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/pulling-sex-precum-pose-pregnancy-risk/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pulling-sex-precum-pose-pregnancy-risk/#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:23 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1572 http://kinseyconfidential.org/pulling-sex-precum-pose-pregnancy-risk/feed/ 0 3:19 Research on Pulling Out The withdrawal method ndash; also called ldquo;pulling outrdquo; ndash; has received a lot of attention recently thanks to a research study that ... Research on Pulling Out The withdrawal method ndash; also called ldquo;pulling outrdquo; ndash; has received a lot of attention recently thanks to a research study that suggested that it was just as effective at reducing the risk of pregnancy as male condoms. This finding was confusing for many people as it is commonly believed, by many women and men, that couples can become pregnant from a manrsquo;s pre-ejaculatory fluids, which are also called pre-cum. The truth is a little trickier than that. The Way It All Works Herersquo;s the deal: pre-ejaculatory fluids do not contain any sperm. They are clear fluids that come from small glands inside of a manrsquo;s body, including glands called the Cowperrsquo;s glands.nbsp;These pre-ejaculatory fluids are released into a manrsquo;s urethra when he becomes aroused and they help to lubricate the urethra. Some men produce more pre-ejaculatory fluid than others and they may be able to see it come out of their penis while they are aroused. Others donrsquo;t produce as much pre-ejaculatory fluid and it may not be noticeable to them at all. Because pre-ejaculatory fluid does not contain sperm, it cannot get a woman pregnant. Reasons to Avoid Unprotected Sex That said, most healthcare providers and sexual health educators still discourage people from having unprotected sex for several reasons. First of all, couples can still pass infections to one another. Second, just because a man plans to pull his penis out of his partnerrsquo;s vagina before he ejaculates does not mean that he will be able to. Many men ejaculate more quickly than they would like. Men may feel as though they have control over when and where they ejaculate, but they may suddenly feel very excited during sex or a certain position may stimulate their penis in a way they didnrsquo;t expect and they may come without meaning to. Therefore, the withdrawal method is not effective at preventing pregnancy for all men. It probably works very well for men who can routinely and reliably control the timing of their ejaculate. It probably does not reduce pregnancy risk for those men who find it challenging to control when and where they ejaculate. Finally, there is one last risk with pre-ejaculate and pregnancy. Although pre-ejaculate does not itself contain sperm, it can carry leftover sperm out of a manrsquo;s body. For example, if a man masturbates and ejaculates and then an hour later has sex with a woman without a condom, he could potentially get her pregnant even if he doesnrsquo;t come inside her if his pre-ejaculatory fluids carry his leftover sperm out of his penis and into her vagina. To flush out his leftover sperm, he could try peeing before sex. Learn More To learn more about condoms, the withdrawal technique and other methods of birth control, check out Planned Parenthood's website. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Pregnancy aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:09 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1575 http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant/feed/ 0 3:18 Most women and men want to become parents one day. And though about half of pregnancies are unplanned, that means that about half are planned ... Most women and men want to become parents one day. And though about half of pregnancies are unplanned, that means that about half are planned pregnancies that women and men try to figure out how to make happen. Health First If you would like to become pregnant, the first step I would recommend is to check in with a healthcare provider, such as a gynecologist. Your doctor or nurse can examine you and test you for any health problems that may make it more difficult for you to become pregnant. For example, untreated sexually transmissible infections, also called STIs, such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause scarring of a womanrsquo;s reproductive tract and make it more difficult for her to become pregnant.nbsp;Other health conditions, such as some thyroid problems or hormonal problems, can also make it more difficult to become pregnant. Many health problems can be treated so that a woman and her partner can more easily conceive. Your partner would also benefit from visiting his healthcare provider for a wellness exam as well. Changes to Your Lifestyle I would also encourage you to ask your healthcare provider about any lifestyle behaviors you may be able to modify that could help you to become pregnant more easily or could help you to sustain a healthier pregnancy should you become pregnant. For example, your doctor or nurse may advise you to stop drinking alcohol and to stop smoking during this time. He or she may also advise you on exercise or eating. Men tend to have higher sperm quality when they are of a healthy weight and are non-smokers. Women also tend to have healthier pregnancies and lower risk deliveries when they are of a healthy weight. What a healthy weight is for you, though, is something that only you and your healthcare provider can know as everyonersquo;s bodies are built a little differently. Stick to a Schedule Couples who are trying to