I just watched a few of your videos and in the “Peer Pressure” one you were talking about running out of condoms. I’d like to have your opinion: why choose condoms over pills, shots and all the other things out there?
Thanks in advance!
Answer
There are many reasons I always stress the use of condoms;
1.) Although the pill has been around for quite a while there is still testing being done on it to see what long term effects it can have on the person taking it, not to mention the generations to follow. Pills, shots, patches, and any other chemical that one would take, can alter your bodies natural chemical balance causing serious side effects like acne, sore breast tissue, weight gain, mood swings, headaches, stomach upset, increased risk of Cancer and more. I don’t personally believe in altering our bodies natural way of doing things when there are other less invasive products available. Not to mention it can be harder to conceive after stopping taking them.
2.) Those products DO NOT protect against the virus’s that cause STI’s. Like I’ve said before, you never know what someone is doing behind your back and it’s better to be safe then sorry.
3.) Prescriptions (like the pill) and other forms of protection (like the shot) require seeing a doctor. Depending on age, confidentiality and privacy issues, as well as doctors fee’s (in Canada we have OHIP but I don’t know what it’s like in other Countries) some people won’t feel comfortable seeing a doctor or spending money that they don’t have. Condoms are cheap, easy to get your hands on, and discreet.
4.) Condoms can be easily accessed by females or males, and place the responsibility on both partners to come prepared. When it comes to the pill it is left in the females hands. A male has no clue if she’s really taking it, taking it properly (on time every day) or if she’s just saying she is. Trust me I’ve heard it a hundred times “but she said she was on the pill…”. Condoms allow both partners to be assured that they are being safe when it comes to unplanned pregnancy and protecting themselves from any post coital worry.
5.) The pill requires that you take it every day at the same time to ensure that it works effectively. If you miss one day you put yourself at higher risk of becoming pregnant. I don’t know about you, but I’m not that great with routine or remembering to do something the same time every day, especially with such a hectic lifestyle. It’s easier to remember to put a condom on before having sex, then it is to remember to take a pill.
6.) Although the pill is highly effective when taken properly, things like medication (antibiotics etc) can lesson its effectiveness without a person even knowing. To find out if a medication is going to cancel out or change the effectiveness of the pill I suggest you always speak to a doctor before filling a prescription.
Off the top of my head those are just a few of the reasons that I always suggest using condoms. If you feel it necessary to use two forms of protection (i.e condoms AND the pill/shot etc) please feel free to use your judgment in finding something that is a good fit for both you and your partner. Remember, two types of protection are always better then one.
Hope that helps!
Kara_Sutra
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I just watched a few of your videos and in the “Peer Pressure” one you were talking about running out of condoms. I’d like to have your opinion: why choose condoms over pills, shots, and all the other things out there?
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Answer
There are many reasons I always stress the use of condoms;
Although the pill has been around for quite a while there is still testing being done on it to see what long term effects it can have on the person taking it, and the generations to follow. That being said, birth control pills, depo provera (shots), and any other chemical that one would take can alter your bodies natural balance causing serious side effects like acne, sore breast tissue, weight gain, mood swings, headaches, stomach upset, increased risk of Cancer and more. I don’t personally believe in altering our bodies natural way of doing things when there are other less invasive products available. Not to mention it can sometimes be harder to conceive after stopping taking them.
Those products DO NOT protect against STD’s. Like I said in the video, you don’t know what someone is doing behind your back and it is better to be safe then sorry.
Prescriptions (like the pill) and other forms of protection (like the shot) require seeing a doctor. Depending on age, confidentiality, and privacy issues, as well as doctors fee’s (in Canada we have OHIP but I don’t know what it’s like in other Countries) some people won’t feel comfortable seeing a doctor or spending money that they don’t have. Condoms are cheap, easy to get your hands on, and discreet.
Condoms can be easily accessed by anyone and place the responsibility on both partners to come prepared. When it comes to the pill it is left in the females hands. A male has no clue if she’s really taking it, taking it properly (on time every day) or if she’s just saying she is. Trust me I’ve heard it a hundred times “but she said she was on the pill…“. Condoms allow both partners to be assured that they are being safe when it comes to unplanned pregnancy and protecting themselves from any post coital worry.
