’s frankly impressive claim) and many of us have experienced them at some point in our lives… so why isn’t anyone actually talking about queefs?
Our Co-Founder and gynaecology doctor Sarah Welsh, aka Dr HANX, is here to address one of the lesser talked about joys of having a vagina: what does queefing mean and is it normal? Is queefing the same as a so-called fanny fart? Let’s dive in.
Queefing, also known as vaginal ‘farting’ happens when a trapped pocket of air escapes from the vagina. Unlike normal farting, a queef is not air coming from your bowels, that has travelled via your gut, and therefore it doesn’t have an odour. A lot of people find queefing embarrassing and that’s partly due to the social stigma around farting (associations with being unclean, or smelly gas). It’s also partly due to the pervasive stigma around vaginas being anything other than perfectly, passively sexy (whatever that means!), and many people feel shamed for being unable to ‘control’ a natural bodily response. Trust me, in my time on obstetrics wards and sexual health clinics, I heard enough queefs to form a symphony orchestra!
Certain movements can force trapped air out of the vagina, which, if forceful, can sometimes be audible causing a triumphant queef. Whilst it might be a bit embarrassing when you’re on the tube, in a meeting or in bed with bae, rest assured it is completely normal. We could go into a full on spiel here regarding flawed expectations of normality in sexual situations – instead why not treat yourself to Ruby Rare’s excellent book, Sex Ed, A Guide for Adults?
Air can get trapped in the vagina during penetrative sex, during exercise, or when you’re putting in a tampon or menstrual cup. Sex and physical activity are also often the times that queefing rears its noisy head as you’re applying pressure that pushes this trapped air out from the vagina.
You’ve probably heard this one on the playground, and it’s exactly the same as queefing. Vaginal flatulence has the honour of being bestowed with many nicknames and is also known as: queefing, a ‘fanny fart,’ vaginal flatus or even a ‘vart.’ (Sidenote: ‘vart’ is definitely a Vulcan queef. Trekkies, back us up). Whatever you call it, it all means the same thing: the emission of trapped air from the vagina, which is common and completely normal.
Buckle up, there are a fair few common cause of *ahem* vaginal flatus:
There you have it. Queefing is totally normal. Tell your sister, tell your workmate, tell your mum and dad and your Tinder date, too. Whilst it might feel embarrassing in the moment, it’s all just gust of air.
Join us at over at our free, anonymous forum HANX Life to discuss queefing, sex or anything intimate health related. Anything goes.
]]>Lubricants tend to be gel-like substances that are used to enhance sensations during sex. Lube is a simple way to reduce friction and discomfort which improves feelings of pleasure for everyone involved. Ignore the stereotypes. Lube isn't only for 'dried up old ladies' (thanks for perpetuating that myth, Superbad) or strictly if you're experiencing vaginal dryness. In fact, literally everyone on the planet should give it a try to discover the slippery, sexy benefits it can bring to solo fun or getting down to it with a partner.
Vaginas naturally produce a natural lubricant when turned on. However, the amount of natural lube produced will vary depending on the person and their totally unique body. Everyone is different, and sometimes your level of wetness can be disconnected from your arousal level, which can be confusing. Vaginal dryness happens to many of us at some point in our lives for many reasons, including medications, health conditions, dehydration and beyond. If your vagina doesn't produce enough natural fluid to prevent friction when you're having sex, it can leave you feeling sore and irritated. Get into a gentle lubricant that’s kind to your and your partner's/s' bodies will improve the experience and make it more enjoyable for both of you.
A big, lubey, YES. Lubricant is great for minimising friction and it can also be used to increase arousal and enhance sensations during sex. It might not always be a necessity for vaginal sex, but it is essential for anal sex, because the anus doesn’t produce its own natural lubricant. Real talk: the anus is also a much tighter canal so you need to use plenty of lubricant to ensure both partners don’t experience friction or even tearing of the skin.
As a 'barrier method; condoms are the most effective method of protecting yourself against STIs and pregnancy. To make you and your partner/s stay safe, it's really important to choose the right lubricant to use in combo with your condoms. The type of lube largely depends on the type of condom you’re using:
Latex condoms are the most popular type of condoms, and because they’re made from natural rubber, you need to be especially careful about which type of lubricant you use with them. Avoid all oil-based lubricants when using latex condoms. This includes baby oil, coconut oil and Vaseline, as the oil can break down the latex causing it to split or break, increasing your risk of pregnancy and STIs.
