S3 - Safe Sex Store - Safer Sex Talk

Discontinued!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:06:19 GMT

As of January 1, 2010 S3, after review of the program has decided to discontinue offering our Home Party Services. If still interested in home party programs, we recommend an internet search for availablity in your area. Thank you for your interest and please shop our South University or our on-line stores.

Beginner's Luck

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:08:46 GMT

Finding a good beginner's product doesn't have to be a game of chance.
S3 has helpful suggestions in finding the right fit for your first toy. Helpful tips:

Selecting a Toy
Not sure what you are looking for or don't know what to call it? Take a look at these helpful outlines that can get you pointed in the right direction to get the biggest bang for your buck. Start here...

Price: With adult toys, price and quality typically go hand-in-hand. Think about what you expect from your purchase and choose accordingly.

Beginner's Vibe

Versatility: choose an internal style, which can be used for either external/clitoral or vaginal stimulation. Multi-speed controls and compact styles are also recommended.
all internal vibes >>

Ocean Ripples
$24.99

*textured
*waterproof

Little Paul
$59.99

*silicone
*pulsations

Beginner's Cockrings

Versatility: Vibrating ring styles can be used with or without the bullet. The bullet can be held in the hands separately for general external stimulation. Non-vibrating styles are a simple introduction to adult toys.
all cockrings >>

Island Rings
$7.99

*3 sizes
*soft & stretchy

Love Ring
$14.99

*waterproof
*pulsations

Beginner's Anal

Start slowly with a slender product to help train the muscles to relax. Products with graduated girths help with this process. Vibrating styles can be used externally, as well.
read about back door basics >>
all anal products >>

Slimline
$19.99

*optional vibration
*soft & flexible

Flexi Felix
$34.99

*graduated beads
*hygienic silicone

Beginner's Luck

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:04:43 GMT

Finding a good beginner's product doesn't have to be a game of chance. S3 has helpful suggestions in finding the right fit for your first toy. Helpful tips:

Price: With adult toys, price and quality typically go hand-in-hand. Think about what you expect from your purchase and choose accordingly.

Beginner's Vibe

Versatility: choose an internal style, which can be used for either external/clitoral or vaginal stimulation. Multi-speed controls and compact styles are also recommended.
all internal vibes >>

Ocean Ripples
$24.99

*textured
*waterproof

Little Paul
$59.99

*silicone
*pulsations

Beginner's Cockrings

Island Rings
$7.99

*3 sizes
*soft & stretchy

Love Ring
$14.99

*waterproof
*pulsations

Beginner's Anal

Slimline
$19.99

*optional vibration
*soft & flexible

Flexi Felix
$34.99

*graduated beads
*hygienic silicone

Are Condoms Worth It?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:04:16 GMT

Be honest. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Are condoms really worth it?” Recently, a group of teenaged guys came into S3 Safe Sex Store to purchase condoms. As one of the guys scanned the condom wall, he asked

“Are condoms really worth it?” Before I could respond, his friends yelled, “Come on, man. you already got a girl pregnant – you need condoms! I’ll give you the three dollars for the box, if that’s your problem.”

This may be an extreme case, but the question “Are condoms really worth it?” is valid and deserves a thoughtful, accurate answer. The following information provides an explanation to answer that question by comparing the out-of-pocket costs tied to two options: protected sex AND unprotected sex.

First, we have to figure out how much protected sex really costs. In order to do that, we need to answer two questions:

how often do people have sex?
how much do condoms generally cost?

The Kinsey Institute reports that sexually active people between the ages of 18 and 29 may expect to[more] have sex an average of 112 times each year. The majority of condoms cost approximately 99¢ each. Based on these numbers, we can estimate that:

protected sex costs around $110.88 per year, or $9.24 per month if condoms are used consistently and correctly every single time

What can you get for $9.24?
For just $9.24, you could purchase enough condoms to be protected from disease and unintended pregnancy each time you have sex for an entire month. How else could you spend that money? $9.24 will buy:

4.7 venti cups of coffee ($1.96) at Starbucks
2.1 beers at The Brown Jug ($4.50/ea)
2.2 medium cups of ice cream ($4.12/ea) at Stucchi’s
2.8 medium cups of bubble tea ($3.25/ea) at Bubble Island

Still not convinced? Next, let’s take a look at the costs tied to unprotected sex resulting in unintended pregnancy. Because so many choices are available to people who find themselves dealing with an unintended pregnancy, I will only focus on the costs tied to abortion and parenthood.

