This article was scientifically reviewed by Human Sexuality expert Dr. Laurie Mintz. She is a professor, researcher, private practitioner and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. While the word ‘lube’ might conjure up memories of questionable frat-hosted wrestling events or comically over-sized tubs of jelly on a porn set, using lube is one of the best…
There are a lot of different types of meditations to choose from and one of them is Laughter Meditation. Laughing comes from deep inside us and there’s always a healthy supply. You may be self-conscious at first but laughing out loud, not texting it (lol), breaks up tension in the body as it relaxes the…
Parenting would be a lot easier if it were like baking – exact ingredients, precise directions, specific chocolate-to-dough ratio, and voila! The perfect chocolate chip cookie! (Um, I mean, kid). While there’s literally no one specific recipe for raising children, a lot of parents incorporate informed decision-making in their approach. Choosing if, how, and when…
This article was scientifically reviewed by Human Sexuality expert Dr. Laurie Mintz. She is a professor, researcher, private practitioner and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. 1. It’s More Than Meets the Eye A 3D model of the clitoris is just starting to make its rounds in Sex Ed. Classes, and honestly it’s about time. Everyone…
Andropause is similar to its female counterpart, menopause , and refers to declining levels of testosterone in aging men. Often referred to as Low T, this condition isn’t as widely understood as menopause, making it difficult for both patients and physicians to recognize. Fortunately, diagnostic tools for measuring testosterone levels are improving, making it easier…
Last night, as I said goodnight to my almost-grown daughters, I noticed that each of their respective laptops rested directly on their respective laps. Hystero-Mamma kicked into high gear. “Girls – why aren’t you using pillows as a barrier between your computers and your ovaries? How many times do we have to review this? Don’t…
Do you ever find yourself extremely horny while on your period? If the answer is yes, know that you are definitely not the only one. And there are reasons why you might be feeling this way. Our sex drives are ever-changing and fluctuating, and there are a plethora of reasons, external and internal, that can…
This article was scientifically reviewed by Human Sexuality expert Dr. Laurie Mintz. She is a professor, researcher, private practitioner and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Dear LELO, Help! After an abnormal Pap smear, I was referred for a colposcopy… and have been told I have HPV. I have no idea who I got this from…
This article was scientifically reviewed by Human Sexuality expert Dr. Laurie Mintz. She is a professor, researcher, private practitioner and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. With all the lifting, stretching, running and sweating so many of us do at the gym however many times a week, we’re here to tell you about one muscle set…
Search for a numbered list of menopause symptoms on the web and you’ll find that there’s no one definitive inventory. One site says there are 34, another one says 66 – the cataloging varies widely. Since menopause research is relatively new and medical training for treatment is practically non-existent – and because each woman’s experience…
The invention of the birth control pill was a revolutionary event that completely changed the sex lives of cis-gendered women around the world. It finally allowed them to take control over their reproductive system, and be in charge of their sexuality a little bit more. However, while it’s a super popular contraceptive method that many…
How do you feel about porn? Now, how do you feel about someone consuming porn while in a committed relationship? Porn is one of those things that can be quite variable depending on the individuals involved, communication between those individuals, past behavior, and current relationship conditions – even the type of porn can be a…
Whether it’s exercising more, eating more sustainably, or saving money, we all want to improve our lives, but it can be a daunting task. Here is the perfect advice if you’re looking to get your life back into gear. Masturbate more. Yup, you heard me. You should be masturbating more! Masturbation, and orgasms, have a…
When I was growing up – before the internet got its greedy little hands on us – we had books and tv and movies and music. If we were lucky, we had parents who had healthy views on sex and welcomed the inevitable questions of burgeoning adolescents. While I was one such fortunate kid (and…
I went to a very progressive medical school, and one of the principles I learned was that it is not good enough to make the diagnosis and prescribe the right medications. You have to remove as many obstacles as possible that may be interfering with your patients taking the drug. The most prevalent obstacles tend…
Have you heard of Self-Insemination? Self-Insemination is a process where a man will ejaculate at home into a cup and use that sample to draw it up with a syringe to insert into his partner. Whenever it comes out, it’s clumpy and goopy. And then basically there are enzymes that break it up. So, he…
