Monthly Archives: March 2015

Birth Control Access Significant in Addressing Climate Change

Birth Control Access Significant in Addressing Climate Change

2015-03-30

In Pakistan 4.2 million births per each year are unintended. About one-third of married Pakistani women desire access to birth control, according to an organization called the Population Reference Bureau. Yet the growing population there and elsewhere throughout the world is putting more pressure on the earth’s resources and increasing emissions, a very bad scenario when considering climate change. This could lead to a scarcity of food and water along with an increase in extreme weather events. Population growth impacts erosion, deforestation and many other aspects of climate change as well.Experts say more women throughout the world desire access to birth control, and a widespread program could help address their needs and climate change all at once. This would not be forcing women to take birth control but instead extending it to women who desire access to it but have none. Still, both of these concepts, birth control and climate change, remain controversial, stymying the effort to enact a smart, worldwide population control policy.

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Experts say better education, health, more resources and a brighter future come with family planning. But the stigma against its use in some cultures and the denial of climate change by certain ideologies compound the issue, making it harder to gain ground. Even so, an international coalition of experts on contraception, climate change and development are coming together, asking for a worldwide family planning program which is to be dovetailed into the latest version of the UN Sustainable Development Goals coming out this September. An organization called the Population and Sustainability Network says that some developing countries such as Ethiopia are already putting contraception programs in place. So there may be more reception to this in the global south than first thought. The Green Climate Fund could perhaps step in to financially support a worldwide contraception program. The Green Climate Fund plans to distribute $10 billion in donated funds to developing nations in order to help them adapt to climate change and create pathways for sustainable development.

Age-related Penis Changes

Age-related Penis Changes

Our bodies change as we age. Some men rage against this but it’s best to learn what they are and how to accommodate them. Certainly, life can be just as satisfying as long as we continue or begin to pursue a healthy lifestyle.  Though we often understand what age-related changes in other parts of the body and other systems mean and how to compensate, we often ignore the sexual and reproductive aspects of aging. Here are some things to understand, consider and watch out for.First, skin color changes are common. Our skin often gets mottled. But the skin on the penis may also change in color. Another thing that may lighten its color is atherosclerosis. This is blood restriction, common in older people. As long as functionality remains the same or similar, there is nothing to worry about. Changes in skin color don’t come on all at once. Instead, these happen gradually over time, beginning after age 40. Make sure to have a regular annual physical and checkups with your doctor.  But otherwise, this is nothing to worry about.

Couple touching foreheads in bed
Couple touching foreheads in bed

Something else that often worries men is the penis may shrink just a tad. A centimeter to one and a half centimeters could be lost by the time a man is in his 60’s or 70’s. This occurs due to lack of blood flow and a natural drop in testosterone.  A lot of men gain weight in middle-age and this can make the penis appear smaller as well. Testosterone also makes the nerves of the penis sensitive to the touch. But a drop in testosterone may make it less sensitive. This means it could take longer to reach orgasm. Also, erections tend not to be as firm due to an age-related lack of blood flow.  Some experts suggest having an erection every day, purposely if needed as a kind of exercise. Urinary issues may also arise such as frequent urination, not feeling as though the bladder is completely empty and so on. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing such things. This may be just an enlarged prostate. But it may also be prostate cancer. Lastly, 5% of men over 40 and 15% of those over 70 experience erectile dysfunction. This can be due to a series of different health-related issues such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Be sure to address the issue with your physician.

How Come There’s no Male Contraceptive Pill Yet?

How Come There’s no Male Contraceptive Pill Yet?

2015-03-17

Once the female birth control pill hit the market, the Sexual Revolution was in full swing. Since that time, scientists have been trying to develop a male counterpart to “the pill” without success. But why? How come there’s no male contraceptive pill yet? It has to do with the complexity of the male reproductive system. You can use low-levels of hormones to trick a woman’s body into thinking she is pregnant, and thus inhibit ovulation. But there is no equivalent to stopping a man’s body from producing sperm.  Some studies have tried a hormonal approach but were halted due to a high rate of side effects. Another problem is that sperm production occurs on a 90-day cycle. That means that if you stop a man’s sperm production today, he would still be fertile for another three months. Researchers are now looking at the problem from other angles, such as making sperm unable to swim or obstructing fertilization.

