Are you ready for sex?

  Are you ready for sex?

 
 
 
 
  Find out the 10 things you need to ask yourself if you're thinking about having sex.

Most people have sex for the first time when they're 16 or older, not before. If someone’s boasting about having sex, it’s possible that they’re pretending.

Although there's a legal age of consent, it’s not necessarily the right age for you to start having sex.

 There are no rules about how long you have to be going out with someone before you do it. Being ready happens at different times for everyone – don't decide to have sex just because your friends are pressuring you.

You can read this whole page or go straight to the sections:

    It's your decision
    Talking about sex
    10 questions to ask yourself
    Safer sex
    Lesbian, gay or bisexual couples
    How do I bring up the subject of safer sex?
    Read the signs that they want sex
    Alcohol or drugs won't help
    Sex and the law

Deciding when to have sex

You can always choose whether you want to have sex, whoever you're with. Just because you've done it before, even with the same person, doesn’t mean that you have to do it again.

Working out whether you're ready is one of life’s big decisions. You're the only one who can, and should, decide. Whether you're thinking about losing your virginity or having sex again, remember the following tips:
How to talk about sex

It’s better to have an embarrassing talk about sex than an embarrassing sexual encounter before you’re ready. There are lots of things to think and talk about, such as:

    are you both ready?
    will you be having sex for the right reasons and not because of peer pressure?

Sex isn’t the only aspect of a relationship, and there are other ways of enjoying each other’s company.

 Discuss what you want and what you don’t want to do. You can do other things that you both like, such as talking, meeting each other’s family and friends, going to gigs or the cinema, doing sport, walking, and listening to music.
10 sex questions to ask yourself

You need to have the confidence to work out how you want to respond if sex comes up, and how far to go. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable. Is it the right time, in the right place, and with the right person? Do you really trust the person, and do you feel the same way about one another?

If you think you might have sex, ask yourself the following questions:

    Does it feel right?
    Do I love my partner?
    Does he/she love me just as much?
    Have we talked about using condoms, and was the talk OK?
    Have we got contraception organised to protect against pregnancy?
    Do I feel able to say ‘no’ at any point if I change my mind, and will we both be OK with that?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the time may be right. But if you answer yes to any of the following questions, it might not be:

    Do I feel under pressure from anyone, such as my partner or friends?
    Could I have any regrets afterwards?
    Am I thinking about having sex just to impress my friends or keep up with them?
    Am I thinking about having sex in order to keep my partner?

Being in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to have sex. Even if you’ve done it once or twice you still need to make sure that your boyfriend or girlfriend is as keen as you each time.
Tips on safer sex

When you decide to have sex, there's the possibility of pregnancy and/or catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia. Whoever you're thinking of having sex with, it's important to talk about contraception and condoms before you have sex. Both of you have a responsibility to have this conversation.
Using condoms

You need to use condoms to reduce the risk of catching an STI, whoever you are having sex with.

If you're a boy/girl couple, you need to use an additional form of contraception to prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Choosing the right contraception

There are 15 different kinds of contraception, including the implant, injection, the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill.

Most kinds of contraception are used by girls, but both of you have a responsibility to consider which you will use. A pregnancy will affect both of you.
Lesbian, gay or bisexual couples

If you have lesbian, gay or bisexual sex you can still get or pass on STIs. You still need to know about contraception in case you have straight sex as well.

Find out more about sexual health for women who have sex with women and for men who have sex with men.
How do I bring up the subject of safer sex?

Starting a conversation about the different types of contraception could be a good way to start talking about other issues to do with sex, such as how you feel about it and what you do and don’t want to do.

You could try saying, "I found out that there are 15 different types of contraception…If we were to have sex, which one should we use?"

And researching the options together will help both of you feel more confident and in control of the situation. Find out about the 15 different kinds of contraception.

You can get free and confidential advice about sex, contraception and abortion at any time. Visit your local doctor, community contraceptive clinic, sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic (find your local services) or young persons clinic (call the sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for details) to find out more.
Read the signs that they want sex

Many people are surprised when a situation leads to sex, so learn to read the signs. If someone suggests that you find a quiet place, or makes lots of physcial contact, or suddenly tries to charm and flatter you, they might be thinking about sex, even if you’re not.

You need to decide whether you want to have sex. Don’t let someone else decide for you by just going along with it. Make the decision in advance and stay in control of the situation, especially if you've had alcohol, because you'll be less inhibited.

If you’re not sure that you can stay in control, avoid situations that could lead to sex, such as going to someone’s room or somewhere quiet.
Alcohol or drugs won't help

Many people have sex or lose their virginity when they’re drunk. After a few drinks, you're more likely to lose your judgement, and you may do things that you wouldn't do normally. You may regret your actions in the morning, and you won't be able to undo what you’ve done.

People are more likely to have sex without a condom when they're drunk. This can lead to an STI or unintended pregnancy.

Find out more about sex, alcohol and keeping safe.
Sex and the law

The law says that it's legal for you to consent (agree) to sex from the age of 16. If you're under 16, you can get confidential contraceptive and sexual health services, including abortions. You can get free condoms from some GPs, community contraceptive or young persons clinics, and Brook Advisory Centres.

