Written by Courtney Bauer
According to the CDC the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause penile, anal, head, and neck cancer in men. It is also a leading cause of genital warts. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There is no HPV test for men. There is also no cure for HPV. HPV is spread by skin to skin sexual contact. Therefore, it cannot be fully prevented with condoms because condoms do not always cover all of the skin that is coming into contact with another person. This is the bad news.
The good news is that Michael Hall (Health Services) on South Campus is having an HPV vaccine clinic Wednesday December 1st and Tuesday December 2nd. They are giving the vaccine to male and female students twenty six years old and younger. If your insurance does not cover the vaccine Michael Hall has a supply they can give away for free. This is not a walk in clinic you must make an appointment by calling (716) 829-3316.
The vaccine that will be given is the Gardasil vaccine. This vaccine protects people against four strains of HPV. Two of the strains cause the majority of genital warts. The other two strains can cause cancer. The vaccine cannot cure someone if they have already caught one of these strains, but it can protect them if they have not. You can still get the vaccine even if you are already sexually active because you may not have been exposed to these strains of HPV yet so you can still be protected.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Fun in Flavors!
Submitted by: Dominiqua Griffin
Flavored condoms? Edible underwear? Both are made to spice up your sex life! While they’re meant to be fun, you should still use them correctly to stay safe!
Edible panties are fun, but may involve the risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI). To ensure that you remain safe while giving oral sex, you can use a latex barrier (some call it a dental dam), which is a thin latex film. You must commit to using one side so that fluids are not transferred from your partner to your mouth, because STIs are transmitted through bodily fluids. It just creates a barrier between the genital area and your mouth. If you don't have a latex barrier, you can use a male condom split in half or cheap saran wrap. Cheap saran wrap is less porous and therefore prevents the transfer of fluids.
Flavored condoms for oral sex come in handy as well. They are preferred for oral sex over vaginal or anal sex, where they could cause irritation because of the sugary flavor. This can increase the chances of you or your partner getting a yeast infection. Before using them for vaginal sex, check the packaging to see if the company recommends it. If the condom is not recommended for vaginal sex then don't use it for anal sex as well because the same thing can occur - irritation.
Edible, flavored, or otherwise, have fun and be safe! Remember that SBI Health Education gives out free condoms (non-flavored), so come visit us!
Flavored condoms? Edible underwear? Both are made to spice up your sex life! While they’re meant to be fun, you should still use them correctly to stay safe!
Edible panties are fun, but may involve the risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI). To ensure that you remain safe while giving oral sex, you can use a latex barrier (some call it a dental dam), which is a thin latex film. You must commit to using one side so that fluids are not transferred from your partner to your mouth, because STIs are transmitted through bodily fluids. It just creates a barrier between the genital area and your mouth. If you don't have a latex barrier, you can use a male condom split in half or cheap saran wrap. Cheap saran wrap is less porous and therefore prevents the transfer of fluids.
Flavored condoms for oral sex come in handy as well. They are preferred for oral sex over vaginal or anal sex, where they could cause irritation because of the sugary flavor. This can increase the chances of you or your partner getting a yeast infection. Before using them for vaginal sex, check the packaging to see if the company recommends it. If the condom is not recommended for vaginal sex then don't use it for anal sex as well because the same thing can occur - irritation.
Edible, flavored, or otherwise, have fun and be safe! Remember that SBI Health Education gives out free condoms (non-flavored), so come visit us!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Reality TV Has Gone Too Far
By Shannon Gawel
Events Coordinator at SBI Health Education
OK, I put up with the shows about too many children, too many wives and too many tans. And I don’t mean that I sit through entire episodes. I mean I put up with the fact they exist. So, when I found out there was going to be a show on E! where brides-to-be were going to compete for plastic surgery for their big day, my stomach just sank.
There have been shows about plastic surgery before. In 2004, The Swan took “ugly” women with low self-esteem and gave them a coach, a therapist, cosmetic surgeons and a dentist. After a three month transformation, the panel would rate their achievement and see if they were worthy to move on and compete in “The Swan Pageant.” All of the people on the panel were legitimate experts, the surgeons were board certified, and the therapist had written several self-help books. And the main difference: the women didn’t have a “wish-list” of what surgeries they wanted.
On the aptly named Bridalplasty, premiering Nov. 28, the women will compete each week in challenges such as writing vows and honeymoon planning. The winner gets one procedure from their list. For example, if they won two weeks in a row, they’d get two procedures in two weeks. Besides making America look extremely shallow, it also has some ethical issues. Under the American Society of Plastic Surgeons code of ethics, "We're technically prohibited from giving procedures away as a prize for a contest. It totally undermines the doctor-patient relationship," says Dr. Gayle Gordillo, associate professor plastic surgery at Ohio State University. "The ethical and social implications of this [show] are frightening" (abcnews.go.com.)
Of course, every bride wants to look beautiful on their wedding day. That’s why it’s OK for them to splurge on getting a manicure, getting their hair and make-up done professionally-because it’s their special day. But, in contrast to this new show, who’s going to tell them they’re already beautiful without these things and more? This show might actually be playing into a serious psychiatric condition called Body Dysmorphic Disorder, where there is an unrealistic goal for the ideal image, and people that have this are fixated on supposed flaws.
I can only hope this show bombs after a few episodes. I don’t want to watch women put themselves through all that pain to be a pre-conceived idea of beauty based on a ridiculous societal standard.
If you need a better wedding show to watch, catch David Tutera on My Fair Wedding on WE TV. He makes every bride feel like a princess for the right reasons.
Remember, if (s)he asked you to marry them, they love you for who you are! You should too. There’s no one else out there like you, and if they want you to change how you look, they don’t deserve you.
Sources: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/bridalplasty-compete-nose-jobs-implants-dream-wedding/story?id=11663378&page=2 And www.wikepedia.org
Events Coordinator at SBI Health Education
OK, I put up with the shows about too many children, too many wives and too many tans. And I don’t mean that I sit through entire episodes. I mean I put up with the fact they exist. So, when I found out there was going to be a show on E! where brides-to-be were going to compete for plastic surgery for their big day, my stomach just sank.
There have been shows about plastic surgery before. In 2004, The Swan took “ugly” women with low self-esteem and gave them a coach, a therapist, cosmetic surgeons and a dentist. After a three month transformation, the panel would rate their achievement and see if they were worthy to move on and compete in “The Swan Pageant.” All of the people on the panel were legitimate experts, the surgeons were board certified, and the therapist had written several self-help books. And the main difference: the women didn’t have a “wish-list” of what surgeries they wanted.
On the aptly named Bridalplasty, premiering Nov. 28, the women will compete each week in challenges such as writing vows and honeymoon planning. The winner gets one procedure from their list. For example, if they won two weeks in a row, they’d get two procedures in two weeks. Besides making America look extremely shallow, it also has some ethical issues. Under the American Society of Plastic Surgeons code of ethics, "We're technically prohibited from giving procedures away as a prize for a contest. It totally undermines the doctor-patient relationship," says Dr. Gayle Gordillo, associate professor plastic surgery at Ohio State University. "The ethical and social implications of this [show] are frightening" (abcnews.go.com.)
Of course, every bride wants to look beautiful on their wedding day. That’s why it’s OK for them to splurge on getting a manicure, getting their hair and make-up done professionally-because it’s their special day. But, in contrast to this new show, who’s going to tell them they’re already beautiful without these things and more? This show might actually be playing into a serious psychiatric condition called Body Dysmorphic Disorder, where there is an unrealistic goal for the ideal image, and people that have this are fixated on supposed flaws.
I can only hope this show bombs after a few episodes. I don’t want to watch women put themselves through all that pain to be a pre-conceived idea of beauty based on a ridiculous societal standard.
If you need a better wedding show to watch, catch David Tutera on My Fair Wedding on WE TV. He makes every bride feel like a princess for the right reasons.
Remember, if (s)he asked you to marry them, they love you for who you are! You should too. There’s no one else out there like you, and if they want you to change how you look, they don’t deserve you.
Sources: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/bridalplasty-compete-nose-jobs-implants-dream-wedding/story?id=11663378&page=2 And www.wikepedia.org
Monday, November 8, 2010
One in 10 sexually active teens has same-sex partners
Thursday, October 28, 2010
By Zach Gottlieb
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study suggests that nearly one in sexually active ten teens have same-sex partners -- almost twice as many as previous research found. According to a 2002 study of Massachusetts and Vermont teens, only 5 percent to 6 percent of teens had same-sex partners.
In the new study, 9.3 percent of teens said they did.
"Clearly there's a high rate of same-sex partners among teens, and we need to recognize any vulnerabilities that may be associated with these behaviors," said Dr. Susan Blank, an assistant commissioner at the NYC Health Department. Blank, who was not involved with the study, was referring to a lower rate of condom use and unwanted sex among teens with same-sex partners seen in the study.
The new research, published in the journal Pediatrics, looked at more than 17,000 teens in New York City. It found that teens who had sex with only their own gender or with both genders were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, putting themselves at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of the 18 million new cases of STDs that occur each year happen among people aged 15 to 24.
Such risky behaviors included not using a condom during sex and having forced sex. More than half of boys who engaged in bisexual behavior didn't use a condom, compared to a fifth of those who engaged exclusively in heterosexual behavior. The difference was not quite as large for girls who engaged in bisexual behavior and those who engaged exclusively in heterosexual behavior, but it was similar: About half of the former didn't use a condom, compared to 30 percent of the latter.
About a third of those teens who engaged in bisexual behavior had forced sex at some point in their lives, much higher than the 6 percent of those boys who engaged exclusively in heterosexual behavior and the 16 percent of the similar group of girls.
Elizabeth Saewyc, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, told Reuters Health that these teens may engage in riskier behavior because sex education programs don't always acknowledge gay, lesbian, and bisexual relationships.
"Some teens I've seen tell me that they completely check out of sex ed because they feel what they were learning didn't apply to them," said Saewyc, who was not involved in the new study.
