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Sexual Health

AIDS

Aids is one of the most serious, deadly diseases in human history. AIDS can be transmitted from an infected person to another person through blood, semen (known as cum, the fluid released from a man’s penis when he ejaculates), vaginal fluids and breast milk. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV destroys a type of defense cell in the body called a CD4 helper lymphocyte. These lymphocytes are part of the body's immune system, the defense system that fights infectious diseases. But as HIV destroys these lymphocytes, people with the virus begin to get serious infections that they normally wouldn't - that is, they become immune deficient. The name for this condition is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

You can’t get HIV from hugging or holding hands or from other casual contact. HIV is not spread through sneezes or coughs, and you can’t catch it from sitting near someone who has it. Mosquitoes and other bugs don’t carry the virus.

Symptoms of AIDS can include:
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Constant weight loss
  • Frequent fever
  • Swollen Glands
  • Skin and mouth rashes, genitals and anal soars
  • Chronic diarrhea



Prevention

HIV is so dangerous that a person can have the virus for a long time without knowing it. That person can spread the virus to others through high risk behavior. Transmission can be prevented by:

  • Abstaining from sex, not having oral, vaginal or anal sex
  • Always use condoms for all types of sexual intercourse
  • Avoid contact with bodily fluids through which HIV is transmitted
  • Never share needles


There is no cure for AIDS, which makes prevention so important. Combinations of antiviral drugs and drugs that boost the immune system have allowed many people to resist infections stay healthy and prolong their lives, but these medicines are not a cure. There is no cure to prevent HIV and AIDS, although researchers are working on one.





Gonorrhea

What Is Gonnorhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), and fallopian tubes (egg canals) in women, and in the urethra (urine canal) in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.


How Do You Get Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. Ejaculation does not have to occur for gonorrhea to be transmitted or acquired. Gonorrhea can also be spread from mother to baby during delivery. People who have had gonorrhea and received treatment may get infected again if they have sexual contact with a person infected with gonorrhea.


What Are The Symptoms?

Although many men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all, some men have some signs or symptoms that appear two to five days after infection; symptoms can take as long as 30 days to appear. Symptoms and signs include a burning sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Sometimes men with gonorrhea get painful or swollen testicles. In women, the symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild, but most women who are infected have no symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they can be so non-specific as to be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. The initial symptoms and signs in women include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods. Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, regardless of the presence or severity of symptoms. Symptoms of rectal infection in both men and women may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. Rectal infection also may cause no symptoms. Infections in the throat may cause a sore throat but usually causes no symptoms. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems in both women and men.


How Can It Be Prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea. Any genital symptoms such as discharge or burning during urination or unusual sore or rash should be a signal to stop having sex and to see a doctor immediately. If a person has been diagnosed and treated for gonorrhea, he or she should notify all recent sex partners so they can see a health care provider and be treated. This will reduce the risk that the sex partners will develop serious complications from gonorrhea and will also reduce the person's risk of becoming re-infected. The person and all of his or her sex partners must avoid sex until they have completed their treatment for gonorrhea.





Hepatitis

What do drugs, alcohol, unprotected sex, tattoos, and body piercings have in common? They're all things your parents probably lecture you about avoiding, but there's another connection as well - they can all lead to a liver condition called hepatitis. It helps process nutrients and metabolizes medication. The liver also helps clear the body of toxic waste products. The word hepatitis means an inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by one of many things - including a viral or bacterial infection, liver injury caused by a toxin (poison), and even an attack on the liver by the body's own immune system. Although there are several forms of hepatitis, the condition is usually caused by one of three viruses: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C virus. The hepatitis virus is a mutating virus, which means that it changes over time and can be difficult for the body to fight. In some cases, hepatitis B or C can destroy the liver.


Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A virus is transmitted through the feces of infected individuals. People usually get hepatitis A by eating food or drinking water that's been contaminated with feces. Although that sounds disgusting, hepatitis A is actually considered to be the least destructive of the hepatitis viruses. That's because, unlike the other types, it rarely leads to permanent liver damage. Within a few weeks, the symptoms will have gone away on their own and the hepatitis A virus will no longer be in your system. Once a person has recovered from a hepatitis A infection, that person has immunity to the virus, meaning he or she will probably never get it again.


Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a more serious infection. It may lead to a condition called cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver) or liver cancer, both of which cause severe illness and even death. Hepatitis B is transmitted from person to person through blood or other body fluids.

The most common way people get infected with hepatitis B is through unprotected sex with a person who has the disease. People who shoot drugs also are at risk of becoming infected because it's likely that the needles they use will not have been sterilized. The risk of infection is greater for people who have unprotected sex or inject drugs.

That's scary stuff given that, as yet, there's no effective cure for hepatitis B. In most cases, a teen who gets hepatitis B will recover from the disease and may develop a natural immunity to future hepatitis B infections. But some people will have the condition forever. Medications can help some people with hepatitis B get rid of the virus.


Hepatitis C

Like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis C is transmitted from person to person through blood or other body fluids. Hepatitis C is the most serious type of hepatitis - it's now one of the most common reasons for liver transplants in adults. And there's no cure and no vaccine. The medications currently used to treat hepatitis C are effective in controlling the disease in some people. However, hepatitis C treatments are not very easy, because they require weekly injections for 6 to 12 months, as well as taking other medications by mouth.





Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

What Is Genital HPV Infection?

Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum. Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and will clear the infection on their own. Some of these viruses are called "high-risk" types, and may cause abnormal Pap tests. They may also lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Others are called "low-risk" types, and they may cause mild Pap test abnormalities or genital warts. Genital warts are single or multiple growths or bumps that appear in the genital area, and sometimes are cauliflower shaped.


How Do People Get Genital HPV Infection?

The types of HPV that infect the genital area are spread primarily through genital contact. Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms; therefore, most infected persons are unaware they are infected, yet they can transmit the virus to a sex partner. Rarely, a pregnant woman can pass HPV to her baby during vaginal delivery. A baby that is exposed to HPV very rarely develops warts in the throat or voice box.


What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Genital HPV Infection?

Most people who have a genital HPV infection do not know they are infected. The virus lives in the skin or mucous membranes and usually causes no symptoms. Some people get visible genital warts, or have pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, vulva, anus, or penis. Very rarely, HPV infection results in anal or genital cancers. Genital warts usually appear as soft, moist, pink, or flesh-colored swellings, usually in the genital area. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower shaped. They can appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh. After sexual contact with an infected person, warts may appear within weeks or months, or not at all. Genital warts are diagnosed by visual inspection. Visible genital warts can be removed by medications the patient applies, or by treatments performed by a health care provider. Some individuals choose to forego treatment to see if the warts will disappear on their own. No treatment regimen for genital warts is better than another, and no one treatment regimen is ideal for all cases.


How Is Genital HPV Infection Diagnosed?

Most women are diagnosed with HPV on the basis of abnormal Pap tests. A Pap test is the primary cancer-screening tool for cervical cancer or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, many of which are related to HPV. Also, a specific test is available to detect HPV DNA in women. The test may be used in women with mild Pap test abnormalities, or in women 30 years of age at the time of Pap testing. The results of HPV DNA testing can help health care providers decide if further tests or treatment are necessary.


Is There A Cure For HPV?

There is no "cure" for HPV infection, although in most women the infection goes away on its own. The treatments provided are directed to the changes in the skin or mucous membrane caused by HPV infection, such as warts and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.


How Can People Reduce Their Risk For Genital HPV Infection?

The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual. For those who choose to be sexually active, a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is the strategy most likely to prevent future genital HPV infections. However, it is difficult to determine whether a partner who has been sexually active in the past is currently infected. For those choosing to be sexually active and who are not in long-term mutually monogamous relationships, reducing the number of sexual partners and choosing a partner less likely to be infected may reduce the risk of genital HPV infection. Partners less likely to be infected include those who have had no or few prior sex partners. HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated disease.





Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)


What Is It?
LGV is caused by bacteria. The bacteria which cause an LGV infection are a subtype of those responsible for Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Canada. While the bacteria which cause LGV and Chlamydiaare from the same group, the infections caused by LGV bacteria are more invasive.


How Do You Get It?

