Showing posts with label Sex. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sex. Show all posts

 


The sex talk can really affect family wellness, so how do you do it in a healthy and positive way? We spoke to sexual health and wellness expert Debra W Haffner, author of Beyond the Big Talk: Every Parent’s Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Teens From Middle School to High School and Beyond, for her tips on talking with your children about sexuality.


 


1. Reward Your Child’s Questions: According to Haffner, ‘It can sometimes be a little surprising when your child asks you a question about sexuality. But instead of asking, “Why are you asking?” or brushing off the subject by saying, “We’ll talk about this when you’re older”, try saying, “I’m so glad you asked me that”. Be happy that your child feels comfortable enough to talk to you about sexuality issues.’


 


2. Introduce the Topic: ‘Don’t wait for your child to start the conversation,’ Haffner warns. ‘Many parents put off talking to their children about sexuality, assuming that a child will ask when he wants to know something. But some children are reluctant to begin these talks, and others simply aren’t the type who ask a lot of questions. Do you wait for your child to ask about your religious faith, personal safety and other important topics before discussing them? The answer, more than likely, is no – and sexuality should be no different. It’s a parent’s responsibility to introduce the topic, little by little. Your child might never ask, but he still needs to know.’


 


3. Be Honest: Haffner asserts, ‘It’s OK if you don’t have an answer to your child’s question. If you don’t know the answer, say so and explain that you’ll find out and get back to her. If your child is school-age or older, you can look it up together. If you find you’ve given your child misinformation, don’t hesitate to go back and tell her you’d like to try to give her a better answer now you’ve had time to think over your discussion.’


 


4. Talk about Your Feelings: ‘It’s OK to feel uncomfortable,’ says Haffner. ‘Many parents feel awkward talking to their children about sexuality because their parents didn’t talk to them about these issues. There’s no reason why you can’t – or shouldn’t – explain this to your child. You can say, “I’m not used to talking about sex because Grandma didn’t talk to me about it, but I think it’s important and want us to. It will get easier as we go along”.’


 


5. Look for Teaching Opportunities: Haffner points out, ‘Teaching opportunities arise naturally and provide a good venue to talk about some aspects of sexuality or other important topics. They might be a scene in a TV show or movie, the actions of a character in a book you’ve both read, or your teenager getting ready for a school dance. Teaching opportunities like these give you the opportunity to provide little bits of information, and to share your own family values without having to sit your child down for an uncomfortable series of formal talks.’


 


6. Listen to Your Child: ‘Try hard to really hear your child’s concerns,’ Haffner advises. ‘Find out what he already knows about the topic you’re discussing. Although your fifth-grade son’s crush might seem silly to you, it’s very important to him. Your willingness to listen during the primary school years sets the stage for when your child is an adolescent and has to make decisions about dating and sexual relationships. You can read more about sexuality and wellbeing in adolescence.’


 


7. Explain Your Family Values: Haffner comments, ‘Facts aren’t enough. Yes, your child needs to be educated about reproduction and puberty, but she also needs to hear your family values. She can learn facts from school and books, but only you can teach her your values. Think through the messages you want to convey to your child about sexuality.’


 

Cosmopolitan magazine recently published a tie in article, celebrating sexual wellness and wellbeing in conjunction with the Winter Games. Every month, the magazine publishes a page of sex tips, and this month they were all themed around the Olympic theme. Unfortunately, much like the Olympics themselves, they were all positions that only elite athletes should try. To a casual observer, they are shockingly harrowing!


 


Some think that this Winter Olympics special is far fetched and others think it is amazing, but whatever your point of view, you can’t deny the fact that the sex Olympics special has caused a lot of attention. It is also commendable that Cosmo has become more self aware about their crazy (and much ridiculed) sex tips. It seems that they have decided to ‘own’ this reputation and wear it as a badge of honour. The Winter Olympics special is both hilarious and impractical, with such positions as the ‘Long Pole’, ‘Bawdy Bobsled’ and even ‘Husky Style’. Not to mention all the little accompanying drawings of little people wearing helmets, scarves, goggles and even figure skating uniforms whilst fully engaged in the act of coitus.


