Everyone knows that when you turn vegan and change your lifestyle, you’ll also need to make sure that what you’re using, from your clothes to daily house-hold items, are vegan friendly. This is probably one of the reasons why people don’t want to turn vegan. They think that you have to turn your whole life around and be really picky about the things you use. But it’s actually not that stressful when you make the shift. Turning vegan just means that you have to make smarter choices about what you use and what you eat. Below are a few things that most people don’t even know have vegan replacements.

Make-up

You might think that all types of make-up is vegan, after all they’re made from oils and essences from plants. However, some brands of make-up, especially for lip sticks and lip glosses, contain an animal byproduct that comes from fish scales. This makes the product look shiny and silky when you apply it. Another thing about some of these make-up products is that they were tested on animals before given approval as safe for human use. Thankfully, there are some brands that do offer all natural vegan make-up that did not pass though animal testing and contains no animal by-products.

Condoms

Believe it or not, this little piece of rubber that can help save your life actually contains an animal byproduct. Latex condoms, which is the most common type of condom found in the market, contains a certain milk protein. Vegan condoms do not contain this protein and give you the same protection.  There are a lot of brands that claim their condoms are vegan, but to be sure, check with the vegan society. They have a list of products that they approved 100% vegan so you’re sure that you’re using a vegan item. Vegan condomscost the same as regular condoms.

Fabric softener  

Doing laundry is going to have to change. The common fabric softener contains a certain compound named dehydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride which is basically sheep or horse or fat. This coats your clothes and makes them really soft. Although not all of us like using fabric softener, you don’t have to sacrifice your soft clothes. There is a way for vegans to create a homemade alternative for less. You can actually just use vinegar and baking soda to keep your clothes soft.

Although everyone is urged to use condoms, it’s actually not safe for some people to use them, especially the latex ones. Aside from skin problems like rashes, blotches and sometimes a painful feeling due to the condom’s dryness, many people are allergic to latex condoms. It causes an itching feeling and a skin infection every time they use one. To some, it’s just a very mild thing, so mild that they don’t even really feel the irritation, but some people have severe allergic reactions that calls for immediate medical attention.

Risk factors

Although condoms do go through a strict quality assurance test and are regulated to pass strict compliance, this doesn’t mean that they don’t contain chemicals and substances that could trigger an allergic reaction. Most people are not even aware of their latex allergies and continually use latex condoms. This could cause possible long term side effects and might even damage the reproductive system.  Latex allergies are riskier amongst women since the symptoms are not easily seen.

Substitutes

Although latex is the most common material being used in condoms, there are substitutes such as organic condoms and natural rubber condoms which you can buy in most pharmacies and drug stores. The styles and price ranges do vary, depending on what type and brand of condom you get, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Some condom manufacturers have also created a hypoallergenic type of condom which works well as a substitute, but you might want to ask your skin doctor about it first.

Organic condoms

Your best bets for a substitute are organic or natural condoms. There are made from sheep or lamb intestine and do not contain any harmful chemicals and substances. The thing with natural condoms is that they do have pores, which means that bacteria and even viruses can still pass through the condom. These are only good as a contraceptive, but not protection against STDs and HIV.

Other ways

If you can’t find substitutes for latex condoms, most people would advised to use a moisturizing cream or even a lubricant to minimize the contact of the condom to your skin and protect it. it can help form a barrier so the symptoms are lessen. It also makes it easier and more confortable to use the condom since fiction won’t cause any cuts and irritations. Use all natural lubricants but try to stay away from oil based ones if you’re using latex.

These days, school, media, even our parents have made it a point to explain how important protected sex is and how we should always use a condom. Thanks to that, most of you carry around one or even a whole pack just in case we might need it. However, most of us would say that it’s really difficult to put one on, especially since it could minimize the sensation and enjoyment of sex. Other times, we just to want to use it because we get so impatient and just we don’t want to kill the mood.

However, if you don’t use a condom, you might end up regretting it. With a bit of creativity and playfulness, using a condom won’t be so boring.

Keep it handy

You don’t want to spend a lot of time searching your that pack of condom you left somewhere. It should always be places somewhere you’ll remember. Keeping one in your pocket is a great idea, just in case of a spontaneous encounter. You can also leave it on the top drawer of your night stand. Your wallet is a good idea but there are times that you might end up leaving your wallet at home.

Choose different textures, flavors, colors and types

In the past few years, condom developers have really made their products more fun and exciting. Adding different colors, textures and flavors to the rubber. Choose which ones tickle your fancy or try out something that you’d never usually try. You can also try different types of condoms. Latex is not the only material available. Try organic condoms, but keep in mind that these are only good as a contraceptive. Organic condoms have small pores on them which could allow bacteria and viruses to go through.

Play with it

Don’t look at putting one on as some kind of interruption. Try to incorporate it to the games and fun—for example, letting your partner roll the condom on while playing with your private parts. This can make it more erotic and its good foreplay. You can also use lubricants to make it easier and more sensual.
Skin heath

You might take this for granted, but the skin on your penis is very sensitive and needs care. You can get specialty skin care items like moisturizers and lotions in special sex stores, but using lubricant when you put on a condom can help keep your skin from drying up.