Unprotected oral, vaginal, and anal sex (including unprotected fisting and sharing of dildos and other toys)


How Can You Protect Yourself?

The risk of infection can be reduced by using condoms or other barrier methods for oral, vaginal and anal sex.


What Will Happen If You Catch It?

After being exposed to the infection symptoms can start to appear between 3 to 30 days. A painless sore or lump may appear where the bacteria entered your body: vagina, penis, rectum, cervix or oral cavity. Because this sore or lump is often painless, may be internal, and resolves without treatment, the infected person may not know that he or she is infected. You may experience a low-grade fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches. Your lymph nodes may then become swollen and painful in the area that was infected: groin, anal region or neck. If your infection was acquired through anal sex you may experience bloody or pussy discharge from your anus. If left untreated there can be
scarring, and/or deformity to the genital/anal/cervical area depending again on the location of the infection. In rare cases, untreated infection can result in eningoencephalitis (inflammation and infection of your brain and spinal cord tissues), hepatitis (infection and inflammation of your liver) and death.


How Am I Tested?

Your doctor/health care provider may take samples/swabs from your vagina, anus, penis or oral cavity depending on the location of your symptoms and the type of sexual activity you have recently been practicing.You may also need to give a blood sample. You should also inform your doctor of any sexual contact that you have recently had while traveling, as certain STIs are more common in specific countries/regions


Additional Tests

You should also be tested for other common STIs while testing for LGV. In the case of a positive LGV result, testing is recommended for HIV, syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, as co-infections (more than one at a time) are common.


How Is It Treated?

Treatment is available to cure the LGV infection. This involves a three week course of antibiotics.Your sexual partners within the last 60 days should also be notified and treated.


Added Risk

If you have LGV symptoms (as described above) you may be at increased risk of getting HIV, other STIs, and infections that are transmitted through blood such as hepatitis C.






Syphilis


What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It has often been called 'the great imitator' because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases.




How Do I Get Syphilis?

 Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies they are carrying. Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.




What Are The Signs & Symptoms?

 Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated. Although transmission appears to occur from persons with sores who are in the primary or secondary stage, many of these sores are unrecognized. Thus, most transmission is from persons who are unaware of their infection.




Primary Stage

 The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre), but there may be multiple sores. The time between infection with syphilis and the start of the first symptom can range from 10 to 90 days (average 21 days). The chancre is usually firm, round, small, and painless. It appears at the spot where syphilis entered the body. The chancre lasts 3 to 6 weeks, and it heals without treatment. However, if adequate treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.




Secondary Stage

Skin rash and mucous membrane lesions characterize the secondary stage. This stage typically starts with the development of a rash on one or more areas of the body. The rash usually does not cause itching. Rashes associated with secondary syphilis can appear as the chancre is healing or several weeks after the chancre has healed. The characteristic rash of secondary syphilis may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots both on the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet. However, rashes with a different appearance may occur on other parts of the body, sometimes resembling rashes caused by other diseases. Sometimes rashes associated with secondary syphilis are so faint that they are not noticed. In addition to rashes, symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches and fatigue. The signs and symptoms of secondary syphilis will resolve with or without treatment, but without treatment, the infection will progress to the latent and late stages of disease.




What Is The Treatment For Syphilis?

Syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages. A single intramuscular injection of penicillin, an antibiotic, will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year. Additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year. For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics are available to treat syphilis. There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis. Treatment will kill the syphilis bacterium and prevent further damage, but it will not repair damage already done. Because effective treatment is available, it is important that persons be screened for syphilis on an on-going basis if their sexual behaviors put them at risk for STDs. Persons who receive syphilis treatment must abstain from sexual contact with new partners until the syphilis sores are completely healed. Persons with syphilis must notify their sex partners so that they also can be tested and receive treatment if necessary.