become pregnant sometimes find it helpful to start tracking the timing of a womanrsquo;s ovulation so that they know when she is most likely to become pregnant. Having sex frequently, such as every 2 days or more often, may be recommended as well. Some research suggests that certain aspects of a womanrsquo;s diet can help her to increase the chances of becoming pregnant; for example, whole milk products may be preferable to nonfat milk products for women who would like to become pregnant. Relaxation can also be an important part of becoming pregnant. More Information To learn more about healthy pregnancy and fertility issues, check in with your healthcare provider. You may also find it helpful to read The Fertility Diet and Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Pregnancy aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/underwear-pregnant-dry-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/underwear-pregnant-dry-sex/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:00:26 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1491 http://kinseyconfidential.org/underwear-pregnant-dry-sex/feed/ 1 3:04 If you were wearing underwear, then your chances of becoming pregnant from dry sex ndash; also called dry humping ndash; border on ldquo;low to no ... If you were wearing underwear, then your chances of becoming pregnant from dry sex ndash; also called dry humping ndash; border on ldquo;low to no chance.rdquo; However, itrsquo;s often not as simple as that so, if you do not want to become pregnant, I would highly recommend that either you both keep your clothes on during dry sex or that you avoid dry sex altogether. Birth Control Options If you think therersquo;s a chance you will continue being sexual in ways that may put the two of you at risk for pregnancy, then consider using a highly effective method of birth control such as the birth control pill, patch, shot or ring. Condoms are another highly method of birth control plus condoms can greatly reduce the risk of some but not all common sexually transmissible infections, or STIs. Risky Business Herersquo;s why dry sex can be risky in terms of pregnancy. First, there is not always a clear line between ldquo;dry sexrdquo; and intercourse. Sometimes couples get very excited during their sex play and they may experiment with getting closer to each otherrsquo;s genitals.nbsp;If your underwear are small or are thong or g string style, there may be very little fabric, if any, around your vaginal entrance. If therersquo;s not much fabric to cover your vaginal entrance, or if your underwear become accidentally pushed to the side during sex play, then your partnerrsquo;s penis may touch your vaginal entrance. If he ejaculates inside your vaginal entrance or close it, then his sperm could get inside your vagina and you could become pregnant. Communicating About Sex Thatrsquo;s why I would encourage you to consider ways that you and your boyfriend can continue to enjoy each otherrsquo;s company in ways that do not put you at risk for pregnancy if you are not ready to become parents. Part of being sexual is learning how to talk about being sexual. Try talking to your boyfriend about your concerns about becoming pregnant. Let him know what you enjoy about the ways that you pleasure each other but also make sure to let him know what stresses you out or makes you feel worried, such as getting pregnant if yoursquo;re not yet ready to be parents. Together you can learn more about safer sex, birth control and how to take steps to have a more satisfying but low risk sex life. More Information To learn more about safer sex, check out the book S.E.X.: The All You Need To Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You Through High School and College. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Pregnancy aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/turned-husband-rubs-clitoris/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/turned-husband-rubs-clitoris/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:00:06 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1485 http://kinseyconfidential.org/turned-husband-rubs-clitoris/feed/ 0 3:06 Likes and Dislikes It may be helpful to know that not all women feel sexually excited from having their clitoris rubbed or their vaginal entrance licked. ... Likes and Dislikes It may be helpful to know that not all women feel sexually excited from having their clitoris rubbed or their vaginal entrance licked. Some women feel excited and lubricate when they engage in those behaviors; others do not. That does not mean that you wonrsquo;t feel physically excited by other types of sex or touch, though. Pregnancy It also does not mean that you canrsquo;t have a baby. A woman may become pregnant whether or not she lubricates or has an orgasm during sex. Your level of sexual excitement has nothing to do with your ability to become pregnant ndash; unless yoursquo;re avoiding sex because itrsquo;s not exciting. However, if you have concerns about your fertility or questions about how to improve your chances of becoming pregnant, check in with a gynecologist or your primary healthcare provider. Exploring During Sex I would encourage you and your partner to explore your sexuality in a broader, more expansive way and to pay attention to your emotional experience of sex rather than only your physical sensations. How does it feel when your husband touches your breasts, your inner thighs, or when he massages your back? How do you feel when you touch him on different parts of his body? You may find it pleasurable or informative to experience different types of touch together. Rubbing each othersrsquo; bodies with a massage cream or a lotion can feel very different, sensually speaking, than rubbing each other with dry hands. Using a slow rhythm can feel different than a quick rhythm. There are also clear differences between being touched or licked in ways that are gentle versus ways that are firm. As you two explore, you may find that you do enjoy being stimulated on your clitoris or around your vaginal entrance but that you prefer different types of touch or licks than you have previously been exploring. Or you may find that you donrsquo;t respond to genital stimulation as greatly as you respond to breast stimulation or to lots and lots of kissing. Thatrsquo;s okay. All women have different experiences from each other. More Information To learn more about exploring each otherrsquo;s bodies, as well as enhancing emotional intimacy, in ways that will promote more pleasurable sex, check out Because It Feels Good: A Womanrsquo;s Guide to Sexual Pleasure or For Each Other: Sharing Sexual Intimacy. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/girlfriend-pregnant-missed-pill/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/girlfriend-pregnant-missed-pill/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:00:33 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1320 http://kinseyconfidential.org/girlfriend-pregnant-missed-pill/feed/ 2 2:44 Great question! Many men and women who are having sex and who are not ready to be parents have questions about sex and pregnancy risk. Types ... Great question! Many men and women who are having sex and who are not ready to be parents have questions about sex and pregnancy risk. Types of Birth Control Pills If your girlfriend took her pill every day, as directed, then she likely is not at risk of pregnancy. If she is using a combination birth control pill, which has estrogen and progesterone in it, then there is a larger window of time in which a woman can take her pill each day and not be at a high risk for pregnancy. Although it can be helpful to take the pill at the same time every day, it does not have to be exact for combination pills, which is the most common type of pill that women take. On the other hand, if your girlfriend is taking a progesterone only pill then she would need to be more precise in terms of when she takes her birth control pill each day in order to maintain the effectiveness of the pill. If she is not sure which pill type she takes or would like more information about how many hours she has to take the pill each day, she can call her pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about her specific pill type. Plan B - "The Morning After Pill" Plan B ndash; also called the morning after pill ndash; is a highly effective means of birth control when taken within a few days of unprotected sex. If it has been less than 5 days since you two had unprotected sex, you can ask your healthcare provider for more information about this option. That said, it does not sound as though she was at a high risk of pregnancy if she uses combination birth control pills and takes her pill each day as directed. Other Birth Control Methods To further reduce your pregnancy risk and to enhance your peace of mind, consider using condoms during sex or pulling out before ejaculating and ejaculating somewhere else such as into a towel or tissue or on her stomach or back. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Pregnancy aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant-mans-preejaculate/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant-mans-preejaculate/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:00:13 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1290 http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnant-mans-preejaculate/feed/ 2 http://kinseyconfidential.org/sperm/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sperm/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:00:51 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1289 http://kinseyconfidential.org/sperm/feed/ 1 2:41 Sperm only account for about 5% of a manrsquo;s ejaculation by volume whereas fluids from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland account for the vast ... Sperm only account for about 5% of a manrsquo;s ejaculation by volume whereas fluids from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland account for the vast majority of semen. As such, if you are hoping that more sperm will make for larger amounts of semen when you ejaculate, think again! Unable to Increase the Volume of Ejaculate In fact, I am not aware of any way to reliably increase the volume of your ejaculate. Some men find that they emit more semen when they have had less frequent masturbation or partnered sex or when they have allowed their arousal to build up substantially before ejaculating. Others notice little, if any, difference when they try these things. Now, if yoursquo;re not interested in changing your semen volume ndash; but rather you are interested in increasing your sperm count itself, that may be another story. Increasing Your Sperm Count If a healthcare provider has told you that you have a low sperm count, and you and your partner wish to become pregnant, then you may be able to make some lifestyle changes that can either result in more sperm per ejaculation or that may help the sperm you do produce to swim faster or to be of higher quality. Some research, for example, has linked high body fat to lower sperm count or to lower sperm quality. Other research has examined the relationship between caffeine consumption or cigarette smoking with the suggestion that high caffeine consumption and smoking