If you're under 13, the situation is different because the law says that you can’t consent to sex at this age.


collect by..http://www.nhs.uk

Lower Heart Rate Variability may Help Indicate Sexual Dysfunction in Women

Heart rate variability refers to differences in the length of time between consecutive heartbeats and women with a low heart rate variability are more likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction, claims a study

"Our study indicated that low heart rate variability might place women at risk for sexual arousal problems and overall sexual difficulties," said lead researcher Amelia Stanton of The University of Texas at Austin in the US.

"Given that low resting heart rate variability has been associated with depression, anxiety and alcohol dependence, it is not surprising that it may also predict female sexual dysfunction."

The results suggest that monitoring of heart rate variability could be a cost effective, easy to administer and non-intrusive index that clinicians can use to assess potential sexual dysfunction and to monitor treatment progress.

This might especially be valuable when treating female patients who suffer from sexual arousal dysfunction as well as heart problems, said the study published in Springer's journal Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.

Stanton's team analyzed data from 72 women aged 18 to 39 years who had previously participated in three experiments conducted at The University of Texas in Austin.

During these studies, their heart rate variability and sexual functioning (specifically physiological arousal and overall sexual function, which includes domains like lubrication, pain, and satisfaction) were measured while the women watched a neutral film clip followed by an erotic one.

It was found that women with below average heart rate variability are significantly more likely to report sexual arousal dysfunction and overall sexual dysfunction than others.

There is already an established link between resting heart rate variability and erectile dysfunction in men

 collect by...http://www.medindia.net

Anti-rape nail varnish? Pah. This just shows we still see sexual assault as a women's problem

ex is often thought to be satisfying and soothing. However, the reality is not always what you think. There could be times when pain during sex could ruin all the fun and make it impossible to reach an orgasmic climax. Here are some reasons that cause pain during sex in men and how to deal with them to last longer in the bed.

Here are few common causes of pain during sex for men and how to avoid them:

#1 Peyronie’s disease: Commonly known as erectile dysfunction or ED, it is a common cause of painful sex for most men. In Peyronie’s disease the scar tissue that runs along the length of the penis causes it to bend, making intercourse difficult and painful. This could be due to a trauma in the penis or a result of a genetic or hereditary problem. Here is how erectile dysfunction is diagnosed.

What you can do: Erectile dysfunction is a medical problem and would need expert help. However, some lifestyle changes like losing weight, keeping cholesterol levels in check, avoiding excessive alcohol can help deal with the problem, albeit marginally. Seek help from an urologist for this problem to enjoy a pain free sex life. Know what causes ED in people with diabetes.

#2 Tight foreskin: This condition is called phimosis where the foreskin of the penis is too tight to retract over the head of the penis completely. In another condition, called paraphimosis the foreskin is tucked behind the penis and cannot be pulled forward. Both these conditions could lead to pain during intercourse. Also, know that circumcision is not the only way to treat tight foreskin in children.

What you can do: Sadly, there isn’t much you can do in these cases to get relief from pain during sex. Going under the knife, to free the skin for some movement can help you get some relief.

#3 Prostatitis: This is a condition identified with inflammation of the prostate gland that results in swelling, pain or burning sensation during urination. The gland that is situated just behind the bladder also gives rise to pain during sex, usually while ejaculating. Here are 10 symptoms of prostate cancer that every man should know.

What you can do: Inflamed prostate gland is usually treated with some antibiotics and other medications as prescribed by the urologist. However, you can try a warm bath before sex or sit in a tub with warm water with your buttocks submerged. In case of an infection, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Make sure you are not seated for too long in one place, as it could make the symptom worse. Before getting into action take a little stroll to relax your gland a bit. Here are 10 symptoms of prostate cancer every man should know.

#4 Urinary tract infections: While it is thought that urinary tract infections are common in women even men suffer from its perils. Men suffering from UTIs often complain about pain or burning sensation during urination. Also, the penis emits a foul smell and it pains during ejaculation. Yeast infections could lead to itching or burning sensations around the tip of the penis.

What you can do: If you are suffering from any form of UTI make sure that you use a condom during intercourse as there are quite high chances of the infection to spread to your partner. Apart from that, ensure that you wash your penis thoroughly, before and after the act, especially beneath the foreskin. Drink plenty of water to flush out the bacteria from your system.

#5 Allergies: Some men might be sensitive down there. In such cases, soaps or creams that are loaded with fragrance and chemicals might lead to inflammation and itching on the penis. This is more common with men who are circumcised.

What you can do: Avoid using anything new on your genitals just before having sex. In case, a bout of inflammation or itching ruins the mood just before the act, try foreplay to keep the romance alive for the night. Don’t try to have sex until the symptoms subside or you get treated for the same, as it could aggravate your problem.

#6 Genital herpes: This is a type of sexually transmitted disease that can make intercourse painful and spread the infection rapidly. It is characterised with sore or pimple like lumps on the penis which is painful. Here are six common causes of herpes you should know.

What you can do: Well, if you are suffering from genital herpes you should not be having sex, not even with your condom on. Refrain from having sex till you get treated adequately by an urologist and a sex therapist.

collect by ...http://www.thehealthsite.com