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/boyfriends-penis-soft-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/boyfriends-penis-soft-sex/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1361 http://kinseyconfidential.org/boyfriends-penis-soft-sex/feed/ 1 http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoris-vulva-fusing/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoris-vulva-fusing/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:00:26 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1321 http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoris-vulva-fusing/feed/ 2 2:45 I think itrsquo;s pretty fantastic that you are looking at your own genitals and have a sense of what is normal or not normal for ... I think itrsquo;s pretty fantastic that you are looking at your own genitals and have a sense of what is normal or not normal for your own body. Not all women have seen their vulva even once or know the names of their genital body parts, so itrsquo;s impressive to me that you know these things. The Clitoris: The Basics The clitoris is bigger than it looks from the outside. Although about frac14; to frac12; an inch of the glans clitoris can be seen externally, there are two branches of the clitoris that go backward into the body. The glans clitoris ndash; the part that can be seen from the outside ndash; sometimes seems to fuse to the clitoral hood. The glans may even appear to be trapped inside the clitoris. Changing Bodies Changes to the structre of the vulva, whether to the clitoris or the vaginal lips, can occur as part of menopause, when estrogen levels decrease, or as a result of a genital skin condition such as one called lichen sclerosus. And while this commonly happens to adult women, it can also happen to infant girls or to children or teenagers. If you have questions about your genital appearance, I would encourage you to check in with a gynecologist or a dermatologist who has expertise in genital skin health and disease. You can find such a specialist through the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease's web site. What Can Be Done In some cases, treatments such as topical creams may be used to reverse changes to parts of the vulva. Treatments may be more effective if a medical condition is caught early or treated. In some cases, if a problem has been allowed to persist without treatment, it can be more difficult to restore through the use of creams. That is why I would encourage you to check in with a specialist sooner rather than later just in case. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbate-sleep-normal/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbate-sleep-normal/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:11 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1279 http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbate-sleep-normal/feed/ 1 3:20 Although uncommon, I have heard from quite a few men ndash; and a few women, too ndash; who have had experiences similar to yours. Itrsquo;s ... Although uncommon, I have heard from quite a few men ndash; and a few women, too ndash; who have had experiences similar to yours. Itrsquo;s unclear how many people act sexually during their sleep but when it does happen, people often donrsquo;t even know that they masturbate or attempt to be sexual with other people until they either approach someone for sex while sleeping or until they begin sharing a bed with a partner, at which point onersquo;s partner notices the behavior. In your case, your partner has noticed that yoursquo;ve been masturbating during your sleep. It seems fairly common for women and men to recall experiences of orgasm during sleep or even to wake up in the middle of the night and find that they are rubbing their genitals against the bed, possibly in the middle of a sexual dream. What Happens When You Sleep What is less common is active masturbation or sexual behavior while sleeping. As you are sleeping when this happens, you cannot know what you are doing. As such, you might ask your partner how it is that you are masturbating while sleeping. Are you using your hands? Rubbing against the bed? Do you tend to speak while masturbating? And are your eyes open or closed? Talking to a Healthcare Provider This type of information may help your healthcare provider to better figure out what may be happening during your sleep. You may even ask your healthcare provider about the possibility of being referred to a sleep clinic as sexual behavior during sleep ndash; what has been called sexsomnia or sleepsex - is often associated with sleep disorders. You may be able to undergo testing to determine how it is that your sleep cycles may be functioning. In some cases, medication can help to improve your sleep. Communicate With Your Partner In the mean time, you may find it helpful to talk with your partner about this behavior. It is unlikely a sign of a psychological condition. Rather, your sleep masturbation is more likely to be a symptom of a sleep disorder or to be a normal variation of sleep behavior. You and your partner might want to brainstorm about how to handle this while you decide whether you want to meet with a healthcare provider about it, which I would recommend doing. Some couples enjoy sleepsex or these types of sexual behaviors that occur while one person is asleep and the other is awake. Others feel uncomfortable in response to them. Problems With Sleepsex It can be important to seek attention from a healthcare provider as, in some cases, people