There are many innovative ways to make condom usage more appealing. Exotic flavors, ultra-thin latex, and textured condoms “ribbed for pleasure” all make condoms more exciting.

However, their rate of usage remains inconsistent.

Launching the Condom Design Contest

Faced with this challenge, Say It With A Condom partnered with Frannie Peabody Center to help make condoms more fun.

Frannie Peabody Center, a nonprofit in Portland, Maine, invited a class of students at the Maine College of Art to design condom packaging that raises awareness of testing and prevention on World AIDS Day.

Donna Galluzzo, the Executive Director of Frannie Peabody Center, sees World AIDS Day as an occasion to honor those lost during the AIDS crisis while raising awareness for modern prevention methods.

Creating the Condom Designs

For the graphic design class, this was an opportunity to gain real-world design experience. “This class treated us, Frannie Peabody Center, as their client,” says Galluzzo, “It’s a very real-world experience for them. We all meet together, they interview us, and they talk about what we are looking for.”

The more visually interesting a condom package, the more likely someone will pick it up to find out what it is. Frannie Peabody Center understood this, so they instructed the design students to combine positive messaging with unique patterns and colors.

After giving the class direction at the beginning of the fall semester, they had a mid-semester meeting to present their drafts and receive constructive feedback. This feedback culminated in the students’ final designs.

“We wanted the designs to be attractive and colorful, but they also had to spread the right message, respect our clients, and appeal to a large variety of groups,” Galluzzo notes, “That was a very fine line to walk, but I think the folks at Say It With A Condom really understood that. The class really got it as well, the designs all had something unique about them but they were all very respectful.”

Rocking the Vote

Once the entries were submitted, Say It With A Condom developed an online voting platform that allowed the community to vote on their favorite design. Not only did Frannie Peabody Center send people to vote online, they also went to events throughout Portland to conduct in-person voting sessions.

“It was really fun to engage the public,” says Galluzzo, “people of course were picking up the condoms and reading the messages. We got to hear what their thoughts were in real time. Some thought it was all about the style, while others thought it was more about the positive messaging. We even got to see parents explaining condoms to their kids right in the moment, so it was definitely quite the engagement!”

In total, over 850 votes were cast. The competition was close, but Hayden Jones’s “Every Connection Counts” design won!

Who Was Frannie Peabody?

Frannie Peabody, the namesake of her eponymous nonprofit, began her work as an activist at the age of eighty following her grandson’s AIDS diagnosis. “I wish that I had met Frannie,” says Galluzzo, “every time I talk to someone who did know her, she becomes a larger than life figure.”

Following the death of her grandson, she became involved in visiting support groups to meet with others who lost friends and loved ones during during the AIDS crisis. “She became an incredibly staunch advocate for people living with HIV and AIDS in the state of Maine,” Galluzzo says, “she went on a longstanding community campaign to raise awareness, to engage her personal community, to give, and to help.”

Asked what Frannie Peabody would have thought of the contest, Galluzzo says that “I’m sure she would have loved it.”

Visit Frannie Peabody Center’s Website, Facebook, and Instagram

Email contest@sayitwithacondom.com to Launch Your Own Condom Design Contest!

The post Frannie Peabody Center Hosts Condom Design Contest appeared first on Say It With A Condom.

Everything is black at this subversive soft-serve parlor, from the tinted windows to the interior décor. The edgy theme stands in stark contrast to the pastels associated with traditional creameries. Suzanne Serwatuk, the owner of Perverted Ventures, says that “we don’t serve vanilla cause we are not vanilla.” For Perverted Ice Cream, this is their X factor.

Since it opened last May, the shop has offered custom creations like “Beg For S’More”, a chocolate soft serve with cocoa, chocolate sauce, graham cracker and toasted marshmallow.

This October, Perverted Ice Cream launched its newest custom cone: “I Will Always Glove You.”

This date night special is made with cream ice cream, Oreo crumble, black chocolate drizzle and bourbon-soaked cherries.

It’s perfect for spooning!

For an extra $2, the cone is garnished with a condom on top, which can also be added to any of their existing flavors. The custom foils are complete with a black latex condom, consistent with Perverted Ice Cream’s ebony theme.  