First, the costs tied to abortion range between $350 and $900, depending on the stage of the pregnancy and the type of procedure (i.e., medical or surgical).

How does that cost compare to buying condoms? Well, for $350 a person could have protected sex for nearly 37 months (a little over 3 years) and for $900 a person could have protected sex for 97 months (a little over 8 years). Of course, this analysis is focused on raw out-of-pocket costs, not the emotional and physical costs that may accompany this choice.

Now, let’s say you opt for parenthood. The US Department of Agriculture reports that a couple may expect to spend between $143,790 and $289,380 on a child from birth to 17 years old. This number might be hard to grasp, since it’s spread out over nearly two decades. So, let’s consider the amount of money that a couple may expect to spend on each stage of childhood:

The child’s first year of life (infancy) will cost around $10,960. For this amount of money, 5 different people (or 5 couples = 10 people) could have protected sex for 20 years!
The child’s second year of life (toddler) will cost around $21,920. For this cost, 10 different people (or 10 couples = 20 people) could have protected sex for 20 years!
Buying condoms might be looking pretty good to you right about now!

Just in case I haven’t convinced you yet, let’s consider the costs tied to HIV and STD treatment. The cost of living with HIV has been estimated to be between $10,000 and $18,000 each year. The Advocate reports that a person may expect to pay between $400,000 to $648,000 for a lifetime of HIV medications and monitoring. Other STDs include:

Syphilis (depending on stage, $277 - $28)
Herpes ($53 - $37.50 for the first episode; $50 - $28 for recurrent episodes; $6 - $3.5 for daily suppressive therapy)
Chlamydia ($55.50 - $20.50)
Gonorrhea ($55.50 - $4)

In addition to treatment costs, there are also fees for STD/STI testing ($75 - $22) and office visits ($50 - $20).

This article’s only focus is on the raw out-of-pocket costs tied to protected sex vs. unprotected sex. As with abortion and parenthood, there are a number of physical and emotional costs tied to contracting and living with an STD that must also be considered in order to understand the true cost.

After considering the costs associated with unprotected sex, it seems clear that using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex is the most cost-effective choice. It’s also clear that forgoing the cost of protected sex for an entire month in order to buy 2.8 drinks at Bubble Island would be risky. At a cost of $9.24/month, you can’t afford to live without them! Buy them to protect yourself and the friend that says, “Are condoms really worth it?”

Congratulations, Jeannie!

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:53:19 GMT

After almost 3 years working at S3 Safe Sex Store, Jeannie Hahl is moving on. She and her partner, Ben, are relocating to San Antonio, Texas, Jeannie’s home state. Her last day was Friday, August 7^th.

During her time at S3, Jeannie became a much valued, trusted and respected member of our team. She was integral to many research projects, including our OBGYN pamphlet. She was responsible for writing our press releases and recently wrote an article titled Are Condoms Worth it?

Jeannie will be missed, but we at S3 are excited for the new adventures she will encounter in San Antonio and at graduate school. Her talents will shine in the lone star state.

Congratulations, Jeannie! We love you!

The Ann Arbor Art Fair

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:31:41 GMT

S3 Photo Spot!

Thanks to all our friends who stopped by S3 Ann Arbor last weekend during the Art Fair and to those who took your picture in front of our photo board. Our favorite pics are on our FaceBook Event page and available here:

S3 T-Shirts
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt! S3 has two fun messages to choose: "I was here!" or "Unofficial Product Tester" available in two colors.
$9.99

Made in America

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:15:18 GMT

Made in the
USA

At S3 Safe Sex Store, we strive to provide the best selection of products manufactured within the United States of America.

We sell American so you can buy American!

Lubes:

Adult Products:

Games:

Bath, Body & Massage:

Condoms:

Adult Tickles & Ties:

Birthday & Gag Gifts:

Introducing the We Vibe

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:53:01 GMT

Designed especially for couples to use during intercourse,

No wires, no straps...no hands!

The We Vibe is soft and pliable, allowing it to conform to a woman's body. The internal motor to gently caress the g-spot, while the We wraps around the front to stimulate the clitoris on the outside of the body.