The pill requires that you take it EVERY day at the same time to ensure that it works effectively. If you miss one day you put yourself at higher risk of becoming pregnant. I don’t know about you but I’m not that great with routine or remembering to do something the same time every day, especially with such a hectic lifestyle. It is easier to remember to put a condom on before having sex, then it is to remember to take a pill.
Although the pill is highly effective when taken properly, things like medication (anti-biotics etc) can lesson its effectiveness without a person even knowing. To find out if a medication is going to cancel out or change the effectiveness of the pill I suggest you always speak to a doctor before filling a prescription.
Off the top of my head those are just a few of the reasons that I always suggest using condoms. If you feel it necessary to use two forms of protection (i.e condoms AND the pill/shot etc) please feel free to use your judgment in finding something that is a good fit for both you and your partner. Remember, two types of protection are always better then one.
hope that answered your question,
Kara_Sutra
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After reviewing products for over 4 years I’d like to think that I have a pretty good idea of what my likes and dislikes are. That I can look at a product, read the materials, how it works and very quickly determine if it’s quality or not. More importantly, that when I see a product I’ll almost instantly know if it’s for me.
For the most part my instincts are pretty good and have helped me to skip the crappy intimate accessories for ones that are often much more favorable, not to mention far more deserving of the title “sexual wellness product”.
Of course there are other times when my radar goes awry and I’m stuck clutching something I’m not only perplexed by, but also disappointed with, seriously wondering why I chose it in the first place. Such was the case with the Fun Factory Yooo, a product I specifically asked the lovely folks at Eden Fantasys for, which they generously obliged.
The Goods
While there are a few issues I have with the Yooo, there are of course a few things it does have going for it;
First, it’s crafted out of high quality silicone that’s non toxic, hypo allergenic, hygienic, latex and phthalate free, odorless, easy to clean and care for, while also being velvety smooth to touch. Unlike other silicones it doesn’t really collect lint (a pet peeve of mine), has some give and squish to it, and although there is a slight bit of drag, it’s not much to worry about.
Secondly it’s very, very discreet. Whether you live in a dorm, have a roommate, share space with nosy siblings or are simply worried that someone may come across it, you should be fine; there’s a very likely chance they’d either think it was a kids toy, some weird addition for your computer or possibly something for the bath instead of a sexual wellness product.
Third, it’s rechargeable. I know for some of you that isn’t really an issue but after losing many products during my early days to the evil corrosion of batteries, along with the amount of money I’ve spent on them, I had to learn the hard way why having products that are rechargeable is not only smarter, but saves you quite a bit of money in the long run.
Fourth, if you like to bring toys into the tub, or if you have to due to your living arrangements, the fact that it’s 100% waterproof may be a very big selling point. While I’m not necessarily one for bath time fun, I did find the lowest setting very relaxing during my bath.
Fifth, the packaging is discreet, professional, rather hi tech looking and comes complete with 4 different languages to explain the product. There is nothing on it that’s rude, inappropriate, embarrassing or something that would cause you to shy away. Sure the write up is a little tacky (the mention of the ‘balls’ is done far too often lol), but for the most part it’s nothing to worry about.
Last but definitely not least – it’s damn near whisper silent. Sure it’s a vibrator and therefor does make some noise, but it’s nothing that would be heard when muffled under the sheets, and certainly wouldn’t be heard through a door or within a shower or running bath.
*I actually turned it on and tossed it on the chair in the living room while my fiance was playing video games just to see how long it took before he heard it and asked what the hell it was. Let’s just say the cats were far more curious and noticed way before he did.
Specs
Aside from many benefits and features found with the Yooo, there are of course other aspects like size, maintenance and operation that should be addressed.
While the majority of the product is made of high grade silicone the front of the ball (where the buttons are located) is made of a body safe ABS plastic that makes it rather firm with no squish or give. It doesn’t really make much difference when it comes to using the product, but since it’s not 100% silicone I felt it was worth mentioning.
