http://kinseyconfidential.org Just another WordPress weblog Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:20:29 +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/gender-role-reversal-contraception/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/gender-role-reversal-contraception/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:56:42 +0000 Natalie Ingraham (M.P.H.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=928 http://kinseyconfidential.org/gender-role-reversal-contraception/feed/ 0 http://kinseyconfidential.org/std-awareness-month-campaign/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/std-awareness-month-campaign/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:54:40 +0000 Natalie Ingraham (M.P.H.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=957 http://kinseyconfidential.org/std-awareness-month-campaign/feed/ 1 http://kinseyconfidential.org/pain-sex-partner-large-penis/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pain-sex-partner-large-penis/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:00:09 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=855 http://kinseyconfidential.org/pain-sex-partner-large-penis/feed/ 0 2:52 Yes, it is always possible that pain during sex is being caused by a physical problem or a medical condition. The best way to find ... Yes, it is always possible that pain during sex is being caused by a physical problem or a medical condition. The best way to find out what the cause of your discomfort might be is to check in with your healthcare provider for a gynecological exam. It is generally recommended that women who are 18 years old, or who have been sexually active, start having annual gynecological exams anyway, so why not start now? If you don't already have a healthcare provider, ask your mother, another female family member (such as an aunt or cousin) or a good friend for a recommendation. You can also find a local Planned Parenthood clinic in your area by visiting their web site and learning about their women's health care services. If your partner has a large penis, the discomfort and pain may truly be as a result of the fit between your two bodies. Often this can be eased by using a store-bought lubricant for intercourse. If you two are using latex condoms, you will want to use a water-based lubricant or a silicone-based lubricant, both of which are condom-compatible. Using a lubricant can reduce the risk of the condom tearing and at the same time, it can make sex feel more comfortable and more pleasurable. You can put a small dab of lubricant around your vaginal entrance. In addition, you might apply some lubricant to the outside of the condom once it is already on your partner's penis. If you are not using condoms, you can apply the lubricant directly to his penis before starting intercourse. Sometimes women find that choosing positions, such as woman-on-top, that provide a woman with more control over penetration can make sex more comfortable. Other times, spending more time in foreplay to promote sexual arousal, which creates more room in the vagina in terms of both length and width, can help to increase comfort, too. In some cases, however, vaginal pain is caused by a medical problem. You can learn more about vaginal and vulvar pain on the web site of the National Vulvodynia Association. Common,Problems,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/birth-control-pill-effectiveness/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/birth-control-pill-effectiveness/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:12 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=843 http://kinseyconfidential.org/birth-control-pill-effectiveness/feed/ 0 2:57 These days, birth control pills (also called oral contraceptives) are used by women for numerous reasons. Some women start taking oral contraceptives in order to improve ... These days, birth control pills (also called oral contraceptives) are used by women for numerous reasons. Some women start taking oral contraceptives in order to improve their acne. Others start taking the Pill in order to shorten the length of their menstrual periods, regulate their periods or to relieve menstrual symptoms such as headaches or cramps. Though you first started taking the pill for period-related reasons, you now need information about how it relates to your sex life and your protection against pregnancy. Usually About One Month Most birth control pill brands are effective against pregnancy after a woman has taken them consistently for about one month. Depending on the type of pill a woman is taking, and when she starts taking it, the pill may even be effective against pregnancy as early as one full week after starting to take it. Women who have questions about how soon their pill becomes effective against pregnancy should ask their healthcare provider for more information. In your case, however, you've been taking the pill since last year! Since you've been taking the pill for longer than one month, it should already be safe for you to have sex, with a very low risk of pregnancy, assuming that you have been taking the pill every day, as prescribed. About 97% Effective With perfect use, the pill is about 97% effective against pregnancy. It is not perfect - no method is - so if you are concerned about becoming pregnancy, you might use a second method of birth control. For example, some women who are on the pill find that they feel more confident about their pregnancy risk reduction if they also ask their partner to withdraw before ejaculation, or if they use a condom. An advantage of using a condom is that using condoms can greatly reduce one's risk of transmitting several sexually transmissible infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. Learn More To learn more about birth control