Visit Perverted Ice Cream’s website, Instagram, and Facebook page to view their other custom cones! Visit our website to create your own custom foil.

The post Specialty Ice Cream Shop Serves Cones with Optional Condom Garnish appeared first on Say It With A Condom.

According to the Department of Justice, an American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. While the #metoo movement has brought sexual assault into the limelight, these startling statistics reflect an ongoing problem. Although rates of sexual violence have fallen by more than half since 1993, survivors of abuse struggle to cope with the long-term emotional implications of sexual assault. For many survivors, including Sierra Dowd, this struggle has flowered into artistic catharsis.

Sierra Dowd is a polymath in the truest sense of the term. A lifelong entrepreneur and activist, Dowd has culminated her unique background into the world of fashion. Dowd’s label, 98society serves to acknowledge survivors of sexual assault while bringing about tangible action. That’s because 10% of the proceeds are donated to Darkness To Light, an organization which works to end childhood sexual abuse. By providing a nuanced and tasteful method through which to start a conversation about consent, Dowd can effectively spread awareness of her cause.

I recently had the chance to talk with Dowd about her life leading up to 98society, how she plans to grow the brand, and how frankly, condoms can open doors to having a conversation about consent as well.

This interview has been condensed and lightly edited

Tell me about your background leading up to the creation 98/Society

I ran an anti-bullying organization called Be More Heroic for five years. In doing this kind of work, I was able to understand the business strategy and development involved in the creation of a non-profit. When I built programming with Be More Heroic, I worked with psychologists, sociologists, and teachers at the ground level to build this very extensive production.

We also found activists from all over the country who could effectively cover the topic of bullying. After telling their stories, they each performed a variety of performance art. Even if the kids in the audience weren’t paying attention to the actual stories, they’d always pay attention to the performance art. We found it to be extremely effective!

What’s the 98 Society, and how did you come up with the idea?

I’ve been an entrepreneur for quite some time. I’ve worked with many businesses, particularly in the world of fashion. 98society has been a perfect blend of my entrepreneurial side and my philanthropic side.

I named the brand the 98society because every 98 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. This is a really baffling statistic, and it just goes to show the gravity of this issue.

When I was designing the clothes, I wanted to make sure that I was being intentionally ambiguous. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I wouldn’t wear a T-shirt that says “survivor” or #metoo. While I am very outward and open about sharing my story, I didn’t want my brand to be outward in the same way. In each design, the messaging is ambiguous, but it’s still tied to the issue of sexual assault.

Do you find that other survivors can relate to the ambiguity of your messaging?

Thus far, I have. I’ve also found that it’s something that allies are more comfortable wearing. That’s important, because we want to extend the conversation and, above all else, educate people.

If people are able to spread awareness with the clothing they wear by bringing attention to the statistic that every 98 seconds a person in the United States is sexually assaulted, this is a win for me. I’ve found that thus far, survivors are more likely to purchase designs that are more ambiguous.

For example, our crossword puzzle tee appears to be a series of jumbled words, but if you look closely it’s actually a series of words associated with sexual assault. These include “victim, survivor, trust, respect, and consent,” but the one word circled is respect.  

How do you get this message out?

The brand awareness has primarily been spread through word of mouth. Over the next year, I really plan on listening. I plan on listening, I plan on attending, and I plan on gathering as much insight as possible from those who have worked in this field for the last several years. The following year, I’d like to begin sharing my story and implementing activations throughout the country. This will ultimately showcase that 98society is challenging the social enterprise business model and hopefully encourage other brands to do the same.

What did you think of frankly, condoms?

I think they’re great! Particularly at the collegiate level, these will be so well-received. In a moment where consent hasn’t been discussed yet, I can absolutely see girls taking the initiative and bringing these out. Or I imagine them being given to a fraternity and inevitably they’re reading what it says before ripping off the packaging forcing them to think twice about consent before having sex.

It’s so important that we keep those lines of communication open and the best way to do that is to keep the conversation light hearted and digestible. It’s a wonderful concept! Everyone should be using condoms, and if they are, frankly, is a wonderful way to open the door for some much needed conversations around consent!