 


The Heavenly Spiral has got to be one of the most terrifying sounding and complicated sexual positions we have ever seen. It looks like the kind of thing that could only work if the woman is about five foot tall and the man is about seven foot tall!


 


For this position, the magazines advises the reader to have the man enter from behind, while he holds your legs at his sides. The woman should then also reach down and stroke her own clitoris. Other positions also encourage twisting, bending, kneeling, and being upside down. The drawings of people wearing helmets during sex are absolutely hilarious, too.

For most guys, sexual wellness and wellbeing is extremely important. That means that even although it is a first date, and not traditionally a time to hook up, you can guarantee that sex is going to be on a man’s mind. After all, if he was interested enough in a woman to pursue her and ask her out on a date, then he’s probably interested in taking things to a physical level. So, if you’re a man, the big question on your mind is probably how to make sure that the night ends in a fun, sexy experience rather than a hug and a quick peck on the doorstep?


 


Fortunately, there are some things you could try to make sure that things turn physical as quickly as possible. First of all, when you’re heading out on your date, invite her to come over to your place and say that you will both go out from there. She doesn’t even have to actually come into your house (although it’s great if she does). It simply means that at the end of the night she will have to come back to your place because that’s where her car is. From that point of view, it will be very easy to invite her inside for one last drink, as you will both be there anyway.


 


Another top tip is to swoop in early. During most first dates, women are weighing up the big question of ‘should I or shouldn’t I kiss him?’ If you swoop in early with a (good) kiss, then it takes the pressure off and lets the woman know that you are interested in her physically.


 


Another important factor is not to make sure that you end up sliding into the friend zone. If you have ever taken a great woman home and then sat on the couch not quite sure how to make your move, then this is aimed at you. Be decisive and confident – it should be a natural progression and not a shift in the mood of the date. Try playfully putting your arm around her shoulders and see how she reacts.

Everyone these days has heard of the G-spot, and yet many men have never witnessed a G-spot orgasm and women often scoff at the idea of one even existing. If you’re involved with a woman who feels this way about this mystical area of the body, you may both be converted by the concept of the G-shot. Scientists in the USA have found a way to increase a woman’s G-spot with a small injection, making it virtually impossible to miss during sex or foreplay. But how does it work and how much does it cost? The G-shot is a trademarked collagen injection which is intended to increase the size of a woman’s G-spot – it’s being touted as the next big thing. In fact, it’s becoming so popular that women are using their lunch break to drop in on their gynaecologist in America for this nifty treatment. The procedure takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, and will set you back around $1850 for the injection, which only requires local anaesthetic to take place.


Once you’ve had it done, the G-spot is supposed to increase to an amazing inch-wide diameter with a quarter-inch height. That’s pretty large when you consider that G-spots often go completely unnoticed due to their size. The results are immediate and sex is possible within as little as four hours after the procedure. So what are the benefits? The most obvious one is that having the G-spot enlarged to such a size means that it is practically impossible to miss during sex, so the amazing orgasms reported when it’s involved in sexual play are possible to women who have this procedure. Many women report that orgasms reached in conjunction with the G-shot are far better than normal orgasms, particularly where intensity and length of duration are concerned.


The G-shot is also said to increase libido in some women, increasing their sense of sensitivity and even arousal itself. Some women even feel as though the G-shot has revolutionised their sex life, which was considered frustrating beforehand. The results of this procedure last just four months though, so anyone looking to sustain these results would need to keep up with the injections. The man who invented the shot, Dr David Matlock, advertises that the procedure an 87 per cent success rate in terms of women who feel as though the treatment has revolutionised their sex life. His website is keen to state, though, that the G-shot is only intended for women who don’t currently suffer with a sexual dysfunction – it’s only meant as an enhancement rather than a cure for any problems they may have. If you cannot reach orgasms via a normal sexual routine, the G-shot is probably not going to make much difference. The same can be said of women with a low sex drive or a similar condition, as the G-shot is unlikely to increase your sex drive by any significant amount.


The G-shots primary purpose is to make the area large enough that it’s easy to find when you’re having sex with your partner.The testimonials for this treatment almost speak for themselves, but as with any procedure, you should speak to your GP before making any changes, particularly if you’re suffering with some form of sexual dysfunction. If you are, you may find it more beneficial seeking medication for your complaint as this may be more effective in improving your sex life.

