Consensual Text

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Not long. It all depends on the environment.

Sperm can survive for about an hour outside the body. Thanks to its lifeline—Semen—sperm stays alive during and after ejaculation. As long as the semen remains wet and moist, the sperm will survive. So when a guy ejaculates on someone’s leg, back, stomach, near the vagina, or anywhere on the body, sperm can have a short, wild life. 

In the vaginal canal, sperm can survive for about six hours.  Humans and all animals are meant to reproduce, and our bodies work with that in mind. So, after the semen and sperm enter the body it’s a whole new game.  In the vaginal canal, sperm can last for 6 hour or so—depending on the environment. Some vaginas aid sperm in fast, save travel—others which at times can be more acidic or infectious, slow down the process and decompose sperm. 

Once sperm goes through the cervix and into the uterus, it can last for up to seven days.  There’s a whole other world waiting for sperm once they are in the uterus and fallopian tubes.  The environment there makes it possible for sperm to live up to seven days.  (The average however is between 3-4 days). 

Sperm Trivia:

• A man has approximately 280 million sperm per ejaculate; a pig has 800 million sperm per ejaculate.
• It takes 2-3 minutes for cow’s sperm to reach the fallopian tubes; and it take 5 to 68 minutes for a man’s sperm to take the same journey.
• Fruit flies have sperm larger than the body of a house fly, whereas humans have the smallest sperm cells.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09kLIsNfaO8

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.

Do you have a question you would like to see included?  Please email goddess@ppnne.org

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If the weather hasn’t been hot enough for you lately, there’s a new show on TLC guaranteed to make your Sunday night’s sizzle. It’s called STRANGE SEX, and as the name implies, this six-part summer special explores all things sex—from the mysterious, to the unusual, and everything in between.

“With first hand accounts and commentary from medical professionals, each half-hour episode sends viewers on an unrestricted journey into an entirely new world of sex,” says TLC.  Episodes range from a war veteran who can only experience pain during intercourse, to a man with a balloon fetish. 

Here is a fascinating clip from STRANGE SEX of a woman who learned to “think” herself into orgasm—something she refers to as “thinking off.”

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• Week 56-How should I present a fetish to my partner?
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• I’m 21 and starting to question my orientation–I have only dated guys and I am getting crushes on a couple of women. What should I do?

Consensual Text is featured on Twitter and on Facebook .  Fan and follow us for info on a range of topics pertaining to sex and sexual health!

You are not alone. So many people question their orientation at one time or another. When we decide that we are “heterosexual” or “gay” or “lesbian,” etc., we feel like we have completed the process. So, it can be especially surprising to experience feelings that shake the understanding of ourselves. What can you do if you’re feeling this way?

Let’s first talk about what sexual orientation really is:  Your sexual orientation is not just about erotic desire – it is also about romantic and affectional desire. It’s about who you like, who you love, and who you are turned on by. Sexual orientation is also about who you turn to for emotional comfort, who you are most drawn to socially, who you fantasize about, and who is in your sexual dreams.  In a perfect world, sexual orientation and identity, is fluid—it can change and move at different times in your life.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Am I sexually drawn to both men and women?
• Am I happy just having the fantasies that come with crushes on people of the same gender?
• Am I erotically attracted to the person or people I am sexually involved with at this time?
• What gets in my way of exploring my feelings about someone of the same gender?  There are so many heterosexual and LGBT people that will support you if it is fear of the unknown and fear of rejection that is holding you back. 
• In my ideal world, would I want to be in a sexual relationship/or relationships with someone/people of the same or another gender, or is the gender not important?

Next step—explore! People are often nervous about their first sexual experience with someone of the same gender and that’s OK. Keep in mind that sexual expression is about the sexual feelings, the arousal you have in the moment and the attraction you have for THAT person.  

Ways to explore: 

• Watch some sexually explicit films that are gay or lesbian centric and think about what you liked and didn’t like (if there’s anything).
• Go to events that heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people attend.
• Ask someone out for coffee that you have a crush on and see how you feel about that person. Did it excite you? Scare you?  Make you want to bolt in the other direction? Or make you want to get in your car and chase him/her down?  And why?  
• Tell some people in your life that you are curious about your sexual orientation and are interested in exploring that further.
• Try to get some friends to introduce you to some gay or lesbian social cliques.

Sometimes it’s difficult to become “yourself”—but you know what? It is more difficult to miss out on who you really are. Take some chances … life is short and our sexuality is a fabulous part of our lives.

FYI: Pride Vermont is this weekend in Burlington and there are many events to attend – what perfect timing!

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.

Do you have a question you would like to see included?  Please email goddess@ppnne.org

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Consensual Text is featured on Twitter and on Facebook .  Fan and follow us for info on a range of topics pertaining to sex and sexual health!

Oh no! What a dilemma to have. Next time you’re out, stock up. It’s an important “extra” for sex (especially anal sex, as the anus does not self lubricate). In the meantime, here are some household items you can use for massage, masturbation, and sex to keep things slippery and stimulating.

Believe it or not, egg whites make a great lubricant. They are pure protein, like sperm. Just make sure they are refrigerated and fresh. Salmonella is the last thing you want in your vagina.