She suggested that educators need to acknowledge gay, lesbian, and bisexual relationships more often in sex education curriculums so that teens are more likely to listen and will feel more comfortable discussing any issues.
Though the authors of the new study report that the rate of same-sex partners is higher than previous studies, Saewyc pointed that this rate is actually similar to what she has seen in her own work and other studies.
In the 2008 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey, for teens who were sexually active, 8 percent of males and 10 percent of females reported having had a same-sex partner. In a study looking at the 2001 Minnesota Student Survey, 9.4 percent of teens reported having had partners of the same or both sexes.
Dr. Preeti Pathela, lead author of the new study, said the results may have been different this time around because some states do not measure same-sex encounters. Still, Pathela said, it's clear that some teens are more vulnerable to risky behavior and STDs than others. In discussing sexual relationships and potential risks, she said it is important that parents, educators, and researchers focus on behaviors and not just on sexual identity.
"How teens identify themselves doesn't always correlate with actual behaviors," said Pathela, a research scientist in the New York Department of Public Health and Mental Hygiene. "Behavior is a better measure of what's actually happening because teens are changing rapidly." SOURCE: http://link.reuters.com/gas77m Pediatrics, October 25, 2010.
Reuters Health
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
By Zach Gottlieb
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study suggests that nearly one in sexually active ten teens have same-sex partners -- almost twice as many as previous research found. According to a 2002 study of Massachusetts and Vermont teens, only 5 percent to 6 percent of teens had same-sex partners.
In the new study, 9.3 percent of teens said they did.
"Clearly there's a high rate of same-sex partners among teens, and we need to recognize any vulnerabilities that may be associated with these behaviors," said Dr. Susan Blank, an assistant commissioner at the NYC Health Department. Blank, who was not involved with the study, was referring to a lower rate of condom use and unwanted sex among teens with same-sex partners seen in the study.
The new research, published in the journal Pediatrics, looked at more than 17,000 teens in New York City. It found that teens who had sex with only their own gender or with both genders were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, putting themselves at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of the 18 million new cases of STDs that occur each year happen among people aged 15 to 24.
Such risky behaviors included not using a condom during sex and having forced sex. More than half of boys who engaged in bisexual behavior didn't use a condom, compared to a fifth of those who engaged exclusively in heterosexual behavior. The difference was not quite as large for girls who engaged in bisexual behavior and those who engaged exclusively in heterosexual behavior, but it was similar: About half of the former didn't use a condom, compared to 30 percent of the latter.
About a third of those teens who engaged in bisexual behavior had forced sex at some point in their lives, much higher than the 6 percent of those boys who engaged exclusively in heterosexual behavior and the 16 percent of the similar group of girls.
Elizabeth Saewyc, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, told Reuters Health that these teens may engage in riskier behavior because sex education programs don't always acknowledge gay, lesbian, and bisexual relationships.
"Some teens I've seen tell me that they completely check out of sex ed because they feel what they were learning didn't apply to them," said Saewyc, who was not involved in the new study.
She suggested that educators need to acknowledge gay, lesbian, and bisexual relationships more often in sex education curriculums so that teens are more likely to listen and will feel more comfortable discussing any issues.
Though the authors of the new study report that the rate of same-sex partners is higher than previous studies, Saewyc pointed that this rate is actually similar to what she has seen in her own work and other studies.
In the 2008 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey, for teens who were sexually active, 8 percent of males and 10 percent of females reported having had a same-sex partner. In a study looking at the 2001 Minnesota Student Survey, 9.4 percent of teens reported having had partners of the same or both sexes.
Dr. Preeti Pathela, lead author of the new study, said the results may have been different this time around because some states do not measure same-sex encounters. Still, Pathela said, it's clear that some teens are more vulnerable to risky behavior and STDs than others. In discussing sexual relationships and potential risks, she said it is important that parents, educators, and researchers focus on behaviors and not just on sexual identity.
"How teens identify themselves doesn't always correlate with actual behaviors," said Pathela, a research scientist in the New York Department of Public Health and Mental Hygiene. "Behavior is a better measure of what's actually happening because teens are changing rapidly." SOURCE: http://link.reuters.com/gas77m Pediatrics, October 25, 2010.
Reuters Health
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
Monday, October 25, 2010
Gay Sex vs. Straight Sex
This is a very interesting and eye opening blog post. Definitely something to check out!
Gay Sex vs. Straight Sex
Gay Sex vs. Straight Sex
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Scholars Examine Cyberbullying Among College Students
By Jill Laster
http://chronicle.com/article/2-Scholars-Examine/65766/
When Megan Meier hanged herself three weeks before her 14th birthday, in 2006, it sent shock waves through the small town of Dardenne Prairie, Miss. But when an investigation revealed that she had done so after being bullied online by the mother of a friend, Megan's death made national news and helped spark a wave of research on cyberbullying.
While much of the scholarship has focused on adolescents, work has also been done on the phenomenon at the college level. Ikuko Aoyama, a doctoral candidate in educational psychology at Baylor University, presented her work on sex differences in cyberbullying at a recent conference of the American Educational Research Association. She spoke with The Chronicle along with her adviser, Tony L. Talbert, an associate professor in Baylor's School of Education.
Q. What sort of differences have researchers found in male and female bullying?
A. Ms. Aoyama: In traditional bullying, sex differences are well documented. Males are engaged in more physical types of bullying, such as hitting and kicking; on the other hand, females are engaged in more indirect and psychological bullying, such as social exclusion or rumor-spreading. ... We looked at if the similar pattern was observed for cyberbullying contexts. In the beginning, the results on sex differences were inconsistent across the researchers. However, more studies have found that there are no big sex differences, like in traditional bullying.
Q. Why do you think that might be?
A. Ms. Aoyama: In cyberbullying, physical strength, or age or sex, is not a factor to determine if they are a victim or a bully, because they don't involve face-to-face interaction.
Q. How does the fact that this is all taking place virtually affect bullying?
A. Ms. Aoyama: Studies we have done did not identify "pure victims" or "pure bullies," and many students are in a "bully-victim" group. Because students can avoid face-to-face interaction and remain anonymous, it is easy for victims to cyberbully back others.
Mr. Talbert: From adolescence to high school to college, the technology literally becomes almost this great equalizer. It becomes this medium where people create these alternative identities—from Second Life to social-networking sites—but the rules as we understand them from bullying from a physical standpoint have completely changed.
Q. How does the effect of cyberbullying on the victim differ from that of traditional bullying?
A. Mr. Talbert: The impact from a psychological perspective hasn't really changed. Our laws have not really kept up, and our psychological education of using technology and its impact on the psyche has not kept up, either with the technology or the users of the technology.
Q. What are universities doing now to curb cyberbullying among their students?
A. Ms. Aoyama: I have never heard of colleges or universities limiting cyberbullying or taking preventive actions, but it is necessary to raise the awareness among administrators and students. For example, our school has "Alcohol Awareness Week" or "Eating-Disorder Awareness Month," and they have posters or speakers all over the campus during the week or month. I wish we could do something like that.
Q. The paper presented at the education-research conference says that "considering the fact that as many as 70 percent of middle- and high-school students have experienced cyberbullying, it is probable that the prevalence among college students will be higher" in the future. Why might that be true?
A. Ms. Aoyama: Many cyberbullying studies are focusing on middle- and high-school students, and there are few studies on college students. But I don't think many high-school students who experienced cyberbullying will suddenly change once they enter college, even though they may be more mature. I think they already learned that this is a way to put down others.
Q. Students coming to college in 10 or 20 years will be more comfortable with technology from a younger age. How do you think that will affect cyberbullying at a postsecondary level?
A. Mr. Talbert: As attitudes evolve and as the use of technology evolves among university students, what could be interesting is looking at it from a longitudinal standpoint. Here's this cohort of students in 2010—what happens in 2015? What's interesting is to look at digital natives from 2010, 2015, 2020, 2025, and see if we do have a shifting in the moral or psychological attitude.
http://chronicle.com/article/2-Scholars-Examine/65766/
When Megan Meier hanged herself three weeks before her 14th birthday, in 2006, it sent shock waves through the small town of Dardenne Prairie, Miss. But when an investigation revealed that she had done so after being bullied online by the mother of a friend, Megan's death made national news and helped spark a wave of research on cyberbullying.
While much of the scholarship has focused on adolescents, work has also been done on the phenomenon at the college level. Ikuko Aoyama, a doctoral candidate in educational psychology at Baylor University, presented her work on sex differences in cyberbullying at a recent conference of the American Educational Research Association. She spoke with The Chronicle along with her adviser, Tony L. Talbert, an associate professor in Baylor's School of Education.
Q. What sort of differences have researchers found in male and female bullying?
A. Ms. Aoyama: In traditional bullying, sex differences are well documented. Males are engaged in more physical types of bullying, such as hitting and kicking; on the other hand, females are engaged in more indirect and psychological bullying, such as social exclusion or rumor-spreading. ... We looked at if the similar pattern was observed for cyberbullying contexts. In the beginning, the results on sex differences were inconsistent across the researchers. However, more studies have found that there are no big sex differences, like in traditional bullying.
Q. Why do you think that might be?
A. Ms. Aoyama: In cyberbullying, physical strength, or age or sex, is not a factor to determine if they are a victim or a bully, because they don't involve face-to-face interaction.
Q. How does the fact that this is all taking place virtually affect bullying?
A. Ms. Aoyama: Studies we have done did not identify "pure victims" or "pure bullies," and many students are in a "bully-victim" group. Because students can avoid face-to-face interaction and remain anonymous, it is easy for victims to cyberbully back others.
Mr. Talbert: From adolescence to high school to college, the technology literally becomes almost this great equalizer. It becomes this medium where people create these alternative identities—from Second Life to social-networking sites—but the rules as we understand them from bullying from a physical standpoint have completely changed.
Q. How does the effect of cyberbullying on the victim differ from that of traditional bullying?
A. Mr. Talbert: The impact from a psychological perspective hasn't really changed. Our laws have not really kept up, and our psychological education of using technology and its impact on the psyche has not kept up, either with the technology or the users of the technology.
Q. What are universities doing now to curb cyberbullying among their students?
A. Ms. Aoyama: I have never heard of colleges or universities limiting cyberbullying or taking preventive actions, but it is necessary to raise the awareness among administrators and students. For example, our school has "Alcohol Awareness Week" or "Eating-Disorder Awareness Month," and they have posters or speakers all over the campus during the week or month. I wish we could do something like that.
Q. The paper presented at the education-research conference says that "considering the fact that as many as 70 percent of middle- and high-school students have experienced cyberbullying, it is probable that the prevalence among college students will be higher" in the future. Why might that be true?
A. Ms. Aoyama: Many cyberbullying studies are focusing on middle- and high-school students, and there are few studies on college students. But I don't think many high-school students who experienced cyberbullying will suddenly change once they enter college, even though they may be more mature. I think they already learned that this is a way to put down others.
Q. Students coming to college in 10 or 20 years will be more comfortable with technology from a younger age. How do you think that will affect cyberbullying at a postsecondary level?
A. Mr. Talbert: As attitudes evolve and as the use of technology evolves among university students, what could be interesting is looking at it from a longitudinal standpoint. Here's this cohort of students in 2010—what happens in 2015? What's interesting is to look at digital natives from 2010, 2015, 2020, 2025, and see if we do have a shifting in the moral or psychological attitude.
Lubricant Use May Raise HIV Infection Risk During Anal Sex
HealthDay
By Alan Mozes
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
TUESDAY, May 25 (HealthDay News) -- The use of lubricants during unprotected anal intercourse may indirectly raise the risk of HIV transmission in the receptive partner, among both men and women, new research warns.
Concern about the possibility is being raised in the form of two new studies, and revolves around the fact that HIV infection risk rises if other infections are already present in the rectal lining of the receptive partner, the study authors noted.
In that light, indications that some lubricants may contribute to a generally increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, and therefore in turn for HIV, are scheduled for presentation this week in Pittsburgh at the International Microbicides Conference.
Conducted between 2006 and 2008, one study -- which focused on approximately 900 residents in the Baltimore and Los Angeles region -- observed that men and women who use lubricants in general are three times more likely to have some form of a rectal sexually transmitted infection. The finding held regardless of gender, HIV status, condom use, and the number of sex partners the study participants had had in the prior month.
Although no specific lubricants were identified as particularly problematic, most study participants said they used a water-based lubricant (76 percent), while 28 percent used silicon-based products, 17 percent oil-based lubricants, and 6 percent said used a numbing lubricant.
The second study -- led by Charlene Dezzutti of the University of Pittsburgh and the Microbicide Trials Network -- looked at five of the most popular over-the-counter and/or mail-order lubricants, identified as such through a survey of 9,000 men and women living in 100 different countries.
All the lubricants were water-based, except for one silicon-based product.
The research team -- including collaborators from International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA) -- did not examine the effect of lubricant use during actual sex. However, in laboratory testing, some of the lubricants were found to have a toxic effect on cells and rectal tissue, perhaps as the result of the dissolved salts and sugars the products contained.
PRE and Wet Platinum were found to be the safest lubricants in terms of toxicity, whereas Astroglide and KY Jelly appeared to be the most problematic.
"We know we can't make any conclusions based on this one small study," cautioned IRMA lubricant safety advocate Marc-Andre LeBlanc, in a news release. "Further research is absolutely necessary to understand the potential role of sexual lubricants in HIV transmission. We should be able to provide consumer guidance regarding lubes that are found to be safer than others."
"Some lubes are probably better than others, but we don't know where any of the currently available products fall along the spectrum from good to bad," added IRMA chair Jim Pickett.
"We must ensure that existing lubes don't facilitate HIV transmission," he added. "People have a right to this kind of information, and it's very past due."
Conference organizers pointed out that in the United States, 90 percent of men who have sex with men -- whether self-identified as gay or not -- engage in receptive anal intercourse. Between 10 percent and 35 percent of heterosexual women have done so at least once. And in either instance, condoms are often not used, while lubricants are.
SOURCE: International Microbicides Conference, news release, May 25, 2010
By Alan Mozes
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
TUESDAY, May 25 (HealthDay News) -- The use of lubricants during unprotected anal intercourse may indirectly raise the risk of HIV transmission in the receptive partner, among both men and women, new research warns.
Concern about the possibility is being raised in the form of two new studies, and revolves around the fact that HIV infection risk rises if other infections are already present in the rectal lining of the receptive partner, the study authors noted.
In that light, indications that some lubricants may contribute to a generally increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, and therefore in turn for HIV, are scheduled for presentation this week in Pittsburgh at the International Microbicides Conference.
Conducted between 2006 and 2008, one study -- which focused on approximately 900 residents in the Baltimore and Los Angeles region -- observed that men and women who use lubricants in general are three times more likely to have some form of a rectal sexually transmitted infection. The finding held regardless of gender, HIV status, condom use, and the number of sex partners the study participants had had in the prior month.
Although no specific lubricants were identified as particularly problematic, most study participants said they used a water-based lubricant (76 percent), while 28 percent used silicon-based products, 17 percent oil-based lubricants, and 6 percent said used a numbing lubricant.
The second study -- led by Charlene Dezzutti of the University of Pittsburgh and the Microbicide Trials Network -- looked at five of the most popular over-the-counter and/or mail-order lubricants, identified as such through a survey of 9,000 men and women living in 100 different countries.
All the lubricants were water-based, except for one silicon-based product.
The research team -- including collaborators from International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA) -- did not examine the effect of lubricant use during actual sex. However, in laboratory testing, some of the lubricants were found to have a toxic effect on cells and rectal tissue, perhaps as the result of the dissolved salts and sugars the products contained.
PRE and Wet Platinum were found to be the safest lubricants in terms of toxicity, whereas Astroglide and KY Jelly appeared to be the most problematic.
"We know we can't make any conclusions based on this one small study," cautioned IRMA lubricant safety advocate Marc-Andre LeBlanc, in a news release. "Further research is absolutely necessary to understand the potential role of sexual lubricants in HIV transmission. We should be able to provide consumer guidance regarding lubes that are found to be safer than others."
"Some lubes are probably better than others, but we don't know where any of the currently available products fall along the spectrum from good to bad," added IRMA chair Jim Pickett.
"We must ensure that existing lubes don't facilitate HIV transmission," he added. "People have a right to this kind of information, and it's very past due."
Conference organizers pointed out that in the United States, 90 percent of men who have sex with men -- whether self-identified as gay or not -- engage in receptive anal intercourse. Between 10 percent and 35 percent of heterosexual women have done so at least once. And in either instance, condoms are often not used, while lubricants are.
SOURCE: International Microbicides Conference, news release, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Is The Media Selling Sex to Young Adults?
By Anais Morales, SBI Health Education Intern
Of course it is! The mass media greatly revolves around our society. Billboards, magazines, music videos and even commercials are selling sex to everyone, regardless of who it is. I would describe the media as an open market full of scammers. The media does not care who is watching or reading these ads, as long as the message or product is delivered to the general public. They are willing to brain wash consumers into their form of thinking in order to sell. Young adults tend to be easily intrigued and convinced by others. For this reason, the media target teens and young adults as their main consumers.
How can the media be so influential to young adults? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2001), “by the time adolescents graduate from high school, they will have spent 15,000 hours watching television, compared with 12, 000 hours spent in the classroom”. These findings indicate that teens are spending more time watching television than in school, which can be problematic. Too much television can greatly influence the lives of young adults. “Nearly 50% of adolescents report getting information about birth control from the mass media. Four out of ten teens (40%) report that they have gained ideas for how to talk to a boyfriend or girlfriend about sex directly from media portrayals” (www.soc.ucsb.edu). Teens and young adults are utilizing information learned from the media to make decisions about their sexual behavior.
In my opinion, the media should not be the main resource for information that young adults seek for answers. Young adults are unaware of the messages that are presented to them. The media gives negative messages to young adults. For instance, while engaging in sexual activity, precautious acts are not portrayed before sexual intimacy. Why do you think that is?
The media is not educating the public on proper sexual behaviors, instead they are just selling sex because sex sells. And they take advantage of that. For this reason, the media controls the minds of vulnerable young adults to sell sex. We, as a society, should encourage community organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, and AIDS Community Services of Western NY, on educating teens and young adults on safe sex. Overall, the media should not be the main source of information that teens use; instead they should seek for professionally trained individuals in the community who will provide valid and knowledgeable information to make a “smart” decision.
Resources:
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/1/191
http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/sexuality-in-the-mass-media
Of course it is! The mass media greatly revolves around our society. Billboards, magazines, music videos and even commercials are selling sex to everyone, regardless of who it is. I would describe the media as an open market full of scammers. The media does not care who is watching or reading these ads, as long as the message or product is delivered to the general public. They are willing to brain wash consumers into their form of thinking in order to sell. Young adults tend to be easily intrigued and convinced by others. For this reason, the media target teens and young adults as their main consumers.
How can the media be so influential to young adults? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2001), “by the time adolescents graduate from high school, they will have spent 15,000 hours watching television, compared with 12, 000 hours spent in the classroom”. These findings indicate that teens are spending more time watching television than in school, which can be problematic. Too much television can greatly influence the lives of young adults. “Nearly 50% of adolescents report getting information about birth control from the mass media. Four out of ten teens (40%) report that they have gained ideas for how to talk to a boyfriend or girlfriend about sex directly from media portrayals” (www.soc.ucsb.edu). Teens and young adults are utilizing information learned from the media to make decisions about their sexual behavior.
In my opinion, the media should not be the main resource for information that young adults seek for answers. Young adults are unaware of the messages that are presented to them. The media gives negative messages to young adults. For instance, while engaging in sexual activity, precautious acts are not portrayed before sexual intimacy. Why do you think that is?
The media is not educating the public on proper sexual behaviors, instead they are just selling sex because sex sells. And they take advantage of that. For this reason, the media controls the minds of vulnerable young adults to sell sex. We, as a society, should encourage community organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, and AIDS Community Services of Western NY, on educating teens and young adults on safe sex. Overall, the media should not be the main source of information that teens use; instead they should seek for professionally trained individuals in the community who will provide valid and knowledgeable information to make a “smart” decision.
Resources:
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/1/191
http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/article/sexuality-in-the-mass-media
Summertime! When the living's easy!
By Rachel Pazda, Volunteer
Summer is just around the corner and we will all be going our way for a few months. Some of us have been accepted to that summer internship, some will be working to save some cash, while still others are just trying to make it through finals and will decide what to do with the summer months later. Whatever is in your day planner, don’t forget the most important thing this summer…. Personal protection!
Throughout the school year SBI Health Education offers sexual health education, counseling for women’s health and birth control, free condoms and STI/HIV counseling for all students at UB. These services are also offered during the summer time Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm. However, as most of us will be leaving for the summer, the office won’t be its usual bus ride away. So what options are available for the summer for safety and testing?
Most states have Planned Parenthood offices, Health and Disease Control Centers, HIV Prevention organizations, and of course, local hospitals. Your family doctor is also a valuable resource for you to use if you have any concerns for your health during the summer. Local drugstores have condoms and emergency contraceptives for sale, so take advantage of the opportunity to guard yourself against STI’s and unwanted pregnancy! In the case of domestic violence or assault, Crisis Centers around the nation are always on call to help you and give you any support you need, free of any charge.
Any question that you might have about anything, SBI Health Education is a great place to pick up some info before everyone heads their separate ways! Have fun and enjoy your summer break this year!
Summer is just around the corner and we will all be going our way for a few months. Some of us have been accepted to that summer internship, some will be working to save some cash, while still others are just trying to make it through finals and will decide what to do with the summer months later. Whatever is in your day planner, don’t forget the most important thing this summer…. Personal protection!
Throughout the school year SBI Health Education offers sexual health education, counseling for women’s health and birth control, free condoms and STI/HIV counseling for all students at UB. These services are also offered during the summer time Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm. However, as most of us will be leaving for the summer, the office won’t be its usual bus ride away. So what options are available for the summer for safety and testing?
Most states have Planned Parenthood offices, Health and Disease Control Centers, HIV Prevention organizations, and of course, local hospitals. Your family doctor is also a valuable resource for you to use if you have any concerns for your health during the summer. Local drugstores have condoms and emergency contraceptives for sale, so take advantage of the opportunity to guard yourself against STI’s and unwanted pregnancy! In the case of domestic violence or assault, Crisis Centers around the nation are always on call to help you and give you any support you need, free of any charge.
Any question that you might have about anything, SBI Health Education is a great place to pick up some info before everyone heads their separate ways! Have fun and enjoy your summer break this year!
Infidelity on Campus
By Stephanie Osei-Bonsu, Intern
Infidelity… a lot of things come to mind when we hear this term. Simply put, infidelity is cheating. However, in order for the act to be considered cheating there must be a mutual agreement of commitment. Often times its hard to prove this small fact because relationships are so complicated and how one person feels about commitment may be completely different from another persons view point.
As we all know college can be and is a life altering situation. For many of us that travel from different states or parts of the state, it can be our first time away from home and our “Parental Units.” For some people, this is an opportunity to step out of what they may consider to be a “sheltered” life and experience the many diverse cultures represented on campus. But amongst all the culture, diversity, and lifestyles, there is one thing that remains and probably will always stay consistent; SEX IS A BIG PART OF LIFE. The college mindset tends to be very freeing and very selfish; people look at relationships in an expendable manner and often treat new experiences like the army, “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”. So although commitment may be present, it isn’t always communicated to new people who may become future dating prospects.
Add this already confusing equation to the college atmosphere and you have a possibility for dire results. As we all know, SEX CAN BE A GOOD THING, if not for anything, it’s how we all came to be. But it seems like for the college demographic, we have become so “SEXIFIED” that for some people, sex is as equally as important as eating. Because THE NEED FOR SEX IS SO IMPORTANT, as a generation, we have come up with labels for ourselves as a means to alleviate the stress and necessity of being in a monogamous relationship. Some of these terms are: boo, boothang, booty, booty call, friends, friends with benefits, and sex buddy.
When I decided to explore this topic for my blog, I automatically thought of the New Boyz song “You Ain’t Gon’ Tie Me Down”, TLC’s “Creep” and a bunch of other songs. The way I see it, if commitment is not your thing, then why bother having any form of relationships to begin with? Because no matter how much we may all want to deny it, developing some sort of feelings is inevitable. Why waste time hurting others and potentially even yourself? Communication, I have learned and am still learning, is the key to success in life. If we took the time to verbalize how we felt to one another, especially to those we are intimate with, I personally think CHEATING in relationships as well as marriages would decrease, which would most likely cause a domino effect and decrease the incidence as well as precedence of STI’s in our communities.
I remember speaking to a friend about a sexual encounter she was going to engage in. She and her prospective partner had never talked about relationships or their past or present, so she decided to bring it up. Come to find out that he had a girlfriend back home!! The guy was shocked that she had actually asked, he confessed to her that it was never his intention to even tell her of his girlfriend and that he was truly surprised that she asked him.
Whether or not you’re engaging in LATE NIGHT CREEPING SESSION, a word of advice, “BE WISE AND CONDOMIZE.” You never know what additional luggage your buddy may be carrying that they don’t even know about. THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOM OF ANY STI IS NO SYMPTOM!! CONDOMS ARE FREE ON CAMPUS AT THE SBI TICKET OFFICE OR SBI HEALTH EDUCATION.
Infidelity… a lot of things come to mind when we hear this term. Simply put, infidelity is cheating. However, in order for the act to be considered cheating there must be a mutual agreement of commitment. Often times its hard to prove this small fact because relationships are so complicated and how one person feels about commitment may be completely different from another persons view point.
As we all know college can be and is a life altering situation. For many of us that travel from different states or parts of the state, it can be our first time away from home and our “Parental Units.” For some people, this is an opportunity to step out of what they may consider to be a “sheltered” life and experience the many diverse cultures represented on campus. But amongst all the culture, diversity, and lifestyles, there is one thing that remains and probably will always stay consistent; SEX IS A BIG PART OF LIFE. The college mindset tends to be very freeing and very selfish; people look at relationships in an expendable manner and often treat new experiences like the army, “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”. So although commitment may be present, it isn’t always communicated to new people who may become future dating prospects.
Add this already confusing equation to the college atmosphere and you have a possibility for dire results. As we all know, SEX CAN BE A GOOD THING, if not for anything, it’s how we all came to be. But it seems like for the college demographic, we have become so “SEXIFIED” that for some people, sex is as equally as important as eating. Because THE NEED FOR SEX IS SO IMPORTANT, as a generation, we have come up with labels for ourselves as a means to alleviate the stress and necessity of being in a monogamous relationship. Some of these terms are: boo, boothang, booty, booty call, friends, friends with benefits, and sex buddy.
When I decided to explore this topic for my blog, I automatically thought of the New Boyz song “You Ain’t Gon’ Tie Me Down”, TLC’s “Creep” and a bunch of other songs. The way I see it, if commitment is not your thing, then why bother having any form of relationships to begin with? Because no matter how much we may all want to deny it, developing some sort of feelings is inevitable. Why waste time hurting others and potentially even yourself? Communication, I have learned and am still learning, is the key to success in life. If we took the time to verbalize how we felt to one another, especially to those we are intimate with, I personally think CHEATING in relationships as well as marriages would decrease, which would most likely cause a domino effect and decrease the incidence as well as precedence of STI’s in our communities.
I remember speaking to a friend about a sexual encounter she was going to engage in. She and her prospective partner had never talked about relationships or their past or present, so she decided to bring it up. Come to find out that he had a girlfriend back home!! The guy was shocked that she had actually asked, he confessed to her that it was never his intention to even tell her of his girlfriend and that he was truly surprised that she asked him.
Whether or not you’re engaging in LATE NIGHT CREEPING SESSION, a word of advice, “BE WISE AND CONDOMIZE.” You never know what additional luggage your buddy may be carrying that they don’t even know about. THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOM OF ANY STI IS NO SYMPTOM!! CONDOMS ARE FREE ON CAMPUS AT THE SBI TICKET OFFICE OR SBI HEALTH EDUCATION.
Monday, April 19, 2010
16 and Abortion?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
One of my favorite shows is MTV’s 16 and Pregnant. I tune in every Tuesday night. When it first came out, the creators of the show said they wanted to have a show that actually shows the struggles of being a teen mom. The goal was to scare teens into practicing smarter sex. Many people argue that the show “The Secret Life of The American Teenager” on ABC Family glorifies being a teen mom. The main character is shown looking great and going back to regular high school after having her baby when in real life, this isn’t usually the case. I applaud both of these shows for bringing up the issue of teen pregnancy and getting people talking, but WHERE are the ABORTIONS?!!!
Each year in the U.S. about one million abortions are performed. Fifty-two percent of those abortions are performed on women under the age of twenty-five. So, if there are so many young women getting abortions why are there no shows about teens choosing that option? After all, at the end of each episode of 16 and Pregnant the girls say that they were not ready to have baby.
Some people believe the abundance of sex on T.V. is encouraging teens to have sex at young ages. If this is true than the lack of abortion on T.V. is reinforcing to the teens that it is not an acceptable option. Perhaps networks don’t want to show abortion on their shows because it is a very sensitive topic? 16 and Pregnant does show some of the girls giving up their babies for adoption. However, the reality is that far fewer adoptions take place each year in the U.S. than abortions.
Most teenagers, if not all, are not ready to be parents. If teenage girls gets pregnant they need to have options available to them. If television shows showed more women getting abortions and talking about abortions, it would open teen’s eyes to the fact that it is still an option.
One of my favorite shows is MTV’s 16 and Pregnant. I tune in every Tuesday night. When it first came out, the creators of the show said they wanted to have a show that actually shows the struggles of being a teen mom. The goal was to scare teens into practicing smarter sex. Many people argue that the show “The Secret Life of The American Teenager” on ABC Family glorifies being a teen mom. The main character is shown looking great and going back to regular high school after having her baby when in real life, this isn’t usually the case. I applaud both of these shows for bringing up the issue of teen pregnancy and getting people talking, but WHERE are the ABORTIONS?!!!
Each year in the U.S. about one million abortions are performed. Fifty-two percent of those abortions are performed on women under the age of twenty-five. So, if there are so many young women getting abortions why are there no shows about teens choosing that option? After all, at the end of each episode of 16 and Pregnant the girls say that they were not ready to have baby.
Some people believe the abundance of sex on T.V. is encouraging teens to have sex at young ages. If this is true than the lack of abortion on T.V. is reinforcing to the teens that it is not an acceptable option. Perhaps networks don’t want to show abortion on their shows because it is a very sensitive topic? 16 and Pregnant does show some of the girls giving up their babies for adoption. However, the reality is that far fewer adoptions take place each year in the U.S. than abortions.
Most teenagers, if not all, are not ready to be parents. If teenage girls gets pregnant they need to have options available to them. If television shows showed more women getting abortions and talking about abortions, it would open teen’s eyes to the fact that it is still an option.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Gonorrhea, On Its Way to Becoming Incurable
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Gonorrhea is in the class of bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Generally bacterial STIs are easily curable with antibiotics. However they are dangerous if left untreated but, treatment isn’t usually a problem until now. There are now strains of Gonorrhea that only one class of antibiotics will treat! In the past it was able to be treated with multiple classes of antibiotics. The bacteria that causes Gonorrhea has become resistant to all classes of antibiotics except one.
In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control took samples of gonorrhea from people who tested positive for it and found that 27% of those samples were resistant to three different classes of antibiotics. Gonorrhea historically has shown a trend in becoming resistant to antibiotics. So it is likely that eventually gonorrhea will develop a resistance to the last class of antibiotics that can treat it.
Gonorrhea will always remain on the list of bacterial STIs because it is caused by bacteria but, it will not always be curable. This gradual resistance to antibiotics could happen to all bacterial STIs. So make sure that you are always using protection when engaging in sex!
Remember FREE CONDOMS are always available at SBI Health Education in Hayes Annex C on South Campus. Stock up on a summer supply before you go home because gonorrhea doesn’t take a vacation even if you do.
Gonorrhea is in the class of bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Generally bacterial STIs are easily curable with antibiotics. However they are dangerous if left untreated but, treatment isn’t usually a problem until now. There are now strains of Gonorrhea that only one class of antibiotics will treat! In the past it was able to be treated with multiple classes of antibiotics. The bacteria that causes Gonorrhea has become resistant to all classes of antibiotics except one.
In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control took samples of gonorrhea from people who tested positive for it and found that 27% of those samples were resistant to three different classes of antibiotics. Gonorrhea historically has shown a trend in becoming resistant to antibiotics. So it is likely that eventually gonorrhea will develop a resistance to the last class of antibiotics that can treat it.
Gonorrhea will always remain on the list of bacterial STIs because it is caused by bacteria but, it will not always be curable. This gradual resistance to antibiotics could happen to all bacterial STIs. So make sure that you are always using protection when engaging in sex!
Remember FREE CONDOMS are always available at SBI Health Education in Hayes Annex C on South Campus. Stock up on a summer supply before you go home because gonorrhea doesn’t take a vacation even if you do.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Don't think there is a good birth control for you?
Submitted by Kristi Dierolf, SBI Health Education Intern
That’s probably not true. There are numerous types of birth controls available to women. Before I get into what these methods are, it’s pretty important to note that contraceptives (birth control) methods do not prevent you from STIs! (Sexually transmitted infections), remember to still use a condom or another type of barrier method!
In case you don’t know, most contraceptive methods work by inhibiting ovulation (so, no egg is released!), thickening the cervical mucus, which makes it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus, and causes possible changes in the endometrial lining, which basically creates an unfavorable environment for pregnancy to occur!
The most common side effects for women taking hormonal contraceptives are breast tenderness, change in menstrual cycle, and possible weight changes. These side effects generally last up to 3 months, but vary depending on your method. Be sure to ask your provider for any side effects!
The most commonly known birth control is the pill, which comes in multiple varieties. Basically the pill works with your cycle, for the most part on a 28 day cycle. You’ll take 21 “active” pills, and then 7 “inactive” or placebo pills. You get your period the days you’re taking the inactive pills! There are different oral contraceptives like yaz and loestrin, which is 24 active pills, and 4 inactive, so you should have a shorter period with those. Now there is also seasonal/seasonique which are designed to give you your period only 4 times a year! Once every three months! Just remember, you want to take the pill at the same time everyday or it could lose its effectiveness!
Then we have the Nuvaring. The nuvaring is a slender and flexible vaginal ring that you insert manually. You insert the ring and leave it in place for 3 weeks, after the 3 weeks is up you take the ring out for one whole week, and during that time you should get your period. One of the greatest things about the ring, is you can’t feel it (And no, neither can your partner)! If you do feel it at all, it probably means you didn’t push it back far enough, so gently use your fingers to push it back, but don’t worry there is no chance of pushing it to far back or losing it, your cervix is going to prevent that from occurring.
Next, the Ortho-Evra patch. The patch is a thin beige square patch that you can wear anywhere besides your hands/feet and breasts. You put a new patch on once a week, for 3 straight weeks, on the 4th week, do not put another patch on, and that’s when you should get your period! Just a reminder, whenever you’re changing your patch, try not to put it in the same spot, just to avoid irritation! If you use the patch correctly, and avoid putting lotion by it, you don’t have to worry about the patch falling off.
The shot! The Depo-Provera shot is an injection that you get 4 times a year, given in either your upper arm, or buttock. Unlike the other birth controls I’ve mentioned, the shot does not regulate your period! It’s only protecting you from pregnancy. The shot is a good idea for women who don’t want to have to keep track of something every day (like the pill). However, since the shot is given only 4 times a year, your doctor may not prescribe you the shot unless you have previously used some other form of hormonal contraceptives, because you want to be sure you won’t have any serious side effects.
And finally, the IUD- the intra-uterine devices. The IUD is a plastic T shape device that gets inserted into the uterus by a physician. The IUD is the most effect form of contraceptive. There are currently two types, the Mirena, and the Paraguard. The Mirena can stay in place in your uterus for up to 5 years, and the paraguard for up to 12! Like I said, the device is inserted by a physician and removed by a physician, not ever by yourself! After the physician inserts the IUD you will come back a few months later just to make sure everything’s ok. There are some rare side effects to the IUD but I think they are important to note. There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, very rarely the IUD can be pushed through the wall of the uterus. Pelvic infection can occur after the insertion (to avoid this, use a condom for about a month after insertion) and there is a possibility of scarring during insertion which can lead to sterility.
There is a lot more information for each form of birth control so if you have any questions please feel free to ask! Make sure to talk with your doctor to see what type of contraceptive method is best for you.
That’s probably not true. There are numerous types of birth controls available to women. Before I get into what these methods are, it’s pretty important to note that contraceptives (birth control) methods do not prevent you from STIs! (Sexually transmitted infections), remember to still use a condom or another type of barrier method!
In case you don’t know, most contraceptive methods work by inhibiting ovulation (so, no egg is released!), thickening the cervical mucus, which makes it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus, and causes possible changes in the endometrial lining, which basically creates an unfavorable environment for pregnancy to occur!
The most common side effects for women taking hormonal contraceptives are breast tenderness, change in menstrual cycle, and possible weight changes. These side effects generally last up to 3 months, but vary depending on your method. Be sure to ask your provider for any side effects!
The most commonly known birth control is the pill, which comes in multiple varieties. Basically the pill works with your cycle, for the most part on a 28 day cycle. You’ll take 21 “active” pills, and then 7 “inactive” or placebo pills. You get your period the days you’re taking the inactive pills! There are different oral contraceptives like yaz and loestrin, which is 24 active pills, and 4 inactive, so you should have a shorter period with those. Now there is also seasonal/seasonique which are designed to give you your period only 4 times a year! Once every three months! Just remember, you want to take the pill at the same time everyday or it could lose its effectiveness!
Then we have the Nuvaring. The nuvaring is a slender and flexible vaginal ring that you insert manually. You insert the ring and leave it in place for 3 weeks, after the 3 weeks is up you take the ring out for one whole week, and during that time you should get your period. One of the greatest things about the ring, is you can’t feel it (And no, neither can your partner)! If you do feel it at all, it probably means you didn’t push it back far enough, so gently use your fingers to push it back, but don’t worry there is no chance of pushing it to far back or losing it, your cervix is going to prevent that from occurring.
Next, the Ortho-Evra patch. The patch is a thin beige square patch that you can wear anywhere besides your hands/feet and breasts. You put a new patch on once a week, for 3 straight weeks, on the 4th week, do not put another patch on, and that’s when you should get your period! Just a reminder, whenever you’re changing your patch, try not to put it in the same spot, just to avoid irritation! If you use the patch correctly, and avoid putting lotion by it, you don’t have to worry about the patch falling off.
The shot! The Depo-Provera shot is an injection that you get 4 times a year, given in either your upper arm, or buttock. Unlike the other birth controls I’ve mentioned, the shot does not regulate your period! It’s only protecting you from pregnancy. The shot is a good idea for women who don’t want to have to keep track of something every day (like the pill). However, since the shot is given only 4 times a year, your doctor may not prescribe you the shot unless you have previously used some other form of hormonal contraceptives, because you want to be sure you won’t have any serious side effects.
And finally, the IUD- the intra-uterine devices. The IUD is a plastic T shape device that gets inserted into the uterus by a physician. The IUD is the most effect form of contraceptive. There are currently two types, the Mirena, and the Paraguard. The Mirena can stay in place in your uterus for up to 5 years, and the paraguard for up to 12! Like I said, the device is inserted by a physician and removed by a physician, not ever by yourself! After the physician inserts the IUD you will come back a few months later just to make sure everything’s ok. There are some rare side effects to the IUD but I think they are important to note. There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, very rarely the IUD can be pushed through the wall of the uterus. Pelvic infection can occur after the insertion (to avoid this, use a condom for about a month after insertion) and there is a possibility of scarring during insertion which can lead to sterility.
There is a lot more information for each form of birth control so if you have any questions please feel free to ask! Make sure to talk with your doctor to see what type of contraceptive method is best for you.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
STI Awareness Month
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
April is STI Awareness month. So why not get tested? Even if you don’t show any symptoms of having an STI you may still have one. Most STIs show no symptoms at all. Do you think you can tell whether or not someone has an STI? Well you can’t and they may not even be able to tell you whether or not they have one because they may not know themselves. This is why if you are sexually active it is a good idea to get tested regularly.
Did you know that by age 25, 1 out of every 2 sexually active young people will have an STI? Did you also know that half of all new sexually transmitted infections occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24?
There is good news in all of this, as UB offers STI testing options, a panel test. It is available to students who qualify for just $10. However, do not bring cash to your appointment it will be billed directly to your student account. Don’t worry though, it won’t say that you were billed for an “STI test” it will simply say “health services fee.” Your health care provider will decide what tests are right for you, so be honest about what you've been doing! Call Student Health Services and set up your appointment today (716) 829-3316.
Celebrate STI awareness month grab a friend, partner, neighbor, or even go by yourself and GET TESTED!
April is STI Awareness month. So why not get tested? Even if you don’t show any symptoms of having an STI you may still have one. Most STIs show no symptoms at all. Do you think you can tell whether or not someone has an STI? Well you can’t and they may not even be able to tell you whether or not they have one because they may not know themselves. This is why if you are sexually active it is a good idea to get tested regularly.
Did you know that by age 25, 1 out of every 2 sexually active young people will have an STI? Did you also know that half of all new sexually transmitted infections occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24?
There is good news in all of this, as UB offers STI testing options, a panel test. It is available to students who qualify for just $10. However, do not bring cash to your appointment it will be billed directly to your student account. Don’t worry though, it won’t say that you were billed for an “STI test” it will simply say “health services fee.” Your health care provider will decide what tests are right for you, so be honest about what you've been doing! Call Student Health Services and set up your appointment today (716) 829-3316.
Celebrate STI awareness month grab a friend, partner, neighbor, or even go by yourself and GET TESTED!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Fund Raising and Awareness
Written by Kayla Maryles, SBI Health Education Events Coordinator and Education Intern
I believe that fund raising and awareness is an essential part to not for profit organizations such as SBI Health Education. I think a lot of people forget about fund raising and how it can benefit an organization tremendously. Many people within the health and human services field base a lot of their work solely on the client, the community, and education. I think that using fund raising, as a means of bringing awareness is a great, innovative way to include all of services provided in the heath and human services field.
One major example that I can think of is the V-DAY Campaign, which is a global movement to end violence against women and girls. In order for this campaign to make a mark, they have taken a creative approach to creating awareness about ending violence against women and girls. The founder of the V-DAY Campaign, Eve Ensler started the movement by writing a play called, The Vagina Monologues. This production sparked a very intriguing way of raising money for a cause. It incorporated the arts and theater while telling stories that empowered and provoked interest, laughter, sadness, and thought about some very serious topics involving women and violence. I believe that The Vagina Monologues is an exemplary model that showcases how fund raising can be educational and beneficial; not only because of raising money to be donated to the cause, but also by raising awareness.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Turn Your Head and Cough
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Should men go for regular sexual health check-ups similar to when women go to the gynecologist?
My opinion is yes. If a man is sexually active he should be tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) regularly. The only excuse for a sexually active male not getting tested is if he is in a monogamous sexual relationship in which his partner has been tested and not found to have an STI. Being tested regularly is important because it is very possible that people may not know they have an STI. The most common symptom of an STI is having no symptoms at all. So even if you do not have any symptoms, sores, discharge, etc. you may still be carrying an STI that could possibly be transmitted to someone else.
When doctors hold the testicles of a patient and ask them to turn their head and cough they are checking for hernias. There is another good reason to check your testicles. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The first signs of testicular cancer are most often found by TSE (testicular self exam). You can learn how to do this most effectively by meeting with a doctor.
Another good reason for men to talk to their doctor frequently about their sexual health is because if a problem does arises they will feel more comfortable talking to their doctors about it.
So if you love sex and love yourself visit a doctor for a sexual health check up or an STI test.
Should men go for regular sexual health check-ups similar to when women go to the gynecologist?
My opinion is yes. If a man is sexually active he should be tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) regularly. The only excuse for a sexually active male not getting tested is if he is in a monogamous sexual relationship in which his partner has been tested and not found to have an STI. Being tested regularly is important because it is very possible that people may not know they have an STI. The most common symptom of an STI is having no symptoms at all. So even if you do not have any symptoms, sores, discharge, etc. you may still be carrying an STI that could possibly be transmitted to someone else.
When doctors hold the testicles of a patient and ask them to turn their head and cough they are checking for hernias. There is another good reason to check your testicles. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The first signs of testicular cancer are most often found by TSE (testicular self exam). You can learn how to do this most effectively by meeting with a doctor.
Another good reason for men to talk to their doctor frequently about their sexual health is because if a problem does arises they will feel more comfortable talking to their doctors about it.
So if you love sex and love yourself visit a doctor for a sexual health check up or an STI test.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Disney Condoms
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
When Miley Cyrus was 15 years old, the condom company Lifestyles offered her $1 million to appear in their advertisements. She refused their offer. Is a 15 year old with a young fan base not the right person to promote condoms or, is it a good thing because it would get condom advertisements out to younger teens and thus bring down the teen pregnancy rate?
Does having a pre-teen idol advertize condoms decrease the age at which teenagers will lose their virginity? Are shows that teens watch such as “The Secret Life” on ABC Family or “Gossip Girl” on CW to blame for the increase of teen pregnancy? Some people believe that teen sex is on the rise because shows like these create an atmosphere where teen sex is accepted. According the Center for Disease Control one third of girls in the United States will become pregnant before the age of twenty, which is an increase from past years. So if teens want to be like the people in these shows then perhaps it is reasonable to say that if Miley is advertising condoms, and therefore advertising sex, then teens will try to emulate her by having sex. The other possibility here is that if Miley advertises condoms then teens will use them because they want to be like Miley.
So does Lifestyles have the right idea by trying to appeal to younger audiences or are they adding to the problem on teens losing their virginity at younger ages?
What do you think about this? Leave your comments on this page.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,393141,00.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12504-teen-pregnancy-rates-usa/
When Miley Cyrus was 15 years old, the condom company Lifestyles offered her $1 million to appear in their advertisements. She refused their offer. Is a 15 year old with a young fan base not the right person to promote condoms or, is it a good thing because it would get condom advertisements out to younger teens and thus bring down the teen pregnancy rate?
Does having a pre-teen idol advertize condoms decrease the age at which teenagers will lose their virginity? Are shows that teens watch such as “The Secret Life” on ABC Family or “Gossip Girl” on CW to blame for the increase of teen pregnancy? Some people believe that teen sex is on the rise because shows like these create an atmosphere where teen sex is accepted. According the Center for Disease Control one third of girls in the United States will become pregnant before the age of twenty, which is an increase from past years. So if teens want to be like the people in these shows then perhaps it is reasonable to say that if Miley is advertising condoms, and therefore advertising sex, then teens will try to emulate her by having sex. The other possibility here is that if Miley advertises condoms then teens will use them because they want to be like Miley.
So does Lifestyles have the right idea by trying to appeal to younger audiences or are they adding to the problem on teens losing their virginity at younger ages?
What do you think about this? Leave your comments on this page.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,393141,00.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/12504-teen-pregnancy-rates-usa/
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
'Sext' Me
Written by Dana Shaffer, SBI Health Education Intern
What’s with teenagers and the outbreak of ‘sexting?’ ‘Sexting’ has become a growing trend amongst teens in the United States. Teenagers, these days, are more technologically advanced than ever before; their lives are hi-tech and digital. Their technological expertise intensifies their desire to entice and arouse their partner via technology. Vocabulary of this new generation, of teenagers, is provocative and sexually enticing.
‘Sexting’ is the act of text messaging with hopes of having a sexual encounter or multiple encounters, later on, with the receiver who is usually a boyfriend or girlfriend of the sender. ‘Sexting’ could also be a way to flirt or want to “hook up” with someone sincerely or in a more joking manner. Initially, it may come off as a casual and flirtatious gesture but as the fire ignites, between both parties, it may seem more and more sexually explicit and suggestive. Teenagers, who actively engage in ‘sexting’ seem to take provocative pictures of themselves and/or videos usually nude or performing sexual acts.
Popular culture and the social media contribute to the sexuality of our teenagers. “Teens have long associated sexuality with greater independence, personal control and a path to adulthood.” (www.theyoungandthedigital.com) Teenagers are experimenting with their sexuality; they long to overcome and explore their sexual curiosities. Mobile media and social networks, which are at their fingertips literally, are the biggest sources of exploration.
Teenagers use mobile media and social networks to express themselves because it is a form of private communication between two parties… unless of course one party decides to breach such privacy. This is a huge issue! According to research, 1/3 of teenage boys and ¼ of teenage girls say they’ve seen nude and/or semi-nude images, which were originally meant to be private. Such findings pose an enormous concern.
