Stigma of STDs

November 24th, 2009

A while back I was reading a piece in Best Sex Writing 2009 about the advent of online dating communities for people with STDs. The article talked about these different communities, some aimed for STD sufferers in general and others aimed for folks with more specific STDs, which aid people in finding similar folks. It’s supposed to help folks in a couple ways. First, it helps to get the message across because the fact that So and So has X virus is right out in the open. There’s no third date jitters because you don’t know how your partner will react to the bad news. It also helps people look for others with the same STD/strain so they needn’t worry about giving it to someone else.

But it definitely reduces the dating pool. In the article, one of the users of such a site mentioned how there were only ever 1 or 2 folks in her location on the sites and those were not matches made in heaven. It can be difficult to find even a possibility, nevertheless a hit, on general dating sites whose users surely number in the thousands think AdultFriendFinder or a specific match sites like think Alt.com. So reducing those numbers even more can make the task of finding a partner even more hopeless, under the guise of hopefulness. To put it plainly, it’s hard enough to find someone (or sometimes several) when you’re considering all the fish in the sea but STD dating sites are just a little pond.

I’m not entirely sure that folks with STDs should have to limit themselves to that little pond. Not only are the pickings sometimes slim but it’s all too easy to write off someone because their STD status is displayed so prominently. Assuming everyone chooses their partners wisely (ha!), there are circumstances where STDs do not have to be the deciding factor of a relationship but the stigma is so high that it can even penetrate a community intended for those whose STDs run the gamut. If someone with disease X can turn his nose down on someone with infection Y, it’s no wonder there’s such a stigma around STD sufferers in general. It’s no wonder someone thought it would be a good idea to make such a dating site (not that it’s not).

And the stigma? Is there. It’s certainly real. There’s a “them versus us” mentality. I’m not proud to say that I’d had an STI invade my body and I still think that way sometimes. I try not but it comes so easily. I imagine the type of person who could possibly be so stupid or silly and I realize that.. I was that person. I start thinking about my friends and acquaintances, knowing at least 3 of them have all had at least one STD or STI. We’re not loose women – some of us have only ever been with one person – and we’re certainly not stupid. Our cabinets aren’t stocked with cocaine nor are we sex workers. Basically, no one I know with an STD has fit any fantastic stereotype of an STD sufferer.

It’s then that I realize it’s now “us” and “them” because they are us and vice versa. If I could have an STD, then so could my best friend, my mom, my coworker or my neighbor. Not only is it plausible, but it’s likely that more of my friends and family than I know have struggled with an STD and, by its nature, the stigma involved with it. Science agrees: “Among those ages 15-49, only one in four Americans has not had a genital HPV infection” and 12 million Americans contract an STD each year 1. That means the other 75% have HPV and it’s likely they don’t even know it because many strains have no symptoms even even those which do can lay low for some time. I wouldn’t have known, if not for my yearly Pap and there’s currently no test for men at all. Of course, HPV is only one of many STDs. It becomes clear; although, many people who perpetuate the stigma actually have an STD. The reality is, not only is there no way to distinguish between people, it becomes far less necessary to do so (simply to feed the gossip and stereotypes), when considering the numbers.

Of course, I don’t even realize the stigma has affect me, even as I wonder if I would ever be able to have sex with someone besides my husband (should we ever get to that point) and I cringe because I don’t know what to say about my HPV. I don’t realize how easily it is to perpetuate the problem even as I picture that stereotypical “STD-person” all covered in warts and strung out in my head. It’s a stigma that does no one any good and a stigma which could use a good boot to the butt.

So does a dating site for STD sufferers help? I guess it depends on how you define the problem.

1 – American Social Health Association, Myths and Misconceptions about HPV

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“Paint Brush” Whip

November 22nd, 2009

Paint Brush Whip

Paint Brush Whip

This product is no longer available.

The Paint Brush Whip is a flogger-esque impact toy, the unique shape of which lends itself better to novel uses than demanding ones. Because the vinyl falls are sewn in two long rows so they land wider on the skin. It’s a unique sensation which is flogger-like, with a twist. This also means that the weight of this whip is distributed differently and it handles differently than a true flogger. I imagine that flogger elitists would be opposed to this because it does wield a bit sloppier than most floggers (not every fall hits the mark and there are always several which seem to have a mind of their own) but if you just want to try something new and don’t mind that this is more novelty than anything else, the Paint Brush Whip is fun.

