What To Know Before You Get It On

Call it “woke.” Call it “increased awareness.” Call it “rising collective consciousness,” the truth of the matter is it’s difficult to avoid the ethical impacts of anything anymore. Shoppers want to know what things are made of, who made it, and what the environmental footprint will be when they’re done with it. The upside is, all the forced transparency of the social media age has pushed manufacturers big and small to be more mindful about their market lines, which has led to revolutionary movements in consumer products of all kinds. “Cruelty-free,” “gluten-free,” and “non-GMO” can now describe everything from shampoo to strawberry jelly.  

It feels good to make healthier choices in the foods we eat, the detergents and solutions we use to clean our homes, and how we fuel our vehicles. But all that conscious living begs the question — how thorough should we be getting here?

Clearly we have no issue demanding the best when it comes to making choices for our own bodies, but can we assert the same self-advocacy when it comes to issues that involve another? To be blunt, we’re talking about sex. While condoms remain the single best way to avoid unwanted pregnancies and protect yourself from STDs, there are a few things to consider before reaching for your favorite raincoat. Many of the major brands contain petrochemicals and parabens that have the potential to alter vaginal pH levels and disrupt your hormone health, especially if they contain a spermicidal lubricant.

Perhaps we should consider expanding the definition of “safe sex” beyond the prevention of pregnancy and STDs. Don’t get us wrong, we’re NOT suggesting that you stop using your regular condoms. They’re still safer than unprotected sex. However, if you’re in the mood for more intentional or holistic options, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up a list of body-friendly grab-and-go contraceptives made with natural ingredients from companies with your body and the environment in mind. While these brands aren’t as conveniently accessible at any drug store, you can find them with increasing frequency at health-conscious retailers like Whole Foods, and online of course.