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/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/vaginal-tearing-intercourse-fingering/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/vaginal-tearing-intercourse-fingering/#comments Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:00:18 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=1191 http://kinseyconfidential.org/vaginal-tearing-intercourse-fingering/feed/ 0 3:13 Many young women and men have questions about having sex for the first time and losing onersquo;s virginity. In regard to your question, it is ... Many young women and men have questions about having sex for the first time and losing onersquo;s virginity. In regard to your question, it is indeed possible to experience vaginal bleeding from either fingering or penile penetration. Vaginal Tearing The vagina is made up of sensitive tissue. It can be easily torn from fingering as may occur during sex play. It can also be torn by little snags of a personrsquo;s fingernails. Penetration ndash; whether from a finger or a manrsquo;s penis ndash; can also cause the hymen to tear, either just a little or a lot. The hymen is a thin layer of tissue that partially covers a womanrsquo;s vaginal entrance. Although the size of the tissue is small, it is filled with blood vessels. As such, even if just a little bit of the hymen tears, a woman or her partner may notice blood on onersquo;s fingers, penis or on the sheets. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know whether the bleeding occurred from fingering or penetration. Slow Down However, the fact that you feel as though he may be taking advantage of your lack of experience is something to pay attention to. If you feel as though you donrsquo;t have as much power or control over the sexual aspects of your relationship, you may find that it is important to talk to your boyfriend about what you do or do not want to happen sexually and what you are or are not feeling ready for. It may be that you are more comfortable exploring at a slower pace or that you would like to learn more about sex before you continue to engage in such intimate sex play together. Also, keep in mind that vaginal penetration with a manrsquo;s penis ndash; even if itrsquo;s just a little bit ndash; can put a woman at risk for pregnancy or sexually transmissible infections, also called STIs. If you do not wish to become pregnant at this time, you may want to not engage in vaginal penetration or you may want to learn more about birth control options. Learning More You can learn more about sex by reading S.E.X.: The All You Need to Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You Through High School and College or The Guide to Getting It On. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No 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/common-anal-sex-heterosexual-couples/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/common-anal-sex-heterosexual-couples/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:00:02 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=853 http://kinseyconfidential.org/common-anal-sex-heterosexual-couples/feed/ 0 2:52 Even though anal sex is commonly depicted in sexually explicit films, very few research studies have examined issues related to anal sex among heterosexual - ... Even though anal sex is commonly depicted in sexually explicit films, very few research studies have examined issues related to anal sex among heterosexual - or male-female - couples. Little Research The little research that has been conducted suggests that about one-fourth of heterosexual-identified women and men have had anal sex, but that doesn't mean that one-fourth of heterosexual couples have anal sex regularly. In fact, research suggests that only about 10% of women and men have had anal sex in the past year. Reasons For Having Anal Sex There are, of course, many reasons why people might want to engage in heterosexual anal sex. Some women try anal sex because they want to experience intercourse, and yet they want to maintain what they consider to be their vaginal virginity - in other words, abstaining from vaginal intercourse. Other times, couples use anal sex as a way of being sexual together without the risk of pregnancy - that is, assuming that a man's ejaculate doesn't seep out from the anal opening and get near the vaginal entrance, in which case a woman could potentially become pregnant. Couples also try anal sex for reasons of pleasure or novelty, or because it is something that they have heard about from a friend or a partner, or have seen in a movie. While some couples try anal sex and find it to be uncomfortable, painful or not particularly exciting, others find that anal sex is quite pleasurable, enjoyable or even orgasmic. Anal Sex Does Not Have To Hurt Although some myths suggest that anal sex is painful, the truth is that - like vaginal sex - anal sex does not have to hurt. If it hurts, a couple should stop. Because anal sex is a high risk sexual activity, in the sense that it poses a high risk of infection in one or both partners has a sexually transmissible infection (or STI), couples who are interested in having anal sex should take steps to reduce their STI risk. For example, they can limit their number of partners, use a condom from the beginning to the end of sex, change condoms if they are switching between vaginal and anal sex, and use a water-based lubricant to reduce the risk of tearing. Recommended Reading To learn more about safe and pleasurable anal sex, check out Anal Pleasure #38; Health: A Guide for Men and Women. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Relationships,,Love aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/pain-during-sex-first-time/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pain-during-sex-first-time/#comments Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:00:28 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=485 http://kinseyconfidential.org/pain-during-sex-first-time/feed/ 0 3:25 A woman's first experience, or first several experiences, with vaginal intercourse are sometimes uncomfortable and, occasionally, may even be painful. If a woman has never before ... A woman's first experience, or first several experiences, with vaginal intercourse are sometimes uncomfortable and, occasionally, may even be painful. If a woman has never before had vaginal penetration such as with her own or a partner's fingers, a sex toy or even a tampon, then her vaginal entrance may be largely covered by her hymen. When the hymen - which is a thin area of tissue that is filled with tiny blood vessels - tears, a woman may or may not notice vaginal bleeding, and she may or may not feel discomfort or pain. Lack of Information The tearing of the hymen is not the only reason why a woman may feel discomfort or pain when she first starts having sex. Often times, women may experience uncomfortable sex due to a lack of information about sex. For example, by the time women first start having sex, they may have never learned that using a personal lubricant can make sex more comfortable or pleasurable. Or else they may not have learned that spending more time in foreplay before starting penetration can help a woman's body to create more natural vaginal lubrication, which can also make sex feel more comfortable and pleasurable. Ready To Have Sex? And while many adults often encourage young women and men to wait to have sex until they are older, until they are married or until they are in love, adults may not spend enough time talking to young women and men about some of the benefits of waiting until they are feeling ready to have sex. For example, when two people feel uncomfortable with each other and unsure how to talk to each other about sex, then the sex itself is perhaps less likely to feel comfortable or pleasurable. However, when two people feel comfortable talking to each other about sex, and have spent time considering the emotional and physical risks of having sex - and how they plan to deal with such risks - then they are better situated to experienced more relaxed, pleasurable, comfortable sex. Feeling Comfortable: Physically and Emotionally Before you begin having sex, you might consider ways that you can feel not just physically comfortable (such as through the use of a lubricant or taking your time to begin with gentle penetration), but also ways that you can feel emotionally comfortable with your sexual choices. You and your partner might ask each other about how having sex with affect your relationship, or your expectations for exclusivity, or your plans for reducing the risk of pregnancy or infection. Recommended Reading You can learn more about having sex and how to make it more comfortable by reading S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-To-Know Progressive Sexuality Guide to Get You Through High School and College by Heather Corinna. Common,Problems,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/girlfriend-no-feeling-during-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/girlfriend-no-feeling-during-sex/#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:00:11 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=441 ]]> http://kinseyconfidential.org/girlfriend-no-feeling-during-sex/feed/ 0 3:37 Women sometimes say that they don't feel anything during vaginal intercourse when what they mean is that they don't feel anything pleasurable or stimulating during ... Women sometimes say that they don't feel anything during vaginal intercourse when what they mean is that they don't feel anything pleasurable or stimulating during sex. Talk To Your Girlfriend These are two different issues and I would encourage you to talk with your girlfriend about your sexual experiences together at a time when you are not having sex or about to have sex. Try to find some time alone when you are both feeling relaxed and unlikely to be interrupted. Since she has already identified this as an issue that needs attention, you might say that you've given some thought to what she's said, that it's important to you as well and that you'd like to talk about it together. When you talk, try to clarify what she means when she says