We realize that it’s one thing to know all about the orgasm, and quite another to experience one. Whether you’ve never had one, or want to improve the ones you already enjoy, we’ve got you covered. Here are some simple steps to start exploration: 1. Above all else, fly solo and explore. Whether you’re looking…
Pilates benefits for body, mind, and soul are known by many. From improved posture to less stress, Pilates seems to be the form of exercise that’s all the rage these days. But how about Pilates benefits for sex? Science says that Pilates might be one of the most effective workouts to improve your sexual health…
Navigating your healthcare with autonomy and empowerment means knowing what your options are and what the purpose is of different procedures. One test that is commonly recommended for people cis-women and people with vaginas is the pap smear. Pap smears are an essential part of reproductive health care, giving providers vital information about your cervical…
When it comes to sexual performance, no food will magically boost it on its own, but some can go a long way working in synergy with other efforts, helping you be your best, healthiest and sexiest self. Hormone Balancing Foods With the increasing amounts of hormone disrupting toxins in the environment and lifestyle problems like…
If you’re a member or an ally of the queer community, you know that Pride isn’t just one month of celebration. Being proud of who you are as an individual and as a sexual being (or not – that’s the “A” for asexual in LBGTQIA+) is something we strive to experience every day. But since…
A lot of the research on sexual health has historically focused on dysfunction and disorders like erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia. While this type of research is necessary, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Focusing solely on dysfunction misses the idea that humans are complex creatures with endless factors that influence how we engage with our…
Intercourse should not hurt. I’m always surprised at how many of my patients have been suffering with painful intercourse of some kind for years. But I’m also so glad they have finally decided to seek treatment. There are many reasons why a woman might be suffering from painful intercourse. For example, lack of lubrication, vaginal…
Sex is a beautiful part of most people’s lives and relationships. Unfortunately it also comes with its own difficulties and details to navigate. Certain sexual behaviors and habits are inherently risky, that’s a part of life. Understanding these potential risks, why people engage in them, and how to avoid them is an important step in…
The first reported cases of HIV were diagnosed in 1981. This devastating epidemic disproportionately affected the LBGTQ+ community and places throughout the world that have limited access to sexual education and healthcare. Since then it has continued to be a major public health concern throughout the world. Approximately 84.2 million people have been infected with…
You’re really into a new romantic or sexual partner. They make you feel lit up, seen, supported, and you also happen to think they’re super cute. You start to kiss and it feels right, you feel arousal building, everything feels hot and sexy, but then you just seem to… tap out. You like them, you’re…
In the words of the great Cardi B “Now get a bucket and a mop, that’s some wet ass pussy”. Vaginas get wet. It’s one of the many wonderful things they do. If you have a vagina, I hope you embrace its wetness. If you don’t, we understand. People with vaginas have been told to…
Using a vibrator can help you amp up your sex life whether it’s during masturbation or with a partner. But it isn’t all fun and games. Vibrators also have therapeutic applications and can help with various medical conditions. That begs the question – should you be able to get a prescription for a vibrator? The…
A tilted uterus, sometimes known as a “tipped” uterus or a “retroverted” uterus, can be a common condition that happens to nearly one in every three women. Even so, many of those who have a tilted uterus can go their entire lives without knowing it. But, for those who experience discomfort due to a tilted…
Considering this procedure? Then you’re in very good company. In fact, it’s becoming more and more commonplace, particularly here in the United States. While it can bring to mind words such as impossibly painful and very permanent, these are old school characterizations. Urologist Justin K. Houman of Cedar-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles gets it. “Because…
If you’re a fan of historical fiction you’ve probably seen many scenes in books, movies, or shows of aristocratic families making a big deal of someone’s first time having sex after getting married. They check the sheets for blood the next day, they may even have a “doctor” examine the woman to ensure her “purity”.…
Variety is the spice of life, and what’s more human than the primal urges and desires that drive you to connect with other humans? We’re talking about the complex and colorful world of sexuality. You’ve probably got the basics down – straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer, but there is so much more to sexuality…
Learning to love yourself may be harder than learning to love someone else. And having a great sex life when you don’t love yourself – well that can be tricky. So here are some things to think about as we approach Valentine’s Day: Be your own best friend: When you start putting yourself down for…