Sex may be something which is natural to you, but when you’re having sex with a new partner it can be difficult to know what to do and how to act – are they hoping you’ll be really confident in bed or would acting in such a way between the sheets scare them off? Sometimes it helps to know how to strike a balance and please your partner, even when you’re still getting to know their likes and dislikes in the bedroom. If you’re embarking on a new romance, these tips will help you to make a great first impression.


Firstly, oral sex is almost always a great way to start sex – men and women love it and it shows you’re interested in giving as well as receiving, so this is a fantastic start to what one hopes will be a fun and passionate evening. You should also be active – that doesn’t mean leaping all over the bed like a child, but also don’t lie there waiting for him to make all the moves. Men love a woman who makes an effort, so play your part in the same way you hope he will – it will be more fun for both of you. You also shouldn’t spend the whole time worrying about your body. Hiding under the covers is both unnecessary and unsexy, so don’t insist that the lights go out the moment anything begins to happen. Be confident and remember that you’re having sex with him! If he didn’t find you attractive, neither one of you would be in this situation, so stop worrying and just enjoy yourself. By the same token, don’t stress about his performance – first-time sex can be intense and erotic, but it can also be charged with high expectations that don’t always get met. Don’t assume that you’re both rubbish in bed together just because it didn’t match what you imagined; nerves are often to blame.


Two things are possibly to blame if your man isn’t performing in the right way – a lack of erection or premature ejaculation. Don’t make a big deal of either one if they occur, as your man is already likely to be embarrassed and stressed out about the situation. Make light of it and let him know that it’s normal and that you’re not worried by it. Setting the tone for honest and communicative sex is important for developing a close bond and a great sex life for the future. If you don’t, you’ll make him even more apprehensive the next time you have sex together. Furthermore, let him know that you’re enjoying having sex with him.


Don’t patronise him by pretending that you like everything he does in bed though, unless of course that you do! If he’s doing something particularly well, let him know, but don’t overdo it and make it clear you’re lying – he’ll see right through it and it will cause tension between you. Lastly, save the post-sex emotional fallout for a catch up session with your friends – if he doesn’t want to know you once you’ve done the deed, then trying to ascertain if you’re an item will only be more humiliating. If he really likes you, he’ll be in contact and you’ll arrange meeting up. The important thing is to be relaxed about the whole thing – keep it casual and try not to dwell on the finer details. Have fun with it and you’ll both have a better time.

There are lots of good reasons to date a vegetarian, but did you know that your sexual wellness and wellbeing could benefit from this choice too?


 


A recent survey showed that 30 percent of omnivores would not consider dating a vegetarian, but there are actually lots of great reasons to date a herbivore, including a better sex life, better health and better moods.


 


Vegetarians are great in bed. A study recently published in the journal Hormones and Behaviour has shown that there is a link between a vegetarian diet and increased sexual activity. It is thought that this is because certain plants produce so-called sex hormones called phytoestrogens, which could have an influence on the sex lives of humans.


 


The same study also proved that vegetarians are more likely to give oral sex than non vegetarians. The survey was done on both men and women, and showed that 9:1 liked giving oral sex, as opposed to 7:1 non vegetarians.


 


The vegetarian diet has also been linked with virility.


 


Vegetarians are also far less likely to develop various health problems such as cancer, heart disease and cognitive decline. A magazine also shows that a meat-free diet is far more healthy than a meat-based diet. Vegetarians consume no animal fat and less cholesterol and tend to consume more antioxidant-rich produce and fibre.


 


Another study showed that vegetarians tend to be healthier than those who eat meat. Eating more fruit and veg has been shown to improve people’s mood. A clinical trial carried out on 300 people showed that increasing their intake of any kind of plant-based produce led to a far greater feeling of happiness and calm.


 


Another study also showed that omnivores improved their mood when they restricted their intake of meat and increased their intake of fruit and veg.

A study has found that teenagers who are not embarrassed about sending sexual texts are far more likely to protect their sexual wellness and wellbeing. Researchers said that using technology is a great way to get teenagers talking about potentially embarrassing topics, such as their sexual health. Teenagers who sent text messages about condoms were around four times more likely to have protected sex than those who did not, according to the study.


