Everyone at Bondara is excited about Sexual Health Week which starts on 09/09/2024. Our friends at Brook have been gearing up to host their convo about Sexual Health Week 2024 (#SHW24). So, let’s have a quick chat about the birds and the bees…
We often talk about sex education being for young people, but so many adults have missed out on sex education, either at school or at home
Isabel Inman
Don’t be silly; wrap your willy!
STIs infect more than 1 million people every day. In 2023, 401,800 STIs were diagnosed in the UK, up 4.7% from 383,789 in 2022 [1]. That’s like if the entire country of the Bahamas got the clap!
Left untreated, STIs can have some nasty effects. Infections can negatively impact male and female fertility and sexual function [2]. Funnily enough, the most common STIs are easily treatable with antibiotics if caught early. I’m talking bacterial syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The others are viral infections like hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV). Unfortunately, most cases fly under the radar as many people present as asymptomatic – meaning they have no symptoms. Therefore, going to screenings is essential for your health [3].
Over 30 types of STI-triggering bacteria, viruses and parasites exist; so even if you think you’re being safe, they can still be transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Also, you cannot tell if someone has an STI by looking at them [4]. The only way you’ll know is through STI test results.
Were you STI tested in the past few months? Nice! I hope you’ve got yourself a little treat. As for all you other saucy minxes, I’m going to recommend you have a little browse of Bondara’s range of condoms and book in with your local sexual health clinic. Ladies, you can also suggest to partners that they use a ‘dental dam’ to eat you out safely. If you can find one in Boots, check out Larissa’s article for how to make one out of a condom.
The intersectionality of Sexual Health means that STIs still disproportionately impacts gays, bisexuals, those of black Caribbean ethnicity, and young people aged 15 to 24 years of age [5]. Above all this, Bondara wants everyone to be able to enjoy sex and relationships safely.
Sexual Health Week is a celebration of sexual health and wellbeing.
Isabel Inman
Condoms we recommend
Bondara’s whole ‘MO’ is that having orgasms is fun, and we hope that you feel that from us. Pleasure is king! Despite how cheeky we try to be, it’s always important to keep safety in mind. Especially when we know that you guys are enjoying fetishes, multiple-partner play, and BDSM practices. Conversations about sexual health can help destigmatise infections and improve public health.
Much like how mental health is health, so is sexual health… duh!
Brook’s Convo on Sexual Health
Next week, Brook is hosting a FREE webinar panel discussion on sexual health, exploring the links between mental and sexual health. Helen Corteen, Brook’s Designated Well-being and Mental Health Lead, will chair the talk. Natasha Devon MBE, Tamsin Watson of YoungMinds, Emma Rigby from the Association for Young People’s Health, and Anna Bailey, who is also at Brook, will join Helen in a much-needed discussion.
SHW is really an opportunity to bring the sector together and celebrate everyone who advocates for improved sexual health while also amplifying the voices of those who face health inequalities.
Isabel Inman
Sex toys we recommend
Sex is such a momentary space for our mindsets to exist in. The sexual need to exact control, the desire to be punished (safely), and ultimately feeling pleasured is cathartic when practised in a safe space.
“Sex, eroticism and love are linked yet separate”, Bauman’s early convo about sexual health, ‘On Postmodern Uses of Sex’, states. Essentially, he’s saying that sex, pleasure and mental well-being are intertwined despite being independent topics in their own right.
You often find you cannot talk about sex without the discussion of pleasure or mental health cropping (get it) up. Bondara believes in pleasure. We believe in having fun and orgasms. Yay! We’re also aware that we occasionally have to dip into convos about sexual health for those who might need help.
Why is it essential to begin a conversation about sexual health? We couldn’t help but notice that cases of STIs have gone up! Uh-oh! Either you guys have been getting down and dirty more often and forgot to wrap it before you tapped it, or more people are getting tested and treated – this is good!
Your Convo on Sexual Health
Vincent, Exeter: “STIs are on the rise cos people just don’t want serious relationships anymore. We’re going through this phase of ‘doing whatever’, ‘being who you wanna be’, and ‘living life’, but come on. They’re [STIs) here, there, and everywhere. Get tested; NO EXCUSE.”
Lydia, Armagh: “I’ve had Chlamydia lol. It was pretty fine. I didn’t have it very bad, but the first thing I noticed was a weird discharge. I got tested, and so did [NAME REDACTED]. We did the pills, and everything was done just like that :)”.
Sophie, Chester: “Treatment was more relaxing than expected, and I was so stressed about telling anyone because it felt really gross, especially because I had a partner. But by the time I’d finished the treatment course, I had told my friends because it wasn’t a big deal and was easily treatable. I wanted everyone to know that because STIs freak everyone out.”
Stefan, Ely: “Maybe rates have risen because everyone is freaked out about it? Going to the doctor about it felt almost shameful, so I understand if people have put it off. But it’s important because spreading it is a bit mean, and maybe when people know how not a big deal it is, they’ll feel more confident testing and treating it.”
Are you feeling it?
In addition to your sexual health, you must also look after your physical health. This includes when practising stretching, flogging, rigging, Shabari, whipping, etc. Furthermore, ensure you keep safe in pursuit of the big ‘O’. Additionally, research, ask us, and talk to your partners. The last thing we want you to do is to turn up to A&E with a cucumber too far up your bottom (always use a flared base when it comes to anal play, for the love of Bondara, and use toys specifically designed for pleasure, please and thank you).
10% goes to charity
Fancy becoming a bit of a sexual renegade? If you purchase one of the toys below, we’ll donate 10% to Brook, who works to improve Relationships and Sexual Health Education (RSHE), from September 9th to 15th, 2024.
