Home Blog Page 30

Chlamydia; Hard To Spell, Even Harder to Talk About…

1

Chlamydia; Hard To Spell, Even Harder to Talk About…

 

It’s one of the diseases you’ve only read about in schoolbooks, but it is very real. Chlamydia infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Sexually active individuals and individuals with multiple partners are at highest risk. Get to know the symptoms, then how to prevent transmission.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman’s reproductive organs. Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur “silently” before a woman ever recognizes a problem. Chlamydia also can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man.

 

Chlamydia

 How common is It?

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. In fact, in 2010 1,307,893 chlamydial infections were reported to CDC from 50 states and the District of Columbia. Under-reporting is substantial because most people with chlamydia are not aware of their infections and do not seek testing.

 

Also, testing is not often done if patients are treated for their symptoms. An estimated 2.8 million infections occur annually in the U.S. Women are frequently re-infected if their sex partners are not treated.

How Do People Get It?

Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth.

Any sexually active person can be infected with chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Because the cervix (opening to the uterus) of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured and is probably more susceptible to infection, they are at particularly high risk for infection if sexually active.

 

Since chlamydia can be transmitted by oral or anal sex, men who have sex with men are also at risk for chlamydial infection.

 

Chlamydia
Photo Credit

What are the symptoms?

Unfortunately, it is not easy to tell if you are infected with chlamydia since symptoms are not always apparent. But when they do occur, they are usually noticeable within one to three weeks of contact and can include the following:

Symptoms in women

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge that may have an odor
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Painful periods
  • Abdominal pain with fever
  • Pain when having sex
  • Itching or burning in or around the vagina
  • Pain when urinating

Symptoms in men

  • Small amounts of clear or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis
  • Painful urination
  • Burning and itching around the opening of the penis
  • Pain and swelling around the testicles

Chlamydia

What Complications Can Result From Untreated Chlamydia?

If untreated, chlamydial infections can progress to serious reproductive and other health problems with both short-term and long-term consequences. Like the disease itself, the damage that chlamydia causes is often “silent.”

Chlamydia

In women, untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID happens in about 10 to 15 percent of women with untreated chlamydia. Furthermore, this infection can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues.

 

The damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). It may also increase the chances of becoming infected with HIV, if exposed.

To help prevent the serious consequences, screening at least annually for chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women age 25 years and younger. An annual screening test also is recommended for older women with risk factors for chlamydia (a new sex partner or multiple sex partners). All pregnant women should have a screening test for chlamydia.

Complications among men are rare. Infection sometimes spreads to the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm from the testis), causing pain, fever, and, rarely, sterility.

Rarely, genital chlamydial infection can cause arthritis that can be accompanied by skin lesions and inflammation of the eye and urethra (Reiter’s syndrome).

 

Finally, if you are experiencing symptoms of Chlamydia or have had unprotected sex and are unsure of your status – see a licensed physician immediately. 

 Sources: 

http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002321/

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/chlamydia

 

You’re Too Old to Wear a Condom? And Other Bull I’ve Been Told…

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Writer’s Desk: I felt the need to address a lot of the negative comments towards my first video, because it’s crucial that everyone knows the severity of unprotected sex. If you’re not in a committed relationship it’s even more dangerous for you. To hear educated adults saying that condoms are not cool, or not necessary blows my mind! With that being said, I’m getting dressed up for Halloween – I’ll let the video speak for itself. You guys and gals be safe! I mean that!

Nuff Love,

Kimi

 

 

 

Busting the Myths; Birth Control Edition

2

Urban legends, myths and rumors are never the wise way to make decisions about anything, especially birth control. There is so much false information about birth control circulating in the cafeterias, break rooms and social networking places across the world. Take a look at some of the myths and the facts that prove them wrong.

Photo Credit

Myth No. 1: Taking the Pill causes weight gain.

Worry about weight gain as a birth control side effect is a common concern among women contemplating hormonal birth control methods.

It shouldn’t be, says Andrea S. Fernandez, MD, section head of general obstetrics and gynecology at the Women’s Health Center of Excellence at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. While every woman responds differently, most women on standard birth control pillregimens will not gain weight because of the Pill. And focusing on a healthy lifestyle — eating well and exercising regularly — can help keep the weight off.