 


In addition, the study found that students who used technology to talk about sexual limits or pregnancy were doubly likely to use a condom when they had sex. This also applied when high school students talk about another form of birth control rather than condoms.


 


The study’s lead author uses the data to point out that not all use of technology is harmful. Most of the media attention points towards the risks and harms associated with technology use (for example, sexting) but in this case students who used their electronic tools to discuss sexual health were actually better prepared for real life scenarios.


 


Researchers think that it may be that technology allows teenagers to talk about subjects that would be embarrassing or awkward face to face.


 


The study was carried out on a group of 176 high school teenagers. Of the group 64 claimed to be sexually active, with more than half of them admitting that they consistently failed to use a condom.


 


These numbers, whilst shocking, are actually in line with statistics from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reports that 47 percent of U.S. high school students are having sex, and 40 percent are not using condoms.


 


Unsurprisingly, this leads to a very high teen pregnancy rate. If talking about condom use via text or IM on their mobile phones helps teens to take better precautions, then it is something to be celebrated.

There are so many myths about sexual wellness and wellbeing that it can be hard to sort fact from fiction. We think it’s high time that we debunked some of these myths, so that you know exactly what is going on when it is necessary.


 


One rather dangerous myth is that you can’t get pregnant when you have sex for the first time. This leads to people not bothering to use protection, and this is a huge mistake because you can ALWAYS get pregnant when you have unprotected sex, be it the first time or the 10,000th time. You should always use contraceptives no matter what the circumstances, unless you are actively trying for a baby.


 


Another dangerous myth is that all STIs are curable. Recent reports show that people are willing to risk catching and STI because they think they can simply deal with the consequences later. People get carried away by passion, thinking that if the worst comes to the worst they can always have a course of antibiotics later. The truth is that some STIs, such as genital warts and herpes, are not curable with antibiotics. These types of STIs spread by skin to skin contact from the affected area so are highly transmittable. Once again, use protection unless you know the full sexual health of your partner and are using alternative birth control.


 


People also believe that condoms don’t expire, and this leads to them using out of date and expired products. Condoms do have a time limit on them, and you should always make sure that they are within the expiration date. Condoms should also be stored in a dry and cool place, away from anything that may damage or distort them. You should also keep them away from drawers and wallets that may contain sharp things.

When you think about sexual wellness and wellbeing, we are betting that Lyme disease isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Nevertheless, around 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease every year. This illness comes from ticks and can cause serious health problems including facial paralysis, arthritis and even a heart attack. The disease is even on the rise in the states, particularly in the North East, and last year a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that 10 times more Americans have suffered from the disease than was previously thought.


 


To add fuel to the fire, a team of international researchers has published an astounding study that looks into a very controversial theory, looking at whether or not Lyme disease could be sexually transmitted.


 


These findings could change the way in which Lyme disease is viewed and treated, both by doctors and patients. The lead author of the study, Marianne Middelveen, works as a microbiologist in Canada, and she says that the sexual transmission theory explains why the disease is far more common than we might expect.


 


The team also included two molecular biologists from the USA, and they tested vaginal and semen samples from three separate groups of subjects. First, there was a control group who did not have the disease. Next, there was a group of people who had all tested positive for the disease. The final group was a group of married couples (all heterosexual) who both had the disease and who were regularly having unprotected sex with one another). Both the semen and vaginal samples tested positive for the disease, indicating that it is possible to transmit the disease sexually. In addition to this, the researchers found that one married couple had an identical strain of the Lyme bacteria.

A shocking survey into the sexual wellness and wellbeing of people in Britain today has revealed that around 20 percent of the population would have sexual intercourse with someone who they knew had a sexually transmitted disease.


 


The survey was carried out with a group of 18 to 30 year olds, 19 percent of whom said they would sleep with someone even if they knew that they had an STD. Of the people in the survey who said that they theoretically would, it was found that in fact 39 percent of them had unprotected sex in the past with a partner that they knew had an STD. Most of those surveyed said that they just wanted to have intercourse and deal with any consequences later. Of this group, 11 percent said that they ‘always’ let their passions get the better of their common sense.