To learn more about 98/Society, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram

The post This Activist’s Clothing Brand Contains Hidden Messages that Promote Consent appeared first on Say It With A Condom.

Revolución Con Don P Reaches a New Audience

The ubiquity of social media has created duality in health promotion. Raising awareness through traditional tabling methods remains crucial, but no campaign is complete without a visible online presence. Social media allows healthcare providers to overcome barriers in disseminating information to patients, and can also drive patient uptake for organizations like Fenway Health. Fenway Health is a healthcare, research, education and advocacy organization in Boston, Massachusetts whose mission includes serving the LGBTQ community. As social media grows more integrated in daily life, some providers have evolved their digital strategy to reach new audiences. Ricardo Holguin, the Bilingual Outreach Navigator at Fenway Health, has revolutionized outreach to the Latinx MSM (Men that have Sex with Men) population by developing an approachable persona on Snapchat.

Holguin built his campaign with a federally funded grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant’s name is “Llegando a Cero,” which translates to “Getting to Zero” in English. This project was awarded to Fenway Health to enhance targeted outreach, social media marketing, and on-the-ground navigation services in order to help increase awareness of HIV and substance abuse prevention services, in part through the creation of Holguin’s current position as Bilingual Outreach Navigator. “Many campaigns adopt a very serious tone which can scare people away,” Holguin notes. “I asked myself how I could best engage with 18-24-year-old Latinx MSM.” Holguin knew that the best way to spread information is through social media, but he wanted to create something different. After weeks of deliberation, Holguin had a genius idea: Revolución con Don P. “Condom in Spanish translates to condón,” Holguin explains, “I separated the word and realized it translates to ‘with Don.’ In Spanish, Don is the male form of a courtesy title placed before the first name of someone as a way of showing respect. The name Don P is a play on words. Revolución Con Don P means ‘Revolution With Condoms.’” The “P” in Don P is variable, it can mean prevention, precaution, or even PrEP.

Don P is the face of Holguin’s social media campaign, which spans across Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and dating apps such as Grindr. The persona primarily targets young Latinx MSM , a population that’s disproportionately affected by HIV. Research from the CDC projects that “one in four Latino gay and bisexual men will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetimes.” Holguin’s goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV while providing them with links to needed services. The anonymity and transience on Snapchat provides Holguin’s followers with a sense of privacy and freedom, emboldening them to ask questions they may otherwise feel uncomfortable asking.

Holguin acquires followers through word of mouth, but he also spreads awareness of Revolución con Don P by attending outreach events in person. As he began attending more events, Holguin realized he needed a memorable way to stay in touch with people. Fenway Health already provides safe sex kits, but Holguin needed something that included information about where people can get tested.  Holguin says that “as I began researching potential options, I found Say It With A Condom! It was exactly what I was looking for.”

After enlisting their services, Say It With A Condom connected Holguin with Gilberto Perez, the manager of the company’s graphic design team. “What I like about Ricardo is that he knows exactly how to approach the target demographic,” says Perez, “I found that his Snapchat campaign is a great way to interact with young people.” Benjamin Sherman, the founder and CEO of Say It With A Condom, remarked that “We’ve worked on a lot of campaigns, but this one is something that’s really special and what I hope will be very successful. It’s a lot different than everything else that has come to us or that we’ve designed.” The design, which includes Don P’s snapcode image on the back of the trifold, makes it easier for Holguin to gain followers.

“If people don’t want to give me their information, I have them follow Don P on Snapchat and let them know that they can always speak to him confidentially,” says Holguin, “Once that happens, I can build rapport with them and gain their trust. The more I start posting, the more people relate to the content.”

Add Don P on Snapchat by Using this Snapcode

The Don P condoms have already helped drive patient uptake. “People love the engagement,” says Holguin, “I get lots of people asking where they can get tested. Fenway Health has already had an influx of Latinos aged 18-24 coming in for testing since we launched the campaign.” Holguin hopes that by providing a space for people to engage his health expertise anonymously, he’ll be able to prevent risky behavior. Additionally, the campaign was created to bring more resources to the large population of Spanish speakers throughout Boston. By providing culturally sensitive care, Don P is able to confidentially connect more people from the Latinx MSM community to the resources that they need to protect their sexual health.

