TresSugar

Doctors Tell Women to Ditch Annual Pap Test

TresSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:42 -0800

There may be no need to feel guilty about putting off your annual trip to the gynecologist anymore! New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists assert that healthy women should not get cervical cancer screening pap tests every year. Instead they encourage women to get the screening every two to three years. The medical group also recommends against getting a pap test until after the age of 21, even if an adolescent is sexually active.

The new recommendations against annual cervical cancer screenings are not intended to save you embarrassment or discomfort - they're meant to prevent unnecessary and possibly harmful treatments. For example, treatment of precancerous HPV symptoms that would otherwise go away on their own puts women at a higher risk of giving birth to a premature or underweight baby. Still, cervical cancer rates have dropped 50 percent since the 1970s mostly thanks to the pap test, so I hope the doctors aren't trying to fix something that isn't broken. But the authors of the guidelines explain that the same results can be accomplished with less-regular screenings.

I'll admit the idea that less screening can be better for your sexual health seems counterintuitive. Will you stick to your annual pap test or do you welcome a chance to get one less frequently?

Have Sex and Live Longer!

DearSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0700

We all know that sex is a wonderful way to connect with and express love for your partner, and that getting it on is also good for your health, but check out this great news: According to Drs. Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz, a healthy sex life sex can also help women live longer. That's right; research shows that women who engage in satisfying nookie whenever they have the urge live longer than those who don't. There's good news for guys, too - men who have sex three times a week have a 50 percent reduction in their risk of stroke and heart attack. Now that sure is a reason to have an orgasm!

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Can Sex Cause a Yeast Infection? Yes and No

DearSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:00:00 -0800

If you've ever had a yeast infection, you know that it's not something you want to go through again. The good news is that you can do a lot to keep the healthy bacteria below your waist at a normal level, like wearing cotton undies, loose fitting pants, and avoiding douching altogether.

Staying dry down there is crucial in order to avoid the annoyance of a yeast infection, but that can be tough if you're a sexually active person. Natural lubrication that your body makes isn't going to affect your lady business, but if you use a personal lubricant that contains glycerin, for many women, that's a yeast infection waiting to happen, so make sure your lube is glycerin-free! Also, if you don't use condoms and your man does his business inside of you, make sure to use the bathroom after sex to help release some of the semen.

There's something else to think about when it comes to sex and yeast infections so read more.

Hormonal birth control can cause yeast infections for some women, so if you're prone, try Monophasic birth control, where the same dosage is delivered daily, which can help curb an infection. If that doesn't work, you may benefit from experimenting with other forms of BC until you find the right one for your body. Another thing to note is that pregnancy can cause a yeast infection. Now I'm not saying having an infection means you're preggers, but it could be one of the early signs.

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High Blood Pressure's Effect on Your Sex Life

DearSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0800

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is really common. It can be caused by stress, a diet high in saturated fat and sodium, and it can also be a result of genetics. High blood pressure comes with a risk for heart problems, so if you suffer from hypertension, you may be wondering if it's still safe to get it on. Since sex (like all cardio activity) can get your heart pumping, the concern is that the physical exertion will put too much stress on your heart which could cause a heart attack. You'll be happy to know that according to the American Heart Association, fewer than one percent of heart attacks have occurred while getting busy in the bedroom. So for those that have their blood pressure under control, sex gets a thumbs up! Hypertension can make sex less enjoyable though, and if you're wondering how, just read more.

For guys, hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction, since blood flow to the penis may be slow. Having this problem even once can cause a guy to be really nervous and self-conscious about sex, which could affect the relationship and his performance.

For ladies, blood flow to the lady parts is also reduced, which can cause vaginal dryness, difficulty getting aroused, and issues with reaching orgasm. Also, if stress is the cause of her hypertension, she'll be too uneasy to allow herself to let go, so chances are her sex drive will suffer the consequences.

The bottom line here, ladies and gentlemen, is that high blood pressure is no joke. It can begin in your 20s and continue throughout your lifetime. Aside from it affecting your overall health, you don't want it to put a damper on your sex life either, so get checked by your doctor and begin treatment if necessary. Your orgasms depend on it!

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Relationship Protocol: Do You Discuss Your Sex Life?

DearSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

If you’re in a relationship, you’re probably having sex, but are you talking about it? Serious relationships require communication in response to the small things, like what the plans are for the weekend, and the bigger things, like what you've been arguing about lately. But while sex is certainly an important issue in a relationship, we correlate it more with action than talk. So do you and your significant other seriously discuss your sex life? Or when it comes to sex, is talking the last thing on your mind?

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The New Joys of Sex

DearSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When I think of The Joy of Sex, I immediately recall a massive book, filled with pictures of a naked, bearded man in various positions with a nude woman, that my friends and I would sneak glances at when our parents weren't looking. Suffice it to say, it wasn't until later that I realized this was the manual for contemporary sex, at the time. Of course, having been published in 1972, I think it goes without saying that sex has changed since then, which is why relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam decided it was time for an update, saying, "A lot of research has been done. But also the whole attitude to sex has changed." An article in The Sydney Morning Herald considers Quilliam's changes:

The new book is aimed at the couple, rather than just the men, and includes many new entries including advice on Internet and phone sex, sex shops and intercourse during pregnancy.