In regard to the size and shape of the product you’re basically looking at 3 spheres, or bubbles if you will. The middle one houses the buttons, provides an easy way to hold the product, while also giving you the surface area to magnetically connect and charge your Yooo. The two smaller balls are slightly different, with one measuring 1.75″ across and the other measuring 1.5″, each of which hold their own separate motor. It’s these separate motors that offer different methods of stimulation and allow you to explore and play until you find a position that works for you and your body.
*for those of you wondering, it gets its name from the three different ‘O’ shaped parts that make up the product.
Specs: total length 3 3/4″, girth at largest measures 6 1/2″, width at its widest measures 2″.
As for operating the product, there are only 3 buttons to worry about; a (+) plus, (-) minus and flower shaped ‘turbo boost’. To turn it on simply press down on the (+) button for 2 seconds and it begins to vibrate at a low rumble, press again and you go to the next speed and so on. Once you’ve reached the highest basic speed holding down the (+) button will jump the vibrations over to an escalation, with the dial of the buttons glowing in sync with the vibration pattern. Hitting the (+) button again will take it to the next pattern and so forth. In total you’ve got 4 patterns to run through. If the (-) button is pressed at any time during the patterns the vibrations go back to the highest setting before you hit the patterns. Find it confusing? Yeah, so did I the first couple times around. Having said that there is most definitely a learning curve. To turn it off simply press down on the (-) button which will lower the speeds, tap it once more and it turns off.
*If at any time you want to have a surge of power just press down on the ‘turbo button’ and the Yooo will vibrate at a hand numbing speed. No joke. My whole hand went numb in no time.
When it comes to recharging place the circular charger over the Fun Factory logo (located in the center of the buttons) and once magnetically connected, the charger will glow red. If at any time the glowing stops you may want to check for a disconnection.
As for care and cleaning, since it’s water proof and made of silicone you can simply wash it with mild antibacterial soap and water, making sure to rinse it well.
When it comes to lubricants I’d only suggest a good water one as a silicone would likely ruin it over time.
In regard to ways of using it there are 3 options that I see, with the possibility of 4 if you can manage it. The first is for a nice, relaxing massage since the Yooo hugs curves in the neck and shoulders rather comfortably. The second is during foreplay to tease and taunt your partner into arousal, whether it’s tracing over their nipples, inner thigh, forearms or feet. Next is clitoral stimulation and the last, which again is an option only if your capable of it – gently inserting one of the balls vaginally while the other stimulates the clitoris. It won’t work for everyone, but for those that it does – enjoy!
*just keep in mind this isn’t meant for anal insertion.
The Bad
The first issue I had with the product was in regard to the charger; because the product connects via a magnet there were many times that I left the room only to come back and find it disconnected. Annoying, frustrating and disappointing are definitely a few words that come to mind.
Next up are the vibrations – while some may be very impressed with them I unfortunately wasn’t. That’s not to say it isn’t relatively powerful or that the sensations aren’t enjoyable, it’s just that the vibration itself is very rumbly, buzzy and feels like it’s sitting on the surface, rather than being a deep, heavy and completely arousing vibe. Unfortunately it seemed like the only way I could reach orgasm was by continually hitting the turbo button. Keep in mind that this is just me and my body is likely different from yours. What works for some doesn’t always work for others, a point that’s clearly made with my experience.
On that note, while it does have two separate motors I couldn’t feel the difference between them like I did with the Lelo Ina. Yes, Ina is a different product all together, but if you can’t differentiate between the sensations what was the point of doing it in the first place?
Aside from that the buttons are rather hard to press and require a bit of force. Maybe it was just mine, maybe it was because it was new, either way it was slightly frustrating especially in the heat of the moment when hands are a tad lubed.
Finally, the shape itself leaves much to be desired as it doesn’t offer much by way of overall stimulation, makes targeting one area rather difficult, and for me didn’t feel the most comfortable. Not that it hurt, because it didn’t, it just felt awkward and weird.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a high end product that’s very unique in design and is therefor discreet, while also being quiet, rechargeable, powerful and something you can take in the shower or bath, the Fun Factory Yooo
might just be for you. If on the other hand you’re specifically looking for a great clitoral stimulator, one that targets the area, has a deep and penetrating vibration, while also offering variable patterns and speeds, you might want to look at something like the Form 2, Insignia Alia or the We-Vibe Touch.
