'Sex basket': how much does it cost to have pleasant and safe relationships

$420. That works out

at big box stores.

It is the beginning.

The premiums for six units come out at $2,049 ($341.50 each).

range

from $798 from one of the most popular labels, 30 ml, to $2,073, depending on knob size, brand, and variety.

Prices go up in an elevator that seems to have no roof, and wages go up a staircase with loose steps.

On what floor is the right to

?

And to the

?

Basic care products are not immune to

Large drugstore chains post 125% year-over-year increase for personal lubricants;

119% for sexual stimulators and

... safely and freely: an increasingly difficult statement in the midst of the economic crisis.

The

is contemplated by Law 25,673.

From the age of 13, according to the Civil and Commercial Code, it is possible to count, autonomously, with all the reversible methods.

Law 26,130, for its part, establishes that, from the age of majority, it is possible to request free surgical contraception (tubal ligation and vasectomy).

Condoms are distributed free of charge in hospitals and health centers, in the public and private system.

In Argentina, protection and care are rights protected by law.

Photo: Shutterstock.

Both legislations recognize access to the rest of the methods included in the

, in hospitals and health centers, at no cost: pills, injectables, intrauterine devices (IUDs), emergency contraception and subdermal implants.

This applies to the public system, prepaid and social works, which, in turn, have to have

and professionals to advise people, so that they make a conscious decision adapted to their needs.

From the Ministry of Health they emphasize that there are

, which it is important to banish.

They are not of poor

(they are produced in the same factories that use the first brands and go through the same quality controls);

(good lubrication and the use of gels are important to ensure it);

They can be obtained at thousands of points throughout the country (the

service forms a space for consultation, both for the population and for health teams on sexual and reproductive health);

and, finally,

(as long as they are not expired, the effectiveness is the same as those purchased in pharmacies).

Unfortunately, not all the population has this

or does not approach the institutions due to distance, lack of time or comprehensive sexual education.

Clarín

spoke with experts to outline the reasons why a large part of Argentines do not reach the

and the consequences of this problem.

The importance of prevention

Miguel Pedrola

is scientific director for Latin America and the Caribbean of

(Aids Healthcare Foundation), an organization that has been working for decades in the monitoring of people with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Awareness, testing and distribution of prophylactics are some of the activities of the NGO, which has its clinic in downtown Buenos Aires.

"

, both for condoms and gels, which are part of 'combined prevention' to avoid contagion," Miguel warns.

In 2021, an AHF survey found that only 15% of people who are neither monogamous nor in a stable relationship—that is, those most at risk—

.

Especially young people between 18 and 24 years old.

Contraceptive methods: the demand of 47 percent of the adolescents surveyed.

Photo: Shutterstock.

The specialist warns that

, in addition to the price.

In this sense, he distinguishes various edges: biomedical, structural (that hospitals have capacity, friendly schedules, inputs and that there is no type of discrimination), as well as cultural and legal.

In this sense, he talks about the need for campaigns by the State and in schools.

"In Argentina, year after year, at least

. 6% of children born to mothers with HIV acquire the virus through vertical transmission. This can be prevented with communication and treatments, which in Argentina are free and complete", he closes.

Contraceptives for a desired maternity

Silvia Ciarmatori

is a staff gynecologist at the Italian Hospital.

As head of the Family Planning Section, she talks about one of the issues she works the most on:

, which she defines as a worldwide problem.

"Approximately 50% of pregnancies are not planned. The number rises among the adolescent population, where it reaches 80%. This can cause serious health problems, both for women and for babies born. It is a

, to which are added consequences in the medium and long term, such as difficulties for pregnant women to finish school and enter the labor market," says the doctor.

Contraceptive methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies, a public health problem that affects all countries in the world.

Photo: Shutterstock.

She highlights the condom as the only method that has the double function of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

"Its lack, inappropriate or inconsistent use is the

for contracting diseases. Not only HIV, hepatitis B or C, but others, of different levels of severity, produced by bacteria, fungi or parasites. This is the case of gonorrhea , syphilis, candidiasis, which can have an impact on reproductive health in the future STIs can often be symptomatic and manifest by ulcerations, pain, odor, burning, secretion, bleeding, inflammation and pain, but there are others that can go unnoticed. That is why

, "he details.

The doctor specifies that sexual and reproductive rights must be included in a general framework of

: everyone must choose with whom to have relations, when and how;

sexual and gender orientations must be respected;

and it is essential that

decide if they want to have children, how many and at what time.

For all this, it is key to have, first,

.

Following this line, she points out that it is not necessary to look only at condoms.

There is an ideal contraceptive method for each person, according to their needs.

Consultation with a professional is key.

Photo: Shutterstock.

That is why the correct use —with emphasis on this word— of the

and counseling is essential.