have attempted to have non-consensual sex with others while asleep. In some instances, sleeping adults have even tried to have sex with children, and not recalled any of it after the fact. You can imagine how traumatic such an experience would be for everyone involved. To learn more about sexsomnia or sleepsex, please check in with your healthcare provider or a sleep clinic. Thank you for coming to us with your question. Common,Problems,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/sexual-arousal-differences-men-women/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sexual-arousal-differences-men-women/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:00:42 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1211 http://kinseyconfidential.org/sexual-arousal-differences-men-women/feed/ 0 2:43 Like men, women may become sexually aroused when they see someone they are attracted to or desire sexually, whether that person is a woman or ... Like men, women may become sexually aroused when they see someone they are attracted to or desire sexually, whether that person is a woman or a man. After all, not all men are attracted to women and not all women are attracted to men. Key Differences There are some key differences in regard to menrsquo;s and womenrsquo;s sexual arousal response, however. One of the biggest differences in many peoplersquo;s minds is that menrsquo;s erections are visible whereas womenrsquo;s arousal is more hidden. If a man becomes so mentally or physically aroused that his penis becomes partially or fully erect, then it may be noticeable to those around him. When women feel aroused ndash; whether by a man or another woman ndash; their bodies react in different ways. Like men, blood flow increases to their genitals when women feel sexually aroused. However, unlike men, the increased blood flow doesnrsquo;t cause an erection. Rather, sexual excitement and increased blood flow to the genitals in women helps to promote an increase in a womanrsquo;s natural vaginal lubrication. If yoursquo;ve ever heard of a woman becoming ldquo;wetrdquo;, the wetness being referenced is a womanrsquo;s vaginal lubrication. Inner Signs Unlike menrsquo;s erections, though, vaginal lubrication is typically not visible. Although lubrication increases during arousal, there is typically not so much of it that it soaks through a womanrsquo;s clothes. She may notice feelings of wetness in her underwear but no one else would notice. Women may also feel warm or tingly in their genital area when they feel aroused. Some women, like men, describe feeling physical sensations in their stomach, such as nervousness or excitement. Both women and men may also find it difficult to think about anything else except the person they long for and they may also notice changes in their breathing, heart rate or even in how warm their body feels. Recommended Reading To learn more about womenrsquo;s and menrsquo;s sexuality, check out The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/hpv-genital-warts-contagious/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/hpv-genital-warts-contagious/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:00:19 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=1180 http://kinseyconfidential.org/hpv-genital-warts-contagious/feed/ 0 3:10 HPV stands for the human papillomavirus. There are more than 100 strains of HPV and some of these strains are linked to problems with a ... HPV stands for the human papillomavirus. There are more than 100 strains of HPV and some of these strains are linked to problems with a womanrsquo;s cervix, including cervical cancer. Women and men who have certain strains of HPV may also get genital warts, which can be caused by the virus. People get HPV from sexual contact with other people. HPV can be transmitted during oral sex, vaginal sex or anal sex. HPV can even be transmitted from ldquo;dry sexrdquo;, when people rub their genitals together but donrsquo;t actually have intercourse. HPV is extremely common and, although most sexually active women and men have been exposed to HPV from a sexual partner, not everyone who has HPV knows that they have it. For example, as of now we donrsquo;t have reliable HPV tests for men so most men who have HPV may not know that they have it unless they have a more obvious symptom, such as noticeable genital warts. HPV Transmission HPV can be passed to other people during sexual contact. Because of this risk, people who have HPV or genital warts should tell their current or potential sexual partners that they have HPV. Although condoms cannot fully protect against HPV, since HPV is transmitted from skin contact and condoms do not cover all of a personrsquo;s genital skin, using a condom can certainly reduce the risk of transmission. HPV is a very common sexually transmissible infection, or STI. Both men and women can get HPV and both men and women can pass it on to their sexual partners. With time, people who have genital warts often find that they have fewer outbreaks. Also, warts typically do not cause any discomfort or pain. Some healthcare providers do not recommend treating warts as they often go away on their own. Other times, healthcare providers may recommend treatments for genital warts. If you are interested in learning more about your treatment options, ask your healthcare provider for more information. Learn More You can learn more about HPV and genital warts from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionrsquo;s web site. You can also learn more about STIs and