Water-based lubricant is the safest option to use with latex condoms as it minimises the chance of the condom splitting. It’s also a lot easier to clean up afterwards, without losing any slippery vibes. We developed our own HANX Lubricant to be as close to vaginal pH as possible to avoid any of the irritation or Thrush infections caused by many of the glycerin-laden leading lubes on the market.
If you’re using non-latex condoms, then check the back of the box to see what the condoms are made out of. If it’s polyisoprene, a synthetic rubber, you'll also want to avoid using oil-based lubricants as polyisoprene reacts with oil in the same way that natural latex does. Yes, like Team HANX listening to Red (Taylor's Version), it starts to break down. Make sure to use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant, instead.
If your chosen condom is made from polyurethane then it’s safe to use oil-based, water-based or silicone-based lubricants. Whilst silicone-based lubricants can last longer than water-based lubricants, they can be irritating for people with sensitive skin and big no-no: they damage silicone sex toys. Protect that vibe at all costs!
If you’re not sure what your condoms are made out of, always choose a water-based lubricant to be on the safe side. It’s compatible with all condoms and sex toys, and is generally kinder to the body. Water-based lubricant is also less likely to cause infections, unlike oil-based lubricants which can trap bacteria inside and around the genitalia. Go forth, add a few pumps to your next sex sesh - and let us know how you get along...
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Natural condoms are condoms which don’t contain any artificial and unnecessary chemicals.
Real talk: we’re all pretty sensitive down there. Vaginas have their own ecosystem and we need to ensure that natural balance is protected and nurtured, avoiding unnecessary products, services and ‘treatments’. That means no douching, no vagina deodorant (they exist sadly) and switching to natural condoms and organic condoms. Designed without any added chemicals that can put your natural balance at risk, these can help you maintain your natural flora without getting in the way of the fun.
Back when we first had the idea for HANX, we knew before we even started traipsing around latex factories that we needed to find a manufacturer who shared our vision for sensitive condoms. Easier said than done, we found, as the condom industry really hadn't changed that much over the years. We wanted to strip out all the unnecessary nasties that we knew, from Dr Sarah's time working in NHS sexual health, were causing vaginal soreness and irritation during and post-sex.
HANX condoms are made from: Natural latex, Silicone Oil, Magnesium, Kaeflo/ Absorbo, and Silicone LE.
We finally convinced our brilliant manufacturers that there is a real market for condoms designed women's health and pleasure in mind - and that's partly down to the 5,000 ladies we surveyed, who shared all about their ideal contraception. Thank you all for getting real about your vaginal pH, orgasms and latex preferences!
We know our plant-based friends are used to scanning ingredients list on skincare, sauces and clothing labels - but not everyone even thinks to check if their condoms are vegan. Historically, condoms were usually made from lamb intestine and while this is increasingly less common (and popular), there are still some brands out there who manufacture condoms made from lambskin. For those looking for condoms without animal by-products, keep your eye out for an ingredient called casein on ingredients lists. It's a protein derived from animals and is used to make condoms smooth.
We reckon the only animal in the bedroom should be you, so we manufacture our condoms without any casein, and instead use a plant extract for a smooth finish.
Fans of Lubricant should also scan bottles for beeswax or lactoperoxidase: an enzyme derived from dairy - both are definitely not vegan.
We're proud that both our Lubricant and Condoms are officially certified by The Vegan Society.
If you find that your delicate vaginal tissue is particularly irritated by spermicide, you can find natural condoms and lubricant without this tricky ingredient. Designed to stop sperm reaching an egg during sex, spermicides can really irritate your vagina and make it easier for germs to enter the body, putting you at greater risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
With our Co-Founder Dr Sarah Welsh's gynaecology expertise, we designed our condoms without these harsh spermicides. If you're on the hunt for us in the real world, check us out at most major UK high street stores including Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's and WHSmith travel stores. Find your nearest stockist here!
Type ‘natural condoms’ into any search engine and you’ll be besieged by condoms of every size, length and, err, flavour. So, how do you know which condoms are actually kind to your body?
When we started HANX all the way back in 2017, we set out to make the very best natural condoms for sensitive skin - that means transparency in our ingredient list.