Made of a hard leather handle and vinyl falls, the Paint Brush Whip is heftier than most of the other impact toys I have tried, despite its relatively short stature. It measures in at only 13″ in overall length, 5.5″ belonging to the falls – rounded strings of vinyl which are blunt cut at the ends – themselves. Of course, this means you must be relatively close to your target which is not necessarily a con, just something to be aware of. In fact, it could be a pro if space is limited.

While the individual strands have some elasticity, because of the material, there is much less as a whole. Combined with the short length, this toy isn’t the best if you want to be able to pull the falls back and let them snap forward. In my opinion, basic over or underhand throws are most efficient. The paintbrush whip is easy enough to use with just a flick of the wrist. Of course, you can use heavier full armed throws if you so choose. Although heavier than other impact tools I’ve used, the Paint Brush Whip is still quite comfortable and easy to use. In fact, I think the weight of the falls makes it easier to throw and maximize sensation. The sensations fall in a light to medium range. They will sting, warm and redden the skin but they are not ferocious.

The vinyl falls were quite stinky, I might add. They don’t smell like phthalates but they definitely smell like something and the smell was strong. I can even still smell it despite the fact that I’m sick (but it has lessened since day one). It might be better to store this whip with a little space, not locked up tight with other toys which may take on the scent. Luckily, it can be hung with the provided loop, sewn into the handle, so it can be aired out easily while stored. The loop is too small to wear around the wrist, however. Also, it’s sewn in permanently and nonremovable. The loop is also where the tag was attached. It was the shape of a paint bucket with metallic purple paint “spilling” out and was quite pretty.

The leather of the handle is quite firm. Like the slapper I just reviewed, it’s two pieces sewn together near the edge. Unlike the slapper, however, the sewing is much messier. There are loose threads in a few places and more than one place where sewing errors are visible. It seems that, in these places, the sewing just backtracked and went through the holes one more. It’s definitely not as nice looking at the slapper.

The falls are attached through the widest edge (3″) – which gives this piece its paintbrush appearance – and there is an additional row of stitching to secure them. For my purposes, I think the paintbrush whip will hold up well but I wouldn’t expect it to last a lifetime. Where the falls are pressed between the layers of leather, the handle is thicker and it thins toward the opposite end. There does seem to be some sort of reinforcement between the layers in the narrow part (1 1/4″ wide) of the handle, which makes it the firmest part of this whip. The narrow part also has “Sportsheets” etched into it which actually looks pretty neat. Although the leather is fairly smooth, the handle widens just a bit at the end, which makes it more secure to hold.

Although I do not anticipate having to clean the Paint Brush Flogger much, I would simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and pat it dry.

Ultimately, I found the sensations of the Paint Brush Whip by Sportsheets to be unique. I enjoyed using it but recognize that it’s perhaps not the best example of a flogger overall, because of its unique design. If unique is your thing, give it a try but if you are one of the aforementioned flogger elitists, I might get something a bit more traditional.

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Make love to your long distance lover online

Thank You

November 21st, 2009

A few months ago – and it does seem longer than that – I was blogging about the frustrations of, well, blogging. I was burned out and bummed out and entirely unsure of whether or not I would continue with this whole sex blog thing. A few of you commented, and I felt a bit better, and then I went back to life as usual, which, at the time, included looking forward to yet another anniversary without my husband. Thank you, deployment.

In the months since then, I feel like things have turned around. I kept working with some pretty awesome sex toy stores who have provided me with countless products to test (many of which I have bashed on this here blog). I am posting this because I just checked my website stats and my daily unique visitor count has crossed 600. I don’t know when I passed 500 but it’s great to see the continuous rise.

And I guess you like reading those scathing comments and ridiculous praises (sometimes) because I was named number 16 on the Top Sex Bloggers of 2009. I hadn’t even realized and deleted the e-mail when I got it because I figured I got maybe one nomination, and no one would even put me on the list, but to be 16? Number sixteen? Sweet sixteen? I would never have known had I not been peeking at someone else’s blog. I’m sure I looked like a total bitch because I didn’t reply. But now I did click, I did see, I did reply. My jaw did drop, of course.