she can't feel anything at all during sex. If she cannot even feel that your penis is inside her vagina, then it may be helpful to keep a small towel near the bed and then dab some of the wetness from each of your genitals during breaks from sex. That's because as a woman becomes sexually aroused, her vagina lubricates naturally which can make sex more comfortable and pleasurable, as the lubrication decreases friction during sex. That said, if there is a large amount of lubrication, it can result in a woman not feeling her partner's penis inside her vagina. It isn't her fault or you fault; this just happens sometimes during sexual excitement. The same process of vaginal lubrication that serves to protect women's bodies by reducing friction can sometimes lessen sensation. Dabbing the outside part of her vaginal entrance and your penis with a towel, during little "breaks" from sex, can help to dry off some of the lubrication and heighten sensation for you both. If she gets extremely wet, she might even try inserting a small tampon for 10 or 20 seconds to soak up some of the lubrication, and she throw it out before resuming intercourse with you. Different Stimulation or Positions If she can feel your penis inside her vagina but feels as though she wants to feel more focused stimulation on certain parts of her vagina, then you two might benefit from talking about the types of thrusts or stimulation she desires. For example, would she like more stimulation on the front wall of her vagina, or closer to her cervix? Does she prefer sex that is more gentle or vigorous? Talking about each other's sexual preferences can be helpful and enhancing. She might even find that trying a woman-on-top position gives her the opportunity to rub against your body in ways that allow her to explore types of stimulation that feel most pleasurable to her. Try Sex Therapy If, however, addressing these issues related to lubrication, communication and techniques leave you both feeling as though the issue is not yet resolved, you might find it helpful to meet together with a sex therapist (find one at aasect.org) or for her to check in with her healthcare provider to rule out any medical issues. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/hymen-bleeding-first-time-intercourse/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/hymen-bleeding-first-time-intercourse/#comments Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:00:36 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=405 http://kinseyconfidential.org/hymen-bleeding-first-time-intercourse/feed/ 0 3:07 Great question! Although many women bleed during or after the first time that they have intercourse, not all do - and the presence or absence ... Great question! Although many women bleed during or after the first time that they have intercourse, not all do - and the presence or absence of blood on the sheets is not a reliable indicator of whether or not a woman is a virgin, even though people in some cultures still look for this as a sign of virginity. Different for Different Girls Most girls are born with a layer of tissue called the hymen that covers much of their vaginal entrance. Though thin, the hymen is filled with blood vessels and so when it tears, there is often some visible blood. In some girls, the tissue is quite thin and in others the hymen is thicker. Some girls aren't born with much of a hymen at all and it's important to realize that there are differences in girls' hymens as early as infancy. As girls grow up, the hymen may be worn away for different reasons. Some girls - like some boys - stimulate their genitals with their hands or other objects. Masturbating in this way may wear away some of a girl's hymen. Some health professionals have thought that certain activities that impact the vulva, such as horseback riding or gymnastics, may also contribute to the gradual wearing away of the hymen, but research has yet to confirm that this is true. Many Ways The Hymen Can Be Worn Away As young women, mutual masturbation, or fingering, can also wear away at the hymen, as can using tampons during a menstrual period. As you can see, there are many ways that a hymen can be gently worn away over the years so that by the time a woman has vaginal intercourse for the first time, she may not have any noticeable bleeding. That doesn't mean that she's not a virgin. If you have questions about your girlfriend's previous sexual experiences, it is better to ask her in ways that are respectful, gentle and caring rather than to make assumptions based on the bedroom sheets. It is also worth considering to what extent her sexual history matters to you in your current relationship, as well as to what extent your own history may matter to her. Learn More To learn more about communicating with a partner and coming to terms with each other's sexual past, you might want to read For Each Other: Sharing Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Lonnie Barbach. Common,Problems,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/trouble-reaching-orgasm-through-masturbation/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/trouble-reaching-orgasm-through-masturbation/#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:00:48 