"Needs, preferences, reproductive projects, health situations, change throughout life," adds the gynecologist.

What saves is humidity

Ciarmatori speaks of "

" that hinder the correct use of contraceptives and promote undesirable or even serious effects on health.

The issue of

is a paradigmatic example.

After menopause dryness increases, but they are also required in youth.

This does not necessarily come from a lack of arousal, but fears, emotions and physiological issues come into play.

To

and

the barrier methods, they are essential allies.

Quality standards and expiration date are always important.

In any case, oily gels—the same goes for Vaseline—corrode the prophylactic.

For vaginal intercourse, there are two other basic starting points: get lubricants with a neutral PH, which respect the flora and the mucosa;

and are water based.

There are novel formulas, adapted to tastes and

Like those that add amino acids such as l-arginine —which generates vasodilation in the labia minora and clitoris, favoring sensitivity and pleasure—;

those that add a sensation of

 or cold (for 30 ml they range between $800 and $900). 

are increasingly being found in gondolas

— which nourishes the vulvovagina, not only during intimate bonding, it relieves symptoms of dryness such as itching or irritation.

They're not just useful for

women : allergies and some medications, like antidepressants, can decrease moisture in many areas of the body, including the vagina.

One with aloe vera and lactic acid is around $1,200.

There are also some with

, for those who suffer from mycosis or recurrent infections.

In all cases, it is key

trusted professionals which is the most appropriate.

When it comes to

, where there is no proper moisture, experts recommend those based on silicones.

Subdermal implant: a contraceptive method that is placed in the arm and is highly effective after 24 hours of its application.

mythology vs.

health

Francesca Gnecchi

is a graduate in Sexology, a teacher and an instagrammer, with almost 80,000 followers.

Every day she receives questions regarding care:

For example, if it is correct to use two condoms at the same time;

or if it is convenient to combine the pills with the patch.

She has also been asked if diseases are transmitted through anal or oral sex.

"Many times, unwanted pregnancies are more of a concern than STIs," she says.

Latex fields are sold in Europe and the United States.

In our country no brand manufactures them.

Photo: Shutterstock.

And he complements: "I see people who think that by knowing someone they will not get it. There is a lot of misinformation, either because comprehensive sexual education (ESI) is not taught correctly or because those who consult are older people, who went to school when it was not mandatory. Then there was no talk, for example, of care for people with

, which makes it very important to communicate correctly and responsibly".

is not commercialized

and that it must be manufactured in a particular way, from a condom.

Author of the book

, published by Penguin Random House, Francesca is also the owner of Erotique Pink.

In her boutique with her gender perspective, what she most asks for are vibrating suckers and toys, to be used alone or in company.

Much more than a game

Toys

have become allies and an active part of

Both for couples, and for those who seek independence, control and knowledge of their own body: also by people who have sexual-affective ties, but need that moment alone.

"Obviously it depends on the purchasing power of the person, but, by having a great variety of prices and promotions throughout the year, on our website and in our three stores, almost anyone has the possibility of accessing a toy",

Miguel Huarte, CEO and owner of Buttman.

Together with Mariana Rincón, in charge of this "sexual wellness store", they say that the most sought after are clitoral stimulators "of all types, sizes, textures, colors, power and materials".

Vibrators

range from $2,218

.

"The idea is that each person can choose what they think is most convenient according to their needs, satisfaction, and budget," she points out.

Different models of clitoral suckers.

Photo: Andres D'Elia (Clarin)

Its main consumers are

(70% of the clientele), between 25 and 60 years of age.

Self care and care of others is essential to the use of toys.

"To avoid any communicable infectious disease, it is necessary to thoroughly and thoroughly

To this we add that, when sharing a toy penetrating different people in a sexual relationship, we must put a condom on it", Miguel and Romina explain.

The elements must be kept perfectly clean.

For this, they recommend antibacterial soap for silicone or neutral soap and warm water.

The use of other hygiene products or bringing them to a boil can damage the

.

And, if it is not clear that they are 100% submersible, this custom must be avoided.

It is best to wash them and let them dry.

Saving is another point to pay attention to.

It is convenient to avoid plastic bags, high temperatures and humidity, to avoid the formation of fungi.

Finally, they emphasize that all material has a useful life and expires.

Sex toys: a world unto itself.

The key?

Exploration and fun based on care.

Photo: Shutterstock.

The

can involve more or less items, with a common denominator:

to be able to exercise sexuality safely and satisfactorily.

To avoid unwanted pregnancies and the spread of diseases, contraceptive methods (as well as gels) are unavoidable.

Prices, like the lack of knowledge, discourage a large sector of society.

Hospitals and health centers are there to guarantee good practices, established by law in Argentina.

AS​

look too

Condom Day: why the stigma continues and its low use in sexual relations

International Condom Day: 5 curiosities that perhaps you did not know about the condom