Thank you to whoever nominated me and to the judges. I am listed with and even above some amazing people and awesome writers and I’m grateful to even be on the list, let alone so high.

But that’s not all. I was recently accepted as a Sexpert in California Exotic’s new review program and have been contacted directly by other companies to do some reviews. In fact, I received a comment directly from Nomi Tang herself on my Better Than Chocolate review. Wow. Just wow. So thank you to all the manufacturers who appreciate my honesty, whether tactful or not!

I am not a humble person. I am all too guilty of being quite ego-centric. I am always right, damn it. The world ought to revolve around me. But I know when it’s time to say thank you. So, thank you! (Perhaps this is the perfect prelude to Thanksgiving.)

And as much as I appreciate the visitors and their comments and the opportunities provided to me by stores and manufacturers who send me products in return for my opinions, there is something that means so much more. Although he may not really be into sex toys, my husband is always supportive and as excited as I am when I tell him my most recent “good news” – sometimes more so. Whether it’s numbers or new opportunities, he is just awesome about appreciating what it means to me. In fact, when I told him about making the best sex bloggers list, he asked me when I found out. When he realized I’d known for almost a day, he demanded to know why I didn’t tell him sooner.

But, really, what I should have told him sooner is, “Thank You.”

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Fur 12″ Slapper

November 20th, 2009

To say I was excited when I first saw the 12″ Fur Slapper would be an understatement. In fact, all of the pieces in the line are so alluring. Never mind that my husband and I decided to go blue for all our BDSM purchases; I certainly didn’t when I requested this piece for review. Getting to know this slapper has been interesting. It’s generally well made with even and clean stitching, no obvious flaws and even a leather strap attached to the handle for hanging or wearing during use. The leather is stiff and reinforced with “spring steel” which makes the slapper feel more like a paddle but, at only 12″ in length, it’s unlike any true paddle I’ve ever seen (and easy to store).

With one side lined in purple fur, it doesn’t look intimidating in the least which made it appealing to me. It’s also aesthetically pleasing but, as others have mentioned, a wider range of fur colours would be great. Currently, we’ll be sticking with the furred side which does help to sooth the blows and reduces the possibility of marks or bruising (if that’s a concern). It still does pack a bit of a punch with harder blows. Compared the Kookie Riding Crop I recently reviewed, the pain is more diffuse and heavier. The fur also muffles the sound. It sounds something like clapping chalkboard erasers together. Of course, you can deal pain-free taps instead of heavy-handed strikes. Alternatively, the fur side can be used to soothe tender flesh, as a light rubdown tool or, the way I’ve used it most, to tickle. This makes it a pretty versatile tool and it allows to make every playtime with the Fur 12″ Slapper unique.

The fur is obviously the draw of this piece, and it feels pretty nice on the skin. However, it is rather short and.. fake. It’s not really as silky as I was expecting; I guess I wanted something a bit more like my rabbit fur flogger, but the fur on this slapper just feels not real. Of course, fake fur can absolutely feel great. I’ve had some stuffed animals whose coats were quite luxurious and I think just making the fur a bit longer would make it that much more pleasurable. The fur on this tool is about 1/4″ long and can be fluffed up by running a hand against the ‘grain’ of the fur but there’s still not much there to be fluffed. Again, it’s not bad, just not as great as I expected.

If you are a fan of bigger pain, the smooth leather side may better suit your needs. Without the fur, the sensation is definitely more intense, and there is quite a bit of sting. Thud lovers may be a bit disappointed but they would probably invest in a different tool (a wood paddle, perhaps). There is some give in this slapper, but the stiffness of the leather and steel combined with over 1/4″ thickness makes it firmer than I thought and firmer than more true slappers. It seems to be a bit of a hybrid piece. The bare side also is much louder, making a slapping sound when it meets flesh.

No matter the strength I choose to exert, wielding this slapper is quite easy. The handle is long enough that I can just wrap both of my fists around it, end to end. It’s thin enough that it’s easy to grip but tapers toward the end so you won’t lose it too easily. It feels like the fur end is heavier and gravity helps pull it down without using as much strength on my part. There’s a leather strap through a secure grommet in the end. I can see the usefulness of this for storage if you have hooks (I don’t but maybe I should throw some command hooks up on the inside of the closet door) but I found it awkward during use. If I looped it around my wrist, it limited the mobility of my hand and I had to take the time to remove the loop. I’ll probably risk flinging the slapper across the room (a la Wii-mote) than have to continuously remove/replace it on my wrist.