methods, including the pill, check out our birth control and pregnancy resource pages or Planned Parenthood's web site. To learn more about your specific brand of birth control, and to ask questions related to your personal health or pregnancy risk, please speak with your healthcare provider. Birth,Control,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:00:06 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=554 http://kinseyconfidential.org/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception/feed/ 0 3:04 The fact that you have been having sex for about a month and have already taken emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill, ... The fact that you have been having sex for about a month and have already taken emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill, two times - and almost a third time now - is something that I would strongly suggest you speak with your healthcare provider, or a trusted parent or adult, about. Emergency Contraception: Not For Frequent Use Emergency contraception pills are not recommended for frequent use. If you and your boyfriend have decided to have sex with each other, then I would strongly suggest exploring other options for preventing pregnancy. For example, have you considered using condoms? Not only would condoms greatly reduce your risk of pregnancy if you use them consistently and correctly, but they can also greatly reduce your risk of getting or giving one another several sexually transmissible infections, or STIs. Since you seem comfortable with hormonal contraception, which is what emergency contraception is a form of, you might also ask your healthcare provider about birth control options such as the birth control pill, patch, shot or ring. Although they are all highly effective, some are easier to use than others and may be better choices for you. No "Safe" Days As you mentioned, some women do experience spotting or bleeding after they take the emergency contraception but it is not necessarily the same as a period and you can absolutely get pregnant during this time period. There are no absolute "safe" days during which a woman cannot get pregnant, especially if she is relatively young and has irregular cycles. Please take the time to talk to your boyfriend about your choice to be sexual with each other and ways that you can reduce your risk of pregnancy. Try to identify at least one adult or healthcare provider that you can feel comfortable talking to about your choices regarding sex so that you can take care of your sexual health and reduce your risk of pregnancy. Recommended Reading You might find it helpful to read S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-To-Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You Through High School and College by Heather Corinna or to visit the web site of Planned Parenthood for detailed information about birth control methods and healthcare services. Birth,Control,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant-from-dry-semen/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant-from-dry-semen/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:00:38 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=421 http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant-from-dry-semen/feed/ 2 2:59 Any time that a man's sperm get inside of a woman's vagina, and she is not using any effective methods of birth control, there is ... Any time that a man's sperm get inside of a woman's vagina, and she is not using any effective methods of birth control, there is a risk of pregnancy. I am not sure how adequately your boyfriend wiped the head of his penis after he ejaculated, so it is unclear whether he removed all of the semen. Plus, if there were any sperm still inside his urethra (the tube that carries urine and ejaculate out of a man's body), then the sperm could potentially have been picked up by pre-ejaculatory fluids moments later, and then gotten into your vagina when he inserted his penis. If there was any ejaculate on his penis, or about to come out of his penis, when he inserted it into you, then there is a risk of pregnancy if you were not using other methods of birth control at the time, such as the birth control pill, patch or ring. Home Pregnancy Test If you have concerns about being pregnant, you might take a home pregnancy test after enough time has passed, or you might check in with a healthcare provider for a pregnancy test and to learn more about safe and effective methods of birth control. I would also encourage you and your boyfriend to learn more about sexuality and pregnancy if you plan on being sexual together, and to learn about ways to prevent pregnancy. You can find information about contraception and sexual health on our contraception resource pages or on Planned Parenthood's web site. You can also learn more about sexuality through the book The Guide to Getting It On. Not Recommended In short, however, I would not recommend this practice for the future. If you do not want to get pregnant, then you and your boyfriend might consider using condoms for penetrative sex play like you recently engaged in. If you are not comfortable with any degree of pregnancy risk, then perhaps you two just re-evaluate your decision to have penetrative sex, or any type of sexual contact that might put you at risk for pregnancy or infection. Given that you both have now been in contact with each other's sexual fluids now, too, you should both consider getting tested for sexually transmissible infections, or STIs, which can be passed between two people even with just brief contact, as you two had. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Pregnancy aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/vagina-hurts-burns-pain-after-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/vagina-hurts-burns-pain-after-sex/#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:00:58 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=418 http://kinseyconfidential.org/vagina-hurts-burns-pain-after-sex/feed/ 0 3:32 Although many women experience vaginal itching and burning at some point in their lives, it is always worth looking into. In some cases, vaginal itching and ... Although many women experience vaginal itching and burning at some point in their lives, it is always worth looking into. In some cases, vaginal itching and burning can be a sign of a sexually transmissible infection, also called an STI, so it is important to check in with a healthcare provider to rule out this possibility even if you feel as though there is little to no risk of that possibility. Possible Causes Other times, women experience vaginal itching or burning in response to chemicals or materials that they are sensitive to. For example, some women find that they experience vaginal irritation in response to certain lubricants or condoms, but not others. If you and your boyfriend are using lubricated condoms, then you might try to use a non-lubricated condom and add some of your own lubricant, such as one that is hypoallergenic or unlikely to cause irritation. The brand Good Clean Love, for example, is made without some of the common irritants found in certain popular brands of lubricants. Another lubricant that has been formulated to reduce the risk of irritation is called Pink. Although uncommon, some women are allergic or hypersensitive to men's semen. Some of these women have always been allergic or hypersensitive to semen, whereas other women develop an allergy or hypersensitivity over time, and may experience itching, burning, redness or other irritant reactions after they are exposed to semen, such as during intercourse. In rare cases, women may experience more severe reactions that require a visit to the emergency room. Check In With A Healthcare Provider For all of these reasons, it is important to check in with a healthcare provider when one experiences persistent vaginal irritation. Regular gynecological exams are recommended for women who are sexually active, anyway, and are particularly encouraged when vaginal symptoms are present. You can learn more about sexual and reproductive health needs of women, as well as locate a health care clinic near you if needed, from Planned Parenthood. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/vaginal-cuts-stitches/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/vaginal-cuts-stitches/#comments Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:08 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=385 http://kinseyconfidential.org/vaginal-cuts-stitches/feed/ 0 3:11 I'm so sorry to hear about your cuts; it can be scary to notice blood during sex. I'd like tonbsp; strongly encourage you to call your ... I'm so sorry to hear about your cuts; it can be scary to notice blood during sex. I'd like tonbsp; strongly encourage you to call your healthcare provider's office for advice and to ask if they want you to come in for an appointment. If you are worried about cost issues, local family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood often offer sliding scale fees, or reduced rates, so a visit to a healthcare provider may be more affordable than it seems. Ask about cost while you're on the phone with the clinic if this concerns you. Too Late For Stitches Depending on how much time has already passed, it may be too late for stitches but it is always good to have long or deep cuts looked at by a trained healthcare provider, particularly in the genital area where the open cut may come into contact with bodily fluids or bacteria, given that the genitals are close to the anal area. Infection Risk Sometimes healthcare providers may prescribe certain antibiotic creams or ointments for genital cuts to reduce the risk of possible infection. Also, depending on where the cut is located and how severe it is, some genital cuts may heal in such a way that scar tissue develops and can cause sexual problems later, and this concern can factor into the type of treatment that a healthcare provider may suggest. Lubrication To Reduce Risk The risk of genital cuts can be reduced by using a store-bought lubricant during sex or by having more gentle, rather than more vigorous, sex. That said, sometimes bodies rub against each other in unexpected ways, and even the most gentle, lubricated sex can result in a cut or other injury. Though some people feel embarrassed about injuries that result from sex, they should still be looked at by a trained healthcare provider - especially, as you put it, when a cut like that anywhere else on your body would prompt you to visit a healthcare provider. Doctors and nurses help people with sexual issues and genital cuts and tears more often than you might think. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnancy-risk-using-condoms-not-ejaculating/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnancy-risk-using-condoms-not-ejaculating/#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:00:52 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/09/22/qa-is-it-possible-to-get-pregnant-even-when-using-contraception-and-if-my-partner-doesnt-ejaculate/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnancy-risk-using-condoms-not-ejaculating/feed/ 0 3:09 If you didn't get any sperm inside your girlfriendrsquo;s vagina, or any pre-ejaculate (also called "pre-cum" - the thin liquid that comes out of some ... If you didn't get any sperm inside your girlfriendrsquo;s vagina, or any pre-ejaculate (also called "pre-cum" - the thin liquid that comes out of some men's penises while they are feeling aroused), then she could not become pregnant from you. Take A Pregnancy Test It is more likely that