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>Week 64
February 4, 2010

Q: If you don't use it, could you actually lose it?

A: Believe it or not, yes — not using your sex organs can have a negative impact on your health (although no, your penis will not fall off if you don’t have sex). Problems generally do not happen to young women and men, but can increase as you age.

Men who do not engage in sexual enjoyment (with a partner or alone) have a higher chance of sexual dysfunction, especially the older they get.^[1] Regular erections make sure the penis is working properly. BTW, for men healthy sexual function is measured by the frequency of ejaculations, with a goal of about 100 per year.^[2] For you ladies, not too much to worry about now if you’re in a self-declared drought. Issues with not having sex is seen mostly in postmenopausal women (whew!) where a lack of sex can actually accelerate the thinning of the vaginal walls and decrease the enjoyment in intercourse later on in life.^[3]

OK, so what does this mean? It means there are many health benefits from sex. Besides the feel-good chemicals released during an orgasm, sex can relieve stress, get the heart a-pumping and allow your body to do a bit of a checks-and-balances to make sure everything’s working like it should. Just remember that although sex can be fun, using condoms/dental dams and birth control can help prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

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>Week 63
^{January 28, 2010}

Q: Are women or men more likely to get an STI?

A: Although anyone can get a sexually transmitted infection (STI), women in a heterosexual relationship are more likely to be infected than men in a heterosexual relationship. No, it’s not that women are less careful or have more sex (remember, women have an average of four sexual partners in a lifetime compared to seven for men). Women are more likely to get an infection because of their biology:

·         Women have more exposed genital surface area than men.^[1]

·         During sex, more semen is exchanged than vaginal fluids.^[2]

·         Semen can contain higher levels of HIV (or other infections) than vaginal fluids.^[3]

But HIV isn’t the only STI you could come into contact with. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is extremely common, affecting nearly half of all men and three-quarters of women.^[4]

Many STIs are curable, or at least can be treated, if detected early which is obviously the most important reason for getting tested regularly and getting your annual exam every year. We recommend getting tested when you have a new partner (preferably before you have sex) or every six months to make sure you’re healthy. During an annual exam, women should ask their clinician about getting a Pap test to check for HPV. And although some STIs are curable, some (like HPV) can turn into cervical cancer or even cause infertility.

Your sexuality doesn’t matter; anyone can get an STI. Always use condoms/dental dams to protect yourself — and your partner.

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>Week 62
^{January 21, 2010}

Q: Do you know where your vagina is?

A: Okay, I’m sure you all know where the vagina is located — or at least approximately. The funny thing is, when we talk, most people use the term “vagina” as all all-encompassing word for the female reproductive area.

So here are the details:
The vagina is actually inside the body. It’s the stretchable passage that connects the external sex organs to the cervix and uterus. The vagina is 2–4 inches long when a woman is not aroused and 4–8 inches long when she is sexually aroused. And it has three functions: to allow the menstrual flow to exit the body, for sexual penetration (by hand, sex toy or penis) and to allow a fetus to pass through during vaginal delivery. Yep, the vagina is a pretty cool feature of the female body!

So what else do women have “down there?” The vulva (which is often mistakenly called the “vagina”) includes all the external sex organs. The external organs are the outer lips, inner lips, clitoris, clitoral hood, opening of the urethra and opening of the vagina. For those visual-learners, here’s a great diagram.

So why is the vagina so important? Well, aside from the obvious, it’s one part of the body that’s constantly changing. Normal bacteria keep everything healthy but sometimes infections (sexually transmitted infections, that is) can cause issues. So what’s the best way to make sure your “down there” is getting a thumbs up? Just give us a call! We encourage all women to have an annual exam — basically just a quick check-up that makes sure you’re healthy and that there aren’t any issues. Since some vaginal problems could impact the ability to get pregnant, an annual exam is just a good thing to do.

Watch a video about what happens during an annual exam and call us at 1.877.811.PLAN (7526) to schedule your annual appointment!

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> Week 61
^{January 14, 2010}

Q: What happens to your brain when you fall in love?

A: You know … or at least you want to know it at some point in your life: “love is a beautiful thing.” You see fireworks or feel butterflies, but what’s really happening to your body when you fall in love? Aside from not being able to think about anything but your special sweetheart — you may even feel “addicted to love” — falling in love is all in your head.