How Can It Be Prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis, is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Avoiding alcohol and drug use may also help prevent transmission of syphilis because these activities may lead to risky sexual behavior. It is important that sex partners talk to each other about their HIV status and history of other STDs so that preventive action can be taken. Genital ulcer diseases, like syphilis, can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of syphilis, as well as genital herpes and chancroid, only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected. Condoms lubricated with spermicides (especially Nonoxynol-9 or N-9) are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of STDs. Transmission of a STD, including syphilis cannot be prevented by washing the genitals, urinating, and or douching after sex. Any unusual discharge, sore, or rash, particularly in the groin area, should be a signal to refrain from having sex and to see a doctor immediately.



Safety For Sharing Sex Toys

A good choice for sexy toys if you are planning on sharing is silicone. This is because it is one of the safest and cleanest materials available. It is non toxic, non porous, medical grade material can be easily cleaned. It can be boiled or bleached.

They are even dishwasher safe. antibacterial soap or sex toy cleaner is recommended .


Condoms & Dental Dams

 A condom is a thin sheath or "skin" of latex or polyurethane which fits over the erect penis. It prevents the escape of ejaculated semen during vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse or manual play. Condoms are available in various shapes, colors, and flavors. Some may opt for specialty condoms which have pleasure ribs, bumps, and reservoir tips. Non-lubricated or flavored condoms can and should be used during oral sex to protect against STD’s.

Condoms come with expiration dates and must be kept away from heat. Condoms which are still "good" should have an air bubble in the package. If either the package or the condom is flat, cracked or looks dried, the condom should not be used. Lubricants should be used with condoms. A condom should be used only once and then it should be discarded.

Another important part of safer sex practices is the dental dam. The dental dam is a square piece of thin latex, much like the latex in condoms, that is used to prevent the transmission of STDs when oral sex is performed on a woman. When used, the dental dam is stretched across a woman’s vagina to prevent exchange of bodily fluids. The dental dam itself is not lubricated, but using a water-based lubricant on the vagina side of the dental dam may be useful in helping to keep it in place, and to increase feeling. Although it has not been established that the HIV virus can be transmitted during vaginal oral sex, many other diseases can be transmitted from mouth to vagina or vice-versa, including herpes and genital warts.


Advantages
  • Condoms, along with dental dams, provide the best protection, save for abstinence, against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.
  • They are highly effective when used in conjunction with another form of contraception, such as spermicidal foam, cream, jelly, sponge or diaphragm
  • They have little health risk. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the latex or lubricant of a certain condom brand, but this problem can usually be resolved by changing brands.
  • They are easily accessible and available free from the Health Center and Peer Health.
  • When used with spermicide, latex not only blocks sperm and STD transmission, it kills both sperm and, at least in the laboratory, some STDs.


Disadvantages
  • Some couples consider it a disadvantage that a condom must be put on prior to intercourse, thus interrupting foreplay. Others, however, integrate condom application as part of the foreplay.
  • Some men find that a condom dulls sensation. Try adding just a drop of lubricant to the inside of the tip to improve feeling.



Taking Care Of Your Condoms

Proper Storage
  • Avoide pockets, purses, wallets or the glove box of your vehicle.
  • Always store them at room temperature and keep them away from heat, sunlight and fluorescent light.
  • When checking condoms before use, always check the expiry date and squeeze the package to make sure it's airtight.


Smart Practice
  • Never use 2 condoms , extra strength condoms are available .
  • Use condoms only once and throw it away after you use it.
  • Always remember to protect your condoms from , sharp nails, jewellery, oral piercings and teeth.


Things To Remember
  • Do NOT use oils such as baby, vegetable or massage oils. Use only a water-based lubricant.
  • Check the lubricant's label to ensure it is latex and condom compatible.
Know Your Oral Sex Risk


All sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, can be passed by oral sex. An STD can pass from:

  • man to women
  • woman to man
  • woman to woman
  • man to man
STD can even be passed if there are no symptoms. Your yourself or your partner may have a STD and not even know it. When a person has a STD, it is easier to get another STD.