can have a negative impact on sperm quality. Then there are temperature issues to consider in that men who are trying to conceive may find it helpful to steer clear of tight underwear, steam rooms or hot tubs so that their testicles ndash; where sperm are produced ndash; arenrsquo;t subjected to warm temperatures, which can impair sperm production. If you are concerned about your sperm count or your fertility, check in with a healthcare provider for advice about what you can personally to do improve your sperm count or quality. Depending on your personal health history and your goals regarding pregnancy, some strategies may be better choices than others and you can discuss these options with a healthcare provider. Common,Problems,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/penetrative-sex-pergnant/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/penetrative-sex-pergnant/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:05 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1256 http://kinseyconfidential.org/penetrative-sex-pergnant/feed/ 1 http://kinseyconfidential.org/reasons-love-glee/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/reasons-love-glee/#comments Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:56:09 +0000 J. Bradley Blankenship (M.S.) http://kinseyconfidential.org/?p=1224 http://kinseyconfidential.org/reasons-love-glee/feed/ 0 http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-psa-video-review/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-psa-video-review/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:10:15 +0000 Natalie Ingraham (M.P.H.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=963 http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-psa-video-review/feed/ 0 http://kinseyconfidential.org/lambskin-condoms/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/lambskin-condoms/#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:00:38 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=905 http://kinseyconfidential.org/lambskin-condoms/feed/ 0 3:02 Latex condoms are, by far, the most commonly used condoms in most parts of the world. After all, even though their material is quite thin, ... Latex condoms are, by far, the most commonly used condoms in most parts of the world. After all, even though their material is quite thin, itrsquo;s actually quite strong. As a result, latex condoms have low rates of breakage and slippage. When used correctly and consistently during sexual activities, latex condoms can greatly reduce the risk of infection transmission and pregnancy. Even so, sometimes men and women are curious about other types of condoms or ways they can heighten their sensation during sex. Though latex condoms are made of thin material, many men say that they feel less sensation during sex with a condom compared to sex without a condom. Lambskin and other natural skin condoms are certainly one alternative to latex condoms. While it is true that some men experience more sensation during sex when using a natural skin condom, this benefit comes with a cost. Although natural skin condoms greatly reduce the risk of pregnancy, they do not provide protection against sexually transmissible infections, or STIs. Thatrsquo;s because the small pores in natural skin condoms are big enough to allow these infectious organisms through them, and transmit from one person to another. If preventing pregnancy is your only concern, then natural skin condoms may indeed be an option for you. However, you might want to make sure that you and your partner have been tested for STIs prior to switching condom types. Another option is to consider using polyurethane condoms, which ndash; like latex condoms ndash; can reduce the risk of both pregnancy and infection. These condoms are made of material that conducts heat better than latex does. As a result, some men find that sex feels warmer and more natural when they use polyurethane condoms as opposed to latex condoms. If yoursquo;re inclined to stick with latex condoms, however, there are other ways to heighten sensation. For example, you or your partner might rub a water-based or silicone-based lubricant over your condom-covered penis, or you might try using a vibrating sex toy ndash; such as a vibrating condom ring ndash; during sex, which can heighten sensation for both of you. To learn more about condoms and other birth control methods, explore our web site or the web site of Planned Parenthood. Birth,Control,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/communicating-sex-matters/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/communicating-sex-matters/#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:02:26 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=938 http://kinseyconfidential.org/communicating-sex-matters/feed/ 0 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/penis-size-pregnancy/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/penis-size-pregnancy/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:00:28 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=756 http://kinseyconfidential.org/penis-size-pregnancy/feed/ 1 3:16 While I am not aware of any research that has specifically investigated the relationship between a man's penis size and his partner's fertility, I can ... While I am not aware of any research that has specifically investigated the relationship between a man's penis size and his partner's fertility, I can tell say that many couples have successfully become pregnant even without any vaginal penetration at all, or with only one or two inches of the man's penis being inside the woman's vagina. That suggests that even