other important sexual health information by reading Our Bodies, Ourselves by the Boston Womenrsquo;s Health Book Collective. Content,Type,,Health,,Disease,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/qa-strong-genital-odor-oral-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/qa-strong-genital-odor-oral-sex/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:50 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/qa-strong-genital-odor-oral-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/qa-strong-genital-odor-oral-sex/feed/ 0 3:33 What yoursquo;re going through is a very common process for young women and men who are beginning to think about sharing their body with another ... What yoursquo;re going through is a very common process for young women and men who are beginning to think about sharing their body with another human being in a way that they have never chosen to do before. It is a big decision to make oneself physically and emotionally vulnerable to another person ndash; in this case, to let your boyfriend look at, touch, and ndash; yes ndash; even smell and taste your genitals. A Personal Choice The decision to have oral sex, or any other type of sex, is an enormously personal choice and nothing you should feel that you have to do if you donrsquo;t feel comfortable doing it. Your doctors are absolutely correct that all women have some type of vaginal odor. And you are correct and seemingly in tune with your body to notice that a womanrsquo;s natural vaginal odor tends to change throughout her menstrual cycle as her hormones change. Odors: Not Necessarily A Problem Interestingly, doctors are trained to be able to distinguish common vaginal odors from odors that signal a health problem. Many gynecologists use such as odor to help them make a diagnosis. The fact that you have asked your doctors about your vaginal odor suggests that you feel comfortable talking about your body with a healthcare provider. The fact that trained doctors have suggested your odor is nothing to worry about suggests that it is nothing unusual or indicative of a health problem. If your boyfriend has had oral sex or other types of sex before, or if he has fingered you or other girls before, he likely knows from experience that vaginas have different odors and that it may vary slightly from woman to woman, or from day to day. Even if he has never done any of these things, he has likely heard about vaginal odor from his friends. What you may not know is that many men and women enjoy the way that vaginas and penises smell. Some people chalk up genital odor as par for the course ndash; meaning itrsquo;s nothing they get excited about but nothing that bothers them either. Other people get enormously turned on by the way that their partner smells. Talk About Your Concerns If you want to try oral sex with your boyfriend, and the only thing getting in your way is your concern about odor, you might either just go ahead and try it or you might let your boyfriend know about your concerns. Doing so will give him an opportunity to reassure you of his excitement about being with you. Generally speaking, many healthcare providers do not recommend feminine hygiene products which can irritate the vagina as well as the skin on a womanrsquo;s genitals. Recommended Reading You can learn more about these concerns, as well as natural vaginal odor, in The V Book: A Doctorrsquo;s Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-itching-burning-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-itching-burning-sex/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:00:28 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/qa-genital-itching-burning-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-itching-burning-sex/feed/ 0 2:29 Womenrsquo;s genitals are quite sensitive; as a result, itrsquo;s not uncommon for women to occasionally notice genital itching or burning. Depending on the details of this ... Womenrsquo;s genitals are quite sensitive; as a result, itrsquo;s not uncommon for women to occasionally notice genital itching or burning. Depending on the details of this sexual encounter, you may have experienced vaginal burning for any number of reasons. Condoms and Lubricants Some condoms, for example, contribute to vaginal burning or irritation. Nonoxynol-9 is an ingredient that is used in the lubricant of spermicidal condoms ndash; which some men and women use in hopes of further reducing their risk of pregnancy ndash; and yet this chemical can sometimes contribute to genital irritation. If you used a lubricated condom or if you added lubricant during sex, it may be that the lubricant contained other ingredients that your body is sensitive too. Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) You also might check in with your healthcare provider, as some sexually transmissible infections ndash; or STIs ndash; can cause vaginal burning. You didnrsquo;t mention how soon after having sex you experienced vaginal burning, but some STI symptoms may show up within days or a week or two after infection. Other STIs have few, if any, symptoms. Friction Vaginal burning can also be sparked by the friction involved in sex. If the sex you had was particularly rough or vigorous, then the act itself may have irritated your sensitive vaginal or vulvar tissues. That happens! However, if vaginal burning continues for several days, if it worsens or is associated with pain, or if you simply have questions about it, please check in with your healthcare provider. Learn More You can learn more about vaginal and vulvar health by reading The V Book: A Doctorrsquo;s Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health by Dr. Elizabeth Stewart. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast,,Special,,flagged,-,still,needs,some,edits aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/strong-odor-during-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/strong-odor-during-sex/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:00:28 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=879 http://kinseyconfidential.org/strong-odor-during-sex/feed/ 0 3:08 Although both womenrsquo;s and menrsquo;s genitals may have particular smells associated with them, the odor is typically not foul-smelling to most people. Bacterial Infections In some cases, ... Although both womenrsquo;s and menrsquo;s genitals may have particular smells associated with them, the odor is typically not foul-smelling to most people. Bacterial Infections In some cases, women may indeed have bacterial infections or bacterial imbalances that can cause a strong odor. The vaginal environment is quite sensitive and women can have vaginal infections that have nothing to do with sexually transmissible infections, or STIs, so this odor is not necessarily a sign of an STI. Other times, strong genital odor can be a sign of a problem with a personrsquo;s sweat glands. Discussing Genital Odor It can be difficult to talk to a sexual partner about genital odor, particularly since many women and men are sensitive about how their sexual partners perceive their bodies. People generally want to feel attractive, desirable and sexy to their partner ndash; and feeling as though they smell bad can make it hard for them to feel desirable. As such, yoursquo;ll want to be as gentle and caring in this conversation as possible. One options is to let her know that therersquo;s something yoursquo;d like to talk to her about, and that you feel uncomfortable saying it because you donrsquo;t want her to worry that you donrsquo;t find her attractive, desirable or sexy ndash; because you do. However, you could say that yoursquo;ve noticed a strong odor during sex and that yoursquo;re not sure if itrsquo;s coming from your body, her body or the combined smell of your two bodies. And that while itrsquo;s not a bad odor, itrsquo;s strong, and you wonder if you should both talk to a healthcare provider about it just in case itrsquo;s a sign of a health issue. Not Just Her Leaving it open in this way might help her to feel less criticized, or as if you are blaming her. Itrsquo;s also a very real possibility that the smell is less about her body and more about the combination of your two bodies. Women and men both sometimes notice that their genitals smell different when their fluids get mixed together with a partnerrsquo;s bodily vaginal fluids or ejaculate. Further Reading To learn more about vaginal health, check out The V Book: A Doctorrsquo;s Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health. For information about sex in general, since yoursquo;re both new to it, check out The Guide to Getting It On. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbation-genital-shape/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbation-genital-shape/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:00:52 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=876 http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbation-genital-shape/feed/ 0 2:39 Many women have questions about their size and shape of their genital parts ndash; and quite a few women have wondered, like you, if their ... Many women have questions about their size and shape of their genital parts ndash; and quite a few women have wondered, like you, if their masturbation has played a part. Author, educator and activist Betty Dodson describes such thinking in her book about female masturbation titled Sex for One: The Joy of Selfloving. All Shapes And Sizes Itrsquo;s important to know that womenrsquo;s genitals do, in fact, come in all sorts of shapes and sizes ndash; especially a womanrsquo;s inner vaginal lips, which are also called the labia minora. The labia minora may be very tiny, such as a centimeter or less long, or they may hang down several inches, even hanging out past a womanrsquo;s outer vaginal lips, which are also called the labia majora. Most womenrsquo;s labia minora are somewhere in between but none of these lengths are any better or worse than the others. Not Affected By Sex Or Masturbation There is no ldquo;standardrdquo; size of shape to womenrsquo;s labia and neither masturbation nor partner sex are what shape a womanrsquo;s genital parts; rather, itrsquo;s her genetics and health that play the biggest role. It is common for women to use their hands to stimulate their vagina (which is the inside part of a womanrsquo;s genitals, also called the birth canal) or their vulva (which is a word that refers to the outside parts such as the clitoris, labia minora and labia majora). Masturbation is not known to cause any physical or mental health problems. In fact, masturbation is largely considered a safe and often very pleasurable activity for both women and men. Recommended Reading To learn more about female self-pleasuring, you might also check out the book For Yourself: The Fulfillment of Female Sexuality. To learn more about the variations of womenrsquo;s genitals, you might find it interesting to read The V Book: A