Sexual Health
Articles in the Sexual Health section focus on topics such as safe practices, reproductive well-being, and advice for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling intimate life.
What Does Sexual Coercion Look Like?
Sexual trauma can take many forms, and it doesn’t always involve overt physical force. Sexual coercion, for instance, occurs when someone pressures or manipulates you into sexual contact that you do not truly want. Sexual coercion can leave you feeling bewildered and deeply upset. You may recognize that what happened wasn’t right, but struggle to fully grasp how or why. You might even tell yourself it couldn’t have been assault…
Don’t ‘Wake Your Partner Up’ with Sex — That Can Be Sexual Assault
Imagine this: you’re asleep fantasizing about McSteamy… and you feel a pleasant shiver between your legs… and then another… and then another… As you, ahem, come to, it’s not a sleepgasm — it’s your partner rousing you with oral sex. Sounds exhilarating, right? It can be. But without clear communication and explicit consent, it can amount to sexual assault. “Waking someone up with sex is sexual assault if you haven’t…
The Best Cannabis Strains for 8 Different Types of Sex and Sensation
Things to consider Put away the chocolate and oysters — there’s a new aphrodisiac making waves that might elevate your sexual enjoyment. Yep, we mean cannabis. While investigation into cannabis and its bedroom benefits is ongoing, 68.5 percent of respondents in one study reported that sex while using cannabis felt more pleasurable. Intrigued? So were we. We spoke with John Renko, cannabis authority and cofounder of GoLove CBD Naturals, and…
What Are My Treatment Options for HPV?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread viral infection, affecting roughly one in four individuals in the United States. This virus spreads through skin-to-skin or close intimate contact (including direct sexual activity such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex) and often resolves without intervention. However, certain strains can lead to cervical cancer. At present, there is no cure for HPV, although its manifestations can be managed. Some HPV types do…
The Benefits of Tantric Masturbation
When people hear the term tantric sex, the unfamiliar — or at least the misconstrued — can feel a bit daunting. Tantra and tantric sexual practices are often associated with intense bedroom rituals (think extended climaxes), but the traditions tied to tantra may actually enhance your sexual well-being. What is tantra? Tantra is an age-old spiritual system centered on investigating one’s own identity. It’s intended to help someone “experience the…
Can Getting Semen in Your Eye Cause an STI? And 13 Other FAQs
Occasionally accidents occur and semen ends up in your eye. Fortunately, the chance of contracting an STI from this is low, though the experience can be uncomfortable. Make sure you take the proper steps to clean and care for the eye. (img by Bustle) Things to consider Having semen in your eye is a reminder that things don’t always go as expected. Besides the immediate concern of having semen in…
Damiana: Ancient Aphrodisiac?
Damiana is often promoted for improving sexual wellness and addressing a wide range of complaints, from diabetes to nervousness. However, supportive evidence remains largely anecdotal rather than scientifically established. (img by Appalachian Valley Natural Products) Known botanically as Turnera diffusa, damiana is a compact plant with yellow blossoms and aromatic foliage. It grows naturally in the subtropical regions of southern Texas, Mexico, Central and South America, and throughout the Caribbean.…
Why Is My Semen Watery? 4 Possible Causes
Watery semen can be a short-lived issue caused by frequent ejaculation or a lack of zinc. In other situations, thin semen may reflect a low sperm count stemming from an infection or other underlying problem. Semen is the fluid emitted through the penile urethra at ejaculation. It transports sperm and secretions from the testicles, prostate, and other male reproductive structures. Typically, semen is a viscous, whitish fluid. However, various factors…
A Beginner’s Guide to Masturbating with a Condom
Using a condom while masturbating — aka “posh wanking” — isn’t just wasting latex; it’s a smart solo-sex technique with a bunch of practical perks. (img by Tenga) Is this only for people with penises? Not at all! Masturbation isn’t exclusive to penis-owners, and neither is using a condom during solo play. Posh wanking is for everyone! *Throws arms up and twirls* What’s the benefit? Honestly, it’s easier to ask…
Can You Have Pregnancy Symptoms Just 4 Days Past Ovulation (DPO)?
Although a few people might notice very mild pregnancy signs at 4 DPO, it’s far more common for symptoms not to appear until several weeks later. If you’re trying to get pregnant, the wait until you can take a reliable pregnancy test can feel long. You may scrutinize every sensation after ovulation and wonder whether what you’re feeling could be an early pregnancy sign. Taking a home pregnancy test a…