 


These statistics equate to one in five young adults saying that they would have sex with someone despite knowing that person had a sexually transmitted disease. The research was commissioned by an online pharmacy, and carried out with a group of 1, 231 young adults. The thought process behind those who were willing to take the risk was generally just that they would ‘deal with any repercussions later’.


 


Some of those who said that they would have sex with someone who was suffering from an STD said that they would be happy to go ahead, because it was ‘impossible’ to catch an STD if you used protection (which his categorically untrue).


 


In addition to those who said that they definitely would have sex with someone who was suffering from an STD, a further quarter of those who were asked the question said that it would depend on which STD their partner was suffering from.

Most people find talking about sex really difficult and embarrassing, and healthcare providers are no exception to the rule. It’s no surprise that we often avoid the subject entirely, as it is considered to be a sensitive and potentially awkward conversation – especially if you don’t know the person you’re talking to, as is the case with healthcare providers. But learning about the sexual behaviour of patients is becoming a vital part of the process now, as part of creating a high quality, patient-focussed and more efficient form of health care. In a survey of 500 men and women over the age of 25, 85 per cent of the participants expressed an interest in discussing sexual topics with their doctor, although 71 per cent stated that their GP would most likely dismiss their concerns. The knowledge a GP has of their patient’s sexual history gives them the opportunity to educate and counsel them about STDs, HIV and viral hepatitis. But without this knowledge, they’re unable to know which tests and vaccinations are needed. Such diseases are mostly ‘silent’ and unnoticed so they can lead to more serious illnesses, as well as spreading to partners which increases the prevalence of the disease within the community. So when a GP doesn’t ask the question about sex, they aren’t just affecting the patient themselves – they’re also affecting the health of the people in the wider community as well. The new initiatives aim to greatly lower the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, which have risen significantly in recent years.


 


Studies show that gathering information about a patient’s’ sexual behaviour can be done in a very simple and effective way by asking three basic sexually-related questions regarding ones behaviour and risk:


  • Have you been sexually active in the last year?

  • Do you have sex with men only, women only, or both?

  • How many sexual partners have you had in the last six months?

 


These questions help to give a really broad sense of a person’s sexual behaviour and their level of risk, which makes it easier for a GP to tailor a deeper discussion about their needs. It’s vital that GPs ensure that they assure their patients that this is something that they do with all their patients so that the individual doesn’t feel as though they are being singled out for their behaviour. This is especially the case for high-risk populations who have been marginalised or oppressed historically, such as transgender men or women, homosexual men and women, groups at high risk for HIV and STDs, and viral hepatitis. In order to help these groups, it’s important that their sexual history is described to their GP. This means asking questions such as:


  • How often should people be tested for HIV and STDs?

  • What vaccinations should be offered to whom?

  • Why are some MSM at higher risk for HIV and STDs?

 


It may take time for GPs to feel comfortable speaking to their patients about sexual matters, their health, identities and desires. But once this becomes more routine, the stigma surrounding sex and sexual behaviour will also become less of an issue. This is important both in and out of a health care setting to make honest conversations about sex a more common occurrence. There are plenty of services available to provide education and help to people who need advice on sexual matters, as well as STD testing and advice on unplanned pregnancies – if you’re concerned, you should speak to your GP who can offer more information on the services in your local area.

These days, everyone seems to be inventing their own way of dating, from open relationships to multiple dating and lifelong fidelity. There are numerous ways to approach passion and love, and celebrities seem to be more and more open to the less traditional route of relationships. But people aren’t simply sleeping around with whoever they want. There are templates for this kind of dating that more people are latching onto. There are five new ways to be in a relationship, according to experts. Here’s a list of what you can expect in the world of dating now, from dating men and women at the same time, to being in love with a number of people at once.


 


Flexi-sexuals


This is the new buzzword for straight men and women who experiment with bisexuality, but perhaps don’t necessarily conform to it as a label. This isn’t just for adventurous singletons, but also for people in relationships who are experimenting with their own sex (with the consent of their partner, of course!). This is almost like a stepping stone for people who are nervous about plunging into a full open relationship status, and is all about the fluidity of a relationship. The other word for this is pan-sexual – in other words, the ability to fancy people of all genders and sexualities.


