TresSugar

What's the Deal With Glycol in Lubricants?

DearSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0700

If you're prone to yeast infections, and you're a fan of using personal lubricant, then you probably found my Lube Quiz very helpful. It showed you which lubes contain glycerin and which don't, but I recently noticed another ingredient in some water-based products that I thought you should know about - propylene glycol.

To find out if this is something to avoid, read more.

Propylene glycol is a faintly sweet and colorless, clear, viscous liquid that's derived from natural gas. Sounds sexy, doesn't it? It can be found in many products including moisturizers, toothpaste, mouthwash, and medications, in addition to many edibles such as cake mix, salad dressing, and fat-free ice cream. The ingredient is identified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) because of its low oral toxicity (meaning it won't badly harm you if ingested), although it may irritate your eyes, and some may experience a burning sensation from contact on their skin.

KY products such as Yours+Mine and Astroglide contain propylene glycol, so if you've noticed irritation from using these products, this ingredient may be the culprit. If you want a propylene glycol-free lube, try Sliquid H20, Pjur Woman Bodyglide, Slippery Stuff, or Good Clean Love.

K-Y Brand: Yours+Mine Couples Lubricant

DearSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

I've heard of his and her robes or his and her bicycles, but now there's his and her lube? I actually think it's a brilliant idea, and now it's coming straight to us from our trusted friends at K-Y. It's called K-Y Yours+Mine ($16). The little black box comes with two tubes of lube, and you guessed it - one for her and one for him. Supposedly each tube produces lovely sensations for the individual's special parts, but when you have sex and the two lubes come together, the feeling is even more than wow! Check out the commercial below to see what I'm referring to.

That commercial has definitely piqued my interest, and I'm can't help but wonder what the combined sensation really is. Have any of you ever tried this with your partner? I'd be curious to know if it was worth it. If you thought that commercial was cute and you want to see more like it then read more.

Source

Personal Lubricant in Mousse Form

DearSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

If you're taking hormonal birth control, allergy medication, or just have a difficult time getting aroused, you're probably not creating enough natural lubricant down there, in which case bottled lube could be your new best friend! Some contain silicone, some are water-based, and some are oil-based, but they all have one thing in common - they're liquid or gels, which means they can be drippy, messy, and difficult to apply.

If you can relate, then you may be interested in this new form of personal lubricant that makes so much more sense. Replens Intimate Options comes in mousse form ($9.70) - brilliant, right? You can squeeze a little in your hand or directly on the money spot, and it stays put right where you need it. It has a silky texture that's not sticky, and it can be purchased with either no scent or a subtle hint of vanilla. Intimate Options does contain glycerin, which some women may be sensitive to (it can lead to yeast infections) but if you don't fall into that category, you just might want to add this to your nightstand drawer!

Glycerin in Lubricants May Cause Yeast Infections

DearSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:00:00 -0800

Finding a personal lubricant that you like is a tough quest, since there are so many different kinds to choose from. There are silicone-based lubes, water-based ones, and many contain glycerin to make them even more slippery.

But is glycerin a bad thing? Well it depends on whether or not you are prone to yeast infections. You see, glycerin is a sugary liquid, and since yeast feeds on sugar, you can see why these two would make a bad combination. Look for a glycerin-free lubricant if your lady business is sensitive to this kind of thing.

Check some options below.

Astroglide Glycerin & Paraben Free	Sliquid H2O Intimate Lubricant
Maximus Personal Lubricant	Slippery Stuff Gel
Liquid Silk	WET Naturals Silky Supreme Personal Lubricant

Source

Learn Your Lubricants

DearSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:00:09 -0800

Even though it is fun, foreplay isn't just for fun; it also has an important purpose. All that kissing and touching gets a woman warmed up so her juices are flowing. If you aren't sexually aroused, sex can be painful. The friction can be irritating and unpleasant, which is the opposite of how you're supposed to feel when getting it on.

Sometimes, if you aren't naturally wet, you may need a little help from a tube. But don't be sheepish, because personal lubricants are one of the best inventions ever made. I've rounded up some good ones to try, all of which are water- or silicone-based, so they're compatible with condoms. To see my picks, read more.

Astroglide	Astroglide Warming Liquid
O'my Natural Lubricant	K-Y Liquid
K-Y Warming Liquid	K-Y Jelly
K-Y Tingling Jelly	Wet Platinum

If you have any others you love, please comment below.

Source

Hump Day: What Are Some Unconventional Erogenous Zones?

TresSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column. Are you confused about sex? Do you have trouble having an orgasm? Is there something you'd like to try but you're worried it's too weird? Send your questions to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:

“I would like to be a better lover. What are some unconventional erogenous zones?” To hear Dr. Glickman's answer, read more

Well, I suppose that depends on who you ask. After all, what one person considers “unconventional” is someone else’s favorite place to visit. But even so, there are some spots that not everyone knows about.

For the guys, men’s nipples are an often-overlooked pleasure zone. Some guys like pinching or twisting, but get a firm grip first. Or try sucking on them. Either way, start off light and slowly increase until you find the right level.

You could also spend a little time with his prostate. The prostate gland is found by inserting a well-lubricated finger into the anus and curving it towards the navel. It’s about the size of a golf ball, although much softer. It’s very similar to the G-spot so try stroking it, making circles or a windshield-wiper motion. Prostate play is a great addition to oral sex and it makes lots of guys’ toes curl. If you’re concerned about anal play and cleanliness, grab a glove. Some men worry that anal play is strictly gay; but remember, who you want to have sex with doesn’t have to have anything to do with what types of sex you like. (Expert Guide to Anal Play for Men or Bend Over Boyfriend are good references.)

To make your girl smile, give her clitoris or her A-spot (between her cervix and G-spot) some attention. It's at the deepest part of the vagina on the front wall, so if someone is on her back, insert a slim, curved vibrator or dildo and curve it upwards. If she’s face down, curve it down. Fingers can work if they’re a bit longer than average, too. There’s still some controversy about the A-spot and it’s not clear yet how much different women enjoy stimulating it but some women report that A-spot play leads to more vaginal lubrication and intense orgasms.

Quite a few women also report that perineum massage feels wonderful. In part, it’s because the perineal sponge is there. It’s a sort of, well, spongy tissue that engorges during arousal and it contains lots of nerve endings. Try a massage or using a vibrator there, especially during oral sex. In addition, massaging the perineum can help the pelvic muscles relax, which increases blood flow and can make both vaginal and anal penetration easier.

Of course, all of these technical skills and hot spots won’t make you a better lover if you’re not paying attention to your partner. Ask them what their favorite spots are and how they like to be touched. Some people have difficult describing what they like, but there’s an easy way to work with that. Give them two options and ask them which one they liked better. That can make it a lot easier to get the info you need to give your sweetie a thrill.

Hump Day: Is My Cold Sore Contagious?

TresSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column! Are you confused about sex? Do you have trouble having an orgasm? Is there something you'd like to try but you're worried it's too weird? Send your questions to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:

“I know that cold sores are the same virus as herpes. Is it a bad idea to go down on my boy when I have one? Is it transmissible that way?” To hear what Dr. Glickman has to say, read more.

Dr. Glickman's Answer:

YES!!!

There are two types of herpes virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Oral herpes is usually HSV-1 and it’s estimated that 80 percent of the population has been exposed to it. Genital herpes is usually HSV-2 and it’s estimated that 25 percent of women and 12 percent of men have it. However, genital herpes can be caused by either version of the virus, so going down on someone when you have a cold sore (another name for a herpes outbreak) can spread it. To make things a bit more complicated, only about 1/3 of the people who have genital herpes are aware of it - either they’ve never had an outbreak or the outbreak was very mild. (See herpes.com for more info.)

Part of what makes herpes tricky is that it can be transmitted even when you don’t have a visible outbreak. The virus lives in your nervous system and every so often, it’ll come to the surface. It’s especially likely to happen when you’re sick or have been stressed for a while. There’s evidence that the virus starts shedding from the skin (and is therefore potentially contagious) before any visible symptoms. It’s a low risk, but it’s a possibility. To make matters worse, if the site of the shedding isn’t covered by a condom, it can be spread even when you’re practicing safer sex.

While herpes can be uncomfortable, it doesn’t represent nearly as much risk as other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papilloma virus (HPV), or HIV. Having said that, there’s evidence that HSV-2 makes HIV transmission more likely. See this article for more information about how that works.

It’s also worth mentioning that I’ve seen a lot of people get really upset about STIs when they don’t get nearly as upset about any other health issue. I’ve also seen a lot of people who have all sorts of judgment about STIs but think nothing of going to work and sharing their flu germs (or worse)! STIs can be unpleasant, annoying, or life-threatening, but they don’t mean anything about the person who has them any more than chicken pox or measles do. Negative attitudes about STIs are a holdover from before we invented antibiotics and when diseases such as syphilis were seen as the wages of sin. But now we know that they’re just germs and we don’t need to shame people for having them. (Not that I’m saying that you’re doing that, but I wanted to mention it.)

The best thing that we can all do is to get tested for STIs regularly, even if you’ve never had a symptom. Lots of people have STIs and don’t know it. Check your local Planned Parenthood or other agency for information, although I recommend going with anonymous testing in order to ensure your privacy.