Main features and advantages:

Medical grade silicone! Hypoallergenic and easy-to-clean
Waterproof! Use it in the shower and washes clean in the faucet
Rechargeable! No need to fuss with batteries. Approximately two hours of run time
Two speeds! Hi or low options controlled with an embedded switch
Dual motors! One motor focuses of the g-spot while the other stimulates the clitoris
Wear with a partner! Can be worn during vaginal intercourse with male partner
Use solo! As a dual stimulator, the We Vibe targets the same areas as the Rabbit
Discreet! Wear under clothing or a harness. Approximately 3.5" long X 1" wide and only 2 ounces
Compact! No wires, straps and totally hands-free
Environmental! Lead free, WEEE compliant, phthalate free and carbon neutral and wastes no disposable batteries

INCLUDES: Travel Case, Charger, Instruction Sheet and 90 day Replacement Warranty

HIV and Condoms

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:18:26 GMT

From the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University...

About half of the new HIV infections in the US are among people under age 25 years with the majority infected through sexual behavior. About one in three new diagnoses with HIV/AIDS are attributed to heterosexual transmission. Men who have sex with women play a major role in HIV transmission to women who can also pass it on to offspring.

Condom use is a critical public health strategy for reducing the likelihood of transmitting and acquiring sexually transmissible infections, including HIV, in adult men and women. Consistent and correct use of male condoms can be a highly effective method of preventing the transmission of HIV and many STIs, but this method relies on men’s willingness and ability to use condoms.
Read more about the Possible Barriers to Correct Condom Use research and the Kinsey Institute

Sex Health Info

All About Condoms

National HIV Testing Day: June 27th

HIV Summary Chart

More Sexual Health Info

All Condom info, click here!

Get Tested!

Find a Testing Location

Don't Celebrate an Early Father's Day

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:28:12 GMT

	S3 Safe Sex Store has Michigan's largest selection of condoms and the information you need to find the right one. Take a look at the many options to increase pleasure and sensitivity...	Kimono NonLatex Durex Trojan LifeStyles Others & Unique
	Size Guide Having trouble finding a condom that fits? Use our guide to compare the uniquely sized condoms from the largest to the tightest! Find the best fit for maximum protection here...

	Style Guide Not just your standard rubber, condoms come in a variety of shapes, textures, latex thicknesses and feature specialty lubricants. Take a look at the many options to increase pleasure and sensitivity...

	Condom Q&A Is a flavored condom safe? How can men make a condom feel more natural? What is a "Dental Dam"? Find the answers to all your condom questions here, or submit your own question and our staff will be happy to answer! Read more...

	Condom Care & Instructions Knowing how to take care of your condoms is the first step of protection. Make sure your putting it on right to keep you and your partner safe. Learn the rules for both male and female condoms here...

Purchase Condoms: Trojan \| Durex \| LifeStyles \| Kimono \| Other Brands \| More Products

May is National Masturbation Month

Tue, 12 May 2009 19:59:02 GMT

Yes, it's true...and it's OK! Masturbation is a great way to explore and satisfy your sexual urges without putting yourself at risk of disease transfer or pregnancy. Knowing your own body also helps you communicate your likes and dislikes to your partner. Help celebrate National Masturbation Month...S3 says, "Yes, you May!"
Tools for Her	Tools for Him	Fun for All

The Best of S3

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:46:34 GMT

TOP SELLING: MASSAGE Kama Sutra Aromatherapy Massage Oils Select from five different aromatic blends with essential oils, emollients and Vitamin E. $14.99	TOP SELLING: CONDOM Durex Extra Sensitive Placed #1 by Consumer Reports Feb. 2005 Ratings for condoms! Excellent marks for both strength and reliability. $2.99 - - $14.99	TOP SELLING: LUBRICANT ID Millennium Our best-selling lube! SILICONE-BASED, feels like an oil, but is safe with all latex. Long lasting and never sticky. $14.99 - - $62.99
S3 recommended Not sure what to get? S3 recommends these products for quality, value, popularity, functionality and more. view		Shop by Price $5.99 and under $6 to $15.99 $16 to $25.99 $26 to $39.99 $40 and over

S3 SAFE SEX STORE CELEBRATES 14TH ANNIVERSARY

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:52:44 GMT

S3 continues invest in community education despite weakening economy

Ann Arbor, MI, April 18, 2009 – S3 Safe Sex Store will celebrate its 14th anniversary on Tuesday, April 21st. Since its inception in 1995, S3 has striven to provide correct, consistent sexual health information to all people regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation. This stringent public health focus has earned S3 a place in the Ann Arbor community as a prominent sexual/reproductive health educational resource.