The following STDs are easily contracted via oral sex:

Gonorrhea:
  • A bacterial infection
  • Easily treated and cured

Syphillis:
  • A bacterial infection
  • Symptoms may go away without treatment, but the infection will still be present.
  • Easily treated and cured

Herpes:
  • A viral infection
  • Symptoms can be treated
  • There is no cure - the virus will stay in the body



How you can reduce your Oral Sex Risk:
  • Talk with your partner about any infections they have
  • Both you and your partner should be tested before starting a sexual relationship.
  • Always use a condom or dental dam for oral sex

Where you can be tested:
  • your family doctor
  • Public Health Clinic
  • Walk in Clinic
Remember, sometimes a person may have an STD and not be showing any symptoms, so getting tested is the only way to know for sure if an STD is present.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Since an erection requires a precise sequence of events, ED can occur when any of the events is disrupted. The sequence includes nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, and area around the penis, and response in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa Damage to nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, and fibrous tissues, often as a result of disease, is the most common cause of ED. Diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and neurologic disease.



How Is ED Diagnosed?

Medical and sexual histories help define the degree and nature of ED. A medical history can disclose diseases that lead to ED, while a simple recounting of sexual activity might distinguish among problems with sexual desire, erection, ejaculation, or orgasm. A physical examination can give clues to systemic problems. For example, if the penis is not sensitive to touching, a problem in the nervous system may be the cause. Abnormal secondary sex characteristics, such as hair pattern or breast enlargement, can point to hormonal problems, which would mean that the endocrine system is involved. The examiner might discover a circulatory problem by observing decreased pulses in the wrist or ankles. And unusual characteristics of the penis itself could suggest the source of the problemófor example, a penis that bends or curves when erect could be the result of Peyronie's disease.



How Is ED Treated?

Most physicians suggest that treatments proceed from least to most invasive. For some men, making a few healthy lifestyle changes may solve the problem. Quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and increasing physical activity may help some men regain sexual function.

Cutting back on any drugs with harmful side effects is considered next. For example, drugs for high blood pressure work in different ways. If you think a particular drug is causing problems with erection, tell your doctor and ask whether you can try a different class of blood pressure medicine.

Psychotherapy and behavior modifications in selected patients are considered next if indicated, followed by oral or locally injected drugs, vacuum devices, and surgically implanted devices. In rare cases, surgery involving veins or arteries may be considered.



Vacuum Devices

Mechanical vacuum devices cause erection by creating a partial vacuum, which draws blood into the penis, engorging and expanding it. The devices have three components: a plastic cylinder, into which the penis is placed (a); a pump, which draws air out of the cylinder (b); and an elastic band, which is placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection after the cylinder is removed and during intercourse by preventing blood from flowing back into the body (c).

Click here to view the various vacuum pumps that the Stag Shop carries.




Dealing With Female Sexual Dysfunction*

What Is Female Sexual Dysfunction?

Female sexual dysfunction or dissatisfaction is defined by urologists, behavioral scientists, and psychologists as a loss of interest in sex and the inability to become aroused or achieve orgasm when participating in sex. Sexual dissatisfaction is a symptomatic intimacy problem in which one or both partners fail to communicate their needs.


Sexual Dysfunction in Women – The Facts:
  • At least 43% of women suffer from some type of sexual dysfunction.
  • Most commonly occurs in premenopausal women ages 25 - 50.
  • Doctors often tell women that if they can’t have an orgasm it’s psychosomatic.
  • Long-term medical diseases, minor ailments, medications and psychosocial difficulties are factors that can impact women’s ability to achieve orgasm.
  • Often linked to depression and/or physical pain.


There are many options available to help women deal with sexual dysfunction. Try exploring any of the following:
  • Engage in regular communication with your partner during sexual activity.
  • Masturbate to maximize familiarity with pleasurable sensations.
  • Practice pelvic muscle contractions and relaxation.
  • Add background music to help relax.
  • Use sensual massage or take a warm bath prior to sexual activity.
  • Try a natural clitoral stimulate – O Pleasure Gel
  • Watch erotic videos or read books to increase the level of arousal.
  • Explore erotic or non-erotic fantasy.
  • Use a vibrator.
  • Talk to your doctor.

*The information in this section was sponsored by
O’My Products; A natural choice for women.





Getting Around Vaginal Dryness*


Did you know that most women experience vaginal dryness at some point in their lives? The female body’s hormonal balance naturally changes throughout each month, further influenced by foods, beverages, and medications that are ingested. Hormone balances can also be negatively impacted by illness and stress.

