When it comes to MCS, “safe sex” has a whole new meaning!
Post by Kimberly Shaw.
Part I: Safe Sex.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity experts recommend your bedroom be the safest room in your house. Sleep experts strongly suggest your bedroom only be used for sleep and sex. When we are overwhelmed or over stimulated by our surroundings, we are not in a receptive place to enjoy sexual intimacy or a good night’s sleep. It’s important the bedroom be a safe place, a place for your body to rest, be nurtured and enjoy pleasure. This may mean purchasing an air purifier, an organic bed, organic sheets and organic pillows. It also means keeping anything toxic far away from the bedroom. Not just chemicals, but emotionally toxic conversations or attitudes. Consider your bedroom your healing sanctuary and only allow items into it that are essential, nurturing, healing and lovely.
Having a safe partner is also very important. Hopefully, they understand MCS and are well aware of the need to be fragrance- and chemical-free. If you have any severe food allergies, your partner should also avoid eating them. Kissing someone who recently ate something you are severely allergic to may cause reactions.
Birth control is a difficult topic for those with MCS. Hormonal contraception, spermicidal methods, intrauterine contraceptives, condoms and other barrier methods all can cause issues for someone with sensitivities. There are some alternatives like natural family planning, natural lambskin condoms, vasectomy and, of course, menopause. This topic is something you want to discuss with your medical care provider if you are in a situation where birth control is an issue.
Unless you are in a monogamous relationship where you know both of you are free of sexually transmitted disease (STD), you need to consider how to protect yourself. Latex condoms often cause severe reactions. Some people do better with natural latex condoms verses synthetic latex. Lambskin condoms may not protect against STDs. Non-latex condoms are generally made out of polyurethane or polyisoprene. Again, another area you want to discuss carefully with a medical care professional that understands MCS. The last thing you want with MCS is to also have to deal with an STD!
There are many natural and/or organic lubricants on the market, but most contain some type of preservative. Read labels carefully! Many people with chemical sensitivities enjoy using organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, organic aloe vera, organic cocoa butter, organic almond oil, organic apricot oil, Vitamin E oil or organic plain yogurt, but proceed with caution when using for the first time. You might want to test first for any sensitivity by applying a small amount to the inside of your arm for a few days. (Note: Do not use these oils with condoms.) If you are a female and have trouble with vaginal dryness, you might also consider changes to your diet. Adding more essential fatty acids (EFAs), organic vegetable and fruit oils (like olive) to your diet, drinking more water, supplementing with vitamin E and vitamin A help many women.
Sex toys can enhance your sexual experience. In recent years, they started making vibrators and other sexual enhancement items out of safer materials. For example, you can now find vibrators made out of glass. Earth Erotics is one company that sells glass sex toys. They also sell organic bedroom linens and other safer products. (Many of their items would not be safe for people with MCS though.)
Practice sex safe, MCS style!
###
Watch for more upcoming blogs on sex and MCS. I plan to cover health and sexuality in relation to MCS, dealing with disabilities in a sexual relationship, how to handle sex with a non-MCS partner, being single and other topics we with MCS deal with in our sexual lives.
I also blog at Serendipity, come visit!
Disclaimer: None of this information is meant to replace medical advice. Your sexual life is very important and any decisions that could affect your health need to be discussed with your health care provider.
~~~
10/18/09 Editor’s Note: This post is now translated into Spanish at Eva Caballé’s blog NO FUN. Thanks, Eva!
If you enjoyed this post, you might like these related stories:
