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.
Can I Use Vaseline as Lube?
Petroleum jelly generally isn’t the best pick for sexual lubrication: it can compromise condoms, leave greasy marks on sheets or clothing, and has other drawbacks. That said, it can serve as a last-resort option if no better choices are available. (img by Women’s Health Interactive) Vaseline — essentially petroleum jelly — is an oil-based salve. It’s soft, tacky, and slick, and it warms quickly when held. At first glance it…
What Does It Mean to Have No Nipples (Athelia)?
Athelia is a congenital condition where a person is born without one or both nipples. While athelia is uncommon overall, it occurs more frequently in children born with disorders such as Poland syndrome and ectodermal dysplasia. Read on to discover how this condition appears, what leads to it, and other key facts. What does this condition look like? The appearance of athelia varies according to the underlying disorder. Generally, people…
What to Do About a Sweaty Vaginal Area (and Why It Happens)
Switching out synthetic materials for airy fabrics like cotton can cut down on sweating and unwanted smells. Avoiding prolonged periods in damp, sweat-soaked clothing also lowers the chance of complications. Sweating is the body’s natural cooling system. It’s normal to perspire when you’re warm — whether from exercise, sitting in a hot car, or wearing too many layers. Certain regions of the body, such as the underarms, tend to sweat…
Can You Use Vaseline as Lube for Suppository? Straight Talk
(img by BC Open Textbooks) Tempting Shortcuts Alright, I’m going to say what everyone’s thinking but nobody says out loud: Sometimes, when you’re in the bathroom—maybe tired, maybe a little desperate—you’ll consider whatever is in the cabinet. And yeah, that jar of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) has this way of looking like a solution. If you’re staring at it, thinking, “Can you use Vaseline as lube for suppository?” trust me… you’re…
Can I Put Vaseline on My Private Area for Itching? Let’s Get Real
(img by Cellaxys) When That Itch Won’t Quit Let’s just say it: nothing throws off your day quite like an itch in your private parts. It always seems to show up at the worst moment—at work, before a date, in the middle of the night. You try to ignore it, but your hand keeps drifting before you even realize. And honestly, for so many of us, the first thing we…
Can You Use Vaseline as Lube? Real Risks, Real Talk For Your Bedroom
(img by TheBody) Reach For The Jar? Let’s just say it. You’re in the middle of a moment—maybe solo, maybe not—and you realize you completely forgot to grab lube. All you see is that iconic blue jar: Vaseline, lurking at the back of your bathroom shelf (right next to the random expired face mask and maybe some floss you never use). It feels soft…slippery…totally harmless, right? But wait—before you dip…
What to Know About Nipple Tattoos, Prosthetics, and Reconstruction
If you’re considering recreating the nipple and areola following a mastectomy, there are several choices available. When a mastectomy is performed to treat breast cancer, reconstructive procedures can be pursued to restore the contour of the removed breast. Breast reconstruction often doesn’t include the nipple. Not everyone qualifies for a nipple-sparing mastectomy, depending on cancer type, size, and location. Nipple reconstruction is usually the concluding phase of breast reconstruction, and…
Is It Safe to Use Baby Oil as Lube?
Baby oil leaves skin feeling smooth, smells pleasant, and is inexpensive. While it might appear to be a convenient option for personal lubrication during intimate moments, baby oil is actually a poor choice for that purpose. Read on to learn the reasons why. (img by TheBody) Background Baby oil is a mineral oil derived from petroleum. It’s a byproduct of crude oil refining and is further processed for use in…
What Are Poppers and Are They Safe?
Poppers are liquid compounds that some people inhale to achieve a brief sense of euphoria, relaxation, or to intensify sexual experiences. When breathed in, they produce a swift drop in blood pressure and can have a range of side effects. The name “poppers” comes from the glass vials that were once common; these containers made a popping sound when crushed. These substances belong to a group of chemicals called alkyl…
Everything You Should Know Before Getting a Clitoris Glans or Hood Piercing
There are several approaches to piercing the clitoral glans or its hood. Piercings of the clitoral glans and hood can increase arousal and pleasure during solo or partnered stimulation and sexual activity. If you appreciate body jewelry, you might be curious about adorning one of your most sensitive areas. While it’s possible to have the clitoral glans pierced, piercing the clitoral hood is generally safer and more commonly performed. When…