The post Fenway Health Maximizes Outreach with Custom Condoms appeared first on Say It With A Condom.

With frankly, and Consent Condoms, we provide resources that help make it easier to start conversations about safe sex, respect, and the need for consent. We’ll proudly be exhibiting at NSAC as frankly, condoms. Be sure to stop by our booth to grab samples!

Meet the Other NSAC Sponsors

CALCASA is committed to ending sexual violence through a multifaceted approach to prevention, intervention, advocacy, and public policy. CALCASA is uniquely positioned to relay the challenges and success of local work to the national level. Lorena Campos, CALCASA’s Communications Coordinator, notes that the organization “supports rape crisis center programs in California that are working in our communities, supporting survivors, and leading with prevention.” This allows the organization to relay the challenges and successes of local work to the national level.

CALCASA organizes the National Sexual Assault Conference on a rotating basis between the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.

Founded in 2015 through an investment by the National Football League (NFL), RALIANCE partners with a wide-range of organizations to improve their culture and create environments free from sexual harassment. RALIANCE believes in effective prevention strategies. These strategies consider the role that industry, sports, and media can have in helping to end sexual violence. A spokesperson for the company says that every day, RALIANCE makes prevention possible by “advancing research, influencing policy, supporting innovative programs, and helping leaders establish safe workplaces and strong communities.”

Catharsis Productions seeks to have an honest, constructive dialogue about sexual assault on the stage. “Our approach is fully supported by research in education, psychology and cognition, led by trained educators who also happen to be dynamic, charismatic speakers,” a spokesperson for the company says. Since 2000, Catharsis Productions has utilized a strategic use of humor designed to empower audiences. With over ten separate stage programs and training sessions, Catharsis Productions achieves real cultural change through comprehensive curriculum. “It all boils down to a proven, simple truth: laughter and honesty have the power to initiate change.” 

ATSA, the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, is dedicated to making society safer through the prevention of sexual abuse. A non-profit organization, ATSA represents 3,000 members from over 20 countries. By promoting sound research, informed policy, and comprehensive prevention strategies, ATSA hopes to create a world free of sexual abuse. The organization’s activities include producing a code of ethics for practitioners, setting practice guidelines for individuals who treat those who have sexually offended, and hosting the world’s largest annual research and educational conference focused on issues related to the treatment of those who sexually offend.

Just Detention International (JDI) is a health and human rights organization that seeks to end sexual abuse in all forms of detention. Founded in 1980, JDI is the only organization in the U.S. – and the world – dedicated exclusively to ending sexual abuse behind bars. JDI holds government officials accountable for prisoner rape, challenges the attitudes and misperceptions that allow sexual abuse to flourish, and makes sure that survivors get the help they need.

JDI believes that sexual abuse in detention is preventable. Prisons and jails with committed leaders, good policies, and sound practices can keep people safe.

JDI works with policymakers, advocates, and corrections officials to protect the basic human rights of people in detention. All of their work is informed by the wisdom and experiences of prisoner rape survivors. JDI visits facilities every day to talk directly with prisoners and staff about what they need to be safe.

Founded in 1994, FORGE is the only federally funded organization that focuses on serving transgender survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. Loree Cook-Daniels, a Policy and Program Director at FORGE, notes that the organization provides “training and technical assistance to service providers who work with trans and non-binary survivors of violence to help them more appropriately and respectfully serve such survivors.”

The post Sponsoring the National Sexual Assault Conference appeared first on Say It With A Condom.

Throughout recent American history, those who suffer from addiction have been systematically imprisoned without receiving medical intervention. With no access to treatment, stable housing, or career opportunities, these individuals often find themselves in an ongoing cycle of abuse without the resources to begin recovery. While the United States spends upwards of $74 billion on “incarceration, court proceedings, probation, and parole for substance-involved adult and juvenile offenders,” just $632 million is spent on prevention and treatment initiatives.

