The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer SEX education teaches about the necessity of condoms as way to practice safe sex. However, rarely does sex education inform individuals about the myriad of condoms available which can protect against STIs and enhance personal pleasure all at the same time. The easy access and presence of condom delivery services has made the idea of using protection more fun for individuals, said Victor Rollins at the Society Against STIs & HIV (SASH Bahamas). "When you hear 'use protection' it does not sound as fun as opposed to someone saying 'use pleasure enhancers'. With alternative condoms, it has made using them more fun. We have seen drastic demand for the different condoms especially among the young people. "Condom delivery has also made it much easier for people to buy and use condoms. At most stores condoms are found at the front counter and some people get embarrassed when they have to ask for condoms over the counter. Maybe if they were in the aisles at the store people can just grab a bunch and pay for them instead of having to ask for them," he explained. Finger Condoms Finger condoms are one of the most unusual condoms and fit like a glove. It is recommended as a safe sex device during heavy petting. "When finger condoms are used it can avoid cuts. Where there is an open wound the chances of getting an STI is even higher so this protects against cuts. Not everyone washes theirs hands either before engaging in this kind of activity. People should want to protect themselves in every way," Mr Rollins told Tribune Health. Glow In The Dark For those who are seeking to add a new fun dimension to their sex life, glow in the dark condoms are an interesting novelty item, Mr Rollins said. "We like to say you will never know when BEC is going to cut the current off, so in the event they do there is some kind of light in the room," he said. Glow in the dark condoms are highly visible, safe, and approved by the FDA. They protect against STDs just like regular condoms do but they are much more fun, he said. Flavoured Condoms Like Glow In The Dark condoms, flavoured condoms are also approved by the FDA, and protect against sexually transmitted disease and are safe to use as well. These condoms are available in strawberry, chocolate, banana split, mint, bubble gum flavours and much more. Mr Rollins said with the introduction of the flavoured condoms, it has made condom use much fun among people. "These are used to enhance oral sex. People complained about the taste of the latex when they performed oral sex. Using flavored condoms can make oral sex much more pleasurable and at the same time it is protecting individuals against HIV and STDs," he said. Dental Dam While this not exactly a condom, dental dam acts like a barrier when engaging in oral sex to reduce the transmission of bodily fluids harmful germs and sexually transmitted diseases. "These condoms are fun, interesting, they enhance pleasure and they save lives as well." SASH Bahamas is a registered non-governmental organisation and is a network for (LBGT/YMSM) communities. SASH has conducted outreach throughout the commmunity at various venues. The initiatives are done through SASH Bahamas' Mpowerment Project Program. SASH Bahamas facilitates male health fair and testing parties throughout the year, they assist with referrals to health care service providers, conduct massive condom distribution at various times a year, and facilitates workshops througout the year.