When you start fallin’, a natural amphetamine called Phenylethylamine (PEA) is released, yep — the Love Drug!^[1] This natural high occurs to help you attach to someone. It’s true, “love at first sight” is probably more “lust” because the PEA only lets you see the positives of that person. Once the PEA wears off, that’s when you determine whether this person is someone you want to do the “cupid shuffle” with or if you’d like to join your friends and be one of the “single ladies.”^[2]

A study done by Helen Fisher, author of Why We Love, explains exactly how the brain (or more specifically the caudate nucleus — which is the reward center of the brain) reacts when we see people with whom we’re romantically involved.^[3] The study used college students who were “crazy in love.” They were shown photos of close friends as well as photos of their lovers. Brain scans (MRIs) were taken during this process and the test showed a lot of activity in the caudate nucleus when looking at photos of their romantic partners but no activity when looking at photos of their friends.

So “don’t stop believing.’” We all know “love is a battlefield,” but if you put your best foot forward, you may just find that special person you just can’t help but “kiss kiss” and be “one less lonely girl.” Until then … “party in the USA!”

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> Week 60
^{January 7, 2010}

Q: Can I get cancer from having sex?

A: Unfortunately, yes, it is possible for women to get cervical cancer from sex. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that affects nearly half of all men and more than three out of four women at some point in their lives.

Although we wish there was a cure for cancer, science isn’t quite there yet. However, there are ways to help women protect themselves against cervical cancer — so keep reading.

To help protect yourself from cervical cancer and to keep your health a priority, take these steps:

1)      Look into getting the Gardasil^® vaccine. We offer it at all of our Planned Parenthood clinics or speak with your health-care provider. If you have insurance, the vaccine may be covered. For those without insurance, there are programs that can provide Gardasil at no cost, depending on your income.

2)      Remember your annual exam/Pap test. You should have an annual exam each year and your clinician will tell you when to have a Pap test (which is how we screen for HPV). It’s just one appointment each year — and it’s an important one.

3)      Use condoms! HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact so condoms can help prevent it. Condoms may not protect 100 percent, but they drastically lower your risk so use one every time.

HPV details:

• There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types produce warts — plantar warts on the feet and common hand warts. About 40 types of HPV can infect the genital area — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis or scrotum.[1]
• Although HPV often clears itself, it can “hide” and go unnoticed since there are no physical symptoms. When a woman is infected with certain types of HPV, and the virus doesn't go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix. If these abnormal cells are not found early and treated, precancers and then cervical cancer can develop[2].
• Pap tests look for abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancers or cervical cancer. The more severe the abnormal cells, the more likely it is that cervical cancer will develop in the future[3].

Gardasil details:

• The vaccine is available to girls and women between the ages of 12 and 26 at Planned Parenthood. Call us at 1.877.811.PLAN (7526) to schedule your appointment today.

>Week 59
^{December 31, 2009}

Q.  How many people kiss on New Year’s Eve?

A: Ahhh… New Year’s Eve! The end of 2009 and the beginning of a glorious new year! Although there are many New Year’s traditions, the most popular tradition in the U.S. is definitely locking lips at the stroke of midnight. The history of the kiss (at least here in the states) comes from masked balls on December 31.¹  The partygoers wore masks that symbolized evil spirits from the past year. At midnight, the masks were removed and a kiss chased the evil away and “purified” the new year.

As for how many people are kissing at the same moment, it’s a lot! A survey in 2008 determined that approximately 67 percent of people will “kiss a loved one,” 20 percent won’t kiss anyone and we can assume the others will pucker up to a stranger.²  As for how long the kiss will last, the survey respondents said: “69% expect their kiss to last ‘a few seconds,’ 11% expect it to last ‘a minute or two,’ and 6% expect it to last ‘until the next morning.’”

Have a “safe and sexy” New Year’s Eve!

> Week 58
^{December 24, 2009}

Q.  What's another reason not to wear polyester?

A: So, I think we all know it’s best to wear cotton undies to allow good airflow and breathability for your genitals. This helps reduce moisture-loving infections for women and can even improve men’s sperm count!

But another reason to not wear constricting fabrics like polyester is that they can have a negative effect on your libido. No kidding! In the book Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, author Mary Roach writes about a study by Dr. Ahmed Shafik to determine “the effects of polyester on sexual activity.”[1]

The study involved 75 rats that literally wore pants for one year. Those wearing the polyester or poly-cotton blend pants had sex much less frequently than the rats sporting cotton or wool pants. Dr. Shafik believes the reason is that polyester creates an electrostatic field in and around the genitals.