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Pharmaceutical companies are also a stumbling block. They are afraid of taking on liability. If a man takes such a birth control pill and it fails to work or he experiences side effects, he may sue. So scientists are hemmed in trying to develop a male birth control alternative that has few side effects, yet is effective. Some women are also wary as to whether their man will take a pill each day unwaveringly. Men are interested in such a form of contraception, at least in the U.S. One survey showed that 50% of men would take a male birth control pill if it were on the market today.  Researcher Michael O’ Rand at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is working on a method that alters the protein Eppin which in turn interferes with how the sperm swim. If they can’t reach the egg fertilization cannot occur. An Indonesian team is working with an herbal remedy called Genda?russa, which also inhibits fertilization. This was discovered from a tribe in Papua New Guinea who make tea out of the herb as a method of birth control. The last method is Vasalgel. This is a polymer injected into each vas deferens tubule in order to block sperm from entering the semen. This chemical vasectomy is reversible and the closest one to FDA approval, which is still years away.

What to Do after You’ve Had Unprotected Sex

What to Do after You’ve Had Unprotected Sex

When it comes to unprotected sex, it’s easy to judge others. But most of us aren’t perfect. In fact, few people have not had some type of scare whether it is forgetting to use protection, a condom breakage or slippage, or some other situation. The first thing to do is to remain calm. Panicking is not going to help. Consider whether or not you have any symptoms. For men a discharge, pain when urinating and any sores or rashes in and around the genital area should be seen by a doctor. For women painful urination, a discharge, sores, itching and unexpected bleeding are symptoms that could indicate an infection. If your partner has symptoms and you don’t, get tested anyway. Chances are you have it too but aren’t showing symptoms yet. Remember that no matter where a woman is in her cycle, unprotected sex always has the risk of pregnancy. The rhythm method does not protect against it. For those who are concerned, emergency contraception is available at many clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices and pharmacies.

fedup young man pulling funny face on white background
fedup young man pulling funny face on white background

Preparation is a good way to avoid this from happening in the future. Be sure to select condoms that fit. It is not as many believe one-size-fits-all. For those who incorporate sex toys or engage in oral sex, these too can spread sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Wash toys before and after using them with a gentle, hypoallergenic soap and warm water. For oral sex, use a dental dam. Don’t think just because you don’t have symptoms that you don’t have an STI. Half of men and 70-80% of women with chlamydia don’t experience any kind of symptoms. Many other STIs such as HIV and herpes can hide in the body for years, even decades without the person knowing they have it. After unprotected sex, get tested. It generally takes between two weeks and three months after exposure for an STI to show up on a diagnostic test. There’s no excuse for not protecting yourself. Everyone slips up now and then. It isn’t the end of the world. But be prepared, be vigilant and safeguard yourself against unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

Foods that Help with Premature Ejaculation

Foods that Help with Premature Ejaculation

One of the most common male sexual problems is premature ejaculation (PE). It can be frustrating, embarrassing and emasculating. There are lots of ways to learn how to delay ejaculation. Kegel exercises, practicing elements of tantric sex, pausing, changing positions and stopping to squeeze gently behind the head of the penis, are some things you can do to elongate performance. There are also medications and other medical treatments for chronic cases. Your diet can play a role. Eating the right foods can help you last longer and in turn give your partner more pleasure. Here are some foods that can inhibit premature ejaculation.Asparagus is one vegetable that suffers a lot of controversy.Some people love it, while others recoil in horror at the mere sight of it. But nutritionists know that it is a potent superfood jam-packed with nutrients, including high levels of vitamin-E and iodine that can improve health including sexual health. Periodically eating asparagus will keep your system running in tiptop condition.

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Blueberries are not only delicious, they are good for you. The round, purplish orbs have properties that dilate the vasculature or blood vessels. Blood vessel restriction due to plaque buildup is the most common cause of sexual dysfunction in men. This boost may also help you feel more confident and so last longer. Some are even calling blueberries nature’s “little blue pill.” Certainly no one eats cloves outright. But they are a great addition to baked goods, ham, certain teas (hello chai latte) and more. Cloves have been part of folk medicine for centuries in many different cultures, and one of its properties is male virility. Some men experience PE due to anxiety, particularly performance anxiety. Winter Cherry, also known as Indian Ginseng, can calm you, and thus alleviate anxiety.Regular ginseng has also been said to improve male sexual performance. As always, it’s important to address any medical concerns such as chronic PE with your physician.

The worst things you can while getting it on!

The worst things you can while getting it on!

