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.
A Beginner’s Guide to Anal Douching: How-To and Precautions
Anal douching means rinsing the rectum with water or a solution. While some people choose to douche or use an enema before anal activity, it isn’t required. The practice can be risky if you don’t follow safe steps. The rectum’s job is to hold stool until it’s time for a bowel movement. A thorough shower or bath typically removes any residual fecal matter around the anus. That said, anxiety about…
Usually, Forced Orgasms Are a Kinky BDSM Practice — but Not Always
What is a forced orgasm, exactly? There are two very different ways to define it. Most commonly, “forced orgasm” describes orgasms that are administered with consent to a willing participant, typically as part of a BDSM scene. “In these situations, the person experiencing the orgasm is in a submissive role to a dominant partner,” explains Caitlin V., MPH, clinical sexologist for Royal, a vegan-friendly condom and lubricant brand. “Often they’re…
The Quest for the Perfect V: Why Are More Women Seeking Vaginal Rejuvenation?
The so-called “Barbie doll” aesthetic describes vulvas with tucked, narrow folds that are barely visible, creating the impression of a very tight vaginal opening. Other descriptors include “clean slit,” “symmetrical,” or “perfect.” Some researchers also refer to this as a particular aesthetic ideal. Increasingly, women are requesting this appearance when pursuing procedures commonly marketed as vaginal rejuvenation, or more broadly, female genital cosmetic surgery. “Once my husband and I were…
Everything You Should Know Before Getting a Vertical Clit Hood Piercing
As the term suggests, a vertical clit hood piercing (VCH) is a piercing that runs vertically through the clitoral hood. The hood is the thin flap of skin that covers the glans clitoris — the small pleasure nub located at the top of your vulva, between the labia. Are there sexual advantages? Yes! The promise of enhanced sexual sensation is the main reason many people opt for a VCH. People…
Everything You Need to Know About Oral Sex
Oral sex means using your mouth to stimulate a partner’s erogenous zones. Certain techniques, plus clear communication, can make the encounter more enjoyable for everyone involved. Don’t worry — even if it’s your first time, you’ll probably do fine. But we want you to be more than fine, because life’s too short for mediocre oral. If you’re going to go down, you might as well do it well. Here’s what…
The 7 Most Common Sexual Fantasies and What to Do About Them
Sexual fantasies are a normal part of human experience. Whether you choose to keep them private, disclose them to a partner, or act them out in real life is your decision — just ensure everyone involved consents before taking action. Many people feel embarrassed about their arousing thoughts, but “no matter what the fantasy is, it’s completely normal!” says certified sex therapist and educator Gigi Engle, author of “All The…
How to Use A Condom During Oral Sex and Why You Should
Oral sex won’t result in pregnancy, but it isn’t necessarily “safe” sex. You can still transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between partners. If this hasn’t crossed your mind before, you’re far from alone. While condoms and dental dams provide protection against oral STIs, they’re commonly neglected. Below is what to understand about oral STIs, how to discuss protection with your partner, ways to incorporate barriers into foreplay, and other practical…
The Ultimate Guide to Clitoral Stimulation and Techniques to Try
You’ll find the clitoris located at the top of the labia surrounding the vaginal opening, but this highly innervated organ actually extends inward. Both external and internal stimulation can activate the many nerve endings associated with the clit. If you have a clitoris or are intimate with someone who does, it’s worthwhile to understand this nerve-rich structure. Although mainstream coverage has sometimes made the clitoris seem mysterious, learning a few…
A Guide to Mastering Orgasm Control for More Satisfying Sex
Edging during sex refers to halting stimulation just before orgasm, waiting roughly 30 seconds, then resuming stimulation — repeating this cycle until you decide to climax. Also known as surfing, peaking, teasing, and other names, edging is the act of preventing yourself from reaching orgasm at the precise moment you’re about to — the figurative “edge” right before the plunge into sexual release. Although edging is frequently discussed today as…
Everything You Need to Know About Male Orgasms
There are several varieties of male orgasm and ejaculation. Orgasms may be wet or dry — semen can be released forcefully or leak out slowly. Some people may also experience multiple orgasms. 1. Is this a specific kind of orgasm? No — it’s a broad label covering any orgasm involving male genitalia. It might involve ejaculation or not, and it could even include a combination of both! That means you…