While the digital world is an incredible and beneficial aspect of society, we need to find a way to protect our teenagers and future generations from being exposed and humiliated. In my own opinion, teenagers and active participants in ‘sexting’ need to be aware of the consequences before they hit SEND. They also need to realize that technology amplifies the interconnectedness of people and society on a much broader spectrum; when you expose yourself, via technology, you are putting yourself on display for all eyes to see.
What’s with teenagers and the outbreak of ‘sexting?’ ‘Sexting’ has become a growing trend amongst teens in the United States. Teenagers, these days, are more technologically advanced than ever before; their lives are hi-tech and digital. Their technological expertise intensifies their desire to entice and arouse their partner via technology. Vocabulary of this new generation, of teenagers, is provocative and sexually enticing.
‘Sexting’ is the act of text messaging with hopes of having a sexual encounter or multiple encounters, later on, with the receiver who is usually a boyfriend or girlfriend of the sender. ‘Sexting’ could also be a way to flirt or want to “hook up” with someone sincerely or in a more joking manner. Initially, it may come off as a casual and flirtatious gesture but as the fire ignites, between both parties, it may seem more and more sexually explicit and suggestive. Teenagers, who actively engage in ‘sexting’ seem to take provocative pictures of themselves and/or videos usually nude or performing sexual acts.
Popular culture and the social media contribute to the sexuality of our teenagers. “Teens have long associated sexuality with greater independence, personal control and a path to adulthood.” (www.theyoungandthedigital.com) Teenagers are experimenting with their sexuality; they long to overcome and explore their sexual curiosities. Mobile media and social networks, which are at their fingertips literally, are the biggest sources of exploration.
Teenagers use mobile media and social networks to express themselves because it is a form of private communication between two parties… unless of course one party decides to breach such privacy. This is a huge issue! According to research, 1/3 of teenage boys and ¼ of teenage girls say they’ve seen nude and/or semi-nude images, which were originally meant to be private. Such findings pose an enormous concern.
While the digital world is an incredible and beneficial aspect of society, we need to find a way to protect our teenagers and future generations from being exposed and humiliated. In my own opinion, teenagers and active participants in ‘sexting’ need to be aware of the consequences before they hit SEND. They also need to realize that technology amplifies the interconnectedness of people and society on a much broader spectrum; when you expose yourself, via technology, you are putting yourself on display for all eyes to see.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Vaginas Speak, Come Listen
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Come hear women talk about vaginas. The world famous Vagina Monologues are coming to UB Sunday March 21 and Monday March 22nd. There are shows at 1pm and 7pm on Sunday and at 7pm on Monday. Tickets are $8 with a UB ID and $10 without. They can be purchased at the SBI ticket office or at the door, but hurry and get them before they sell out! All of the money from the show goes to programs that work to end violence against women. This year, part of the proceeds will go to help women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Vagina Monologues were written by Eve Ensler and are based off 200 interviews with women. Each monologue is a different woman’s story. Some of the Monologues are humorous and some are very emotional but, all are sure to entertain. The monologues will “make you laugh, make you cry, make you happy, and hopefully make you proactive in the end.” says Amanda Hibbard, a cast member of the show.
One of the more emotional monologues will be performed by Kayla Maryles. It is called “My Vagina Was My Village.” It is about women who were slaves in Bosnia and Kosovo. There are also more light-hearted monologues such as “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” which is about a prostitute who loves to pleasure women. There is a monologue in this show that will touch everyone.
After you are done listening about vaginas, how about eating one? SBI Health Education will be selling chocolate vagina pops for $1 at both showings and everyday in our office Hayes Annex C on South Campus. There will also be a Chinese Auction after the show. The money from the sale of the vagina pops and the Chinese auction will also go towards ending violence against women.
Hope to see you there!
Come hear women talk about vaginas. The world famous Vagina Monologues are coming to UB Sunday March 21 and Monday March 22nd. There are shows at 1pm and 7pm on Sunday and at 7pm on Monday. Tickets are $8 with a UB ID and $10 without. They can be purchased at the SBI ticket office or at the door, but hurry and get them before they sell out! All of the money from the show goes to programs that work to end violence against women. This year, part of the proceeds will go to help women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Vagina Monologues were written by Eve Ensler and are based off 200 interviews with women. Each monologue is a different woman’s story. Some of the Monologues are humorous and some are very emotional but, all are sure to entertain. The monologues will “make you laugh, make you cry, make you happy, and hopefully make you proactive in the end.” says Amanda Hibbard, a cast member of the show.
One of the more emotional monologues will be performed by Kayla Maryles. It is called “My Vagina Was My Village.” It is about women who were slaves in Bosnia and Kosovo. There are also more light-hearted monologues such as “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” which is about a prostitute who loves to pleasure women. There is a monologue in this show that will touch everyone.
After you are done listening about vaginas, how about eating one? SBI Health Education will be selling chocolate vagina pops for $1 at both showings and everyday in our office Hayes Annex C on South Campus. There will also be a Chinese Auction after the show. The money from the sale of the vagina pops and the Chinese auction will also go towards ending violence against women.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Not a Magnum Man?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Recent articles have suggested that many men are wearing condoms that are too big because they are ashamed of their penis size. Well it’s about time that men matched their Trojan size to their penis size. You wouldn’t wear size 22 shoes if you were a size 12. So why are you wearing magnums if you need a Beyond Seven brand condom? Wearing condoms that are too big could decrease pleasure for you and your partner as well as make the condom more likely to slip off and thus making the condom less enjoyable and less effective.
Even though small condoms don’t say “small” people still want to carry around a condom that says “large”. This is just a little FYI but I have never heard of anyone who is more willing to have sex with a guy just because he is “packing a magnum.” So if you have experienced condom slippage or lack of sensation during sex while using a condom then maybe you should try a Beyond Seven brand condom, Lifestyles brand “Snugger Fit” condom, or Durex brand “enhanced pleasure.”
Maybe if condom sizes were labeled like Starbucks’ drink sizes people would be more willing to buy smaller condoms. Just like Starbucks’ smallest size is called “Tall” the smallest condom size could be “plentiful.” The medium condom size could be called “immense” and the large size could be called “monumental.”
There is something else you need to know, even if you have a penis that is large enough to be a medical anomaly, all latex condoms will still fit you. They are capable of being stretched over a human head or arm, yes even the “small” ones. So no, you don’t need Magnums or other large variety condoms.
So is the “size” of the condom really more important than the health of you and your partner? Is it more important than having pleasurable sex? If the answer is no then try giving a little bit smaller condoms a try.
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/02/16/2010-02-16_many_men_refuse_condoms_because_of_poor_fit_study.html
Recent articles have suggested that many men are wearing condoms that are too big because they are ashamed of their penis size. Well it’s about time that men matched their Trojan size to their penis size. You wouldn’t wear size 22 shoes if you were a size 12. So why are you wearing magnums if you need a Beyond Seven brand condom? Wearing condoms that are too big could decrease pleasure for you and your partner as well as make the condom more likely to slip off and thus making the condom less enjoyable and less effective.
Even though small condoms don’t say “small” people still want to carry around a condom that says “large”. This is just a little FYI but I have never heard of anyone who is more willing to have sex with a guy just because he is “packing a magnum.” So if you have experienced condom slippage or lack of sensation during sex while using a condom then maybe you should try a Beyond Seven brand condom, Lifestyles brand “Snugger Fit” condom, or Durex brand “enhanced pleasure.”
Maybe if condom sizes were labeled like Starbucks’ drink sizes people would be more willing to buy smaller condoms. Just like Starbucks’ smallest size is called “Tall” the smallest condom size could be “plentiful.” The medium condom size could be called “immense” and the large size could be called “monumental.”
There is something else you need to know, even if you have a penis that is large enough to be a medical anomaly, all latex condoms will still fit you. They are capable of being stretched over a human head or arm, yes even the “small” ones. So no, you don’t need Magnums or other large variety condoms.
So is the “size” of the condom really more important than the health of you and your partner? Is it more important than having pleasurable sex? If the answer is no then try giving a little bit smaller condoms a try.
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/02/16/2010-02-16_many_men_refuse_condoms_because_of_poor_fit_study.html
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Do you like piña coladas and SEX?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Do you also like free pizza?... free condoms?... free prizes? If you do in fact enjoy these things then you are in luck because on Tuesday, February 23rd the annual SBI Health Education spring break event will be held in the flag room in the union from 11am to 3pm.
This year the theme of the event is sun, sex, and safety. So if you also dislike catching an STI, having an unplanned pregnancy, and ending up in unsafe situations over break come on up to the flag room and gain some free knowledge as well as FREE STUFF!
Also join us for interactive games on the hour at 12, 1, and 2. Prizes will awarded to the winners and include gift cards so bring your game face.
Do you also like free pizza?... free condoms?... free prizes? If you do in fact enjoy these things then you are in luck because on Tuesday, February 23rd the annual SBI Health Education spring break event will be held in the flag room in the union from 11am to 3pm.
This year the theme of the event is sun, sex, and safety. So if you also dislike catching an STI, having an unplanned pregnancy, and ending up in unsafe situations over break come on up to the flag room and gain some free knowledge as well as FREE STUFF!
Also join us for interactive games on the hour at 12, 1, and 2. Prizes will awarded to the winners and include gift cards so bring your game face.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
So you think you know Plan B?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Did you know Plan B can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex?
It is most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is best to take it as soon as you can after unprotected sex, but it is still 75%-89% effective when taken in the first five days after unprotected sex.
Does Plan B have severe side effects?
The most common side effect when taking Plan B is some slight nausea. The nausea can be prevented by eating a light snack when taking it. Other than that the other side effects are rare.
Will emergency contraception abort a pregnancy?