Our condoms are developed with medical professionals to be pH-balanced, are made from natural rubber, cornstarch powder and silicon oil and we use a vegetable binder extract. Our rubber has been vulcanised from natural rubber latex using sulphur, zinc oxide, accelerators and soap and our chemical input is the bare minimum - the exact level needed to ensure our condoms are safe. As with any rubber products there are traces of nitrosamines in HANX, though these are minimal and we regularly test for the presence of nitrosamines.
Our condoms are also free from parabens, synthetic colorants and fragrances. In fact, our condoms made Marie Claire’s ‘15 best condoms to *add to basket*, with journalist Ally Head stating, “if you ever suffer from UTI's after sex, you'll want to try HANX condoms.”
Yes, you can - but make sure you're using the right pairing as certain lubricants can break down latex, leaving you at risk of STIs and/or pregnancy. There's no greater pleasure than johnnies and lube together, so we've created a guide to getting it on with condoms and lubricant. Read more.
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Sounds like a get-out clause, but it might not actually be an excuse to ditch them altogether. Most people know that condoms are 98% effective when used correctly, but not everybody knows that there are different types of condoms to choose from - and that might actually be impacting penis-wielders' enjoyment. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in Boots, weighing up the benefits of ultra-thin condoms vs regular, we're here to give you the ins and outs. Ready? Let’s go!
Looking for the best condoms? You’ve come to the right place: ultra thin condoms use latex that tends to be thinner than regular condoms, reducing any lack of sensation and restricted pleasure you might get with standard condoms. Our condoms are developed to be ultra thin and when we say HANX condoms are ultra thin, we mean it: ours are only about 0.05500000mm thick, roughly the width of one pubic hair (we checked).
Time to check your packaging! Condoms are technically a medical device and must meet a certain standard to be certified by the relevant regulatory bodies. HANX ultra thin condoms are verified by the CE mark, meaning our condoms meet the strict requirements necessary for sale or distribution in Europe, something not all condoms carry. All our condoms undergo rigorous testing to ensure maximum safety and we’re proud to have won GHP Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards' Best Vegan-Friendly Contraceptive Product, 2020. Find out more about vegan condoms here.
As with any condom, ultra thin condom breakage completely depends on the use of the condom. Yes condoms are 98% effective if used correctly - that means making sure you're following best practice when getting your johnnies on. Start by reading and following the instructions on the back of the condom box, e.g. if they advise you to use a drop of lube, that means squirting it usually in the tip before you roll your condom onto a penis. Small, Standard, Large, XXL: whatever you're packing, make sure to use the correct condom size, too. You can also be at risk of unwanted pregnancy if your condom doesn't fit properly, as it will be more susceptible to tearing or may even come off during sex.
Condoms need to fit properly to shield against fluids and exposed skin which could lead to STIs or pregnancy. The girth (the thickest part of an erect penis) is the most important factor when choosing the right size, not length. If a condom is baggy at the tip or has excess rolls at the base, forgo the standard size and look for ‘snug’ fit instead. An indicator that a condom is too small is if it looks overstretched, splits almost immediately or doesn’t cover the penis entirely. If this is a recurring issue, search for condoms in more generous sizing, such as HANX ultra thin Large Size condoms.
Don’t panic - you can shop ultra thin condoms wherever you buy your sexual wellness essentials, like Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury’s and Holland and Barrett. They'll state on the front of the packaging if they're ultra-thin variety, so stay eagle-eyed. It’s never been easier to reach for a box of ultra thin lubricated condoms, you just need to check the information on the packaging. Simple!
Hey, that’s what they’re made to do! If you’re concerned about dryness when using an ultra thin condom or the ultra thin condom breaking, reach for the lube. Lubricant is an excellent accessory to have on hand and can reduce any friction that might get in the way and cause condom breakage or splitting. Find out more about pairing ultra thin condoms and lubricant here.
Find resources for what to do if a condom breaks with our very own gynaecology doctor and Co-Founder, Dr Sarah Welsh here, alongside with reassuring facts about condom breakage.
]]>We need to talk about STIS. No one is immune to sexually transmitted infections - not even celebrities. Fairly understandably, famous faces aren’t rushing to disclose their sexual history, especially given the shock factor of renowned sex symbols discussing STI transmission. However, renowned figures may have a positive part to play in destigmatising sexually transmitted infections, by speaking openly and honestly about their experiences.