Nonetheless, wearing clothing made of natural fibers is not only more fashionable, it’s actually better for your sex drive.

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> Week 57
^{December 17, 2009}

Q.  Are condoms in the car a good idea?

A: This one’s a trick question. Clearly, if you plan on driving up to “lovers’ lane” to do a little “necking” in the backseat of the car: yes, you better have some condoms in the car. But if you’re using the glove box as storage, the only form of protection you should be keeping in the car is a pair of mittens to keep warm in the winter.

Keeping condoms in the car during the winter (or in the hot summer months!) is a definite “no-no.” Condoms are made of latex which can deteriorate when the temp is too warm or too cool which means your rubber could break during game time, causing a penalty and potentially getting you thrown out of the game.[1] 

So how should you store condoms? Just keep them in a cool, dry place like the nightstand, dresser, candy jar — anything that’s about room temperature without humidity. And if you’re one of the good ones who carry condoms when you go out: #1–good job! #2–just remember to occasionally swap the condom in your wallet since pocket heat can affect the durability of the condom.

Reminder: always check the condom before using it to make sure it’s ready for the job. Check the expiration date and make sure there’s air in the package (that means the packaging — and condom — haven’t been punctured).[2]

> Week 56
^{December 10, 2009}

Q. What’s the average number of sex partners?

A: Whether you think it’s high or low, the median number of sex partners is seven for men and four for women.[1] Since most women and men have more than one sexual partner during their lifetime, it’s always important to remember the mantra of Planned Parenthood: “Safe Is Sexy!”

Being safe and using condoms (female and/or male condoms) helps lower your chance of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), especially when one in four women between the ages of 14 and 19 has an STI.^[2] Or, because more than half of all people will have an STI at some point in their life.^[3]

Take the time and protect yourself. After all, you can always get free condoms at Planned Parenthood. And if you’ve been with — or are thinking about being with — a new partner, give us a call [1.877.811.PLAN (7526)] to schedule a quick appointment to get tested.

>Week 55
^{December 3, 2009}

Q: Can men have PMS?

A: You bet! Although we generally think of women having PMS (premenstrual syndrome), research shows men also may go through varying hormone levels that can affect their mood, energy level, sex drive, etc. For women, PMS occurs right before and during menstruation when hormone levels drop. Symptoms often “include headache, fatigue, irritability, anxiety and depression.” ¹

Similar to women, when hormone (testosterone) levels are low, men often experience “irritable male syndrome,” or IMS. The symptoms of IMS can include “mood swings, stomach cramps and even hot flashes.”²  Not much research has been done yet about men’s cycles, but some researchers believe men are on a four- to six-week cycle based on their hormone levels.

So what should you do if you suffer from PMS or IMS? The best way to decrease some of the symptoms is to eat healthy, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep. I know, it’s common sense but being a little tired doesn’t help one’s irritability and getting exercise can help increase your energy levels. Now, if your symptoms are really intense, you may want to talk to your clinician (call Planned Parenthood at 1.877.811.PLAN (7526)) to discuss additional treatment options and make sure there isn’t a larger issue causing problems with your body.

>Week 54
^{November 26, 2009}

Q: Can you get an STI from a toilet?

A: You can feel relieved while you’re relieving yourself — the chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from a toilet seat is so low that you don’t need to worry about it. STIs are transferred via skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner or exchanging bodily fluids, but infections can’t live long outside the body. To get an STI from a toilet seat, the infection would either need to come into contact with your genitals or be transmitted through a small cut in your bum or thigh — yeah, that’s fairly unlikely.[1]

However, if you’re having unprotected sex in a bathroom stall, your risk for an STI is much higher. So use a condom.

Now that you don’t really need to worry about getting an STI in the bathroom, here’s an interesting tidbit: "… [A] survey that was part of ASM's [American Society for Microbiology] Clean Hands Campaign revealed this dirty little secret: Though 95% of men and women claim that they wash after using a public toilet, observations made by researchers discovered that only 67% actually do.”[2] Gross!

Want to win an iPod while helping prevent the spread of STIs? Take part in PP Heartland’s “Get Tested” contest. Create a poem, song or music video about why it’s important to get tested. Send in your entry by November 30 to be eligible to win an iPod nano with video. More details at www.ppheartland.org/getTested.

>Week 53
^{November 19, 2009}

Q: POLL: Do you carry condoms with you?