No, EC will neither abort nor harm a pregnancy. It works just like a birth control pill because it inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and changes the lining of the uterus. When it prevents ovulation there will be no egg to fertilize. Thickening the cervical mucus stops sperm from getting into the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. The changes in the lining of the uterus make it hard for a fertilized egg to implant and therefore hard to start a pregnancy.
Can you get emergency contraception on campus?
Yes, you can get it at SBI Health Education in Hayes Annex C on south campus for $25. You can also get it at the Sub Board pharmacy in Michael Hall for $25.
If you don’t have sex a lot can Plan B be used as a regular form of birth control?
It is not a good idea to use Plan B as a regular form of birth control because it is less effective and can be more expensive than other hormonal methods such as the pill, the ring, etc.
Did you know Plan B can prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex?
It is most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is best to take it as soon as you can after unprotected sex, but it is still 75%-89% effective when taken in the first five days after unprotected sex.
Does Plan B have severe side effects?
The most common side effect when taking Plan B is some slight nausea. The nausea can be prevented by eating a light snack when taking it. Other than that the other side effects are rare.
Will emergency contraception abort a pregnancy?
No, EC will neither abort nor harm a pregnancy. It works just like a birth control pill because it inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and changes the lining of the uterus. When it prevents ovulation there will be no egg to fertilize. Thickening the cervical mucus stops sperm from getting into the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. The changes in the lining of the uterus make it hard for a fertilized egg to implant and therefore hard to start a pregnancy.
Can you get emergency contraception on campus?
Yes, you can get it at SBI Health Education in Hayes Annex C on south campus for $25. You can also get it at the Sub Board pharmacy in Michael Hall for $25.
If you don’t have sex a lot can Plan B be used as a regular form of birth control?
It is not a good idea to use Plan B as a regular form of birth control because it is less effective and can be more expensive than other hormonal methods such as the pill, the ring, etc.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Are you naughty or nice?
Thoughts from Courtney Bauer
Behind closed doors would you rather "squash" your partner or massage their feet? Squashing is a fetish well publicized by the Tyra Banks show. It involves one of the partners (typically one who is overweight) falling onto the other partner and in essence "squashing" them. The pain involved in the squashing can increase feelings of arousal, much the same way people are aroused by S&M.
Are you turned on yet? If not then read on. So maybe squashing is a little too nice for you? Well then can I interest you in some hand cuffs and whips? S&M is sadomasochism. The sadism is if you derive pleasure from inflicting pain while the masochism is deriving pleasure from receiving the pain. This fetish as opposed to squashing, requires a few more toys. Luckily, there are plenty of good adult stores in Buffalo.
So naughty fetishes aren’t for you? How about something like podophilia? No not PEDophilia, PODophilia, or more commonly known as a foot fetish. Partners who have a love of feet are turned on by gentle foot massages and perhaps a nice little kiss on the toe. A foot fetish can be very loving and sensual, especially if there is massaging involved. Luckily this fetish doesn’t require toys and the safety risk is lower than that of squashing, but it may require getting a pedicure.
If even a foot massage is too risqué for you then maybe you are better off sticking to your teddy bears and stuffed crocodiles. What could be better than the feel of soft synthetic fur on your skin? In that case you can consider yourself a plushophile. So take your partner, or just yourself, and head to the carnival to win yourself a brand new toy!!
Fetishes are fun and arousing but make sure you always talk to your partner before breaking out the whip or costumes. You may scare them off. Also with things that involve any kind of bondage or pain make sure you and your partner have a safe word or safe action. Make sure your safe word or action is not in any way related to sex or what you are doing.
Behind closed doors would you rather "squash" your partner or massage their feet? Squashing is a fetish well publicized by the Tyra Banks show. It involves one of the partners (typically one who is overweight) falling onto the other partner and in essence "squashing" them. The pain involved in the squashing can increase feelings of arousal, much the same way people are aroused by S&M.
Are you turned on yet? If not then read on. So maybe squashing is a little too nice for you? Well then can I interest you in some hand cuffs and whips? S&M is sadomasochism. The sadism is if you derive pleasure from inflicting pain while the masochism is deriving pleasure from receiving the pain. This fetish as opposed to squashing, requires a few more toys. Luckily, there are plenty of good adult stores in Buffalo.
So naughty fetishes aren’t for you? How about something like podophilia? No not PEDophilia, PODophilia, or more commonly known as a foot fetish. Partners who have a love of feet are turned on by gentle foot massages and perhaps a nice little kiss on the toe. A foot fetish can be very loving and sensual, especially if there is massaging involved. Luckily this fetish doesn’t require toys and the safety risk is lower than that of squashing, but it may require getting a pedicure.
If even a foot massage is too risqué for you then maybe you are better off sticking to your teddy bears and stuffed crocodiles. What could be better than the feel of soft synthetic fur on your skin? In that case you can consider yourself a plushophile. So take your partner, or just yourself, and head to the carnival to win yourself a brand new toy!!
Fetishes are fun and arousing but make sure you always talk to your partner before breaking out the whip or costumes. You may scare them off. Also with things that involve any kind of bondage or pain make sure you and your partner have a safe word or safe action. Make sure your safe word or action is not in any way related to sex or what you are doing.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Is it true about......
Guest Comment by SBI Health Education intern, Danielle O.
Does the birth control pill cause cancer? Can an IUD cause painful sex? Does the “withdrawal” or “pulling out” method really work? Are two condoms better than one?
Today, it is hard to tell the facts from myths as far as the everyday forms of birth control go. Many people of all ages share the same misconceptions, or simply just do not know the answers to some of the questions they may have regarding the appropriate form and proper use of contraceptives. Indeed, due to the large and varying options available to us today, it is easy to get confused or misinformed.
The common misconception that keeps many women from using the pill, which is a highly effective method, is the fear that cancer is linked to the use. According to Steven Goldstein, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU School of Medicine in New York, “ the pill is not a cancer-causing agent, but a cancer-reducing agent, with good science to show that with continued pill use there’s a dramatic and continued reduction in the incidence of ovarian cancer, and even uterine cancer.”
Among the concerns listed above, questions about the intrauterine device (IUD) are quite common. Along with the frequently asked questions regarding intercourse, clients also ask if there if is interference of tampon use, and if it's possible for the device to become dislodged or move out of place. Research has shown that the answer is 'no.' Erika Banks, MD, associate residency director of obstetrics and gynecology at Montifiore Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y states, “an IUD will not interfere with tampon use, and, when properly inserted, it should not get dislodged during sex or cause you any pain, and your partner should not feel it either."
Continuing on with the misconceptions, one of the most popular is the withdrawal, or pulling out method. According to a study from the Guttmacher Institute, the effectiveness of the withdrawal method is about 96 percent. This respectfully speaking is contingent on the person’s methods just the same in comparison to proper use of condoms.
As for the idea that two condoms may be better than one, the friction of wearing two at the same time will create enough friction to cause both of the condoms to break or tear. As long as the condom is being used properly (expiration date checked, there is an air pocket, it is worn properly, and there is enough room left in the reservoir tip) one condom is what is approved and deemed effective.
It’s easy to see why just a few of the mentioned myths and other misconceptions about contraceptives are so considerable and forthrightly believable if not informed otherwise. Birth control is one of the most talked about topics, and yet people are still not getting the proper facts and information, and sometimes it all too confusing between myth and fact when it comes to sexual health.
Sources:
Steven Goldstein, MD, professor, obstetrics and gynecology, NYU School of Medicine. Margaret Polaneczky, MD, associate clinical professor, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York. Erika Banks, MD, associate director of residency, Montifiore Medical Center, New York.
Does the birth control pill cause cancer? Can an IUD cause painful sex? Does the “withdrawal” or “pulling out” method really work? Are two condoms better than one?
Today, it is hard to tell the facts from myths as far as the everyday forms of birth control go. Many people of all ages share the same misconceptions, or simply just do not know the answers to some of the questions they may have regarding the appropriate form and proper use of contraceptives. Indeed, due to the large and varying options available to us today, it is easy to get confused or misinformed.
The common misconception that keeps many women from using the pill, which is a highly effective method, is the fear that cancer is linked to the use. According to Steven Goldstein, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU School of Medicine in New York, “ the pill is not a cancer-causing agent, but a cancer-reducing agent, with good science to show that with continued pill use there’s a dramatic and continued reduction in the incidence of ovarian cancer, and even uterine cancer.”
Among the concerns listed above, questions about the intrauterine device (IUD) are quite common. Along with the frequently asked questions regarding intercourse, clients also ask if there if is interference of tampon use, and if it's possible for the device to become dislodged or move out of place. Research has shown that the answer is 'no.' Erika Banks, MD, associate residency director of obstetrics and gynecology at Montifiore Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y states, “an IUD will not interfere with tampon use, and, when properly inserted, it should not get dislodged during sex or cause you any pain, and your partner should not feel it either."
Continuing on with the misconceptions, one of the most popular is the withdrawal, or pulling out method. According to a study from the Guttmacher Institute, the effectiveness of the withdrawal method is about 96 percent. This respectfully speaking is contingent on the person’s methods just the same in comparison to proper use of condoms.
As for the idea that two condoms may be better than one, the friction of wearing two at the same time will create enough friction to cause both of the condoms to break or tear. As long as the condom is being used properly (expiration date checked, there is an air pocket, it is worn properly, and there is enough room left in the reservoir tip) one condom is what is approved and deemed effective.
It’s easy to see why just a few of the mentioned myths and other misconceptions about contraceptives are so considerable and forthrightly believable if not informed otherwise. Birth control is one of the most talked about topics, and yet people are still not getting the proper facts and information, and sometimes it all too confusing between myth and fact when it comes to sexual health.
Sources:
Steven Goldstein, MD, professor, obstetrics and gynecology, NYU School of Medicine. Margaret Polaneczky, MD, associate clinical professor, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York. Erika Banks, MD, associate director of residency, Montifiore Medical Center, New York.
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