Plus, its small sizes make it easy to store. Hell, I could just throw it between my mattress and box spring without a worry.

When it comes to construction, I was pretty impressed. As I mentioned, the stitching is done well. I cannot pinpoint any flaws, and there are no loose threads like I could see on a similar piece I own. The two leather pieces are sewn snugly together and the edges are cut flat. The purple fur is about 5.5″ long and just meets the edge of the widest part (2″) of the slapper. It is sewn (and hardily) on 3 sides using the same thread that holds together the entire slapper. However, the fourth end (which is one of the shorter ends) is loose, which could result in tearing if it gets caught on something. It probably won’t happen, but it’s something that kind of bothers me, and I’d at least like it glued down. Although I haven’t had the need to clean the Fur 12″ Slapper, I would probably it down with a damp cloth. Easy enough.

My complaints about the Fur 12″ Slapper are not major. The cord and fur issues really fall into the realm of personal preference. It’s well made, affordable and, although small, can be used for a variety of sensations. It would be well placed in anyone’s toy box.

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Touch your partner online with KIIROO

Kookie Riding Crop

November 17th, 2009

This is an archived review of a discontinued item. You can try this silicone crop or Sportsheets crop, instead.

Riding crops are sleek. I’ve never been an equestrian but so are horses. I suppose someone thought the same thing about humans to adapt the tool.. Or maybe not. Just a conjecture.

I do know a bit more about playing with riding cops after playing with my very first one, the Kookie Riding Crop from Babeland. I know that the Kookie Crop is made of a handle attached to a nylon-covered shaft, which is then secured to a piece of folded-over leather to make the tongue. The handle is made of a firm plastic or silicone piece, which is textured and has a lightly engraved diamond pattern, which makes it easy to hold even under slipper circumstances. The braided cover of the rod is secure and neat, and the leather of the tongue is thin, unfinished on the inside (although I’m not sure why anyone would be feeling it other than for review purposes), and sewn in an arc around the shaft with contrasting thread. At its widest, it’s only 1.5″ wide and the thin “neck” of that piece is then further secured by a thin piece of string which is wrapped countless times around the tongue and shaft. It seems like the string was then treated with something to make it quite hard and firm. Overall, the quality is decent. For only, $18, this seem to be a good starter crop that will like a while, if not forever.

I was a bit surprised at the overall length of this crop, admittedly. I expected something a bit longer and a quick glance at a variety of crops shows that many are in the 24″-25″ range. However, the Kookie Crop is not far off at 18.5″ in length. I do think the slightly shorter shaft makes it a bit less flexible than other crops. I’m not positive because I’m quite the amateur in this; it just seems like a longer shaft would allow for a bit more flexibility but it could just seem that way. Either way, the tongue can be pulled back about 30 degrees – which seems to be a good amount of flexibility without becoming floppy – and then released to flick. That flick is definitely noticeable but, because of the length, this method seems to work better, the closer I am to the target and it certainly cannot be used too far away because the crop simply won’t reach.

Of course, I was surprised at other methods this toy can be used. The generic method is to simply flick a wrist at arm’s length but my pathetically weak wrists couldn’t deliver a blow nearly as powerful as using my whole arm. This was the method I had to use to get a good feel of the crop when using it on myself. I guess that’s good news for those solo BDSMers; you can easily bend yourself over and swing away. My experience was that swings focusing more on the leather-only part of the tongue were less intense than swings that involve the end of the shaft.

I was actually quite surprised at the range of sensation provided by the Kookie Riding Crop when used in the traditional manner. It can be used to simply tap, not cause any pain at all. Even my medium to strong strikes were bearable (at least on my ass), the marks outlasting the pain by far. The feeling would be more intense on more sensitive parts, of course, but it could be used comfortably on the vulva area, I think. I found the aftermath provided a sort of warmth and hypersensitivity to the area struck. Actually, I might be more of a masochist than I knew because that feeling is great! The feel of the strike itself feels much like a slap and stings like one as well.