Personally, I'm thrilled that this updated version takes into account female needs and desires, which in a time when women are finally gaining control over their sexuality, seems like a perfect way to modernize this classic. It's available on Amazon UK right now, and I for one will be checking it out when I can find it here in the US! You can never have too much information, right? Is this something that you and your significant other could learn from? Or do you think the idea of a sex manual in this day and age is just too silly?

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Group Therapy: What's Going on With My Sex Drive?

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I am 24 years old and have been married for a year. When I started dating my husband I was 21 years old and a virgin. It was no problem for me to be turned on, and I actually considered myself to have a high sex drive. Because of a heavy workload and not taking care of myself, I lost too much weight and stopped having my period. Along with all of this came a severe drop in my sex drive.

As soon as we were married I was able to decrease my workload and really focus on getting myself healthy again. Now my weight has stabilized and my period has returned. However, my sex drive still seems to be absent. I rarely, if ever, am truly turned on. I also now tend to be pretty dry, which is embarrassing to even mention!

We normally have sex four to five times per week, which I think is too much for me, but I do it for him because I love him and I know men need the sexual connection with their wives. But I have considered decreasing to twice a week so that when we do have sex, I am more into it and can put more energy into seduction and romance. I need your opinions. Is this happening because of my past weight loss? The fact that he is the only one I’ve ever slept with? Or could it be that this is just how I am?

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To be involved in more GROUP THERAPY, click here]

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Sexual Response Cycle: What Happens Before, During, and After Your Orgasm

DearSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

When I first learned what happens physiologically when we’re turned on, my initial response was, “oh, so that’s what’s going on.” If you’ve never learned the details of your body’s sexual-response cycle than I think you might have the same reaction I did. If you have, it’s never bad to get a reminder on just how incredible our bods are! To learn the basics about all four stages, read more.

Excitement: This phase is what you could consider as the foreplay portion. This is when muscle tension starts to build, blood rushes to your genitals and breasts, lubrication kicks into gear, and of course, your resting heart rate increases.
Plateau: Ever feel like you just get stuck right before an orgasm? You’re probably trapped in the plateau phase, which occurs immediately preceding the big "O." This phase is marked by escalation of the traits in the excitement phase as well as muscle spasms. At this point the clitoris becomes highly sensitive, and in some cases, painful to the touch.
Orgasm: Although fairly self-explanatory, during an orgasm your heart rate increases, accompanied by rapid breathing. Your body experiences many involuntary muscle contractions, specifically in the vagina and uterus.
Resolution: The final phase is simply your body returning to its normal resting state. And it’s usually a time of good feelings and fatigue. Many women can easily return to the orgasm phase at this point, thus experiencing multiple orgasms.

Both men and women go through these same four stages, though obviously, men are marked by a series of different reactions specific to the male body. It’s most important to note that the time that each of these phases occur will vary for men and women. Being able to understand where your partner is versus where you are in the cycle can truly enhance your sexual experiences.

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The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part II

DearSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Now that we all have a few reminders when preparing for an upcoming pelvic exam, I have some quick suggestions for the day of the appointment, too. To see them read more.

Always use the bathroom before undressing. Not only do most gynos advise this, but knowing that your bladder is empty may ease your nerves a bit.
Jot down the things you’ve been wanting to discuss so you can remember them all when your doctor is finally in the room with you. You only see her once a year, so make it count.
Mention any tests to check for STIs you're interested in having. Surprisingly enough, most tests are not included in a basic annual exam, but can be quickly added on - some may require a trip to the lab for a quick blood test.
Finally, bring up any issues you may be having with your birth control method, including concerns about a decreased libido. Your gynecologist is there to answer questions and help you find a birth control solution that works for your body and lifestyle.

And remember, don’t be shy! If you have a concern, speak up about it. There is no shame in your body, and it’s more important to face a moment of embarrassment then a dangerous health problem.

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The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part I

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I don’t know any women who actually enjoy a trip to the gynecologist, though feelings about settling into the stirrups tend to vary from mild annoyance to extreme anxiety. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall on, it’s important to make the most of your annual exam. To see my suggestions to do just that read more.

First of all, make sure you have a doctor that you like. A doctor you're comfortable with can mean the difference between a traumatic experience and an appointment that you don't actually dread going to. If you need to find a new gyno, ask your friends or female coworkers - word-of-mouth recommendations are the very best kind!
Try to get a morning appointment. It means less of a wait for you, and it’s always nice to go straight from the shower to the table. While there’s absolutely no rule that says you need to be cleaned up before an appointment, for many woman, knowing they're fresh down there is a huge relief.
Also, when making your appointment, remember to schedule around your period. It’s best to go in during the middle of your cycle, but definitely avoid the week when you expect to be menstruating.
Know the start date of your most recent period beforehand. This is a great habit to get into for all doctor appointments, but especially at the gynecologist because cervical fluid changes based on your cycle.
Refrain from having sex without a condom 24 hours prior to your appointment as semen can make a proper pap smear and exam difficult. The same goes for douching, too!

I have even more tips to keep in mind at the next visit to your gynecologist, so stay tuned for part two!

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