If eggs-vagintene isn’t something you’re willing to try, opt for a household oil. Baby oil, Vaseline, even mineral oil can all make great lubes.

(Big note of caution about latex condoms and oil: Oils and latex do not mix. In fact, oil eats away at latex, quickly leaving you with a broken condom or dental dam. Check out this video if you don’t believe us! If you’re using latex condoms or dental dams, avoid oils of all kind and opt for water-based lubes only.)

 Then there are oils like sesame, almond, and coconut, which taste delicious, are good for the skin, and can be used as lubricants. Even olive oil can be used in a pinch. But again, freshness is key. Don’t use anything in the anus or vagina that can be a breeding ground for bacteria. 

Last, and perhaps the oldest trick in the book, is saliva. When cavemen and women needed a little something extra, they didn’t pull out a bottle of KY—they used spit. The one drawback is it’s high percentage of water—meaning it dries out quickly. Avoid saliva if you have a sore throat, infection, mouth sores, etc, as they will all be passed to your lover.

And if you’re looking for a really fun foreplay technique, try out this homemade lube recipe. You might not even make it out of the kitchen.

Have fun and happy Friday.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.

Do you have a question you would like to see included?  Please email goddess@ppnne.org

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Consensual Text is featured on Twitter and on Facebook .  Fan and follow us for info on a range of topics pertaining to sex and sexual health!

There’s been a lot of repro health and birth control news lately, so we thought we’d give a quick update on what’s newly available to you. 

ellaOne: An FDA advisory panel unanimously ruled this new emergency contraception (morning after pill, Plan B) drug is both safe and effective. If you haven’t been following this story you may be wondering what the big deal is and how ella is different from current EC.

The main advantage of ella is it effectively prevents pregnancy up to five days after sex. Current EC loses effectiveness after three days. It’s not always possible for women to obtain EC within that three day window (for a number of reasons), and ella will provide women with two additional days.

It’s important to point out that ella is not an abortion pill, nor will it cause a pregnant woman to have an abortion.

HPV vaccine available for males:  As with girls/women, men can now get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 26. Makes sense to us—how else can you expect to eradicate a communicable disease if you’re only focusing on one half of the population?

Humor aside, the need for the HPV vaccine in men is great. Half of sexually active men in the U.S. will get HPV at some point in their life, but most won’t know it. HPV is easily transmitted and certain types of the virus can increase the risk of or cause cancer of the anus or penis in males, as well as genital warts.

No matter who you are or how old you are, talk with a health care provider  to find out if the HPV vaccine could benefit you or your child.

Free birth control: Last is a super-exciting story (yes, we actually are that excited!) about health insurers possibly offering contraceptives at no extra charge soon. The word on the street is that new health plans have to offer preventive services for free to patients. Many people think birth control should fall into that category, as it’s pretty much the definition of “preventive.”

One of the main reasons for unintended pregnancies has to do with the high cost of birth control. If contraception was free, the number of unintended/unwanted pregnancies could drop significantly.

It could take up to a year for the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to make it’s decision on the subect. In the meantime, we’ll be sure to keep you posted with their progress.

Happy Friday!

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.

Do you have a question you would like to see included?  Please email goddess@ppnne.org

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Since we are all about taking care of your body (and having fun while doing it), we bring you a sex-toy review from one of our loyal readers. Please note that Planned Parenthood of Northern New England does not in any way endorse this product or company. Happy reading.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been overwhelmed hearing about chemicals and environmental toxins. Phthalates are of particular concern because they are used in just about anything and everything, including many soft-plastics. Since sex toys are considered “novelties,” they aren’t regulated by our government—meaning lots of nasty stuff can be used in them, including high concentrations of phthalates—yuck! So what’s an eco-and health-conscious girl to do when she’s in need of a little help in her solo-flying pleasure-activities, but wants to avoid nasty chemicals?

I turned to the internet to learn more about environmentally-friendly vibrators and dildos. I came across this great post by Planet Green and I paid attention.

Because this is a personal venture, I didn’t have the cash to try everything out there. I decided to quickly rule out the cold, hard, or the didn’t-move-and-groove-on-their-own-versions because I was looking for more spice. And, while I know certain animal-laden toys are also popular lately (the Rabbit), those, too, were quickly crossed-off my list (there’s something about sticking myself with a flying, swimming, or hopping creature that just doesn’t do it for me).

Then I came across the Sinnflut Rechargeable Vibrator and my search pretty much ended. Let me tell you why I love it: It’s made from 100% body-safe silicone; It’s rechargeable (less risk of finding dead batteries when you’re all hot and heavy); It’s waterproof (a HUGE selling point for me since that’s how my last vibrator met it’s demise…but that’s a story for another post); It has 9 speeds and 3 pulsing levels (yup—that’s right—no matter what mood you’re in, there’s pretty much a speed to get you there); And, as if all of those other points weren’t great enough, it’s ribbed for your enjoyment. What’s not to love?

So, what can I say? Was it worth the $130 (actually, I found mine online for quite a bit less, because the color choices were limited)? Heck yeah!