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://wfiutest.rtv.indiana.edu/?p=382 http://kinseyconfidential.org/trouble-reaching-orgasm-through-masturbation/feed/ 0 3:15 Most women are capable of experiencing orgasm from some type of stimulation or another, so it is unlikely that you're completely unable to do so. ... Most women are capable of experiencing orgasm from some type of stimulation or another, so it is unlikely that you're completely unable to do so. In fact, it is quite common for women to find that learning to orgasm is a process, and one that takes time, patience, and practice. Boys commonly begin masturbating around the time that they reach puberty, give or take a year. Girls, on the other hand, may begin masturbating at a wider range of ages. Many young women begin masturbating as teenagers or young adults and so it's no wonder that it takes a while to learn to orgasm if one is less familiar, or rather newly familiar, with their body's sexual response. Pressure Gets In The Way Pressure gets in the way of some women learning to orgasm, too. Often, women will pressure themselves, or feel pressured by a partner, to orgasm - which, not surprisingly, often leads to women pretending to have an orgasm when they're with a partner. Even in masturbation, with no partner present, some women feel pressured to climax. And yet pressure and being overly focused on orgasm can make it difficult for a woman to relax and enjoy the way that her body responds to stimulation. And that relaxation is key - at least as a starting place - to learn to orgasm. Usually orgasm is helped along if a woman is feeling relaxed, sexually aroused or interested, and able to pay attention - and be open to enjoying - the physical sensations that her body is experiencing. Women's Bodies and Sexual Response You may find it helpful to learn more about women's bodies and sexual response. I'm not sure how it is that you are self-pleasuring but you might spend some time exploring your body, without any intention or pressure to orgasm, and see what feels good. Some women enjoy direct stimulation of their glans clitoris, the part of the clitoris that is above the vaginal entrance at the 12 o'clock position. Others prefer vaginal stimulation and at different parts within the vagina. And while hand stimulation is enjoyed by some women, others find that using a vibrator or other sex toy delivers the type of stimulation that makes sexual play more pleasurable or orgasmic. There are many paths to orgasm, and also many issues that make it difficult for women to experience orgasm right away. Recommended Reading You might find the book Becoming Orgasmic to be of help as you explore your body in pleasurable - and potentially orgasmic - ways. Content,Type,,Pleasure,,Orgasm,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-with-virgin-bleeding/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-with-virgin-bleeding/#comments Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:35:35 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/07/28/qa-bleeding-the-first-time/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/sex-with-virgin-bleeding/feed/ 0 3:41 It is true that sometimes a small amount of bleeding occurs during the first time - or first few times- that a woman has vaginal ... It is true that sometimes a small amount of bleeding occurs during the first time - or first few times- that a woman has vaginal intercourse. Usually the bleeding is due to tearing of a woman's hymen, which is a thin layer of tissue that's rich with blood vessels and may cover a portion of the vaginal entrance. The Hymen And Bleeding While nearly all girls are born with a hymen, the size of the hymen can vary greatly. Also, some women's hymens are gradually torn over the years due to self-masturbation, tampon use or sexual activities such as finger stimulation. As a result, by the time a woman first experiences intercourse, she may notice only small amounts of bleeding, or none at all. Others notice larger amounts of bleeding. Some couples continue with sex when bleeding occurs; others are more comfortable stopping and checking things out. Some women experience physical discomfort with early attempts at intercourse; others do not. These are reasons why it is important to continue checking in with each other. You might even choose to have sex on a towel or dark sheets if concerns about bleeding interfere with feeling relaxed and open to pleasure. Vaginal Tearing Bleeding can also be caused by vaginal tearing. A woman might notice this during sex or afterwards, or even the next. If at any time a woman feels discomfort, pain or has concerns about bleeding, she might consider checking in with her healthcare provider (which is recommended prior to becoming sexually active, anyway). Using Lubricant The risk of vaginal tearing may be reduced by using a store-bought lubricant during intercourse. It can be applied to a man's penis (over the condom) and to a woman's vaginal