Sexual health tips

Practise safe sex when going down on your partner In women infected with HIV, the vaginal lubrication contains traces of the virus. Urine doesn't. Its' still uncertain whether a woman's ejaculate may contain HIV, so it's best to play it safe and assume it is a transmission fluid. Pop a barrier on your tongue, such as a femidom (female condom), condom or clingwrap. The Big Bang - the writers at nerve

Are you allergic to sperm?
		It is possible to be allergic to a man’s sperm. The allergy is to the proteins in the semen, a condition known as human seminal plasma protein hypersensitivity (SPH). It’s possible to be allergic to a specific guy’s semen or to the common proteins found in most guys’ semen. The allergy can lead to itching, pain, swelling or redness, as well as other responses such as difficulty breathing or hives.
The allergic reaction typically starts within 20-30 minutes of contact and can last for days. If you suspect a possible allergic reaction, try using a condom to avoid skin contact with his semen or if it’s not too serious, simply use a towel to catch and remove the semen. It’s also possible to desensitize yourself to semen, with the help of a health care provider. Go Ask Alice! - Columbia University

The grim reality of STDs
In the US, one in five people carries an STD (sexually transmitted disease) – the highest rate of any of the industrialised nations – and one in three people will catch one in their lifetime. There are over 30 different STDs and the more people you have sex with, the more likely you are to catch one even if you use a condom – but it is possible to catch one from your first partner. Condoms can’t prevent you from catching certain STDs, including herpes (which is incurable – once caught, you’ve got it for life) and HPV (genital warts, or human papillomavirus).
The Big Bang: nerve’s guide to the new sexual universe – the writers at nerve

Does bigger mean better?
More sperm is produced in larger testicles, but this does not necessarily mean they are good quality sperm. In order to be a father, a man needs to have strong ‘swimmers’. More vigorous sperm is produced by lots of exercise, healthy eating, not smoking and reducing alcohol intake - good tips to remember if you are battling to conceive a child.
supersex – Tracey Cox

Avoiding yeast infections
Yeast infections – or thrush – are common in women. What you ingest affects your likelihood of developing thrush. Overdoing it with coffee, sugar, red meat, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and smoking can irritate the bladder and create a welcoming environment for yeast infections. A prolonged course of antibiotics, which some women use as a method to ward of a urinary tract infection, may also promote thrush in the vagina. Avoid soft drinks as these can promote the growth of bad bacteria. Drinking eight or more glasses of water a day helps flush our your system and keeps you healthier generally.
The Big Bang: nerve’s guide to the new sexual universe – the writers at nerve

What happens sexually when men age?
Men may not lose their ability to reproduce when they are middle aged, but they experience sexual changes at this stage in life as much as women do. Most men find that they are no longer sufficiently aroused by visual stimulation or fantasizing and need direct physical stimulation to do the trick. Moreover, they tend to take longer to get erect and their erections are not as hard any more, as the erectile tissue has less elasticity. Orgasm may take longer to reach and they usually take longer between erections, while men who ejaculated prematurely may not experience this any more. This slowing down pattern is often welcomed by their partner as they tend to last longer in intercourse.
The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex – Cathy Winks and Anne Semans

What do you do if your clitoris is painful?
A woman’s clitoris may become painful due to a build up of the lubricating fluid, sebum, produced by glands in the hood of the clitoris. The sebum build-up may turn into a white substance called smegma, which must be washed away by frequent bathing and good hygiene or it will harden and irritate the clitoris, and may cause sharp pain with movement. Women with narrow openings to their clitoral hood may find it harder to pull the hood back and wash away the sebum underneath. If your clitoris is often painful, try soaking in a steamy bath and gently moving the skin around the clitoris back away from the clitoral glans. Gently stretching the hood can eventually widen its opening. If not, a gynaecologist may stretch the opening under a local anaesthetic and remove any adhesions.
Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University’s Health Q&A

Effects of low testosterone on men
When a man’s testosterone supply is low, he may be irritable, depressed and tired. Stress and exhausting exercise are two culprits that lower testosterone levels – which can be boosted by zinc supplements or normal exercise.
supersex – Tracey Cox

Blood in semen needs attention
If you notice blood in your semen, you need to have it checked out straight away by a medical professional. In about half the cases of Haematospermia, as it is referred to, there is no known cause but you may have a prostate infection. Antibiotics will be needed to sort this out.
the sex inspectors masterclass - Tracey Cox & Michael Alvear

Hormones affect women's desire
Testosterone is not the only hormone affecting sexual desire. Estrodiol, the most influential form of estrogen, is produced in a woman's ovaries in the first half of the menstrual cycle in the reproductive years. Estrogen promotes the flow of blood through her body (including to the genitals), greater vaginal lubrication, greater sense of well-being and energy, and greater emotional and physical sensitivity. Progesterone is produced in her ovaries in the second half of her menstrual cycle and blocks the effects of estrogen. It also suppresses the immune and central nervous systems - causing some women to feel relaxed and soothed, and others to feel depressed and out of energy. Women who aren't on the pill may notice increased desire mid cycle (just before ovulation) when estrogen levels are greatest, or just before menstruation, when progesterone levels drop.
The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex - Cathy Winks and Anne Semans