Photo Courtesy of UMM.edu

Myth No. 2: Fertility is affected when you go off hormonal contraceptives.

Rumor has it that you spend all that time and energy trying to prevent pregnancy, only to find that it’s harder to get pregnant after you get off the Pill. But the truth is: While there may be a slight delay in the return of your fertility, no permanent harm will have been done — infertility is not a birth control side effect.

“Once ovulation resumes, you can become pregnant,” says Dr. Fernandez. “About 50 percent of women will ovulate in their first month after stopping birth control pills. Most women will begin to ovulate in the first three to six months after stopping the Pill.”

Myth No. 3: You should not take birth control pills continuously.

Taking a break can help women in certain situations, such as those who are having breakthrough bleeding, and stopping pills for four to five days will get you back on track. “Beyond that, women who are taking traditional birth control pills on a cyclic basis don’t need to take a break from pills unless they want to conceive,” says Fernandez.

If you do temporarily stop taking the pills for any reason, remember that pregnancy is possible — use back-up birth control methods, such as condoms, if you don’t want to become pregnant.

Photo Courtesy of FitSugar.com

Myth No. 4: Taking the Pill will lead to breast cancer.

Because breast cancer is tied to hormones, women often worry that an increased risk of breast cancer could be a birth control side effect. Unfortunately, this is one side effect that is not all myth.

“According to recent studies presented by the American Cancer Society, women who are using birth control pills have a slightly greater risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them,” says Fernandez. However this risk only exists while you are actually taking the Pill. “Women who stopped using the Pill more than 10 years ago do not seem to have any increased risk.”

Myth No. 5: You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period.

Not true: Your body can release an egg at any time during your cycle. “While during your period is the most unlikely time for ovulation, women can get pregnant after having sex during their period. Remember that sperm can live in the vagina or uterus for up to six days under the right circumstances,” says Fernandez.

Photo Credit

Myth No. 6: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.

Sorry — another popular myth debunked. While it’s true that breastfeeding can stop ovulation for a while, it is not one of the guaranteed birth control methods.

“Continuous breastfeeding may induce what’s known as lactational amenorrhea [no period] for the first four to six months after delivery, but even then this is only about 95 to 98 percent effective,” says Fernandez. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about your birth control options.

Photo Credit

Myth No. 7: Douching after intercourse prevents pregnancy.

Douching is the process of washing out your vagina. Women mistakenly believe that this can flush out sperm and even sexually transmitted diseases, but Fernandez advises against douching in general and specifically notes that douching does not prevent pregnancy or infection. Instead, you may just be making yourself uncomfortable. “Douching can irritate the vaginal walls, removing both the good and bad bacteria within the vagina,” she warns.

Myth No. 8: You can’t get pregnant during your first sexual encounter.

Yes, you can. Pregnancy occurs when egg meets sperm, and that can happen at any point in your sexual history. “It only takes one sexual encounter to become pregnant. You can get pregnant as easily from your first sexual encounter as you can from your hundredth,” says Fernandez.

Myth No. 9: You won’t get pregnant if your partner pulls out before ejaculating.

Unfortunately this is not a guaranteed birth control option. This approach, called the withdrawal method, requires that the man takes his erect penis out of the woman’s vagina before he has an orgasm.

“It is about 75 percent effective, meaning one out every four women using this as her only form of birth control will become pregnant in a year,” says Fernandez. The reason for this relatively high failure rate is that sperm may be released before the man or woman is aware of it.

Myth No. 10: Birth control also protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

When planning protection for sexual activity, you have two issues to consider: pregnancy prevention and infectious disease protection. Not all birth control options provide protection against the transmission of infections. In particular, hormonal birth control methods offer no STD prevention.

“The only forms of birth control that protect against STDs are barrier forms such as condoms,” says Fernandez. And some barrier birth control options still leave you at risk for STDs. Even a perfectly placed latex condom can only protect what it covers.

 

Other Myths Include: 

Photo Courtesy of FancyLittleThings.com

I won’t get pregnant if we have sex standing up or if I am on top.