Any number of factors can contribute to vaginal dryness. Since all women’s bodies respond differently, review the list and see if any of these apply to you:

  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Allergy medication
  • Antibiotics
  • Birth control pills
  • Breast implants
  • Cancer and cancer treatments
  • Pre, during, and post menopausal stages
  • Pregnancy, post-pregnancy, and breast-feeding
  • Relationship tension
  • Stress - positive and negative

Using lubricant is one of the quickest most natural and inexpensive methods of alleviating vaginal dryness. Read more information on lubricants. Should concerns around vaginal dryness persist, consult with your doctor or a natural health practitioner.

*The information in this section was sponsored by
O’My Products; A natural choice for women.




Women: Learn To Love Yourself
Through Body Discovery*


Self Discovery

Touching oneself can be very sensual and exciting - a true act of self-love and fulfillment. When a woman explores her own body, her core pleasure zones come alive. These zones change with awareness and age.

Self-pleasuring can be a great way to release stress and tension while giving the body a quick pick-me-up. It’s like sending a message to the brain that says, “You’re one hot sexy mama, and I’m going to make you feel fantastic!”


Personal Touch

Unfortunately, most women have some negative feelings associated with their bodies. The media constantly glamorizes and promotes youth, beauty, and being thin. How do women of all shapes and sizes get past this media blast to enjoy their bodies fully?
Start by getting to know what pleases you. Through self-pleasuring, each of us learns what feels good and what doesn’t, and for everyone, this is a very personal process. Until we are connected with our own bodily pleasures, it is difficult for us to communicate our sexual desires to others.


Clitoral Stimulation

Clitoral stimulation is the most common form of self pleasure. There are infinite techniques that can be used to stimulate the clitoris - everything from kegaling (tensing the pelvic muscles and then releasing), to using a vibrating toy.

Some women can achieve orgasm through simple pelvic movements without the aid of lubricants or toys, however most women need either direct or indirect stimulation with the clitoris to climax. Since only 50% of women experience orgasms most to all of the time, products like lubricant, stimulating gels – O Gel, and toys can be very useful.


Using Lubricant

No matter which method of self-pleasure is chosen, women are more likely to achieve a higher level of personal gratification when using lubricant. When time is of the essence, lubricant is the quintessential ingredient for feeling relaxed and comfortable while maximizing pleasure.


Quickies

It’s rare that women have time in their busy lives to play all day. For moms, their only private time may be 10 to 15 minutes in the bathroom behind a closed door. Using fantasy and a bottle of lubricant kept in the bathroom, bedroom, or purse, will give you the opportunity to be spontaneous when the moment strikes.



*The information in this section was sponsored by
O’My Products; A natural choice for women.






How To Spice Things Up

Do you ever find yourself wondering “what happened to my sex life?” Is your regular routine of sex before bed just not turning your crank? Well, don’t fret, you are like many other couples stuck in a sexual rut, and we have the solution! Well, not “the solution,” but a few different ideas that will most likely re-light the spark that has seemed to dwindle away. All you need is a little bit of inspiration and a willingness to explore, and you’ll be surprised at how a few simple changes can put you on the path to a more fulfilling sex life.


Examine yourself

To figure out why your sex life has become so dull, you need to first figure out what you are doing to cause that. For many people, the hustle and bustle of everyday life takes hold of you at every opportunity. The kids soccer practice, and the reports due next week tend to put the romance on the back burner. Stress is a major cause of sexual dysfunction, and leads to a lack of sexual desire and frustration. An important aspect to bringing the life back to the bedroom, is to make sure you treat your love life with the same importance as you would your job or your kids.
For others, it may not just be a matter of finding time, but rather, finding something new and innovative to intice the sexual beast within. Inticing that beast is the Stag Shop’s specialty.


