Consensual Text

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A quick and dirty list of the basic hormone-free birth control options:

Barrier Methods–Condoms, Diaphragms and Cervical Caps:

Barrier methods  prevent your man’s sperm from traveling through your cervix, up and into your uterus and into your fallopian tubes. These methods control where the sperm can go and prevent the sperm from doing their thing—fertilizing the egg. Condoms, Diaphragms and Cervical Caps are  barrier methods.  If you are interested in Diaphragms or Cervical Caps, make an appointment and get measured for the correct size.

Spermicide: Used as foam or gel, Spermicide works because it kills or immobilizes sperm.  Spermicide is put into your vagina or on the condom covered penis and inhibits the sperm to “get going.”   You can purchase spermicide over the counter.

Intrauterine Device (IUD): IUDs are small, T-shaped devices made of flexible plastic inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy.  They create an unacceptable environment for an egg. IUDs are extremely effective and can last up to 12 years.  ParaGard is the only hormone-free IUD available in the USA.

Withdrawal (AKA: The Pull-Out Method): Although this is a hormone-free contraception option, it is very risky and is not as effective as other methods. To learn about the effectiveness of the Pull-Out Method, check out our earlier post.

Permanent Methods—Sterilization for Women (Tubal Sterilization): With sterilization, your fallopian tubesare blocked  in one of many ways (tying and cutting the tubes, inserting a small metal coil, electrical current, clips, clamps or rings, etc.). Sterilization is nearly 100 percent effective.  However, this method is permanent and not recommended for women who may want to have a biological child in the future.

Remember to think ahead, be ready, and enjoy the moment.

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.

Should you have a question you would like to see included, please send an email to goddess@ppnne.org

Isabella Rossellini's Green Porno name is Randi Redhind!

Even porn is going green. Several weeks ago, we featured Isabella Rossellini’s Green Porno from the Sundance Channel. These entertaining short films put an unconventional twist on the reproductive lives of marine animals–educationally accurate and ridiculously hilarious, Isabella Rossellini makes dragonfly and barnacle sex seem steamy.

They have added a new feature to their website: Get Your Green Porno Name.

“Ms. Thorax” and “Butterfly Angelwing” remind you to post your name here!

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!

By definition, “Sexual fetishism, or erotic fetishism, is the sexual arousal brought on by any object, situation or body part not conventionally viewed as being sexual in nature.”

There are a wide range of fetishes people experience.  You may like being tied up, for example, and someone else may be turned on by feet.  Fetishes vary from person to person.

If you want to share a fetish with your partner, wait until you know them well enough.  Asking someone on a first date to tie you up in leather and whip you could leave them running for the hills.

Once you feel comfortable enough with your partner, choose a time to talk and be as honest as possible.  Let your partner know how and why this fetish turns you on.

Ask your partner to include the fetish in your sex play—when and if they feel ready.

You should be aware your partner may be apprehensive to this idea at first, especially if this is the first time he/she has ever dated someone with a fetish. Be patient and non-defensive during this time.

Although there are lots of myths about them, fetishes can be safe, enhance sexual experiences, and be enjoyed by both partners.  Like any other sexual activity, it must always be consensual, mutual and respectful.

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.

Should you have a question you would like to see included, please send an email to goddess@ppnne.org

We had featured crocodile dung as birth control in the past, thinking it couldn’t be topped. Then along comes Momversation, and gives us beaver testicle tea and a comprehensive list of the 9 Most Bizarre Birth Control Methods. Blocks of wood, soda douches….this list really takes the cake for unusual (and mostly ineffective) means of preventing pregnancy.  

For contraception that is reliable (and that you don’t have to catch in the wild or commission from a carpener), we suggest you make an appointment.  Happy Monday!

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!

Women have many different types of breasts and nipples.  Nipples can vary in colour, shape and size,  mostly determined by genetics.

The average size of a woman’s nipple is 3/8 of an inch or 10mm. The skin of a woman’s nipples are rich with nerve endings that are easily stimulated. When stimulated the nerves send a message to the muscle around the nipple and causes the muscle to become erect.

Nipples can change temporarily when women are aroused during sex.  They can get hard and erect and are sensitive to touch, air, sexual thoughts, images, and words.  Some people call this change a nipple hard-on. When sexually aroused, nipple erection is accompanied by lubrication – helping the body prepare for sexual activity. 

Nipple erection can also change with temperature – like a tactile response to cold. This can sometimes be embarrassing, but it can also just be fun.

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.

Should you have a question you would like to see included, please send an email to goddess@ppnne.org

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!

A few months back, one of our readers wanted to know how common anal sex was. Turns out 40% of men and 35% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 engage in heterosexual anal sex.   But to answer this week’s question, we will focus on the more risky aspects of engaging in anal sex.

What exactly are the complications associated with this sexual act?

It is easy to tear the tissue in the anal canal and rectum.  The lining of the anal canal is thin and has no natural lubrication.  Adding friction to the mix makes tearing possible. If there is enough force, the sphincter muscle can also tear. Go slowly and pay attention to how it feels. Stop when you feel it’s too uncomfortable.

 Spread of STIs and HIV.  Because the lining of the anus tears easily, it offers an easy path for bacteria and viruses to enter blood stream.  To avoid the spread of STIs and HIV, always use a condom.

The deeper you go, the more likely the tear.  The inner third of the rectum is less sensitive, meaning you could tear tissue and not even know it right away.  If you have prolonged pain after having anal sex, definitely go see your doctor.

Sex toys can be hard to retrieve.  Certain toys can be hard to reach after anal sex, and in some instances, need to be surgically removed. “Sorry, I can’t come into work today because I have to get a sex toy removed,” is NOT something you ever want to utter to your boss.  Make sure you’re using equipment specifically designed for anal sex.  You’ll want toys with flared ends which will prevent the toy from moving up into the rectum.

Beware of bacteria.  Bacteria from your anus can often negatively affect the healthy environment of your vagina.   If you choose to have both vaginal and anal sex, use a new condom when moving from one locale to the other.

The Bottom Line.  Anal sex always involves fecal matter, no matter what you do to prevent it.  Always wash well before and after anal sex .  Use a condom, use gloves.  Don’t let a little fecal matter affect your health.

 Tips

• Take it slow
•  Pay attention to how it’s feeling
• Stop when and if you feel uncomfortable.
• Have fun

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.

Should you have a question you would like to see included, please send an email to goddess@ppnne.org