Inspired by her volunteer work with AIDS infected children, Beth Ann Karmeisool opened the first Safe Sex Store in Royal Oak, Michigan in April, 1995. Since that time, the store has found a permanent home in Ann Arbor, which has allowed S3 to cultivate a special focus on the U of M student population. S3 has also grown to include community outreach efforts, such as an information-rich website and online store, a national Home Party program, and a non-profit entity known as Sexual Health and Responsible Education (S.H.A.R.E.). The S.H.A.R.E. program focuses on changing the way individuals view sex education and assists families in establishing sexual health guidelines based on family values, morals, and religion.

In the face of the current economic downturn, S3 endures with the strong support of local shoppers and online sales. In turn, S3 has steadily increased their level of community involvement through local donations, sponsorships and education. Despite larger economic constraints, this reciprocal relationship has helped to sustain the business for fourteen years and S3 looks forward to serving the Ann Arbor and nation-wide community for many years to come.

If you would like more information, please contact S3 Safe Sex Store directly by phone at (734) 741-1434 or via email at info@bak-inc.com.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:45:35 GMT

Throughout the month of April,
S3 will be distributing

FREE PINS

from the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC)
to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month

From the National Sexual Violence Resource Center -

The month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence (focusing on sexual assault and rape) and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

By working together and pooling our resources during the month of April, we can highlight sexual violence as a major public health issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts.


	Sexual Health Resources Get the help that you need...S3 has compiled a listing of Help Centers, STD/STI, HIV/AIDS and pregnancy testing sites and resources. Many provide free or low-cost doctor visits, consultations and supplies. Find a location near you

Ann Arbor / Local:
SAPAC 24-Hour Crisis: (734) 936-3333

National:
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE

Natural lubricant...Let's talk.

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:03:12 GMT

Many customers ask for "natural lubricant" with the intention of purchasing a product that will be safe with the body. Let's talk...

If you feel a "natural" water-based
lube is for you, try Sliquid Organics

Most lubes advertised as "natural" are actually a risky choice for women who plan on using them vaginally.
Why? These "natural" lubes often contain plant and oil extracts (aloe, coconut oil, etc.). Although we can go into the wilderness and find these ingredients, they can alter PH levels in the vaginal canal, promote bacteria, and lead to yeast and/or bacterial infections. Not so great for the body, mind or spirit. Being able to recognize these items in nature is great for survival situations; not so much for vaginal lubrication. Additionally, oils of any kind can weaken latex condoms and cause them to break. Even if you are not using condoms, NEVER use oil in/on the vagina.

Simple water-based lubes have issues, too. Water is certainly natural and our body's main component. The issue is with all the other ingredients added to the water to make it a lubricant. The most prevalent and problematic ingredient found in most common water-based lubes, such as K-Y and Astroglide, is glycerin. Glycerin is a sugar alcohol, which can promote yeast infection in some women. It also contributes to the sticky and tacky feeling left after the water evaporates.

Glycerin-free water-based lubes are available, and are a step in the right direction for women sensitive to infection. This also helps to reduce stickiness. Like other water-bases, they will evaporate and absorb into the skin with use, so many people have to re-apply.

ID Millennium silicone-based lubricant is
our best seller and customer favorite

When choosing a product that will not interfere with the body's natural chemistry, we recommend silicone-based lubricants. Although the basic three ingredients won't be found on a walk in the woods, we encourage customers to consider the health benefits. First, silicone is hypoallergenic, so it will not cause any irritation...great for sensitive skin. Second, silicone is totally inert, which means it does not alter PH levels. Maintaining your body's normal PH level helps to prevent infection...naturally. Silicone does not absorb into the skin and blood stream. It stays on the surface, which makes it a long-lasting lube, and will easily wash off. Lastly, silicone lubes do not contain glycerin, sweeteners or oils. They are latex safe and found on most high quality, pre-lubricated condoms.

More information: Chart - Selecting a Lube | Lubrication Q&A | Lube in the News | Purchase Lubes