Reducing infections in women
Urinating after sex is a good habit for women to get into as it helps reduce the likelihood of a urinary tract infection. So does washing fairly soon afterwards. Avoid washing with douches, however, as they remove the good bacteria naturally found in the vagina to help to ward off infections - and leave you more vulnerable. Also avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and any fragranced products on your genitals for the same reason. Talc powder should definitely not be used as it is linked to ovarian cancer.
The Big Bang: nerve's guide to the new sexual universe - the writers at nerve

Boost your libido
What drives a healthy libido? Exercise, sunshine, fresh air, chocolate, laughter, a good social life, getting enough sleep, showing off a fit body, consuming omega-3 enriched foods (fish, nuts), zinc-enriched foods (eggs, cheese, chicken, brown rice, shellfish), iron-rich foods (red meat, chicken, eggs, spinach, pulses), foods high in magnesium (nuts, bananas, green leafy veggies) and vitamin B (wholegrains, nuts, meat, fish, eggs), wearing attractive clothes, masturbation, having sex, erotica, relaxing and taking weekends away.
Tracey Cox & Michael Alvear - sex inspectors masterclass

Burning during intercourse
If a woman feels pain or burning during or after intercourse, this could be the result of a number of things: the cervix has been pounded; not enough lubricant was used and the friction has caused tiny tears; she has an allergy to latex condoms, semen or the lubricant used; her episiotomy scar has been irritated; she has a hormone deficiency (such as postmenopause); or she has a sexually transmitted disease.
The Big Bang: nerve's guide to the new sexual universe - the writers at nerve

Male libido and age
At around 40, men's testosterone levels drop, and by a further 15% each decade thereafter. Testosterone is the hormone that determines the male libido, so the older you get, the lower your sex drive. If tests show your level is low, testosterone pills, patches and injections can raise it. Yet the more you take artificially, the less your body is likely to produce. Testosterone is also the last thing you want to take if you have any signs of prostate cancer, so speak to your doctor first.
Tracey Cox & Michael Alvear - sex inspectors masterclass

Asthma and sex
Two out of three asthma sufferers are dissatisfied with their sex lives due to attacks. To improve the experience, check your bedding for dust mites, which trigger attacks, and use a bronchodilator to relax the muscles in your airways and increase ventilation. Have sex in the late morning or early afternoon, when lung functioning is best. Sexual positions where you are on top are best as pressure on your lungs can trigger an attack.
Tracey Cox & Michael Alvear - sex inspectors masterclass

Lipstick damages condoms
If you are using your mouth to put a condom on your partner, remove your lipstick, lip gloss or balm first because if it contains any oil, this will break down the latex. (Hand creams that contain oils may have the same effect.) The Ann Summers Wild Guide to Sex and Loving - Siobhan Kelly

Why women need foreplay
It takes women, on average, 20 minutes to journey from arousal to orgasm. She needs foreplay if she’s going to become aroused: without it she won’t lubricate sufficiently and she won’t be able to accommodate your penis…if she is not ready for penetration you can make tiny tears in her vagina, leaving her vulnerable to infection.'
The Ann Summers Wild Guide to Sex and Loving - Siobhan Kelly

Avoid lubricants with detergent
Lubricants are a fantastic way to make intercourse more fun and pleasurable. However, avoid lubricants with nonoxynol-9 - a detergent that kills viruses including HIV and herpes - as repeated use has been shown to cause such irritation to genital tissue that lesions may form, making you more vulnerable to HIV and other STD infections.

You are what you eat
If you want your lover to go down on you, be considerate about what you consume beforehand. Fruit and a vegetarian diet generally improve your taste - avoid spicy foods, tobacco, alcohol, coffee and red meat.
The Ann Summers Wild Guide to Sex and Loving - Siobhan Kelly
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How to please a woman orally: the lowdown on great cunnilingus
How to give him great oral sex: fellatio techniques and tips
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Masturbation: why a little self loving goes a long way
"Tell me I've been a bad boy...!" how to ask for the sex you want
Anal play: why is it a growing trend and how to go about it safely
Female orgasm: all about the clitoris, the G-spot and female ejaculation
The clitoris: where to find it, how it works, how to stimulate it
The G-spot: how to find it, how to stimulate it
Female ejaculation: what it is and how and why it occurs
Erection problems: why impotence occurs and what to do
The secret to stronger orgasms: Kegel exercises for him and her!
Lubrication enhances pleasure: why you should use it - and lots of it

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