 


Hybrid relationships


Extra-marital frisson can be explored in a number of ways, but it doesn’t have to take two – you can always just get their consent, even if you can’t get them as enthusiastic as you are about the subject. It’s becoming increasingly common for one partner to allow the more sexually charged of the pair permission to enjoy a little extra-marital activity while they stay at home. It may seem like one partner is getting the raw end of this deal, but actually this way of being in a relationship works for many couples. For example, there are websites dedicated to people having affairs and for people who simply don’t enjoy sex much anymore, it can be a great way for couples to stay together but both get what they need.


 


Multiple Dating


Consider this trying before you buy – the idea that you date multiple men or women, rather than immediately settle down with the first person you meet up with. This is common in cities such as New York, where dating is popular, as opposed to in Britain where dating in this way isn’t all that common. Recent surveys suggest that 63 per cent of women and 53 per cent of men date multiple people at the same time.


 


Posh Swingers


Couples’ parties are becoming more popular, but this isn’t the aged version of a sleazy swingers party in someone’s living room. This is an elegant party of sexy waiters and canapes, where couples sip champagne whilst parading around in Agent Provocateur. It can be popular amongst couples who feel their sex life needs spicing up a bit.


 


Polyamory


Polyamorous couples believe that love isn’t reserved for just one person – this is more than simply having sex with multiple partners. Some poly people have a primary partner who is considered their number one, but then also love other people as well and maintain relationships with them all. If it’s a three-way bond, it’s a triad; if there are four, it’s a quad. There have even been TV programmes based around this type of relationship, something which works for a number of couples now.

Sexual infidelity is one of the hardest things to come to terms with. It can impact on your emotional wellness and wellbeing in all kinds of ways, and yet it is sadly all too common. To compound this, it’s just impossible to tell, before getting into a relationship, if a man is likely to cheat.


 


A new book, Why Men Really Cheat, by psychologist Martyn Stewart, looks to answer that big question with a mixture of analysis, case studies and theory. During the course of the book, we are introduced to different male types, the Swinger (no, not that type of swinger), the Enigma and the Opportunist, and we are guided through a series of case studies. We are also shown some pretty serious maths in the form of equations and algorithms to help us work out which personality types are more likely to be cheaters, and why that might be the case.


 


The conclusions to the very big question of why people chat are varied, ranging from a fear of missing out on an opportunity, having a compulsive sex drive, requiring immediate gratification and seeking some kind of recognition.


 


In addition to all this, modern technology is making cheating easier than ever. Society is built on ease and instancy, and this is helping to serve people with selfish needs.


 


The book also details the types of men to avoid, including the Lad’s Lad (a blokish man who is easily swayed by his friends, gets drunk easily and therefore cheats easily), the Manipulator (a cunning and secretive type of man), the Stupid Mistake man, who acts first and then thinks about the consequences later, the Disdainer – a misogynistic type who lacks empathy or patience and is not supportive of women as a gender. Then there’s the Opportunist, a carefree, hedonistic type who will not go out of his way to have an affair but will certainly grab one that arises.

Just when you think that you know all there is to know about the world of sexual wellness and wellbeing, along come a few crazy facts that make you realise you have only just hit the tip of the iceberg!


 


For example, did you know that you can buy such a thing as a vibrating alarm clock? The Wake Up Vibe alarm clock costs around £44 and could make your day start in a rather pleasant manner. You set the clock with a time and one of six different vibration options and then you pop it in your pants and go to sleep (if you can actually sleep whilst waiting for that to start going off!)


 


From the bizarre to the downright scary, there are actually women in this world who use their vaginas to lift weights. Sex coach Kim Anami says that using your pelvic floor to lift weights can improve your muscles, help reduce bladder and post-childbirth problems and improve both your libido and the intensity of your orgasms.


 


The Russian gymnast, Tatyana Kozhevnikova, is the current world recorder holder for lifting the most weight with her vagina. She managed to lift an eye-watering 14kg kettleball using just her pelvic floor muscles.