Don’t get me wrong, my love for Fun Factory as a company still remains and the product itself definitely well made, easy to use and high quality, it just sadly didn’t do it for me. I guess sometimes the old says can ring true – stick with what you know. From now on, that’s what I’ll be doing.
If you’d like to get more info on the product, read other reviews, get your hands on some great intimate accessories or simply want a place to shop that’s safe and secure, make sure to head over to Eden Fantasys where shopping is easy, fast and affordable.
I’m a long time fan of yours and I’ve watched all of your videos. I was hoping you could answer some questions I had about masturbation because I have no clue what to think or if there are health ramifications. Plus I’ve always been told that its bad so I’ve never done it and I want to but I’m scared that it will make me a pervert. Is masturbation bad? Is it normal? Am I going to go to hell? If I do it does it mean that there is something wrong with me?
I hope you can answer my questions.
Thanks.
Answer
Thank you so much for watching and supporting what I do!!
As for the message, in a perfect world masturbation wouldn’t cause feelings of fear, shame, or guilt. It’s a very natural thing that most species do, and almost every person has done, sometimes without even knowing it. Even as babies and young children one of the first things we do is experience our body. We touch, squeeze, tickle, our hands venture to places that can cause enjoyment we don’t yet understand.
Unfortunately, most of the guilt or shame we feel from this touching comes from early childhood experiences brought on by another persons reaction to what we were doing. And that isn’t fair or healthy.
When children touch their genitals it’s usually not in a sexual way, but instead an attempt to explore out of sheer curiosity and wonder. Very often they are immediately told to stop, that it’s ‘bad’, ‘dirty’, ‘wrong’, ‘gross’, ‘naughty’, and are shot scornful looks from whomever caught them. Sometimes their hands are slapped away or they’re punished for it. All of these experiences shape what they think of their bodies, sexuality, and how they feel about themselves.
That being said, I want to let you know that there is nothing wrong with masturbating. There is nothing wrong with exploring your body and figuring out what you like. There is nothing wrong with being comfortable and confident in your sexuality. And there is nothing wrong with giving yourself an orgasm.
Benefits of Masturbation
Contrary to any statements about masturbating being bad for you, there are quite a few positive benefits, including (but not limited to);
releasing tension
lowering stress levels
increasing the ability to have orgasms
helping to release endorphins that relieve pain
burning calories
it’s a natural sleep sedative
helping to keep the pelvic floor strong/healthy (potentially preventing urinary incontinence)
In ‘women’, it’s great for combating pre-menstrual tension and other physical conditions associated with the menstrual cycle like cramps and backache. It can help prevent cervical infections and relieve urinary tract infections as well as generally help to gain confidence in our sexuality.
Aside from all those wonderful benefits, masturbating is a great way to learn about what you like and dislike when it comes to arousing yourself and achieving an orgasm.
You can fault me for this if you’d like, but you can’t blame your partner for not helping you achieve an orgasm if you don’t even know what it takes to get you there. No matter your gender, learning about your body and how to bring excitement is your responsibility, so is telling your partner so that they can provide what you require – the only way to learn is to do it yourself.
How Much Is Too Much?
Regarding the two most asked questions, “how much is too much?” and “whats wrong with me? I don’t know how to stop!”
So long as it’s not interfering with your daily activities, i.e. keeping you from hanging out with friends, making you late for work, is the only thing on your mind and the only thing you want to do day in and day out, you don’t really need to worry. The frequency of masturbation isn’t a problem unless it is linked with an obsessive compulsive disorder, where the same activity must be repeated over and over.
As for what’s considered “normal”: ‘normal’ ranges from several times per day, week or month, to never masturbating at all. Since everyone is different what’s ‘normal’ for you may be very different from what’s ‘normal’ for someone else.
Finally, will you go to hell? That’s a whole other can of worms I’d rather not open. But as someone that doesn’t believe in a ‘punishing God’, I’d say no. If you’re religious, maybe reading the book Conversations With God would give you another perspective on things.
That’s pretty much it, hopefully it helped in some way.
