Our first episode featured stories and questions about dating and sexual health in the digital age. We had the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Nancy Daley, a lecturer at The University of Texas at Austin, about common questions and myths about sexual health she receives in her classes. Keep reading for a summary of her advice and answers to our questions!
Question 1:
Why does having sex hurts sometimes?
A: It depends on what sex or gender you are (in relation to your physical reproductive organs). For women having vaginal penetrative sex, lubrication plays a large role. Your natural lubrication levels vary and fluctuate with your estrogen levels during your menstrual cycle. Less estrogen = less lubrication. Being sexually aroused DOES NOT EQUAL lubrication. If you're a male or female having penetrative anal sex, you need additional lubrication to experience (relatively) pain-free sex. Basically, lube is your best friend! Stick to water-based lubes and don't be afraid or ashamed to use them! They're natural and help prevent painful experiences and even sex-related injuries. As Daley says, keep one in your purse at all times! If your intercourse-related pain is not a symptom of inadequate lubrication, make an appointment with your doctor or see a specialist; after all, they're here to help.
Question 2:
Is it okay to have sex on your period?
A: Absolutely it is. Your period is a low-estrogen time, so again, use lube! Period sex can actually help women relieve painful cramps caused by that time of the month, but don't forgo your usual contraceptives that week! YOU CAN GET PREGNANT HAVING SEX ON YOUR PERIOD. You have to understand your body and when you ovulate, so keep track of it!
Question 3:
What are the physical/mental benefits of having orgasms for both sexes?
A: When you have an orgasm, you're releasing oxytocin, the mood-enhancing hormone. It's relaxing, good for your body, and if you're male - your prostate. It's a feel-good reaction to a natural human act, so it's important to have them!
Question 4:
What's the deal with shaving your genitals?
A: The medical community is not too wild about total-shaving of your genitals, believe it or not. They hairs naturally catch germs that can cause nasty infections on both male and female genitalia, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll become susceptible to them if you choose to go bare down there. Some people choose to shave or wax completely, while others rock "the bush". Daley talked a bit about how some women feel the pressure to shave their genitals comes from the larger pressure for women to look and act a certain way in our society, which we couldn't argue with. All in all, it boils down to your personal preference - however, be aware of the side effects that comes with personal grooming (i.e., ingrown hairs, razor burn) and keep clean!
Question 5:
Does size really matter?
A: From both sides of view, it really depends. We know that penis size is a sensitive topic among males (gay and straight) and it's easy for them to be made to feel less than or super self-conscious about. Daley thinks (and we agree) that sexual technique is more in the hips and in the mouth than in penis size, a sentiment echoed by many others. Some men and women may simply prefer a larger penis - to that, Daley had some advice: choose lovers that don't care! There will always be someone out there that wants more, so find someone that's happy with you, just the way you are. Be happy and comfortable with yourself and your sexuality and your partner will follow suit.
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