Doctorrsquo;s Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbation-guilt-health-problems/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbation-guilt-health-problems/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:00:42 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=549 http://kinseyconfidential.org/masturbation-guilt-health-problems/feed/ 0 2:59 In spite of doctors, researchers and educators best efforts to reassure women and men that masturbation is not harmful, many people still hear rumors about ... In spite of doctors, researchers and educators best efforts to reassure women and men that masturbation is not harmful, many people still hear rumors about the dangers of masturbation. Masturbation Is Not Harmful And yet the facts are clear - masturbation is not only common, but it is not harmful or dangerous to either men or women. Most men and women have masturbated at some point in their lives. That includes women and men of various ages, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations and political ideologies. In fact, many men and women recall touching their genitals for pleasure even when they were children, something that many parents, teachers and pediatricians are well aware of. And yet many women and men were raised with the sense that touching their genitals for pleasure, relaxation or enjoyment was something bad, dirty, shameful or immoral. Positive Effects of Masturbation Rather than being harmful, recent research suggests that men's masturbation during early adulthood is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer as men age. Masturbation, like partner sex, can also help men and women to decrease stress. It may help to bolster our immune systems, to help people to feel happier or more relaxed, or to fall asleep more easily. For women, masturbation - again, just like sex with a partner - can help to keep their vaginal tissue moist and healthy. Masturbation can help promote blood flow to the genitals for both women and men which can help to oxygenate tissues around the genitals and reproductive organs. Masturbation can also help women and men to better understand their bodies and to help them learn what feels good. Self-pleasuring, as it is sometimes called, can also help men to learn to control the timing of their ejaculation. For women, self-pleasuring can help a woman learn to orgasm more easily. Learn More To learn more about masturbation - both its myths and its benefits - check out The Big Book of Masturbation by Martha Cornog. Women in particular may find the book Sex for One: The Joy of Selfloving to be of interest, too. Common,Problems,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/pimple-on-penis/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pimple-on-penis/#comments Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:00:47 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=489 http://kinseyconfidential.org/pimple-on-penis/feed/ 1 2:58 I don't know if you have herpes or not, but I can tell you that it is extremely common for both men and women to ... I don't know if you have herpes or not, but I can tell you that it is extremely common for both men and women to have regular old pimples on or around their genitals. Not Necessarily An STI The genital skin, just like skin on the rest of one's body, can easily get clogged with dirt, sweat and oils and make pimples more likely to appear. That said, men and women tend to be more observant about their genitals when they start having sex, or in the days and weeks after they have unprotected sex, and they sometimes worry that lumps or bumps are signs of a sexually transmissible infection, or STI. Worth Checking With A Healthcare Provider Even though in many cases such symptoms are not signs of STIs, it is always worth checking in with one's healthcare provider if you have any doubts, questions or concerns about your genital or sexual health. Your healthcare provider can talk at greater length with you to learn more about your sexual behaviors and to help advise you on ways to reduce your risk, or when or how often you should get tested for STIs. Genital Herpes Genital herpes is a relatively common STI, with about 1 out of 5 Americans having it. Unlike Chlamydia and gonorrhea, there is no cure for genital herpes, although there are effective treatments available. Also, while condoms may reduce the risk of transmitting herpes, they cannot fully eliminate the risk, so all sexually active women and men should ask their healthcare providers about their risk for genital herpes, even if they use condoms when they have sex. Learn More To learn more about herpes and other STIs, visit our sexual health and STIs resource pages or the web sites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Planned Parenthood. Content,Type,,Health,,Disease,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/vaginal-size-stretching-large-penis/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/vaginal-size-stretching-large-penis/#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:00:45 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=437 http://kinseyconfidential.org/vaginal-size-stretching-large-penis/feed/ 0 3:25 Given cultural messages that encourage women to have a vagina that is "tight" but not "too tight", some women wonder about the size of their ... Given cultural messages that encourage women to have a vagina that is "tight" but not "too tight", some women wonder about the size of their vagina - perhaps as much as some men worry about penis size. Vaginal Size And yet, vaginal size doesn't vary as much as people may think. Women's vaginas are relatively similar