Poll Results:

Update on 11/19/09 Text Message Survey Results:
Question: Do you carry condoms with you?
Answers: Always = 35%; Sometimes = 24%; Never = 41%

Why they don’t always carry condoms:
• I'm married!
• Because I do not have sex.
• Forget to bring them.
• The guy should carry them.
• Because I don't need to.
• Married.
• Because I don’t have sex at all. 
• IDK. Is it that important? Shouldn't the guy always have them?
• I'm not sexually active.
• Because I’m only sexually active with one person and I see him like once a week.
• I don't always have them available.
• I don’t use condoms
• Because I have a boyfriend, and I’m not always with him. I don't need them for girls’ nights.
• In a relationship.
• Because I don’t have sex.
• Because I’m not having sex & I don't engage in activities that increase my chances of having unprotected sex.
• I'm married. Typically, the fellow and I know when we'll need them and carry accordingly.
• I don’t know
• No glove, no love. Easy prevention.

Why they always carry condoms:
• Me or someone else might need it.
• You never know when or where the moment will come!
• You never know exactly when you or a friend is going to need one.
• I think it’s important because then you can protect yourself from STDs and unwanted pregnancy.
• SO I NEVER HAVE AN EXCUSE FOR NOT HAVING PROTECTED SEX.
• So you don't have to worry as much if u hook up with someone.
• So you don’t accidently get pregnant.
• Just in case me or a friend is in need.
• To protect me and everyone else. Safe is sexy right?
• Must be always prepared!
• You never know when something might happen

Whether or not you regularly carry condoms with you — for whatever reason — just know Planned Parenthood always encourages you to have them in case you find yourself in a hot and steamy situation. Besides, you never know who you’ll meat in the dairy section of the grocery store!

Here are a couple discreet and fun options for carrying your condoms.  Remember - they need protection too.

Trojan 2Go® Extra Thin Condoms

Just In Case, Inc. condom compacts

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> Week 52
^{November 12, 2009}
Q: Can I get an STI from waxing?
A: While you won’t get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from waxing “below the belt,” it can increase your chances of an STI.[1] Removing pubic hair causes extra irritation as well as tiny tears in the skin that make it easier for an STI to be transferred.

Why do we have hair “down there”? A long, long time ago, before today’s personal hygiene, pubic hair kept the genitalia clean — similar to how eyelashes help keep dirt and bacteria out of your eyes.[2] Since we’re no longer running around in loincloths, pubic hair isn’t as important as it once was so many people choose to get creative and trim, style or shave that extra-fun fluff.

So while it’s fun to shave your hair into a cute little heart or other design, it’s probably a good idea to avoid sexual activity for a couple days just to make sure any tiny cuts in the skin have healed.

Want to make your voice heard and help prevent the spread of STIs? Take part in PP Heartland’s “Get Tested” contest. Create a poem, song or music video about why it’s important to get tested. Send in your entry by November 30 to be eligible to win an iPod nano with video. More details at www.ppheartland.org/getTested.

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> Week 51
^{November 5, 2009}

Q: What happens every 9.5 minutes?

A: Every 9.5 minutes, a person in the U.S. is infected with HIV.¹  It’s definitely not fun to think about, but it’s something we all need to be conscious of before “getting between the sheets” with someone, especially when half of the new HIV infections throughout the world are young people under the age of 25.² 

So what should you do? Well, be careful! Before you sleep with someone, get tested so you know your status and ask them to do the same. Use condoms (male or female) and/or dental dams every time. Although sex is the most common way HIV is transmitted (through semen and vaginal fluids), it’s also passed on through blood — so never share needles. But keep in mind there are a lot of ways it’s not passed on, such as simple casual contact like kissing, sharing drinking glasses, or hugging.³

Want to make your voice heard and help prevent the spread of HIV? Take part in PP Heartland’s “Get Tested” contest. Create a poem, song or music video about why it’s important to get tested. Send in your entry by November 30 to be eligible to win an iPod nano with video. More details at www.ppheartland.org/getTested.

> Week 50
October 29, 2009

A: Finding a partner who fits your style and personality isn’t all that easy … until now! A couple weeks ago we said the best pick-up line was saying “hi” and asking a question. Next time you see someone you think you may be interested in, go on up to them and ask what their favorite ice cream flavor is. Not only will they be surprised by a question like that – but you’ll get a feel for their personality type and if they’re a potential match with your favorite dessert flavor.^[1]

Here are the best combos:
Butter Pecan à Mint Chocolate Chip
Chocolate Chip à Butter Pecan or Double Chocolate Chip
Coffee à Strawberry
Double Chocolate Chunk à Butter Pecan or Chocolate Chip
Mint Chocolate Chip à Mint Chocolate Chip
Rocky Road à Rocky Road
Strawberry à Strawberry, Rocky Road, Mint Chocolate Chip or Vanilla
Vanilla à Rocky Road

And for your first date, try the ice cream shop!