And, I feel like I’m taking even better care of myself and the environment by choosing this safe-sex sex toy.

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Consensual Text is featured on Twitter and on Facebook .  Fan and follow us for info on a range of topics pertaining to sex and sexual health!

When was the last time someone made you feel like this? Or this? As in really turned on, and knocked right off your feet. While you scratch your head and ponder, we’re going to assume it doesn’t happen nearly as often as it should in our crazy, busy culture.

We make time for a lot of things. Unfortunately, sexual pleasure isn’t as high-up on the to do list as that big school project, or that meeting at work. It’s hard to slow down and focus on lust, erotic desire, and being wanted. Sex is the last thing in the world we should rush. Here are some ways you can slow things down and really appreciate your lover in bed:

Be thoughtful and deliberate. That doesn’t mean you should go to bed with a notebook full of step by step sex plans—It means you should go slow enough to feel everything, notice what your partner is enjoying, and figure out how to keep it going.

Be bold and inquisitive. Feel your partner’s response to your touch and the way you are pleasing him or her. Keep going until something else comes your way – another move of her or his body or another moan.

Use your body to their advantage. The best sex partners use their hands, lips, and tongue, but don’t stop there. Every part of your body can be used to please your partner. Rub a little oil (seriously, just a little or this might happen) on their body; put your lips in places that you think, or know, are sensitive; and make your tongue speak to their body.

Play doctor and study up on the body. A Ph.D in human anatomy is not required, but knowing some basics about bone structure, muscles, nerve endings, etc. can really help in the sack.

Talk to your sex partner. Tell him or her what you’re thinking. Ask what they want and like. But don’t give your lover an overview of the news, or a thesis on your love. Talk just enough to leave some silence for those moans or requests. Be sure your timing and word choice enhances the feeling and the mood.

Know what YOU like. The best lovers know what they themselves like, so figure out what really turns YOU on. Show your partner how you feel. Tell her or him what you want to do next. And expect that she or he will follow your lead.

Put your sexual partner/partners first. Sexually satisfying someone else is the biggest bonus – it’s a turn on, it pleasures your partner, and it means your turn is coming. If you have an orgasm first, stay attentive until your partner is happy and fulfilled. People come at different times during sex. So while orgasming at the same time would be fantastic, if you don’t, stay with it until your partner gets there.

Intimacy is key. One of the most intimate things a couple can do during sex is to leave the light on, your eyes open, and watch your partner closely when she/he is having an orgasm. It can be sensational – intimate and so powerful.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.

Do you have a question you would like to see included?  Please email goddess@ppnne.org

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 Planned Parenthood Federation of America must have realized just how cool Spidey was, because in 1976 they teamed up with the superhero for a special-edition comic dedicated to sex ed. Bizarre, but true!

The plot of this story was simple: The evil Prodigy was brainwashing young teens into believing it was fun to become teenage parents. “They’ll have babies right and left, from ignorance, just as I planned for my giant baby snatch.” Prodigy would then use those babies for child labor on another planet. What a crafty-creep!

Of course, Spider-Man foils the “Pernicious power of the Prodigy” with his clever tricks, prowness, and street-fighting skills. And with the help of three Planned Parenthood inserts, Spidey teaches young adults “What the Facts Are” on pregnancy, feelings, and even VD. They don’t call him “amazing” for nothin’.

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Consensual Text is featured on Twitter and on Facebook .  Fan and follow us for info on a range of topics pertaining to sex and sexual health!

The notion that people can, and do, dress in the clothes of a gender other than their own has existed for centuries. People have always cross-dressed.

Hibiki Amawa is the best cross dresser in the anime world. Hibiki is able to show her feminine and his masculine side simultaneously & successfully.

Many people who cross-dress regularly do so because it makes them feel comfortable, attractive, and excited.  This excitement is not always sexual, but it can often be arousing and thrilling.

Many cross-dressers strive to “pass.” They want to be seen as another gender and to feel “feminine” or “masculine.”

Many will tell you that they have been cross-dressing for years, sometimes simultaneous with periods of feeling uncomfortable about these needs,  though they have just as many thrilling and enjoyable times cross-dressing.

Myths:

• “Cross-dressing has to do with one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.” This is false: Like anyone, cross-dressers can be gay, heterosexual, bisexual, male, female, bi-gendered, or transgender – married, single, polyamorous, or celibate.
• “Cross dressing is about wanting to be something or someone else.”  False-loosen up.  It’s about comfort and pleasure.

For years, people who cross-dressed were considered deviant…cross-dressing is even listed as a mental disorder today. In March 2010, a petition to change this was submitted to the Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders Workgroup of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). If successful, this removal will be one less way for people to be categorized for enjoying the pleasures associated with sensuality.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.

Do you have a question you would like to see included?  Please email goddess@ppnne.org

Keep Reading...

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According to Dapper Dick’s website, “It is our deepest hope that this product will add some spark and spontaneity into your marriage.” We suppose when your man dons the Fireman Rick ensemble or Pirate Hardwood getup there is spontaneity in the relationship,…because nothing says, “Whoa, wasn’t expecting THAT” like a miniature Halloween costume on his fun parts.

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