The human mating ritual is a subtle dance and the truth is that most guys have two left feet. One wrong move can have you stepping on her toes, ending things before they even begin. You have to learn the moves right if you want to go all the way. Here are the worst things you can do when getting it on. The truth is we’re all guilty of these at one time or another. Avoid these moves and see your sex life improve. The first mistake guys generally make is not going with the program. The last thing you want to do once you got her all warmed up and she’s purring like a vintage Mustang, is to argue with her about the lights being on or off, drawing the curtains or wearing a condom. Women are the pickier of the species. You need to be flexible in consequence. Submit to her requests and you’ll be getting the green light much more often. If you do stop the proceedings and begin an argument you might not just end your chances, you may have a fight on your hands too. Once things are physical keep the talk to a minimum. Sure some women like dirty talk. But use phrases few and far between. Or else you risk turning her off. Gestures are far more powerful than words. Good eye contact can be sexy too.

A woman turns her back to her partner as the man tries to talk to her while they argue
A woman turns her back to her partner as the man tries to talk to her while they argue

You can serenade her as part of your overall seduction scheme. But no matter how many movies you’ve seen that portrays the latter, singing during sex is an absolute mood killer. If you own a business and want repeat business your best chance is to learn what their needs, wants and desires are and go about fulfilling them. The same goes for having good sex. Whatever stage your relationship is in, go about fulfilling your partner’s needs first. Listen carefully to what they like and what they don’t. While engaged in foreplay or during the actual act listen carefully to what makes them moan, curl their toes, or scream out the name of their deity of choice. Also pay attention to what she doesn’t like and avoid those things. Try a number of different moves, strategies and techniques and get her feedback from it. If you go out of your way to fulfill her, she’ll go the extra mile to make you happy. Give her your full and complete attention. If you’re distracted, now isn’t the time to be getting it on. Don’t criticize while things are going on. If she is doing something that hurts, you can gingerly move her on, perhaps nonverbally to another act or doing it in a different way. But don’t criticize her as things are taking shape. Instead, make some genteel suggestions afterward. Perhaps couch them between positive comments during the cuddling phase. Master avoiding these and watch your moves get smoother, and your sex life takeoff.

Dirty Talk on the Phone

Dirty Talk on the Phone

2015-03-04

If you have the right relationship with someone who is sexually liberated and interested in sex, dirty talk on the phone can really enhance your mutual experience. But even with a normal girl, if you think you can’t talk dirty to her, or talk dirty on the phone to her, chances are you’re wrong. The difference is that men are ready to go really quickly. You have to work a woman into the mood. But beyond that, you also have to make her feel emotionally secure with you. Don’t try this too early in the relationship if you are dating someone who is into long-term relationships and wants to be your girlfriend. But in a hookup kind of relationship or a long term relationship it can really make things sizzling hot. One mistake lots of guys make is making the girl think he’s only interested in sex with her. You have to show a general interest first and lead her subtly toward the subject. If you jump right in, she’ll suspect you don’t really want to hear what she has to say, she’ll be annoyed, her guard will be up and your chances will be slim. Instead, talk to her about what she wants to talk about. Wait until the important issues or what happened that day come out and then turn the conversation seemingly innocently in your favor.

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One way to do it is to talk about something you find that’s attractive about her. Compliment her on something unique that you like about her. Just tell her it’s something you were thinking about. Now she’s feeling special and her guard is down. Now trying complimenting something physical about her. Make it something unique about her physique. Her eyes, her smile are good but what about them? Don’t make them general. She’ll think you’ve said this to a hundred girls. “I love the curve of your fingers. When we hold hands, it just feels so right.” Don’t say it if it’s not true. Women have built in b.s. detectors. “I love how your lower lip is so full and pouty, it makes me want to kiss them.” Now this isn’t exactly sexual but we’ve increased the level here. Now she’s going from feeling special to kind of hot. Ask her what she’s wearing now, or better yet what kind of underwear she’s wearing. Ask her how the material feels against her skin. Tell her she makes you think naughty thoughts. When she asks you what explain it to her in a slow, subdued manner resting on every detail. Ask her about her fantasies. What does she want you to do to her? Tell her what you want to do to her. Keep the focus on her. Tell her you want to give her so much pleasure by going down on her or whatever she really likes. Now it’s time to turn this into phone sex, put on the webcam or rush over to her place to fulfill those wild fantasies you’ve both been whispering to one another.