entrance, to make intercourse more comfortable. If you're using latex condoms, choose a water or silicone based lubricant. Lubricants can be incorporated into your sex play in fun, sexy, pleasurable ways. You can watch each other apply it to your own genitals, or take turns and apply it on each otherrsquo;s bodies. Safer, more comfortable sex can absolutely be enjoyable. Good Communication Regardless of your partner's level of experience, it can be good to ask each other questions like, Are you comfortable?, Shall we keep going?, Do you want to stop?, or How does this feel? Good communication can help you and your partner decide whether you want to continue sexual activities, try different things, vary your position or rhythm, or stop altogether. Before deciding to be sexual together, people often remember to ask each other important questions about sexually transmitted infections (STI) and condom use. However, they sometimes shy away from asking equally important questions about the emotional side of sex. Letting your partner know how you feel about sharing sexual experiences -- your values, expectations, excitement and concerns -- and asking how he or she feels in return can help deepen your relationship and bring you closer to developing the relationship you desire. Bodies,,Content,Type,,Podcast aschweig@indiana.edu no No 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 http://kinseyconfidential.org/alternative-ways-to-get-pregnant-without-intercourse/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/alternative-ways-to-get-pregnant-without-intercourse/#comments Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:01:37 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/2008/07/17/qa-alternative-ways-to-get-pregnant-without-having-intercourse/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/alternative-ways-to-get-pregnant-without-intercourse/feed/ 0 3:39 Not only is it possible to get pregnant from a man ejaculating at the vaginal entrance but this is actually a common method that many ... Not only is it possible to get pregnant from a man ejaculating at the vaginal entrance but this is actually a common method that many couples use if they cannot have penile-vaginal penetration but still want to become pregnant. When a man ejaculates at a womanrsquo;s vaginal entrance, his sperm can swim inside a womanrsquo;s vagina, up through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes where ndash; if a woman has ovulated ndash; an egg may be available to be fertilized. In order to get pregnant, yoursquo;ll want to get his semen as close to the vaginal entrance as possible, or a little bit inside the vagina if you can. Causes Of Uncomfortable Intercourse Women may be unable to have comfortable for vaginal intercourse for various reasons. One of the more common reasons has to do with a condition called vaginismus that is sometimes described as having uncontrollable muscular spasms that prevent vaginal penetration, or that make it exceedingly painful. Women with vaginismus may find that tampon use or gynecological exams may feel painful or impossible too. Fortunately, many women with vaginismus can be successfully treated through sex therapy and the use of dilators, which usually come in a set of 5 to 6, and are rod-shaped devices that come in various sizes. The smallest is usually the size of a personrsquo;s little finger. The largest is often about 5 to 6 inches in length and about the girth of an average or above-average sized penis. Women and their partners may find these online, or through a sex therapist or healthcare provider, and can use them to gradually and very gently help the vagina learn to comfortably accept penetration. To find a sex therapist near you, visit the web site of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. There are other reasons that a woman may have painful intercourse including: past injury or trauma side effects from cancer treatment vulovodynia (a term that refers to vulvar pain) genital skin disorders other gynecological problems If you havenrsquo;t already done so, it is worth checking in with a healthcare provider and/or a sex therapist for further evaluation. This is particularly important if you currently cannot even have a gynecological exam due to genital pain issues, or havenrsquo;t had one in a long time. It may be worth addressing the painful penetration issue prior to becoming pregnant, as prenatal visits and gyn exams are an important part of having a healthy pregnancy. Please consider checking in with your healthcare provider for information and advice related to your personal health and pregnancy plans. Content,Type,,Podcast,,Pregnancy aschweig@indiana.edu no No http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnancy-without-penetration/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnancy-without-penetration/#comments Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:49:17 +0000 Dr. Debby Herbenick (M.P.H., Ph.D.) http://www.kinseyconfidential.org/blog/2007/10/17/qa-risk-of-pregnancy-from-dry-sex/ http://kinseyconfidential.org/pregnancy-without-penetration/feed/ 0