in size, with a difference of a centimeter or two here and there. And though having given birth is sometimes thought to significantly change a woman's vagina, research has not found significant differences between vaginal size of women who have given birth and those who have not, in most cases. There is no research, that I'm aware of, that has specifically looked at long-term vaginal changes following sex with a man who has a large penis - or, for that matter, sex with a vibrator or dildo of considerable size. That said, many sexual health professionals surmise that if vaginal size doesn't change much, if at all, after giving birth, it is unlikely to change much from sex with a well-endowed man. This is because the vagina is a fibromuscular tube and it tends to accommodate, and fit around, objects that penetrate it. For example, the vagina hugs closely around a man's penis, sex toy, fingers, tampon or medical instruments during a gynecological exam. And once stretched a bit, the vagina tends to return to its smaller state. The other important thing to know is that, during sex, the vagina expands naturally as part of a woman's experience of sexual arousal. As such, your ex's penis isn't the only thing that was helping to expand your vagina; during arousal, your vagina was likely expanding in both length and width - and then returning to a smaller size - all on its own. Different With A New Partner This is not to say that sex may not feel different with this partner. It might. You may find that sex feels difference due to his size, shape or technique. You may feel more or less sensation than before, or on certain parts of your vagina. Some differences - rather than being about size - may be related to experience. You were with your ex for years and had likely found preferred techniques or positions. It may take time, with your new partner, to explore and learn what works best for the two of you. If you find that you feel less sensation than you would like, consider keeping a small towel on hand to dab your or his genitals if you find that you feel very wet. Though vaginal lubrication can add to the pleasure and comfort of sex, sometimes by decreasing friction, it can decrease sensation too. Dabbing each other's genitals may help to heighten sensation for the both of you. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Relationships,,Love aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-warts-treatment-hpv-transmission/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-warts-treatment-hpv-transmission/#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:00:57 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=434 http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-warts-treatment-hpv-transmission/feed/ 0 3:23 The human papillomavirus - referred to as HPV - has more than 100 strains. Some strains can cause genital warts, as you have. In many ... The human papillomavirus - referred to as HPV - has more than 100 strains. Some strains can cause genital warts, as you have. In many cases, the warts are visible, as has happened to you. Men who have genital warts may notice them on any part of their genitals including their penis, scrotum, anal area, or on the skin underneath their pubic hair. Women who have genital warts may notice them along their bikini line, vulva, anal area or on their mons pubis, which is the triangular area where pubic hair commonly grows Many May Not Even Notice Genital Warts In many cases, however, women and men who have genital warts may not even notice them. The warts themselves may look more like small pimples, or else they may be so small that they are not easily seen with the naked eye. Other strains of HPV do not cause warts, or are unlikely to cause warts, but they may be associated with an increased risk of cancers of the cervix, vulva, penis or anus. Please note that this does not mean that if you have HPV, that you will also get cancer. In fact, most people who HPV never get any of these types of cancers. It has been estimated that 60 to 80% of sexually active women and men will get HPV at some point in their lives, and yet most people's immune systems will clear the infection over time. HPV And Cancer Risk HPV can certainly increase a person's risk of these cancers, but the development of cancer is complex and a person's risk is influenced by a number of factors including their genes, their general health, and other lifestyle factors such as smoking, which can increase the risk of most cancers. Treatment Options In terms of treatment for genital warts, it varies. Many healthcare providers prefer a "wait and see" approach to genital warts, as they often go away on their own. Other times, healthcare providers may prescribe a topical treatment, which comes as a cream that women or men can apply to their warts in the privacy of their own home. Over time, the cream may help the warts to go away. Other treatments are available in-office that can help to clear warts, and you should ask your healthcare provider what treatment approach may be right for you. HPV Transmission As for transmission, it is indeed possible to pass the HPV strains to a partner even if you don't have visible warts. Because of this, it would be wise, caring and responsible of you to let past, present and future partners know about your HPV status. Condoms can reduce, but not completely prevent, HPV transmission. Learn More To learn more about HPV, visit the Kinsey Confidential STI Resource Pages or the