Some people believe that having sex in certain positions, such as standing up, will force the sperm out of the woman’s vagina. In truth, positions during sex have nothing to do with whether or not fertilization occurs. When a man ejaculates, the sperm are deposited well into the vagina. The sperm will, by nature, begin to move up through the cervical canal immediately after ejaculation.

You can use plastic wrap or a balloon if you don’t have a condom.

Plastic wrap and balloons are not good to use as condoms. They don’t fit well and can easily be torn during sex. Condoms are specifically made to provide a good fit and good protection during sex, and they are thoroughly tested for maximum effectiveness.

I won’t get pregnant if I take a shower or bath right after sex, or if I urinate right after sex.

Washing or urinating after sex will not stop the sperm that have already entered the uterus through the cervix.

The pill is always effective immediately after you begin taking it.

In some women, one complete menstrual cycle is needed for the hormones in the pill (oral contraceptive) to work with the woman’s natural hormones to prevent ovulation. Some doctors recommend using a back-up method of birth control the first month of taking the pill.

When trying to make informed decisions about the right birth control options, talk to your doctor and get information from reliable sources. When it’s a matter of your health, only the facts will do.

 

Sources:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/birth-control/myths-about-birth-control.aspx

http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/birth-control-contraceptive-myths

Can A Healthy Diet Increase Your Sex Drive?

1

From the Writer’s Desk: It was brought to my attention that lemon water decreases a woman’s sex drive over time, and since I sip the mixture daily – I got a little concerned. Not one to buy into myths and urban legends, I decided to do a little research and share it with you guys. So, today’s question is – does eating certain foods increase (or decrease) your sex drive? I might have to test each one and find out 🙂

Overactive and under-active libidos are often a point of contention between partners in relationships. Many couples are reluctant to speak with doctors or therapists about differences in their sex drives, but there is a way to help the issue at home. There are certain foods that are known to decrease the libido, and are advised for those who feel that their drive is too high, and contraindicated for those who feel their drive is not high enough.

[divider]

Libido Busting Foods: 

 Sex Drive

Carbohydrates and Fats

Carbohydrates and fats are heavy foods that have been proven to lead to arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Hardening of the arteries is a condition in which plaque builds up along the walls of the arteries, which decreases their elasticity, increasing blood pressure as a result, and decreasing blood flow to parts of the body. Sufficient blood flow to the genitals is a very important component of sexual desire. An excess of blood is necessary to inflame the genitals for sexual excitement and activity, so a decrease in the flow of blood would prevent the desired stimulus, sensitivity and response.

 [divider]

Photo Credit

Fried Foods

While discouraged in any healthy diet, fried foods are also known for decreasing the libido. Fried foods contain trans fats, also known as hydrogenated fats. Hydrogenated fats have been found to decrease testosterone, which is vital for normal libido and sexual function. Testosterone serves many purposes in the body, one of which is to prompt sexual desire and regulate sex cell production. Not only do hydrogenated fats reduce testosterone, but they have been proven to increase the number of abnormal sperm in animals.

[divider]

Photo Credit

Alcohol

While I not necessarily a food, alcohol is still one of the primary substances known to decrease libido. It is also a surprising entry on the list for many people. Despite the number of people who engage in sexual activity as a result of alcohol, that activity is more due to decreased inhibitions than increased libido. Alcohol is known to decrease sensitivity and to lower sexual response, and so can be a useful tool in decreasing libido when desired, but should be avoided if desire levels are already low.

[divider]

Photo Credit

Medications

Also not a food, but part of a person’s daily intake, certain medications are also known to decrease libido. Many common drugs have the unfortunate side effect of interfering with the normal levels of sexual desire in the patient in question, due to a variety of factors. The most common culprits for this are antidepressants, blood pressure medications, diuretics and some medications that treat ulcers. While these wouldn’t be used to intentionally decrease a person’s libido, it is important to be aware of the effect of medication for someone that is trying to avoid substances that lower their level of desire further.

[divider]

Boost Your Libido With These Foods: 

Image Courtesy of No Cookie.net

1. Celery Stalks – 

While celery may not be the first food that comes to mind when you’re thinking sex, it can be a fantastic source food for sexual stimulation. This is because it contains androsterone, an odorless hormone released through male perspiration and turns women on.