Phoenix, Arizona in 1969 wasn’t immune from this public health crisis. Many young people were in “desperate situations, because of bad trips on drugs, overdoses, and drug-related suicide attempts.” Due to fear surrounding the police and hospitals, these young people had nowhere to turn, but a small group of friends “responded to their need and reached out to help them with a belief that people can change and with a commitment to not give up on them. That was the beginning of Terros.”

Terros, derived from the Latin root word “terr” meaning earth, serves to help “people high on drugs come down to earth and become grounded.” Today, Terros Health is a multi-faceted health organization specializing in primary medical care, mental health care, HIV/STI prevention, and addiction recovery. With four integrated clinics and eleven additional sites across Maricopa County, Terros Health meets a diversity of needs in the Phoenix region. With their new series of branded custom condom products, Terros has amplified their outreach capabilities. 

Staying Healthy for Life

During the growing AIDS crisis in 1987, Terros expanded their recovery initiatives to include HIV/STD prevention. By keeping their community safe when they needed it the most, Terros Health poised itself to become a leader in primary health care throughout the Phoenix region. Not only does Terros offer a full range of testing options, they also offer a robust assortment of educational programming and PrEP resources. With affordable treatment on a sliding pay scale, Terros recognizes the needs of the vulnerable in their community and makes their health a priority.

Seeking to raise greater awareness for the locations of their clinics and the services they offer, Terros enlisted the help of Say It With A Condom to provide a fun and easy way to engage with prospective patients.

Our Ambitious Project with Terros Health

Working with Terros Health was one of Say It With A Condom’s most ambitious projects to date. In total, we created 15,000 pieces, including:

• Condom Foils
• Condom Trifolds
• Condom Cubes
• Condom Canisters

Gilberto Perez, the manager of Say It With A Condom’s design team, tactfully incorporated Terros’s logo and essential information in a compelling, eye-catching design. This was the first project where Perez had the opportunity to create a custom condom canister. “What I liked about the Terros campaign was their consistent branding,” Perez notes, “the whole project was cohesive and complete, they created a very well-supported campaign!” The Terros logo, a bird taking off for flight, “evokes hope, transformation, and continuous movement, and aligns with the purpose of inspiring change for life.” This meaningful logo is accentuated by a thought-provoking question: “Everyone has a status. Do you know yours?” This encourages prospective patients to take account of their sexual health, potentially catalyzing them to come to Terros for testing.

According to Jose Vega, a Program Supervisor with Terros, the condoms have done just that. Vega notes that a growing number of new patients have sought out testing as a direct result of the information outlined on the condoms, thereby turning a persuasive design into tangible action. “People who received the Say It With A Condom swag items really like the way the information was displayed,” Vega says, “people thought they were really creative.”

For more information on Terros Health, visit their website

The post Custom Condoms Help Inspire Change for Life at Terros Health appeared first on Say It With A Condom.

Hundreds of universities and students throughout the world use Say It With A Condom to start memorable conversations. Condoms are a powerful tool for engagement. Visually striking imagery on condom packaging not only makes safe sex exciting, it also draws excitement to your message. Universities in particular are an ideal sphere for custom condoms. Youth between the ages of 15-24 make up half of all new STI infections, and condoms are the most expedient method of protection. If you want to develop a branded campaign that leaves a memorable impression while keeping your audience safe, Say It With A Condom.

Here are 15 unique ways that universities used custom condoms as school promo products.

#1 How Do You Mustache For Consent?

This creative condom was created by Florida International University’s Victim Empowerment Program. Representing one of the largest public universities in the country, the Victim Empowerment Program sponsors awareness activities, prevention education, and peer education. These custom condoms help the program keep FIU’s student body safe while providing them with an accessible link to more information.

#2 It’s Time To Vote!

Candidates for Arizona State University’s undergraduate student government mobilized their peers to vote by creating this promotional condom!

#3 Need A Lift?

College Cabs was founded by a group of entrepreneurial college students who saw an opportunity to provide affordable, safe, and reliable transportation to the student body at Washington State University. These funny promotional condoms are a great way to ensure safe roads and safe sex!