Communication

Unless your partner is psychic, they will not have any idea that you aren’t content with your current bedroom antics, so always make sure you keep the lines of communication open. Try to allow your partner to express their feelings to you as well. Being open to new ideas is the first step in re-igniting that spark, so dig down deep into your sexual psychi, and come up with as many scenarios that turn you on. A great way to open up the lines of communication between you and your partner is to try telling erotic stories to each other, or by watching erotic movies. Both of these outlets will not only get you thinking about what turns you on, but you will also get a good look into your partners fantasies too. Try reading 101 Nights of Great Sex, by Laura Corn, or, The Better Sex Guide, by Nitya Lacroix. These books will give you and your partner some great ideas to share and hopefully help you realize your own fantasies.


Do Something New

What does your sexual routine consist of? Is it always sex before bed? 15 minutes of forplay, followed by 15 minutes of missionary? The problem with many couples’ sex lives is that once they’ve figured out how to “get off,” they tend to continue using that same method over and over until it becomes their routine. A great suggestion is to try having sex at a different time of day, and try a different position. You will be surprised at how something as simple as “sex in a different room” will get your blood flowing. Once you step out of your comfort zone, that will also allow you take it a little bit further.


Test Your Limits

Now that you’ve taken the first steps to shake things up a little, you are ready to go that extra mile. You and your partner have spoken about what may interest you in the bedroom, it might be a little role-playing perhaps? The Coquette costume line-Masquerade, has many beautiful costumes available from the naughty school girl, to the pirate wench, and the frisky french maid. Or perhaps the idea of tying your lover to the bed and blindfolding them excites you? Try the Sportsheets Under the Bed Restraints, and Ultimate Blindfold.


Toys For Everyone

One of the easiest and most effective ways to increase sexual satisfaction with your partner is to introduce a sexual accessory. Sex toys are a great way keep the fun in the bedroom, as well as increasing sexual satisfaction. Make sure that the toys you are going to try do not scare or intimidate your partner. First time toy users tend to go for something small and discreet, not that giant double-ended dildo. So choose a toy that your partner will embrace. Never try to find something to replace your partner, just add to the experience. Strap-on vibrators are a great “hands free” way to utilize a fun toy while having sex. The Butterfly Remote works well, especially when he holds the remote! Don’t worry guys, there are many options for toys that stimulate the male as much as the female. The Betty-Jo, by O’ My, is a fantastic silicone penis ring with 2 amazing vibrators used to turn your Sergeant into the General.


Up for a Game?

Sex games are another way to bring the naughty back to bed. They are intimate, fun, and are a great first steps into the realm of sexual accessories. Games will range from romantic, and intimate games such as Romantic Rendezvous, which focus on feelings, and are more forplay oriented. To more wild and crazy sex game like A Hot Affair, or Climaxxx, which showcase lots of fun postions and sex acts. Since most men a visual creatures, and would prefer see the game rather then move pieces around the board, The Sensual Adventure is the first interactive DVD game for couples, and is a great way to get him in the mood to play your own games.


Become a Pornstar

Well, not literally, but the use of erotic literature and film is another great way to get you in the mood, as well as give you some great ideas to use in your own lovemaking. Erotic books are a non-threatening way to ease into a fantasy realm and get you turned on. The Best American Erotica series is a popular choice. Porn can also be a gratifying with to lift your libido into action. Long gone are the days of the seedy porn movies, todays porn is much more mainstream, and ultra erotic. There is a style of movie for eveyone, and something to cater all sexual preferences. Our top selling movies are mored geared towards couples and contain great story lines and plots that make you wonder why you didn’t watch more porn in the past. Pirates, the blockbuster hit from Digital Playground, is the highest budget porn movie to date, and the effects will rival any Hollywood production. The sexy themes are rampant in this swash-buckling erotic thriller, and like in all great porn movies, it will a smile on your face and a tingle in your pants. So don’t write off the porn movies just because the ones you may have seen did not appeal to you. Today's porn has a purpose, and we are sure there is a movie out there for you and your partner to enjoy together.


Lighten Up

If anything at all, the best way to enjoy sex with your partner is to relax, have fun, and remember why you chose them to begin with. Sex is not supposed to be serious, or else it wouldn’t be so much fun. Make time for sex, and make the time you set aside count. Be adventurous and bold, and keep an open mind to new ideas. There is no “best sex button” out there to push, but if you continue to search for it, you will realize that the best sex happens when you and your partner are really into it, and each other.

 
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