How to enjoy this libido food:
 Celery is best eaten raw. Wash and cut some, and munch away.

Kimi Suggests: Dip in a little peanut/almond butter to offset the bitter taste 🙂 

[divider]

Image Courtesy of Slate.com

2. Raw Oysters – 

This is one of the classic aphrodisiacs. Oysters are high in zinc, which raises sperm and testosterone production. Oysters also contain dopamine, a hormone known to increase libido. Also, the experience of shucking a raw oyster is erotic. Try incorporating it into your foreplay — feed her and have her feed you. The slippery taste sensation and the mere act of sucking should get you both in the mood.

How to enjoy this libido food:
 Scrub the shells thoroughly to get any dirt or bacteria off. Pry them open with an oyster knife and place them on a bed of ice, squeeze some fresh lemon onto them if you like, and then start sucking away.

[divider]

Photo Credit

3. Bananas –

Bananas contain the bromelain enzyme, which is believed to increase libido and reverse impotence in men. Additionally, they are good sources of potassium and B vitamins like riboflavin, which increase the body’s overall energy levels.

How to enjoy this libido food:
 Place them on a dish in various states of “undress” and have your lady slowly eat some for you. Then gobble yours down and get to work.

Photo Courtesy of HotForWords.co

[divider]

4. Avocado 

The Aztecs called the avocado tree “ahuacatl,” or “testicle tree.” While avocados can indeed look like that body part, they contain high levels of folic acid, which helps metabolize proteins, thus giving you more energy. They also contain vitamin B6 (a nutrient that increases male hormone production) and potassium (which helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland), two elements that help increase libido in both men and women.

How to enjoy this libido food: Cut one in half, scoop out the insides with your fingers, and then get your woman to lick it off.

[divider]

Photo Credit

5. Almonds (and other nuts)

Almonds are a prime source of essential fatty acids. These are vital as they provide the raw material for a man’s healthy production of hormones. Additionally, the smell of almonds is purported to arouse passion in females. Try lighting some almond-scented candles to encourage her mood and snack on some (but not too many) yourself to store up energy for your performance.

How to enjoy this libido food:
 Eat them raw (with no added salt or sweetness). Or, crush some fresh almonds and sprinkle them on your salad to get the energy you need.

[divider]

Photo Credit

6. Mangoes, Peaches and Strawberries 
What can be more fun than sinking your teeth into a drippy, sticky-sweet fruit? Probably doing that as a prelude to (or during) sex. All of the above fruits and their shapes, textures and succulence are erotically suggestive and can be fun to use amid foreplay. Try dribbling the juices over your bodies and licking up the residue as an erotic game. It makes for a great (and tasty) way to discover each other’s bodies.

How to enjoy this libido food:
 Peel the mango, cut the peach and slice up some strawberries, and feed your woman while she’s giving you oral sex.

[divider]

Photo Credit

7. Chocolate
Aside from the fact that it is the surest way to a woman’s vagina, chocolate also contains theobromine — an alkaloid — that is very similar to caffeine. It also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical believed to produce the feeling of “being in love.” So, when your woman talks about how good chocolate makes her feel, there is some science behind it. In addition, dark chocolate has a massive amount of anti-oxidants, which are great for the body in general, as they help maintain the immune system.

How to enjoy this libido food:
 From chocolate bars to chocolate fondue, as long as it’s chocolate, you and your woman will be in for a tasty session.

[divider]

 Sources:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/35794-foods-decrease-libido/

http://www.askmen.com/dating/love_tip_200/230b_love_tip.html

Keeping it Fresh – The Natural Way

1

In the daily throws of life, it’s not unusual to feel less than fresh “down there.” Working out at the gym, trying new soaps/ body washes, wearing tight clothes; all of these are factors that affect the pH of vaginas everywhere. The popular remedy for this is to douche (as discussed here), but lately women are discovering that this method is quite unhealthy. Now, everyone is on the quest to find remedies that will maintain freshness in the most natural way possible.