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I wasn’t sure what to think when I first saw the Cleo Massager on Eden Fantasys. On the one hand I was intrigued by the unique design, impressed by the high quality silicone used, loved the fact that it was waterproof and thought it might be a great (and cheaper) alternative to The Cone.
On the other hand I wasn’t instantly convinced the shape would provide the right kind of stimulation, especially since it appeared rather large, bulky and seemed like it might not distribute the vibrations well.
Having finally had the opportunity to try it myself I can’t say for sure if I’m a fan. Don’t get me wrong I do like it, if I didn’t it would be in the Unapproved section of this blog. I just don’t know if I love it and after doing reviews for over 100 products, I’ve come to a point where I simply have to. What can I say, I’ve had my hands on some of the best intimate accessories around. Simply put – I’m spoiled. 😉
Packaging
One thing I was very impressed with was the packaging, especially since it’s one thing that many new companies tend to get wrong. The box (pictured above left) consists of a lovely glossy black box with circular images, a small product write up and a thin peek-a-boo window to view the product. There’s nothing within the description that’s tacky, silly, inappropriate, rude or irresponsible. So if you’re looking for something that’s discreet, the Cleo Massager packaging delivers. Sure the cardboard used is a little cheap, but considering you’re just going to toss it in the recycling box, it’s not that big of a deal.
*a nice little addition is the products specs which can be found on the back in four different languages: English, French, German and Spanish.
The Goods
Once out of the box you’ll find the product comes in two parts; the actual massager and the suction cup base. Of course you don’t have to use the base if you don’t want to, but it’s nice to know they thought of including it.
*for those of you wondering, the base allows it to suction to any flat surface whether it’s the bottom of the tub, side of the shower, tiled floor or otherwise. That way you can mount it in any location without the fear of it sliding around beneath you.
Cleo is crafted out of three different materials; rubber for the suction cup base, hard plastic for the battery cover and a lovely velvety smooth 100% medical grade silicone that’s soft, smooth, feels wonderfully luxurious and has absolutely no drag on the skin for the actual massager. As with all high end silicone products the body is non porous, hygienic, hypoallergenic, latex and phthalate free, while also being non toxic. In a nutshell, it’s body safe.
As I said in the beginning of the review, one of the most interesting aspects of the product is its unique design. It’s this shape and design that allows you to comfortably mount it and explore whether it’s rocking, grinding, gyrating or simply pressing against it for stimulation. Of course mounting isn’t the only option available; Cleo can be held and rested against the clitoris for a whole other form of stimulation. When it comes to males it’s a fantastic product for stimulating the perineum (space between the balls and anus) during masturbation, or used by anyone on the anus. If those don’t really work for you there’s also the option of using it as a massager on your shoulders, neck or lower back, with the groove in the middle providing a nice curve to hug the body.
*While it’s not meant for vaginal or anal insertion, the tips of either of the raised bumps could be inserted while the clitoris or penis is stimulated manually by hand or another product.
Operating the product is actually rather simple, even though it looks quite alien. Located beneath the smaller bump/ridge you’ll find the word ONO stenciled into the silicone, with a (-) minus and (+) plus symbol inside of each letter ‘O’. To turn it on simply press down the (+) sign and it begins rumbling at a low frequency. Clicking the (+) sign again will take the product to the next speed and so forth. Once you’ve run through the 8 steady yet increasing vibrations, pressing the (+) button again takes you to the first of its seven programmed stimulation modes. To run through the different modes just hold down the (+) button for 2 seconds. To either go down in the speeds or modes just press the (-) button, to turn it off just hold down the (-) button.
*In regard to the modes you’ve got everything from pulses to roller coaster, escalation to a kind of random ‘free for all’ mode.
If you’re looking for a fantastic product to take on trips, Cleo is actually pretty amazing. For one thing the shape and design is very, very unique so you won’t have to worry about someone knowing what it is. On top of that it can be locked to prevent it from turning on accidentally while in your luggage. To lock the product simply hold the (-) and (+) signs down simultaneously until the LED light blinks once and fades. Your toy can be unlocked by performing the same action again. I have to admit, it’s pretty cool!
