http://kinseyconfidential.org Just another WordPress weblog Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 2006-2007 aschweig@indiana.edu (Kinsey Confidential) aschweig@indiana.edu (Kinsey Confidential) posts 1440 Just another WordPress weblog Kinsey Confidential Kinsey Confidential aschweig@indiana.edu No no http://kinseyconfidential.org/wp-content/themes/kinsey/images/kinsey-podcast-300.jpg http://kinseyconfidential.org 144 144 http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-alleviate-menstrual-cramps/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-alleviate-menstrual-cramps/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:15:21 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/07/07/qa-can-sex-help-to-alleviate-menstrual-cramps/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-alleviate-menstrual-cramps/feed/ 0 2:45 In many cases, yes, sexual intercourse and other types of sex play can absolutely alleviate menstrual cramps or other unpleasant feelings that a woman may ... In many cases, yes, sexual intercourse and other types of sex play can absolutely alleviate menstrual cramps or other unpleasant feelings that a woman may have prior to or during the time of her menstrual period. Several Possible Reasons There are likely several possible reasons for this. One is that sexual excitement and orgasm involve muscular contractions ndash; and eventual releases - that may help to make any muscular cramping feel better. Another possible reason is that during sexual excitement and orgasm, womenrsquo;s minds may be distracted toward more pleasant, fun, and arousing thoughts. Sexual intimacy can help to take menrsquo;s and womenrsquo;s mind off of many types of life stresses and ailments, and menstrual cramps are just one example. Changes In Body Chemistry The experience of sexual excitement and arousal also change a personrsquo;s body chemistry. Men and women both release hormones and chemicals that are associated with feeling good, satisfied and pleasant. Itrsquo;s hard to feel upset or grouchy or pained when one is feeling so good. Speaking of pain, some research suggests that women may experience pain and uncomfortable feelings differently when they are very aroused. As such, it may be that pleasant sexual activity helps a womanrsquo;s body to respond to pain signals differently. Not All Women Enjoy It All that said, not all women enjoy having sex when they are on their period or about to have their period. Some do and some donrsquo;t. If a woman does not want to have sex at any time of the month ndash; cramped or not ndash; she shouldnrsquo;t feel like she should just to alleviate a few cramps. There are certainly other methods of alleviating menstrual cramps including over the counter and prescription medications, warm baths, heating pads, and various complementary and alternative therapies. Women should do what feels most comfortable to them. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-during-period-increased-bleeding/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-during-period-increased-bleeding/#comments Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:17:07 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/07/25/qa-sex-during-your-period-and-increased-bleeding/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-during-period-increased-bleeding/feed/ 0 2:46 No, although it may seem like it. Herersquo;s why: Menstruation occurs when a woman's body breaks down and releases parts of the endometrial lining ndash; which ... No, although it may seem like it. Herersquo;s why: Menstruation occurs when a woman's body breaks down and releases parts of the endometrial lining ndash; which is the lining of a womanrsquo;s uterus - that has built up during the previous weeks. This includes both blood and tissue. Since that is what is being released, sexual activity won't "create" any new tissue to be released and it therefore won't make a woman bleed more during those few days of her period. Blood Or Tissue Released All At Once That said, various factors related to sexual activity that a woman experiences by herself or with a partner may cause more blood or tissue to be released all at once, or may give her the perception that her period is heavier than usual (even if it really isn't). For example, sexual activity that is arousing or orgasmic and therefore involves contractions of a woman's uterus may cause more menstrual blood or tissue release at once. Sexual activity that includes penile thrusting close to the cervix (which is the opening to the uterus) might cause more menstrual blood or tissue to release at that time as well. Some women can feel this pressure on their cervix and may find it pleasurable, whereas others feel that it is painful. Other Fluids Involved In Sex In addition, the fluids that are involved in sex can be tinged with blood as it flows out of a woman's body. These fluids include vaginal lubrication, store-bought lubricant, the lubricant from a condom, semen if no condom was used, and such. That might make it look as though a woman is having a heavier period, even though she isn't really bleeding any more than usual. Relief of Menstrual Cramping On the plus side, women sometimes find that sexual activity, either during self-masturbation or with a partner, can help to relieve menstrual cramping. The bottom line is that the total amount of blood/tissue over several days isn't changing, but some women might find the timing or appearance of one's bleeding makes it seem as though that's the case. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/qa-im-afraid-i-am-too-large-to-be-a-good-lover/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/qa-im-afraid-i-am-too-large-to-be-a-good-lover/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:09:49 +0000 Kinsey Confidential http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/blog/2008/01/30/qa-im-afraid-i-am-too-large-to-be-a-good-lover/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/qa-im-afraid-i-am-too-large-to-be-a-good-lover/feed/ 0