A general consensus with the medical world shows that baking soda douches are a safe and effective way to treat many vaginal infections, including Candida (yeast infections) as well as Bacterial and Cytolitic vaginosis. Try this out once a week until symptoms disappear:

Photo Credit

Baking Soda Douche:

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with 4 cups of warm water. A
douche bag, which can be purchased at most pharmacies, is then
used to infiltrate the vagina with the solution. Or, you can
purchase baking soda douches over the counter at most
pharmacies.
– Douche twice weekly for two weeks.
b. Alternatively, if douching would be difficult due to lack of private
bathroom facilities, fill empty gelatin capsules with baking soda
and insert one capsule intravaginally, twice weekly for two weeks.

As discussed previously, all vaginas are different – which means specific treatments may work better than others for certain women. Another option is for Vaginitis relief:

Photo courtesy of Columbia University

Vaginitis Relief:

2 quarts of luke warm water

¼ cup apple cider vinegar or 10 drops essential oil of tea tree

Combine ingredients in a 2 quart douche bag and proceed as usual. Please visit your doctor if symptoms persist.

Vaginitis relief douche is good for external itching and burning and cleans excess vaginal discharge. Use no more than 1 to 2 times per week. This mixture takes approximately 2 minutes to make and it leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

Gelatin capsules can be purchased at health food stores.

Photo Credit

Just want a little freshening?

Freshening Douche:

2 quarts water

2 tablespoons peppermint, rosemary or yarrow

Boil water and remove from heat. Next add your herb of choice, cover and steep for 2 hours. Strain and pour into douche bag. Proceed as usual.

The freshening douche is a good general cleanser and does an excellent job refreshing. Use no more than once per week. This douche takes a little longer to prepare than the vaginitis relief douche but the results will speak for them selves.

 

Try these natural remedies for a healthy alternative to the conventional douche. If you cannot get your hands on an actual douche bag, purchase a regular douche from any pharmacy or convenience store, thoroughly pour and wash the contents out – and replace them with your mixture.

 

If you are experiencing pain, irritation or unusual odor from your vaginal region, seek professional advice as soon as possible. 

Sources:

http://voices.yahoo.com/natural-herbal-douches-safe-effective-not-165193.html

http://www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/documents/Cytolytic%20Vaginosis.pdf

 

 

Cold Sores: The Truth.

3

Also known as “fever blisters,” cold sores are one of the most prevalent transmittable diseases in the nation. About 90 percent of adults worldwide — even those who’ve never had symptoms of an infection — test positive for evidence of the virus that causes cold sores.

Cold sores tend to be a socially isolating disease, because they are extremely visible while active. Educating yourself on the disease may be the difference between transmitting and avoiding it.

 What are cold sores?

Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. The skin around the blisters is often red, swollen, and sore. The blisters may break open, leak a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. They usually heal in several days to 2 weeks.

Photo courtesy of UVA Health

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both virus types can cause sores around the mouth (herpes labialis) and on the genitals (genital herpes).

The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a break in the skinaround or inside the mouth. It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches infected fluid-such as from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person’s saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body, primarily the nose and chin areas.

 

Photo Credit

What are the symptoms?

The first symptoms of cold sores may include pain around your mouth and on your lips, a fever, a sore throat, or swollen glands in your neck or other parts of the body. Small children sometimes drool before cold sores appear. After the blisters appear, the cold sores usually break open, leak a clear fluid, and then crust over and disappear after several days to 2 weeks. For some people, cold sores can be very painful.

Some people have the virus but don’t get cold sores. They have no symptoms.

Photo Credit

How are cold sores diagnosed?

Your doctor can tell if you have cold sores by asking you questions to find out whether you have come into contact with the virus and by examining you. You probably won’t need any tests.

How are cold sores treated?

Cold sores will usually start to heal on their own within a few days. But if they cause pain or make you feel embarrassed, they can be treated. Treatment may include skin creams, ointments, or sometimes pills. Treatment may get rid of the cold sores only 1 to 2 days faster, but it can also help ease painful blisters or other uncomfortable symptoms.

The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores cannot be cured. After you get infected, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. If you get cold sores often, treatment can reduce the number of cold sores you get and how severe they are.