And safer sex is always a good choice. It’s easy to do, with a little practice. Using a lubricant can make safer sex more enjoyable since latex tends to have a bit more friction than skin. Try a silicone-based brand if you’re prone to yeast infections. Water-based brands are a bit easier to clean up since they rinse away.

If you or your partner don’t like the way condoms feel, try a different brand. The Japanese-process condoms such as Maxx and Skinless Skin are more sheer than other types. Or you could give Skyn a whirl. It’s made from polyisoprene, rather than latex, so it’s very sheer and both people will get more sensation.

Given that you have oral herpes, you might want to talk with your boyfriend about using condoms for oral sex. If you go that route, change the condom before having intercourse. That will make sure that you don’t spread the herpes virus to your vulva or vagina. It’ll also reduce the risk of your condom breaking; teeth can cause small abrasions that weaken the condom.

For an excellent, sex-positive read on safer sex, check out The Hot Guide to Safer Sex . It’s full of helpful advice and great tips.

Hump Day: How Do I Know If My Orgasm Is . . . Right?

TresSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's new sex advice column! Are you confused about sex? Do you have trouble having an orgasm? Is there something you'd like to try but you're worried it's too weird? Send your questions to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:

For years I thought I hadn't had an orgasm because I expected it to be similar to a man's. I also expected that when I did eventually have one I wouldn't question whether or not that was it because it would be so great/pleasurable that there would be no doubt whether it had happened. My biggest obstacle to get over is that I stop either myself or my partner too soon because it becomes too uncomfortable/sensitive and I just don't like it. Any advice would be appreciated. To find out what Dr. Glickman's advice is, read more.

Dr. Glickman's response:

Many women have had similar experiences, so I’m glad that you asked the question. There are many elements to sexual pleasure and each person is different. As a result, there are lots of women whose sexual responses don’t do what they may expect, especially if they’re comparing their experiences with men’s orgasms.

Quite a few women find that sexual stimulation, especially clitoral stimulation, can become too intense. They often report that changing what they’re doing can keep the fun going without overdoing it. Think of it like switching from eating something spicy to something a bit milder to give your body a chance to catch up. That’s a useful comparison because many people tend to think that stronger sensations are always better, but it’s not always the case. Some people like spicy food and others don’t. So if you find that slow and steady gets you there, go for it!

Figuring out what works for you can be a bit easier with some solo exploration since it takes the pressure of a partner’s expectations out of the picture. If you’re looking for ideas, I really like Sadie Allison’s book Tickle Your Fancy because she offers lots of tips in a fun and friendly format. She also talks about using toys, lubricants, and fantasies so you’ll have plenty of options.

If you want to explore things with a partner, you might find it helpful to explain that your body can get overstimulated and you need to change things up every so often. That’s when it can be helpful to be able to describe what you like since your partner won’t be able to always guess when you need things to be a bit different or what you’d like to do.

While feeling overstimulated is certainly one piece of the puzzle, I think it’s important to recognize that there are many women who haven’t had orgasms for a number of reasons. Becoming Orgasmic is an excellent book that’s designed to help women figure out what their particular barriers are and how to overcome them. Women who have experienced orgasm but who’d like to have them more consistently or more easily can also get a lot out of this friendly step-by-step guide.

Got more questions for Dr. Glickman on Hump Day? Send 'em to TrèsSugar!

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.

Source

Sex Can Hurt

DearSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Sex is supposed to feel good - we can all agree on that. The thing is though, in order for a woman to get sexually aroused, she's got to be into it emotionally. She needs to feel loved and wanted, and if that's not happening, usually the woman won't get excited, and if she's not excited, her lady business won't create the natural lubrication that's so necessary for making sex feel good.

Click here to read more

That's the whole purpose of foreplay - you've got to warm up the car before you take it for a spin! All that kissing, touching, eye contact, and exchange of loving words arouses women so they're ready for intercourse. If a woman is dry, sex will be painful for her. Also, if you are on hormonal birth control or allergy medicine, vaginal dryness can be one of the annoying side effects.

Whatever the reason for your dryness, there's a personal lubricant out there to help. Astroglide feels very much like what your body creates naturally, but you may feel embarrassed picking up a bottle with a name like that. KY also makes a lubricant that seems less about sex, their Touch Massage 2-in-1 warming and tingling products, that can be used all over your body. Whatever you choose, you'll be happy that you did - it'll make your experience so much better if you suffer from vaginal dryness.

Dear's Advice: Some condoms contain spermicidal lubricant, but I'd steer clear of these - they can cause painful irritation for some women. Look for the condoms that contain only the lubricant without the spermicide.