Attachment theory is the best way to understand love and romantic relationships. “Pioneered by psychologist John Bowlby in the 1950′s, the field of attachment posits that each of us behaves in relationships in one of three distinct ways: Anxious — people are often preoccupied with their relationships and tend to worry about their partners ability to…
If you haven’t caught this delightful FX-Hulu series yet, I highly recommend you do so. I’ve only seen the first episode, but I can’t wait to devour the rest of the season. “Fleischman is in Trouble” is based on the much-heralded 2019 book by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, and while I expected terrific performances by the likes…
Why do we find particular people attractive? Is it merely pheromones? Is it about what’s normalized for us culturally? And what does science say about all of this? A 2019 study published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America revealed that yes, we actually do have types.…
It’s almost Springtime, and that means later sunsets, al fresco dining, and hammocks gentlyrocking in the breeze. And that got me thinking – as a women’s health specialist – about thehammocks that aren’t suspended by trees but the ones that naturally hang from our pelvicbones! Yes, indeed, Friends, our pelvic bones have muscles within the…
In the last few years, conversations around non-monogamy have become much more mainstream. From the Netflix series You, Me, Her to TikTok accounts like @OpenlyCommited – society is slowly becoming more open to the idea of being open. If you haven’t seen it, @Openlycommited is a TikTok account with upwards of 120K followers and nearly…
Tis this season, and as the 300 Hallmark holiday films (seriously – they’ve made 300 of them!) inevitably feature – it’s snowflakes and sugar cookies and lights all aglow. And it’s oh so romantic, lest we forget. What happens when daydreams turn from peppermint mocha everything to cuffing and cozying and curling up with your…
Cold showers are traditionally considered a method for curbing your lust, but their actual impact on your performance and libido might be just the opposite. Of course, if you’re male and have an erection, a cold shower will definitely kill it, but your lust might not necessarily be impacted. The reason is simple – when…
What would you say if I told you that there are celibacy benefits that can improve your sex life? Yes, you’ve heard that right – not having sex can indeed make your sex life better! Celibacy doesn’t have the best reputation. And there is a good reason why people are hesitant about it. With it…
Seeing an attractive woman with a below-average guy inevitably draws all sorts of conclusions (often unfair ones), such as: he’s probably rich, she might be insecure, he must be good in bed or especially well endowed below the waist… However, the truth might be much simpler than that – maybe he’s funny. Science increasingly shows…
Penises: there are so many different kinds. Some are straight, some are curved, some have a larger base with narrow glans, others have a smaller base with wider glans. Just like vulvas, they’re all unique. Having said that, it’s fair to assume that many people, regardless of their genitals, have wondered if theirs are “normal”…
It’s true that autistic people face certain challenges when it comes to communicating, learning, behaving, and interacting in social interactions. Not just that, but there are challenges in sex and relationships. Regardless, this is not to say that an autistic person cannot have a fulfilling sex life. Autism, Sex & Sexuality The thing about autism…
Couple years ago, my wife and I were on a winter vacation staying in a remote and lovely cabin. Outside was pitch black winter night with icy rain freezing as soon as it hit the ground, but inside it was pleasantly warm, with the fire burning in the fireplace, painting the room orange with a…
Chances are you’ve experienced sexual performance anxiety at some point in your life. Anxiety disorders are the most common health issue in the United States after all, and sex, as wonderful as it is, can be pretty nerve-wrecking, especially when you’re inexperienced or with a new partner. The idea that sex is a “performance” is…
While sex is meant to be a pleasurable experience, there are some uncomfortable truths that need to be addressed. And while we won’t necessarily be touching on the subject of sex in all its amazing glory, but rather the tips on keeping safe and healthy, we want you to know one thing. That is, sex…
There were bulges as far as the eye could see. It was my first time in Puerto Vallarta, a hedonistic hub of homosexuality in Mexico, where BeefDip, a week-long event for muscular, heavy-set men and their admirers was taking place. The beach was filled with buff bodies, mango margaritas, and unceasing chimes from Grindr emitting…
Many individuals’ early experiences with sex ed were laughably bad—we’re talking Mean Girls’ “Don’t have sex, because you will get pregnant and die” bad. And while these instances may be fun to giggle at in hindsight or when played up in a comedy, the lasting impact of poor sex education is no laughing matter. To…
We like to celebrate sex in all its joyful glory. I rejoice at the very possibility that my articles might encourage someone to have better sex, but I’ll never claim that it’s a one-way road and that there isn’t a dark and sinister quality to sexuality. Sex is a risky game and some of its…