How can you prevent cold sores?

There are some things you can do to keep from getting the herpes simplex virus.

  • Avoid coming into contact with infected body fluids, such as kissing an infected person.
  • Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking cups, or other items that a person with a cold sore may have used.

Remember, not everyone’s cold sore is triggered by the same thing. But there are seven common factors that may cause your cold sore outbreaks. Want to avoid them before things get ugly? Read on.

 Fight Fatigue
Like stress and illness, fatigue can sap your immune system, making you easy prey for a cold sore outbreak. In today’s hectic world, feeling “beat” can give cold sores the advantage. So relax. Exercise. Sleep. And give your immune system a fighting chance.
 Stay Calm
Sure, stress messes with emotions. But stress can also wear down your immune system, giving that dormant cold sore a chance to launch a sneak attack. Fight the urge to stress out. Instead, breathe deeply and relax.
 Keep Warm
Protect yourself from the cold. Wear a scarf or pull up that turtleneck to avoid exposure to cold weather, dry air and winter wind that can dry out lips.
 Shade Yourself
Go on the offensive against sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin and lead to a cold sore. So fight back with a good sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and a beach umbrella.
 Know Your Hormones
For women, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can trigger an outbreak. Pay attention to your own hormonal cycle to manage stress. And give yourself a fighting chance against flare-ups by keeping a tube of Abreva® handy when you’re feeling that your hormones may trigger an outbreak.
 Protect Your Mouth
Trauma to your mouth or lips can launch a cold sore outbreak. Could be an injury. Could be a dental procedure that pulls at the sensitive area around your mouth. If this is one of your triggers, make your dentist an ally and join forces to minimize trauma.
 Stay Strong
A fever, a cold or the flu can leave you feeling run-down and on the defense against a cold sore outbreak. When you feel a cold, fever or flu coming on, listen to the experts and get plenty of rest and fluids. It could be just what you need to KO a cold sore.

Sources: 

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/cold-sores-topic-overview

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cold-sore/DS00358/DSECTION=risk-factors

http://www.abreva.com/cold-sore-triggers.aspx?google=e_&rotation=6632&banner=41617&kw=321355

 

Love, Life and Style: “Sex Furniture” – the New Wave in Home Decor

0

With technology booming since the new millennium, the realm of sex toys has evolved along with the times. Along with toys and videos, sex furniture is a budding trend in the erotic industry. Ergonomically designed for his and/or her pleasure, and fashionably crafted to fit into any home; sex furniture may be the next new addition to your decor.

 

The furniture comes in various forms and styles, including;

Sex Swings:

Mounting tools are used to drill this product into the ceiling, and the unit is allowed to swing freely in back, forth and spin in a 360 degree motion.

Photo Credits

 

Liberator Ramps: 

One of the most popular accessories, liberator ramps allow innovation in the bedroom with ergonomic comfort for both partners.

Photo Credit

 

Bondage Restraints: 

For the S&M lovers, restraints allow safe, fun bondage play for both partners. Definitely not something you want to do alone…

Photo Credit

 

Inflatable “Forbidden” Furniture:

These pieces may be compressed and stored away until the next time partners want to play. Some chairs allow for lone-play, while others require the attention of two individuals.

Photo Credit

 

Many of these new home accessories are designed to be discretely stored at home, so as not to reveal the private enjoyments of their owners.

Photo Credit

 

Which one are you willing to try? 

Sources:

http://www.adameve.com/

Douching: What the Box Doesn’t Tell You.

3

From the Writer’s Desk: Growing up, my greatest fun was practicing spy moves with my little brother. In a few years, we had mastered sneaking around undetected; as quiet as church mice. I don’t know about my brother, but I chose to use my special skills by peeking into the medicine cabinets and under the sinks of any and nearly everyone’s bathrooms that I encountered as a child. Sometimes I’d see these boxes that said “douche” on them and wonder what they were for.

 

Photo Credit As I became a young adult, I’d still see those boxes in the bathrooms of my friends’ moms. I took it upon myself to buy a box and try it. Talk about interesting! It had the most pleasant smell, like roses or a summer rain or something. Tingled a little bit, and the scent lasted all day. I knew something had to be wrong with that.