a man whose penis is an inch or two long, when erect, should be able to achieve pregnancy with his partner if they are fertile as a couple. The reason that we have this information is that some women have significant problems with vaginal pain, or with feeling as though it is impossible for their partner to penetrate them, such as occurs with a condition called vaginismus. They may try for months or years to have vaginal intercourse. For many couples, sex therapy can help them to have comfortable, pleasurable vaginal intercourse. However, in rare cases, either the couple decides that it is not a goal for them to have intercourse or the woman finds that she remains unable to comfortably have vaginal penetration. In some of these instances, the couples may want to become pregnant. Since they aren't having vaginal intercourse, their sex therapist or doctor may advise them to have sex in such a way that the man ejaculates right at the entrance to the woman's vagina, and that they try to get some ejaculate in her vagina if possible, using their fingers. Other times, the couple finds that they can comfortably get the first inch or two of the man's penis inside the woman's vagina, and it may be in that position that the man ejaculates into his partner's vagina. Couples have indeed become pregnant this way. If you are concerned about penis size, you might find it helpful to seek out more information about the wide variability among men in terms of their penile length and circumference. Although we often hear about average lengths, with the average erect penis length being about 5 to 6 inches long, in fact penis size is highly variable. Some men have an erect length of 1, 2 or 3 inches long and others have an erect length of 8, 9, 10 or more inches long. These are on the extreme ends, of course, and most men are somewhere in the middle. You might also find it helpful to learn more about sexual technique and communication with a partner, two characteristics that have much more influence on sexual quality and pleasure than penis size. You can learn more about these topics in books such as A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis and The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex. Finally, if you have questions about your personal health or fertility, please check in with your healthcare provider. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No 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/period-length-pregnancy-risk/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/period-length-pregnancy-risk/#comments Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:53:29 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/07/21/qa-my-boyfriend-put-his-hands-down-my-pants-could-i-be-pregnant/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/period-length-pregnancy-risk/feed/ 0 3:25 We get a lot of questions from women and men who are concerned about pregnancy risk. If anything, it reminds us how important it is ... We get a lot of questions from women and men who are concerned about pregnancy risk. If anything, it reminds us how important it is to educate young women and men about pregnancy and sexuality and what does (or doesnrsquo;t) put a couple at risk of becoming pregnant. In order to become pregnant, a manrsquo;s sperm need to be able to fertilize a womanrsquo;s egg, and then the fertilized egg needs to be able to implant itself into the lining of a womanrsquo;s uterus, which is called the endometrium. If your boyfriend didnrsquo;t have any recently ejaculated semen on his hand, and if his hand didnrsquo;t go very near your vaginal entrance or inside your vaginal entrance, then I cannot imagine a scenario in which you would become pregnant. He would have had to fresh, wet semen on his hand ndash; which you probably would have noticed - and then somehow have gotten it inside or awfully close to your vaginal opening. If you are worried about sperm somehow being ldquo;leftoverrdquo; on his hand from an earlier episode of masturbation, that is also unlikely ndash; clean, dry hands donrsquo;t keep sperm alive. Letrsquo;s turn now to womenrsquo;s menstrual periods. Even if you usually have 6 or 7 day periods, that doesnrsquo;t mean that you wonrsquo;t ever have shorter or even longer periods. Menstrual periods can change due to stress, weight changes, hormonal changes, health issues or for no apparent reason whatsoever. Periods are especially likely to change during adolescence. Girls who are used to having 5 day periods from age 13 to 16 may find that when they are 17 or 18 or 20, their periods become shorter or longer, or lighter or heavier. These types of changes are actually quite common, and may continue to change even in adulthood. If you are feeling anxious about being sexual with your boyfriend, it may be a sign that you need more information about sexual health, and maybe that you need to communicate more with him about your decision to be sexual together in this way. You may also want to spend more time thinking to yourself what your values, concerns and expectations are related to sexuality, so that you can have experiences that feel more comfortable and enjoyable to you. If you want to continue being sexual with him in this way, consider ways that can make it feel more comfortable to you, such as perhaps touching each other over each otherrsquo;s clothes, rather than under them. That way you can feel more certain that you will not become pregnant. To learn more about womenrsquo;s sexual health and pregnancy risk, consider reading the book Our Bodies, Ourselves. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Pregnancy aschweig@indiana.edu no No