 


If that doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, perhaps you’d like to try to the new game, Would You Rather, a specific location-based app for bisexual, lesbian and curious women. During the game, players are shown two images, one of a nearby woman and one of an alternative, such as an animal, food or sport. If both you and your unknown partner choose each other over the alternative, then you are sent a message saying so and you are then sent off to meet up. The manufacturers hope that this will help to speed up the dating process a little.

Sexting is the sexual discovery of the digital age. If you and your partner aren’t doing a bit of naughty texting, you are missing out. Keeping this kind of connection between you and your partner is fantastic for your relationship wellness as well as your emotional wellbeing, and can improve your sex life in just a few minutes every day.


 


Sexting is defined as sending a sexually explicit text message from your phone, and it can come in the form of a textual description or an image. A study looked at the sexting habits of a group of 3,447 women and men aged between 18 and 24 and found that it was not only practised by this age group, but also very common. Around 28.2 percent of the men and women in the group both sent and received sexual texts.


 


Whilst the practice can be associated with horror stories such as leaked nude photos and extramarital affairs, it is mostly just enjoyed as part of a healthy, loving relationship. There are some tricks to sexting however, and things that you should bear in mind.


 


Sexting should be a digital way to have a little prelude to sex. Don’t reveal everything in the text message, as otherwise there is nothing left to look forward to. Before you are due to spend time together, send a simple text saying something like you are looking forward to touching him, which will get him turned on before you even meet up. You can also send him a slightly flirty photo.


 


The sexiest thing about sexting is that you can make your partner wait, and boost the anticipation. Take a bit longer to reply to messages than he does, making him hold on for the next one. Don’t tell him what you are wearing as soon as he asks – give him time to fantasise about what it might be, and tease him a little.


 

Trying out a new sexual position can be just the boost that you and your partner need in the bedroom. Keeping things fresh and new between the sheets is also great for your emotional wellness and wellbeing, and maintains a sense of excitement in your relationship, stopping things from becoming stale.


 


Everyone knows the usual sexual positions – the missionary, girl on top and doggy style ones – but have you ever heard of the pretzel dip? This one encourages contact with the clitoris so can be a very pleasurable one indeed for women.


 


To try this one, women should lie on their right side, whilst the man kneels, straddling her right leg and curling her left leg around his left side. He should then enter from that position. The great thing about this position is that you get the deep penetration normally associated with doggy style whilst being able to look at one another.


 


Lots of women also find that doggy style hurts their backs, whereas with this one, they can lounge comfortably on the bed, and can also prompt their guy to get his hands involved in the action too.


 


Why not also try the flatiron? This one is meant to intensify vaginal pleasure and works by you lying face down on the bed with your hips slightly raised, and the man lying on top of you. In this position, a more snug fit is created, which makes your guy seem larger than he is.


 


In this position it is also possible for the man to thrust deep enough to touch your cervix, which can be pleasurable for some women. To make sure you protect your back, place a pillow under your lower abs whilst he is penetrating you, and move your hips from side to side to help intensify the action.


 

If you are feeling sexual and want to get your partner into the mood, there are various different things you can try. Confidence is the key to wellness and wellbeing in the bedroom, so the best thing to do is decide what you are going to try and then simply pluck up the courage and go for it!


 


Men especially find being seduced by woman a real turn on. Not only will your new techniques grab his attention, but they will keep it, too.


 


Teasing is a direct route to pleasing, and when it comes to seduction, giving your partner a taste of what he can have, or what he can’t have, or what he may or may not be able to have, can be an exquisite kind of torture. Wherever you are – be that at home snuggled up watching TV, or out in public with friends – tell him what you’d like to do to him right now. This kind of ‘dirty talk’ will start to get him excited before the main action even begins.


 


If you’re in a really public place and don’t have the opportunity to talk dirty to him, then why not try a bit of sexting? Text him the details of what you’d like to be doing, or what he can expect later, and he’ll be on the edge of his seat all night.


 


Men also love it when you take charge in bed. When you finally get underneath the sheets, tell him exactly what you want him to do, and what you’re going to do to him in return. You can also have a bag of sex toys prepared in advance. Bring these out when he least expects it and watch his jaw hit the floor when he realises that you want to introduce some playing into your sexual routine.