A few days later – my vadge started to itch. Besides the fact that I had used the douche for no reason (I didn’t have any vaginal odor issues), my sensitive flora had been disturbed. The germophobe and hypochondriac I was, I went straight to my OB/GYN in a fit of fury. I had given myself a yeast infection. Curiosity nearly killed my cat, so I won’t let it do the same to yours.

Let’s Talk About Douching… 

An estimated 20% to 40% of American women between ages 15 and 44 say they use a vaginal douche. Higher rates are seen in teens and African-American and Hispanic women. Besides making themselves feel fresher, women say they douche to get rid of unpleasant odors, wash away menstrual blood after their period, avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases, and prevent a pregnancy after intercourse.

Yet, health experts say douching is not effective for any of these purposes. They also warn that it can actually increase the risk of infections, pregnancy complications, and other health problems.

 

What is douching?

The word ”douche” is French for ”wash” or ”soak.” It is a method to wash out the vagina, usually with a mixture of water and vinegar. Douches that are sold in drugstores and supermarkets contain antiseptics and fragrances. A douche comes in a bottle or bag and is sprayed through a tube upward into the vagina.

 

Photo Credit

What are the advantages of douching?

Some women say douching makes them feel cleaner. There is, though, very little scientific evidence of benefit from douching. The rare positive research that does exist often has a downside. One study found that douching during the six months before pregnancy reduced the risk of preterm delivery. However, in that same study, douching during pregnancy was linked to an increased risk of preterm birth.

What are the disadvantages of douching?

Overall, the risks of douching far outweigh the benefits. Here are just a few of the problems linked to douching:

  • Vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis). Douching upsets the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina (called vaginal flora). These changes make the environment more favorable for the growth of bacteria that cause infection. Studies have found that women who stopped douching were less likely to have bacterial vaginosis. Having bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of preterm labor and endometriosis.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. Research has found that women who douche have a 73% higher risk of getting PID.
  • Pregnancy complications. Women who douche more than once a week have more difficulty getting pregnant than those who don’t douche. Douching also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy by as much as 76%. With an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants outside the uterus. The more a woman douches, the greater the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
  • Cervical cancer . Douching at least once a week has been linked to an increased chance of developing cervical cancer.

 

Should a woman douche?

According to health experts, including those at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you should avoid douching. Having some vaginal odor is normal. However, if you notice a very strong odor, it could be a sign of infection. The acidity of the vagina will naturally control bacteria, and simply washing the vagina with warm water and mild soap is enough to keep clean.

Note: If you feel you MUST douche, try this all-natural alternative. Fill a douche bottle with spring water, then add one part baking soda. It will freshen you up post-menstrual cycle, and in the right proportions can balance your pH.

Ladies, your vadge isn’t supposed to smell like roses, it’s supposed to smell like vagina. Take care of it, eat right, drink lots of water, take your vitamins and probiotics – and it will take care of you. If you feel any levels of pain, discomfort, strange odors or itchiness – seek professional medical help IMMEDIATELY. 

 

Take Care,

– Kimi

Sources:

http://women.webmd.com/guide/vaginal-douching-helpful-or-harmful

Love, Life and Style: Ten Years Without Sex – Celibacy for the Long Haul?

0

via madameNoir.com

We know both Meagan Good and her new hubby DeVon Franklin weren’t sexually active before they got married, but what some might be surprised to know is how long DeVon was celibate before he and Meagan even got together.

In an interview with Global Grind, the producer, author, and part-time pastor told the interviewer he went without sex for more than 10 years before jumping the broom. He explained his decision to forego sex, saying:

“Sometimes we want to be this person at home, this person at the office, and this person at church and then we get the lines mixed up. We want to be different people in different situations and it tears you apart.

“What was happening with me is I would go and preach one thing, but then I was living another, and I could not do it. I could not look at myself in the mirror. No, I could not live like this. So, I had to just stop and say,  ’until I get married, that’s off the table.’”

 

Since DeVon is 34 now, that means he gave up sex somewhere in his very early 20s which is virtually unheard of for a man, and any undergrad, male or female, on a college campus, let alone USC. Suddenly the meaning of his book Produced by Faith is starting to become a lot clearer. Abstinent days now behind him, DeVon is certainly enjoying the fruits of his labor.