In 2020, it was revealed that Hollywood film star Shia LaBeouf allegedly covered STI symptoms with makeup and knowingly infected his ex, singer FKA Twigs. This news, along with further allegations of Shia’s abusive behaviour, shone a light on the very real actuality that celebrities are dealing with the same sexual health issues many of us are experiencing, too. We applaud FKA Twigs for bravely sharing her experience, and also helping to raise awareness of the nuanced nature of STI transmission. If an award-winning singer songwriter and mysterious creative icon is brave enough to share her story, there’s a strong chance her audience will be less embarrassed and start having conversations with their partners, friends and family about sexual health.
If you're a Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK fan, you'll have seen contestants tackling heartfelt topics across the workroom tables. From Ginny Lemon and Bimini’s discussion about being non-binary to lipsync assassin Tayce’s ‘confessional’ where they revealed that they were diagnosed with chlamydia and gonorrhea when they were 18, such honesty on mainstream TV is a big step forward. Tayce's openness when discussing their personal experience with STIs, and the associated emotions of shame and guilt, was widely praised as playing a vital role in smashing stigmas around STIs, with sexual health charity, the Terrence Higgins Trust, leading the charge over on Twitter.
Discrimination against people living with HIV is perhaps the most pervasive of all. There are, however, numerous names in the spotlight who have spoken about their HIV-positive status, to widespread support. In the US, Queer Eye icon Jonathan Van Ness opened up about their diagnosis in their recent memoir, whilst actor Billy Porter has also detailed his experiences, too. There is no one experience of living with HIV, and with advances in treatment, it is no longer the 'death sentence' reported on in the 80s. The more we see different, individual journeys represented in the headlines, the more we as a society can expand our own understanding and expectation of what life with HIV can entail - and support those in our own communities.
So, what does this mean for us muggles? (Yes, non-celebrities are referred to as muggles in certain Los Angeles circles). Well, with over half a million people in the UK diagnosed with an STI every year, it’s hugely important to be aware and proactive when it comes to preventing infection. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections transmitted via sexual contact and can become sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) if the infection is exacerbated. The more familar names include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis - but there are actually more than 30 infections you need to be vigilant against.
Real talk: STIs can be passed on from any form of sex, including and especially oral sex. The most effective way of protecting yourself is to use a condom from the start of any sexual contact as infections can be spread by bodily fluids including saliva, vaginal fluids, semen and blood. We’re proudly gynae-backed, and our Co-Founder Dr Sarah Welsh shares why it’s so important to challenge shame around sexual wellness:
“There’s definitely still an awkwardness around open, honest chats about sex. STIs are all too often approached in a way that leaves everyone involved feeling embarrassed or none the wiser. This perpetuates taboos, stereotypes and myths, making people less likely to access help or improve their sexual health. Our recent intimate health survey found that 40% of respondents wouldn’t tell family or friends if they were suffering from intimate health issues. This needs to change.”
Cover up. Use internal/external condoms or dental dams when embarking on any new sexual relationships (whether they’re casual or monogamous). Make sure you’re using the right size condom with your partner, too. Check out our Large Size Condoms for the perfect fit.
Get it on the regular - STI tests, that is. That means having a test before getting intimate with any new sexual partners and making sure you’re taking active steps to protect yourself - no matter what they say their sexual health status is. You don't even need to leave your house! SH:24's free, discreet and confidential service means you can test at home and pop your kit straight in a post box. Extra convenient and no one will be any the wiser that's what you're doing - if you don't want them to be.
Myth busting: heard the rumour that spermicides stop you contracting an STI? Not true. In fact, products containing spermicides might increase your risk of contracting HIV and other STIs as a chemical included (Nonoxynol-9) can irritate vaginas and make it easier for STIs to enter your body.
Stay alert. You know your body best, so keep a close eye on yourself for any changes. Be especially aware of strange symptoms and unexpected changes to your body, including unusual discharge, itchy genitals or pain when you pee. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, book in for an STI test or order one online ASAP - it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Finally: a loving message to our famous friends. Vulnerability is powerful. If you are one of the many millions of people who have experienced a sexually transmitted disease, consider sharing your story with your audience. The more we destigmatise STIs, the better we as a society, will become at preventing them. Open communication is the catalyst for change - and we salute every single person, famous or not, who has taken a deep breath to tackle discrimination. Let’s change our approach to sexual wellness, one Instagrammed STI test at time.
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