 

Masturbation is an area of sexual wellness and wellbeing that is still somewhat of a taboo. It is not generally talked about and even sex advice columns often steer clear of the sensitive subject. This is really unnecessary, however, as masturbation is normal, common and healthy. It can help to relieve stress and can also help to teach you about what you enjoy, sexually, so that you can gain confidence in your body’s ability to orgasm, which can then translate to sex with a partner.


 


Here are some of the things that women enjoy whilst masturbating, which they would never talk about with their friends, but which could be fun to try out some time.


 


Some think that glass toys are the best ones to use, because they are hard and they transfer heat. You can also pop them in the fridge beforehand and enjoy the cool sensation. They also look pretty classy too, and can cause fantastic orgasms.


 


Another top tip is to use rechargeable batteries. If you enjoy sex toys during masturbation, the experience of your battery going flat on you could be quite frustrating! Many women also find that the showerhead makes a great alternative, and this one never runs out of batteries. An adjustable showerhead can cause fantastic pressure on the clitoris, and it can be combined with a waterproof dildo for a really good time in the bath.


 


Some women prefer a smaller vibrator that can actually fit inside them, and this then leaves their hands free to explore their clitoral area or anywhere else that they fancy.


 


The rampant rabbit is a bigger vibrator and is one of the most popular ones on the market. It has a clitoris tickling area on it, as well as the main bit that fits inside the vagina, meaning that the pressure is available on the inside and outside at the same time, increasing the likelihood of an orgasm.


 

If your sex life has hit a bit of a rut, then there is a lot of merit in trying some new moves in the bedroom. Not only will trying new things boost your sexual wellness and wellbeing, but the experience of both working together on increasing your mutual pleasure will bring new intimacy and closeness to your relationship – hopefully with a few mind-blowing orgasms along the way.


 


When it comes to bringing a couple together, nothing beats a steamy romp in the bedroom. This will naturally translate into intimacy in all other areas of your life and make your relationship stronger than ever.


 


If you don’t know where to get started, why not try standing up sex in the shower? To do this, face your partner and get him to hold you up, as you wrap one leg around his hip and he enters you. This position makes hitting the G Spot inevitable, increasing the pleasure for you. The fact that he will have to have his arms around you the entire time also makes it feel very close, bonded and imitate. The hot water of the shower also stimulates extra nerve endings and makes it a very sensual experience.


 


If you like the idea of being face to face the entire time, but standing up is too tricky, why not try lying down face to face on the bed, lying on your sides? Being face to face means you can make eye contact the whole time, and stay in a full body embrace throughout sex, too. Wrap your legs around his waist and then he will be able to enter you, whilst you pull his body closer with your legs and feet.


 


Another alternative for face to face is to sit on his lap, facing him and have him enter you. This has the added bonus of improving clitoral stimulation and makes him feel like he is getting and extra sexy lap dance.

Intimacy is vitally important in a relationship, and is an integral part of your sexual wellness and wellbeing. Intimacy means different things to different people, however, and it does not necessarily mean having lots of sex.


 


Intimacy is more about deep committed – a relationship based on trust, honesty, self-disclosure, appreciation, respect, togetherness and interdependence. Men and women go about this in different ways, though, with women preferring a ‘face to face’ approach. This means that when women talk to men, they like to draw closer, look into one another’s eyes (what is called an ‘anchoring gaze’) and talk about deep, intimate details of their lives, such as their hopes and their worries. This is probably rooted in ancient times, where ancestral women would have spent their days looking into the eyes of their infant children, and soothing them by talking.


 


Men, on the other hand, tend to regard intimacy as either playing or working side by side, rather than face to face. They may discuss troubles with their love lives or a bad week at work perhaps, but it is far more rare for them to discuss their darkest fears and their secret dreams. When they talk, they often speak in a jokey way, hiding their true feelings behind humour. Men also rarely look deeply into one another’s eyes. Again, this probably harks back to historic times when ancestral males would be more likely to gather in groups, hunting prey together. They stayed side by side with their friends, and only faced enemies.


 


For this reason, if you want to be intimate with a man, do things with him side by side, rather than making him feel threatened with a direct gaze. At the same time, men are more likely to find ‘debating’ an intimate activity, while women thing that ‘organising a neighbourhood party together’ would be one of the most intimate things they could imagine.