“I’m happy,” he told Global Grind. “I just got married. It’s great. Things are great because she’s great. We’ve been married for just over three months and that was a key to happiness.”

“Men, sometimes we run from [marriage.], but I’m telling you it’s a blessing. It is the greatest blessing of life to have be able to have love because then you’re at peace…no matter what happens career-wise, you have a home base.”

Looks like he made the right choice. Do you think you could you go more than a decade without sex?

Sources:


MadameNoir: http://madamenoire.com/225613/in-it-for-the-long-haul-devon-franklin-says-he-went-more-than-a-decade-without-s-e-x/#u86tIRJJHEYEqTQo.99

 

Love, Life and Style: Miscarriage During Marriage

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A very trying topic to discuss for many individuals and couples; miscarriage is not as uncommon as it seems. There are varying levels to miscarriage, which will be discussed at a later time. October 15 is Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and in tribute to this special day, we present to you an open discussion on Miscarriage and its effect on marriage. Jin at Love, Loss and Laquer brings this to viewers on a first-hand basis.

Photo Credit

A miscarriage is the loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. The medical term for a miscarriage is spontaneous abortion, but the condition is not an abortion in the common definition of the term.

According to the March of Dimes, as many as 50% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage — most often before a woman misses a menstrual period or even knows she is pregnant. About 15% of recognized pregnancies will end in a miscarriage.

More than 80% of miscarriages occur within the first three months of pregnancy. Miscarriages are less likely to occur after 20 weeks gestation; these are termed late miscarriages.

 

Photo Credits

What Are the Symptoms of a Miscarriage?

Symptoms of a miscarriage include:

  • Bleeding which progresses from light to heavy
  • Severe cramps
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness
  • Back pain

If you experience the symptoms listed above, contact your obstetric health care provider right away. He or she will tell you to come in to the office or go to the emergency room.

What Causes Miscarriage?

The causes of miscarriage are not well understood. Most  miscarriages that occur in the first trimester are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the baby. Chromosomes are tiny structures inside the cells of the body which carry many genes. Genes determine all of a person’s physical attributes, such as sex, hair and eye color, and blood type. Most chromosomal problems occur by chance and are not related to the mother’s or father’s health.

Miscarriages are also caused by a variety of other factors, including:

  • Infection
  • Exposure to environmental and workplace hazards such as high levels of radiation or toxic agents
  • Hormonal problems
  • Uterine abnormalities
  • Incompetent cervix (the cervix begins to widen and open too early, in the middle of pregnancy, without signs of pain or labor)
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs
  • Disorders of the immune system, including lupus
  • Severe kidney disease
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Diabetes that is not controlled
  • Thyroid disease
  • Radiation
  • Certain medications, such as the acne drug Accutane
  • Severe malnutrition

In addition, women may be at increased risk for miscarriage as they get older. Studies show that the risk of miscarriage is 12% to 15% for women in their 20s and rises to about 25% for women at age 40. The increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities contributes to the age-related risk of miscarriage.

There is no proof that stress or physical or sexual activity causes miscarriage.

How Is a Miscarriage Diagnosed and Treated?

Your health care provider will perform a pelvic exam and an ultrasound test to confirm a miscarriage. If the miscarriage is complete and the uterus is empty, then no further treatment is usually required. Occasionally, the uterus is not completely emptied, so a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is performed. During this procedure, the cervix is dilated and any remaining fetal or placental tissue is gently removed from the uterus. As an alternative to a D&C, certain medications can be given to cause your body to expel the contents in the uterus. This option may be more ideal in someone who wants to avoid surgery and whose condition is otherwise stable.

 If you are experiencing symptoms of pregnancy – seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Knowing your pregnancy status is crucial at every step up until birth. If you are pregnant and experiencing unusual feelings of pain or discomfort, be sure to seek the medical advice of a licensed professional. 

Sources: 

http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/pregnancy-miscarriage

http://www.lovelossandlacquer.com/2012/10/so-i-filmed-video-with-my-husband-and.html