#4 Compassionate Care At An Inclusive Center

The Centre for Women and Trans People at Wilfrid Laurier University created these custom condoms to spread awareness of the unique services they provide on campus. The condoms are a creative addition to the center’s referral services, community events, and sexual health awareness initiatives.

#5 What Services Does My School Provide?

Vanderbilt University created these custom condoms for their sex ed program. Vandy Sex Ed offers workshops on topics ranging from general sex ed, BDSM, queer sex, and virginity. 

#6 What’s On Your Checklist?

Indiana State University created these condoms for the Culture of Care campaign. Culture of Care provides students with resources for sexual health awareness, drug and alcohol responsibility, and mental health services. We profiled the campaign in greater detail on our blog!

#7 Parachutes & Protection

University of Connecticut’s Skydiving Club created these witty condoms to keep their members safe in the dorms and in the skies! 

#8 A Different Kind Of Entertainment

The Campus Events Commission at UCLA is a student-run organization dedicated to bringing the best entertainment to campus. With CEC branded condoms, the fun doesn’t have to end at the show!

#9 For Alumni Too

UCSD’s custom condom for alumni is a great way to show school spirit after graduation!

#10 Enhance The Student Experience With A Gold Foil

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Students’ Association customized this gold foil condom to promote safe sex among the student body.

#11 Building A Better Campus At MIT

This classic white foil condom was created by MIT to protect students’ sexual health. It is a great example of how a school used custom condoms as a promotional product.

#12 A Creative Way to Get an A

Gerda Ziogelyte, an art student at the University of Huddersfield, created these condoms for her final project on “The Perception of Modern Intimacy.”

#13 Affordable Housing, Safe Sex

College Houses is a nonprofit organization that makes finding affordable housing easy! 

#14 Don’t Forget To Show Up On Game Day!

Clarkson University students created these promotional condoms to show support for their hockey team. Go Tech!

#15 An Entrepreneur’s Condom

Draper University, a Silicon Valley program that teaches crash courses in business, created this custom condom to creatively brand their school!

To create your own custom condoms, visit Say It With A Condom’s website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

The post 15 Ways To Use Custom Condoms On Your Campus appeared first on Say It With A Condom.

Reproductive Rights in Texas

If you require an abortion in Texas, you may need to go on a road trip to receive professional care. Following the passage of Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) in 2013, the number of abortion clinics in Texas reduced from 41 to 22. This left 96% of counties without an abortion clinic. An earlier blow to Texas abortion-providers, namely Planned Parenthood, occurred in 2011 when family-planning grants were cut by 66% across the state. These cuts not only caused centers to shut down, they also contributed to a rising birth rate. Additionally, clinics that remained open charged for services that were previously offered for free.

“There’s a misconception that Planned Parenthood is where pregnant women go when they’re in dire straits,” says Blanca Morales, “sometimes it is, but not all the time.” According to Planned Parenthood’s 2016-2017 Annual Report, abortion services made up just 3% of the total services provided that year. Planned Parenthood also provides STI testing & treatment, contraception, and cancer screenings. Despite budgetary setbacks, Planned Parenthood South Texas is one of the only facilities in Texas that provides professional abortion services.

Planned Parenthood South Texas: From 1939 to Present

Originally known as the Maternal Health Center, Planned Parenthood South Texas was founded in 1939 by a group of San Antonio women. The center provided reliable birth control such as diaphragms throughout the 1940s, prior to the passage of Roe v. Wade. More recently, Planned Parenthood South Texas has undergone a period of growth. The budget has allowed for an expansion of promotional events, many of which raise awareness for sexual health initiatives. This effort is led by Blanca Morales, the Marketing and Program Manager at Planned Parenthood South Texas. Morales works to drive patient volume by utilizing unique marketing tactics that increase the visibility of Planned Parenthood in Texas. “A lot of people don’t even realize that we’re still here,” says Morales, “they see Planned Parenthood in the news and they don’t know if we’re still open, they don’t know if we can provide needed services, so we’ve made efforts to let them know otherwise!”