Alternatively, one could focus on using just the edge of the tongue with a quick back and forth motion which feels more like frictional (I had to look up that adjective; wouldn’t frictious sound better?) rubbing. It’s not quite intense and becomes like an uncomfortable chafing after prolonged exposure. Lastly, the handle can be used for impact, like sort of a makeshift cane. The blows from the handle definitely feel heavier. I suppose that is what it meant when one describes “thuddy” impacts. I imagine this method would more quickly result in bruises, and it’s the type of pain I definitely do not like in any sense, although some surely do.

Of course, the stiff leather tongue wasn’t nearly as fun to run over the skin for general sensation play. Other toys with suede, premium leather or even fur are better for that. The handle could be used for penetration but it’s thin enough that it would leave me unimpressed unless there was a specific goal that I am not creatively enough endowed to think of.

When it comes to wielding a crop, I was definitely impressed. This lightweight instrument is so completely easy to use and really isn’t taxing at all. I completely understand the description on the product page when it says it “will have you betting to see which lasts longer–your arm or their ass.” I also love the slapping sound, which makes it fun for striking all sorts of things when a partner is blindfolded to make them jump. There’s lots of potential for mind fuckery. It’s a treat for the eyes as well, leaving quite the skin bright red without much effort at all.

Overall, the Kookie Riding Crop is a steal. It does what it advertises well but doesn’t do much more. I’m not sure why Babeland needs to ship it in a giant, 3″ long prism box, however. It dwarfed the lonely crop inside (which I do not believe was further packaged, nor did it have any tags/info) and I’m sure there are smaller, less wasteful ways to send it – like a poster tube, perhaps.

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Confessions of a Sex Blogger: My Multiple Identity Crisis

November 17th, 2009

My title sounds so provocative. Well, so does anything that starts “Confessions of..”. Except maybe a plumber. Those are some confessions I’d rather nor hear, thank you very much. Not that I have anything against plumbers but it’s a dirty job. Sometimes it’s funny to watch Dirty Jobs, the show with Mike Rowe, but that’s completely off-topic.

The topic is how sometimes life with a secret identity becomes confusing. You see, while some people are only their “sex blogger” identity, I have two full presences online. I run this blog, post on sex forums, write reviews for different sites, post on Twitter, and am a member of some different sex communities. I do that all as Adriana. The web presence I have under my “real” identity is even more complex. I have 4 blogs (one of which is a review blog), and I manage to update at least one every day, I update Twitter, I am active in several communities and post at their forums, I have accounts on Facebook and Myspace, not to mention dozens of other sites, I play a handful of games and sometimes I take the time to enter giveaways every once in a while. The “real” me has had a full internet life for nearly a decade, and it was very well-established long before I became a toy reviewer.

It’s not like I don’t enjoy it. I have a wide variety of interests. There’s always something to do. I’ve met a lot of people in both worlds, and I have seen firsthand the overlap between the two. If I had a nickel for every time I saw a review for EdenFantasys on a mommy blog (while browsing as the PG-rated reviewer, not the sex toy reviewer), I could get a shiny new toy. It’s not like I do everything all the time. It doesn’t take long to Tweet or switch between accounts. I don’t get so much e-mail that it’s all I do. There are stretches when I don’t write a review at all and my blogs don’t take so much time that I’ve forgotten my husband’s face (nor would I let them). And, let’s face it, it’s not like I have anything better to do.

But in this game of multiple identities, I’ve had several close calls and a few times when I could have even “outed” myself. I’ve e-mailed folks from the wrong e-mail account, not realizing which one was selected in my e-mail client. I’ve retweeted contests under the wrong Twitter account; my other one reposts everything to my Facebook. Oops! Once I left the wrong site URL in a comment form and I’ve signed up using to some sites twice, without realizing it, having forgotten I’d shopped there before all this sex toy reviewing stuff.

But my greatest offense involves “The Google”. I am always signed into my Google account but I only ever use it to comment on blogs so I frequently forget who I am signed in as. I’ve made a comment or two as the “wrong” me. I’ve been lucky so far; I haven’t said anything to give me away. Although, there was that one time I was helping Airlia with her site with my regular Google account and it showed a link to my profile in her blog. Oops, deux.