web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Content,Type,,Health,,Disease,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoral-vaginal-dryness-vaginal-discharge/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoral-vaginal-dryness-vaginal-discharge/#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:00:52 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=414 http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoral-vaginal-dryness-vaginal-discharge/feed/ 0 3:33 All women experience vaginal discharge, though the color, consistency and amount can vary over the course of a woman's menstrual cycle, as well as with ... All women experience vaginal discharge, though the color, consistency and amount can vary over the course of a woman's menstrual cycle, as well as with age or in relation to other health issues, gynecological or otherwise. If these changes are significantly different for you, I would encourage you to check in with a healthcare provider who can examine you and give you more personalized information about your health. A Range Of Smells The smell that you describe is also well within the healthy, normal range of scents that women notice in regard to their genitals. After all, most everything has a scent to it and the vagina is no different. Quite a lot of women feel that their vagina smells slightly sweet, slightly sour or even slightly yeasty. In fact, smell is such an important characteristic that healthcare providers sometimes use it as part of their diagnosis. Don't worry - that doesn't mean that a gynecologist gets in very close to smell a woman's vaginal odor, but in the course of doing an exam, they can often pick up cues such as odor that can help to inform their diagnosis. Vaginal Dryness As for your clitoris, it is unclear to me in what way you feel that it is dry, as you mostly talked about discharge that appears on your underwear which would be from your vagina rather than your clitoris. If your clitoris feels dry, itching or uncomfortable, these are symptoms that you can talk to your healthcare provider about. If the lack of vaginal moisture that you've noticed has become uncomfortable, you should also mention this to your healthcare provider who may suggest a vaginal moisturizer. If you experience discomfort during vaginal intercourse, but not at other times, then using a personal lubricant may be helpful. Recommended Reading To learn more about vaginal discharge, vaginal odor and the clitoris, you might read The V Book: A Doctor's Guide to Complete Vulovaginal Health by Dr. Elizabeth Stewart. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-cuts-torn-frenulum/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-cuts-torn-frenulum/#comments Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:00:48 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=409 http://kinseyconfidential.org/genital-cuts-torn-frenulum/feed/ 0 3:16 Whenever people are rough or forceful with their bodies, it is possible to have some risk - even slight - of damage or injury. In ... Whenever people are rough or forceful with their bodies, it is possible to have some risk - even slight - of damage or injury. In regard to sexual behavior such as masturbation and intercourse, most sex injuries are fairly minor such as small cuts or tears. For example, many women have had the experience of noticing slight bleeding from vaginal sex as a result of getting tiny cuts or tears in their vagina or vulva as a result of intense friction from sex. Men, too, may experience minor cuts or tears on their genitals from intense solitary masturbation, mutual masturbation, intercourse or other sexual activities. These cuts may be along any part of the genitals that are torn or stressed during sex, including the frenulum - which is on the underside of a man's penis, just below the glans. Both men and women can reduce their risk of genital cuts and tears from sex by using a personal lubricant during sexual activity. You and your partner may find that using a lubricant helps to make mutual masturbation feel more comfortable and pleasurable, while reducing the risk of tearing too. I'd also encourage you to talk to your partner and let him know that while you enjoy the way that he masturbates your penis, you sometimes feel some discomfort and worry that your frenulum will tear. You are the only one that can feel the discomfort, since it's your body, and it is important to give him this information so that he can be sexual in ways with you that are both enjoyable, sexy and as safe as can be . If you do develop a genital cut or tear, rest assured that most small genital cuts and tears heal within a day or two. If you develop any small cuts or tears, you may find that it is more comfortable to avoid or modify genital stimulation (such as masturbation) until the cut heals. Like cuts in other places on the body, it is important to keep genital cuts clean. If you develop cuts or tears that are larger, that are uncomfortable, painful, or that concern you, please always check in with your healthcare provider. Although sex injuries and complications are usually minor, sometimes they do require the attention of a trained healthcare provider and it is important to take care of your sexual health in this way. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoris/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoris/#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:49:08 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/09/24/curious-about-the-clitoris/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/clitoris/feed/ 0