Getting The Word Out With Custom Condoms

Morales and her team attend pride events, festivals, health fairs, and fundraisers to distribute information that helps prevent transmission of STIs. With a heavy emphasis on condom distribution, Morales saw an untapped marketing opportunity. “We used to distribute regular Lifestyles,” says Morales, “but I saw it as a missed opportunity because at the end of the day nobody is going to remember where they got them from, who they got them from, and why they got them.” After meeting with other marketing professionals from Planned Parenthood affiliates, Morales heard about Say It With A Condom. “They gave me samples of things they’ve ordered with you guys, and I thought it was perfect and exactly what we needed,” says Morales, “I need to be able to distribute condoms at whatever event we’re at and I need people to know that they came from Planned Parenthood. I need people to know that they can call us, schedule an appointment, and go to our website.”

The condoms, emblazoned with the witty phrase “We’re Your Friends With Benefits,” were inspired by condoms created by Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. Morales recently distributed the condoms at the Kerrville Folk Festival, “the festival organizers called us at random and asked if we could hand out free condoms. I was able to give them some, including the ‘We’re Your Friends With Benefits’ condom.” Morales notes that Bexar County has a very high rate of HIV infections, and because festival season often lends itself to a more frequent rate of unprotected sex, access to condoms is essential. With the branded Planned Parenthood condoms, attendees will know where to go if they need testing. Morales believes that “by taking free condoms, people know they can call us, get STD and HIV testing, start a PrEP prescription, and even undergo hormone therapy. It’s all about getting our name out there!”

Title X: An Uphill Battle

This outreach is made more essential by a proposed gag rule on Title X, which provides affordable care to people with low-incomes. Planned Parenthood serves 41% of all Title X patients, which includes services such as wellness exams, cancer screenings, birth control, and testing. However, a proposal from the Trump administration would prevent healthcare providers from referring their patients for abortion services. The proposal would also allow providers to withhold information regarding one’s healthcare options and impose rules “designed to make it impossible for patients to get birth control or preventative care.” This ruling could remove access to care for millions of people, leaving centers to rely on internal marketing strategies and grassroots organizing to spread awareness of the potentially life-saving services offered by Planned Parenthood.

To take action, write to the Health & Human Services Director Alex Azar by following this link

To learn more about Planned Parenthood South Texas, visit them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

The post Custom Condoms + Planned Parenthood: Your Friend With Benefits appeared first on Say It With A Condom.

Visit Say It With A Condom to create your own custom condom foil

Summer love is in the air, but sadly, for some men it may not be as romantic as they had hoped. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is an issue that men of various ages may experience. It occurs all over the world and is experienced by one in four men under the age of forty. ED can have quite an impact on your confidence and may potentially cause problems in your relationship. With that being said, there are several reasons why ED occurs and many ways to treat it.

First, take a look at what you are bringing into your body. Cigarettes can lower the amount of air you are able to breathe in, thus lowering your stamina and endurance. When you smoke, toxins enter your bloodstream and affect your cardiovascular system by lowering blood flow. Reduced blood flow can make it more difficult to acquire and maintain an erection, thus leading to erectile dysfunction. Conversely, 72% of men with alcohol dependence report premature ejaculation, low sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction. Those who are not dependent on liquor may also experience reduced sexual performance, even when drinking only moderately.

Many people experience stress. Whether it’s related to family, work, or finance, these are common worries that can truly have an impact on your health. When you are lacking in sleep and your energy levels are low, it can begin to negatively impact your sex drive.

There has been a great amount of research on ED and there are a number of ways to take care of this. One of the first things you can do is treat your stress. Whether it is talking to a friend or someone close with you, outwardly expressing your experience may be all that you need. Try getting some exercise, falling asleep an hour earlier, or picking up a new hobby.

For those who are more into technology, Calm is an app that uses short meditations to clear your head, lower your blood pressure and improve your overall feeling. Meditating has multiple benefits and although it may be difficult at first, it can truly improve your mental and physical state. This is a crucial step in preventing and eliminating erectile dysfunction.

Changing up your diet is a sure way to have an impact on your body. According to Everyday Health, beets and kale are two foods loaded with nitrates. Nitrates are vasodilators, which help to open up blood vessels and promote blood flow in the body. They are also healthy foods to enjoy when trying to burn fat.