One of the other things Cleo has going for it is the minimal noise it has to offer; while it does emit a base like rumble, it won’t be heard through a closed door or over the running faucet within a shower or bath which makes it great for dorm, roommate or coupled living arrangements.
When it came to the vibrations I found they were moderate strength and lent more toward a deep rumbling hum than the typical surface vibe found in many products. Having said that, for those of you that ike intense and higher pitched vibrations you’ll likely find yourself dissatisfied. On the other hand if you do enjoy deep vibrations, or if you simply find yourself very sensitive, this may just be a fantastic product.
In regard to the batteries, simply unscrew the base and pop in 3 AA batteries and screw the cap back on. My only suggestion here is to make sure the cover is screwed on properly so that any lube or water (for bath/shower use) won’t get inside and corrode/rust the metal.
As for lubes, I’d only suggest a good water based lube as a silicone will likely ruin it.
Care & Maintenance
Keeping your Cleo in good working order isn’t very hard, especially since it’s waterproof. To clean it you can use soap and water, spray on toy cleaner or toy wipes. Just keep in mind it’s made of high quality silicone so it’s non porous, meaning it won’t absorb lube, bacteria or bodily fluids. As for the rubber suction base I’d suggest giving it a very good clean as it is slightly porous and may harbor bacteria after use.
The one thing I almost always forget to mention in reviews is the need to remove the batteries when the product is not in use. If you don’t there is a chance that they may corrode and kill the inside of your battery casing. Trust me, even when it’s not the greatest product you own you’ll still be sad when it dies due to something that could have been prevented.
*One of my lovelies was killed early this week due to my accidentally leaving the battery in. That’ll teach me!
The Bad
Over the past bunch of reviews I’ve been rather spoiled and didn’t have too much to bitch or complain about, relegating my annoyances to petty things like use of color, lack of use in the shower or attracting lint. In the case of Cleo, I finally have some valid points to offer:
Although it’s velvety smooth and soft, it’s by no means squishy, supple or flexible and has absolutely no give to it. For some of you that may be a downfall, for others it may mean there’s something to grind against and apply a firmer pressure. Either way, remember that there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of masturbating. If something works for you, do it. Sadly for me this just didn’t lend any help and instead left me a tad sore.
It’s also rather large for an external stimulator which makes holding on to it potentially awkward, add some lubed up slippery hands and it’s even more awkward. Having said that I do realize some of you may like the larger surface area, I also realize some of you may not. I personally didn’t really find it too exciting for clitoral or any other kind of stimulation. But again, that’s just me.
The vibrations aren’t very strong which unfortunately for me was a bit of an issue. I quite enjoy very high vibrations and the quick release that type of stimulation has to offer. Of course you’re body may be different, so remember – this is just my take on it.
Maybe I’m spoiled or maybe I just expect more from higher priced products bu the fact that it wasn’t rechargeable was a bit of a pain, especially since it didn’t come with batteries.
Final Verdict
Finding a product to love can be quite the challenge, especially when you don’t know what you’re looking for or what makes an intimate accessory great. Fortunately for most of you, I’ve spent the past 4 years dedicating much of my time to exploring and experimenting with many of the options available, all with the small hope of helping you in some way. Having said that, I really don’t know if I’d pay such a high amount for Cleo, at least not when there is a far superior product like The Cone readily available.
The fact that it’s made of high quality silicone, is waterproof, easy to use, can be used in different positions and different ways, along with being very quiet all bode well for this product. It’s the lack of vibration speed, low rumble, need for batteries and lack of flexibility that seem to ruin it for me. Like I said in the beginning of this review – I like it, I just don’t know if I love it. Maybe your experience will be different. Maybe it wont. All I can guarantee is that for some of you this will be an amazing product and for others it’ll be something you’re on the fence about. But that’s like any product, so I guess you’ll just have to try it and find out.
I’m a sex-positive advocate, reviewer, vlogger, branding, media and publicity creation consultant. In 2007 I created a series on YouTube called Sex Ed 102 to educate on sex positivity, pleasure products, sex tips, tricks, & techniques, contraception options, and STI info. To date Sex Ed 102 has gained over 17 million views on YouTube alone! Keep reading...