your girlfriend is still just feeling anxious or worried about becoming pregnant when she is not ready to become pregnant. If she is concerned that she might be pregnant, she should get an at-home pregnancy test when an adequate amount of time has passed (check each box to see how soon a particular test can be used) or check in with her healthcare provider for a pregnancy test. Talk To Your Partner If you or your girlfriend are anxious about sex for these or other reasons, it may be that you are not ready to be having sex right now, as the anxiety may make sex feel more stressful than pleasurable. Perhaps this is a good time to talk more with each other about your decision to be sexual together and how yoursquo;re feeling about it, as well as how you would feel is you became pregnant together, or what steps you could take to feel more comfortable about your romantic and sexual relationship. Or it may be an indication that you need to do other things - like talk more about how you plan to prevent pregnancy - such as correct and consistent condom use and maybe hormonal contraception, such as the birth control pill, patch, shot or ring - so that you can both feel more at ease. In that case, talking with a healthcare provider and learning more about your options for birth control will likely be very helpful - you can learn more at Planned Parenthood's Website as they have a comprehensive birth control section. Experience Takes Time If your girlfriend has not yet had a gynecological exam, she should do so, as this is important for all women who are sexually active. If you feel comfortable talking to your parents or other older family members such as aunts or uncles, they might also serve as good resources for information and to talk about any feelings you might be having about these changes to your relationship. Becoming sexually experienced is something that doesnrsquo;t happen over night, and certainly doesnrsquo;t happen the very first time that you have sex. It takes time and it can be helpful to have trusted people to talk to, not only for information but also for support. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Pregnancy aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/birth-control-sexual-health-resources/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/birth-control-sexual-health-resources/#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:16:19 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/09/18/qa-new-to-sex-where-can-i-learn-about-birth-control-and-sexuality/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/birth-control-sexual-health-resources/feed/ 0 2:47 Great question! I think it is really wise that you two are communicating so carefully about sex before having it, and that you are both ... Great question! I think it is really wise that you two are communicating so carefully about sex before having it, and that you are both focused on feeling comfortable so that you can enjoy your experience together. Your Healthcare Provider The best place to go for information related to birth control options is your healthcare provider as he or she make recommendations based not only on your preferences for birth control but also on any personal health issues. If you are a college student, your campus health clinic will likely have a womenrsquo;s health or gynecology clinic and you may be able to start there, if you donrsquo;t already have a healthcare provider. Planned Parenthoodrsquo;s web site can also be used to find a healthcare provider in your area. Planned Parenthood Ahead of time, you can learn basic information about contraceptive options on the Planned Parenthood web site. They have comprehensive information available related to various types of birth control such as the male condom, female condom, natural family planning, birth control pills, the birth control ring, the shot, and more. You can also learn some of this information elsewhere on our web site (especially in our sexual health resource pages), as well as detailed information about many sexuality issues relating to communication, making sex comfortable, negotiating condom use, dealing with differences in desire and more. Recommended Reading In addition, the book Our Bodies, Ourselves by the Boston Womenrsquo;s Health Book Collection provides a comprehensive overview of sexual health issues and is worth reading for both women and men. The Guide to Getting It On also provides some information on a range of sexuality topics for both sexes, and regardless of experience level. Contact Us If you have further or more specific questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Birth,Control,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/down-there-song/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/down-there-song/#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:10:52 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/09/04/the-down-there-song/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/down-there-song/feed/ 0 http://kinseyconfidential.org/when-does-pregnancy-begin/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/when-does-pregnancy-begin/#comments Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:28:13 +0000 Samantha Seeger http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/08/22/when-does-a-girl-officially-become-pregnant/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/when-does-pregnancy-begin/feed/ 0 http://kinseyconfidential.org/signs-of-a-healthy-relationship/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/signs-of-a-healthy-relationship/#comments Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:15:11 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/08/09/in-a-healthy-relationship/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/signs-of-a-healthy-relationship/feed/ 0