While these natural ways to treat erectile dysfunction, there are also medications that will address the problem. 60% of men avoid going to the doctors even if they have a serious condition or an embarrassing situation. hims allows you to connect with doctors online, so there is no waiting in the doctor’s office or awkward in person conversations. They can prescribe Sildenadil and discreetly ship it to your house; helping to relax blood vessels, which sends blood to the parts of the body that matter most.

With your newfound confidence and performance, it is important to practice safe sex. Condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy and STD’s if worn properly. They are inexpensive, reliable, and necessary if you want to maintain your sexual health. ED treatment and condoms go hand in hand. If you want to have sex, make sure that it is safe.

Hims is a men’s wellness company that focuses on the little things that have a big impact on the man’s body. They want everyone to look and feel their best.

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How do you ask for consent? Did your grade school sex-ed class offer any guidance? At a time when rates of STD transmission continue to rise while half of American schools don’t mandate comprehensive sex education, consent can often fall by the wayside.

These ten custom condom packages allow Title IX coordinators, healthcare providers, and parents to engage young people in a conversation about asking for consent. Used by universities around the world, these condoms make the topic of consent memorable while also providing students with the resources they need to stay healthy.

University Of The Pacific, Weber State University, and SUNY Oswego are just a few examples of the universities who have customized our predesigned Consent Condoms. Creating custom condoms with your university’s contact information gives students the resources they need to get in touch with your office while giving them the tools they need to protect their sexual health.

Here are ten ways that you can start a conversation about consent with custom condoms

#1 What’s On Your Checklist?

Before you spend the night with someone, you’ve got to bring the essentials. Don’t forget your keys, wallet, and iPhone, but also make sure you’ve checked off consent before making the first move! 

#2 Let’s Talk Things Through…

Consent is rooted in communication. Not only is it sexy to talk about what you want to do with your partner, but it’s also a good way to establish boundaries. Attaining consent doesn’t have to feel like you’re consulting with a lawyer, it can also be a form of foreplay!

#3 What Are You Asking For?

People go into hookups with all sorts of different expectations, so if things are unclear, it’s important to speak up! Ask your partner what they want to do. By keeping several options on the table, relationships are allowed to develop at their own pace and with mutual involvement.

#4 Consent Is Sexy

Asking your partner for consent doesn’t have to feel like a grave proposition. Consent is sexy because it’s also anticipatory, it makes the buildup to sex more exciting! For some, this can also produce a more feverish and impassioned performance in the bedroom.

#5 How Do You Express Consent?

While implied consent can be a healthy and normal part of one’s long-term relationship, it’s absolutely necessary to receive affirmative consent if one’s partner expresses even a hint of apprehension. Especially in new relationships where sexual chemistry is still being experimented with, one must establish a healthy and open line of communication with their partner.

#6 When Should You Receive Consent?

If she’s wearing a short skirt and a revealing top, she must be down for whatever, right? Wrong! One’s choice of clothing can certainly be a fundamental expression of personality or desire, but it’s still not an invitation to make an unsolicited advance. Always get a “Yes!” before you take it further.

#7 What Do You Wanna Do?

Wanna go out for Indian food? Go to the beach? Watch a documentary about The Vietnam War? Wear a mask and try out these fuzzy handcuffs? Consent applies to even the most mundane facets of daily life. If you don’t ask, how will you know what your partner likes?

#8 There’s No Gray Area Here

When it comes to sex, what does consent look like for you? Is it asking every time before you escalate intimacy? Or is it establishing a framework before any clothing is removed? People are comfortable and uncomfortable with different things, so you’ve got to determine what works for your partner before you create an awkward or inappropriate situation.

#9 How Do You Overcome The Influence?

Are you able to consent to sex if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Well, that depends on how intoxicated you are. If you witness or suspect that a person under the influence could be taken advantage of, it’s important to stand up for the intoxicated person to protect their safety and dignity.

#10 I Love Consent

Love these custom consent condoms? Want to start a conversation about consent at your university or clinic? You can shop our entire line of pre-designed consent condoms by following this link, and you can also create your very own custom-designed condom on our website!

The post Ten Custom Condoms That Open A Dialogue About Consent appeared first on Say It With A Condom.