None of those things have been the end of the world. Sometimes people don’t even notice and even if I were “outed,” I have much less to lose than others. In fact, I have directed friends of the “real” me to of Sex and Love or my reviews at other sites on more than one occasion. It’s just not a link I want to be made easily. Anyway, there’s ways to get around those silly mistakes. I mean, besides actually paying attention, some folks run multiple browsers or instances of the same browsers. Not really my thing, nor does my dinosaur of a computer want to. But I could.

The thing that gets me the most, is I never know how to sign correspondences. Obviously, “Adriana Ravenlust” is not my real name. Sorry to break it to you. It is a name I chose, with help from my husband. “Ravenlust” actually is a take on a name I’ve used as the “real” me so that’s kind of cool. It’s a name I like and it’s probably easy for others to remember because it is a real name. No one ever adds extra letters to Adriana. Well, maybe another “n” but that’s not bad. When I’m signed into chat or a forum, I feel like Adriana.

Which is why I have no idea how to sign e-mails. If you know my real name, do I end with that? If I use one of my “real” identity e-mail addresses, should I just keep my signature as it automatically shows up? Do I need to explain that the name I go by is a nickname of my real name, which I hardly use? Does it matter if we have a business relationship, like if I review for a company? Or is it just okay if I can always be Adriana and just pretend neither of us no any better? I don’t really want to be rude, you know. I just don’t (know).

What do you do?

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Discover G-Spot Gel

November 12th, 2009

I previously reviewed a G-spot gel which was made by a company associated with Intimate Organics. However, this product was only available as a sample (as far as I can tell) and while I liked it, I couldn’t get my hands on more. Plus, who wants to go through a dozen sample packets? Not I, says the sex toy reviewer. So I decided to see if IO’s Discover G-Spot Gel was comparable to the product I already tried and – good news (for me, at least) – it is!

Discover G-spot gel comes in a tiny 1 FL ounce tube which isn’t much bigger than some lip gloss tubes. The tube looks much bigger than it is on every site I’ve seen it for sale so.. just a heads up there. The tube is labeled with the typical, sensual abdomen image like all Intimate Organics products and is dominated by orange hues. Inside the tube is a creamy, translucent gel meant to stimulate and arouse the G-spot. It has done so, without fail, every time I’ve used it.

Ignoring the directions which say to apply a pea-sized amount (because, let’s face it, who actually reads those?), I dab some on my finger and apply it to my G-spot. I would advise holding the tube upside down and squeezing from the bottom, lest you wind up with product all over your hands/linens/nightstand/cat. I would also advise holding open the labia or having someone else do it. I frequently have to apply twice after missing the first time. 😉

But missing does give some insight into how this product works. It leaves a cooling feeling just about anywhere but on the G-spot, that feeling is multiplied exponentially. It’s pretty dramatic and some may not like it. It increases with stimulation as the package advises. Fingers or even a cock help the sensation grow but it really doesn’t affect the rest of the vagina.

I like that it highlights just where my G-spot is and my husband has even been able to feel the swell which makes this awesome for partner play. It’s like a neon Vegas sign: Pull Over, G-spot Here! Of course, I can feel it filling up and know I’ll be able to squirt. Then I do, once, twice maybe even more times. I’ve usually got some left over and empty my urethra after playtime is done, too. I cannot say for sure, but I think Discover G-spot gel has made it much easier to squirt during sex. When I first started squirting, I wanted to but couldn’t. Performance anxiety and lack of experience were not my friends but practice and this gel have me able to do it with much less effort.

Quite honestly, I wouldn’t give a damn if this product contained mercury; I am that impressed with the results. but it doesn’t. Like all Intimate Organics products, Discover G-spot Gel is paraben, DEA and glycerine free. It contains “a blend of certified organic extracts, peppermint oil blended with L-Arginine” so there’s a slightly minty smell which is stronger than the Clitoral Stimulating Gel I have by them but isn’t really offensive. Some folks are not bigs fans of L-Argenine but after the success I’ve had with IO’s Discover G-spot Gel, I am not going to complain.

Well, I might complain that the tubes need smaller holes but, other than that? No complaints here. Discover G-spot Gel is great for anyone looking to locate, continue experimentation with, introduce a partner to, learn how to squirt with or otherwise involve the G-spot during play.

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