Enjoy Craig David’s song “What’s Your Flava.”

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> Week 49
^{October 22, 2009}

Q: Does sex improve your sense of smell?

A:  Although the dreaded “blue balls” syndrome could be a bit painful; no, abstinence cannot kill you. But on the other hand, sex does provide some great health benefits. Regular sex (when done using safer sex practices like condoms, contraception and being in a monogamous relationship) can offer measurable physiological advantages to both women and men:
• Living longer
• Better sense of smell
• Lower risk for heart disease
• Weight loss and general fitness
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Pain relief
• Fewer colds and flu
• Bladder control
• Better teeth
• Healthier prostate
Check out the “Sex Does the Body Good” article for more details.

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> Week 48
^{October 15, 2009}
Q: Why do I feel like I “have to go”?

A:  It’s very common for women to feel like a bathroom break is necessary during sex. This is generally caused by one of two things: 1) the bladder is already a bit full and the pressure caused by intercourse is making you feel like you need to go; or 2) your partner is hitting the G-spot (a dime-sized area on the vaginal wall, just above the vaginal opening.¹  The G-spot is one of the most erogenous (sexually sensitive) areas of the body and can create an ultra-intense orgasm if done just right. It also can make you feel like you’re going to urinate.
To help reduce the urge, take a quick trip to the bathroom before things get too hot and heavy. If you still have the feeling, relax and it should go away — unless it’s caused by the G-spot. In that case, just roll with it. Oh, and if you’re a guy, no need to fear: It’s nearly impossible to urinate during an erection.
Another helpful hint: Using the restroom before and after sex can help reduce the chances of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI).²  That’s why everyone tells you to go!
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^{1 http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/sexual-health/urinate-during-sex
2  http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/womens-health/utis-4283.htm?__utma=1.649944601.1253908189.1254848287.1254864982.14&__utmb=1.42.10.1254864982&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1254864982.14.7.utmcsr=facebook.com|utmccn=(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/PPHeartland&__utmv=-&__utmk=9349429}
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>Week 47
^{October 8, 2009}
Q: Is it bad to wear thongs?
 
A: Sorry to say, ladies and gents, but, yes, it is a bad idea to wear thongs. Thongs, with that thin piece of string sitting “you know where,” tend to cause more problems than they fix. Thongs (and underwear in general) are sometimes too tight which creates a warm and moist (I know, “moist” is such a gross word!) environment that is ideal for bacteria to grow. That could lead to a yeast infection. That’s definitely not something you want to think about when hitting up the next semi-annual sale at Victoria’s Secret! Thongs also can create a way for bacteria from the rectum to be transferred to the vagina. Yeah, not a fun thought, either.  Here's more info on how to keep your vulva happy.
 
So opt for the cute bikini or boyshort panties that come in fun colors and patterns. Cotton’s definitely the best choice for material since it allows the vagina to breathe. But if you’re a slave to current fashion and want that sexy “no panty line look,” just skip the undies. Go commando for the day and enjoy a little extra freedom.
 
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> Week 46
^{October 1, 2009}
Q: How often should women “feel ‘em”?

A: Every month! October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so naturally we are telling women to “feel ‘em” — their breasts that is! Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer and nearly 180,000 women are diagnosed each year in the U.S.¹

One of the best ways to detect breast cancer early on is to get regular clinical breast exams at Planned Parenthood (or any health-care provider) as well as to do a monthly breast self-exam.² Basically, during a clinical or self-exam, your health-care provider or you will touch/feel/examine your breasts for changes and lumps. If you notice a lump, schedule an appointment with your health-care provider. The benefit of doing a monthly self-exam is that women get to know how their breasts feel so it’s easier to notice when there is a change. The clinical exams are great but since they only happen once a year (during your annual exam), we can’t depend 100 percent on them.

Not sure how to do a breast self-exam? Check out our annual exam video on YouTube.
 
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^{1 http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/womens-health/breast-cancer-screenings-21189.htm
2 http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/womens-health/breast-exam-21194.htm}

This information is directed at an audience 18 years or older and is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical question, please call 1.877.811.PLAN (7526) for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood center nearest you.