Green Sex: Healthier, Apocalypse-Proof

Plastics pose infertility, hormone problems, claims party report

(NEWSER) - Sometimes environmental toxins can come from places—and in places—you least expect. The Green Party of Germany is hoping you don't forget about dildos. "Many dildos and other sex toys such as vibrators contain a high amount of phthalates, other carcinogenic plasticizers and toxic substances," states a new report by 10 Green Party members in Germany's parliament. The substances, which enter the body through mucous membranes, can lead to infertility, hormone imbalances, diabetes, and obesity, warn the reps. They're demanding new laws to make sex toys safer for the 20% of the German population who use them, notes Der Spiegel. More»

Eco-friendly products coming to a bedroom near you

(NEWSER) - If you’re an environmentalist with a strong libido—and hey, who isn’t?—why not try some of these naughty ways of helping the planet? They won’t hurt a bit, unless you ask nicely, the Chicago Tribune promises.

• Vegan Condoms: Most condoms contain the milk protein casein, but a select few are made with no animal byproducts at all. You can see which at vegancondoms.com .

Massachusetts measure would include counseling

(NEWSER) - In a 5-1 preliminary vote, a school committee for a Massachusetts town has approved providing free condoms to students ages 12 and older. The service, which requires a second vote for final approval, would provide the condoms through Springfield school nurses and clinics. Those given the contraceptives would receive counseling in abstinence and how to use the condoms safely. Parents would be allowed to opt out of the service for their children, the Republican reports. "We can’t stick our heads in the sand any more," said the committee's vice-chair. More»

Prophylactic contains gel to boost blood flow

(NEWSER) - A British biotech company has come up with a kind of protection it thinks men will be eager to use. Dubbed the “Viagra Condom,” its nickname is a bit misleading: It’s not targeted at men with erectile dysfunction. Instead, the new condom comes pre-loaded with a vasodilating gel that keeps up the flow of blood to the penis, thus helping men who struggle to maintain an erection while wearing a condom—and perhaps prompting more men to use protection, Time reports. More»

Consumers increasingly comfortable with these sex toys

(NEWSER) - Vibrators used to be confined to seedy stores or websites, but nowadays you can find them right next to the tampons at your local Walgreens, and women are increasingly open about purchasing the sex toys—and sharing them with partners. Consumers "kept telling us vibrators, vibrators. And we just laughed. And then we realized they were serious," says a VP for Trojan, which actually managed to get its vibrator commercial aired on TV . More»