Tag: abstinence

  • Abstinence From Sex – Does Sex ‘Fasting’ Works?

    Abstinence From Sex – Does Sex ‘Fasting’ Works?

    It is said that candies become much tastier if we refrain from eating them for some time. The Internet has recently been shocked by the news that a reality show star has temporarily given up sex instead of sweets. Extreme? Maybe. However, after this announcement, many people are in a hurry to try what sex fasting really does for you.

    What is Sex Fasting?

    “Sex fasting” has only recently gained popularity. And although there is already a decline in the frequency of sex among the younger generation, some psychologists say the method only brings couples even closer.

    Psychotherapist Marianne Johnson explains that a significant number of relationship therapists sometimes use the method of sensory concentration to improve closeness between two people.

    “It starts with the couple agreeing to abstain from sex for a while. At the moment, the focus is on other sensory experiences and different forms of touch”, says the psychotherapist.

    “Gradually, when the couple regains their intimacy, they return to intimate activities.”

    According to Johnson, the way the method is performed depends on the reason why the partners attend the treatment, but the overall goal is always the same – to reduce the focus on sex. “It also improves their communication skills because they work towards a common goal,” the psychotherapist continues to describe the benefits of abstinence.

    She also points out that sex fasting can benefit any couple: “Desire and excitement come and go, and the process involves learning. They begin to understand what they likes and what doesn’t allow them to feel pleasure.”

    This method can also be useful for those who suffer from sexual dysfunction. For example, if a person has low libido due to erectile dysfunction.

    “A person is simply overwhelmed by the feeling of relief when he can indulge in what inspires him again without fear that he will not live up to his partner’s expectations,” she says.

    Improved intimate life

    After trying, people always say, “Abstinence ultimately leads to shockingly good sex!” According to sexual welfare specialist Tracey Coates, this is a pretty good idea.

    By abstaining from sex, partners can explore new aspects of intimate relationships, especially if the couple is experiencing worsening of their relationship at the time.

    However, it must be remembered that “sex fasting” requires heartfelt and open communication so that the partners understand each other’s intentions and motives.

    “Many couples experience stress during intercourse because they do not feel the closeness that should be rooted in the experience. Conscious abstinence from sex can not only revive the sexual spark for a while, but also improve intimate relationships, ”explains Coates. “Sometimes it is necessary to exclude sex from the daily routine so that the couple can understand each other’s wishes and needs.”

    Like psychotherapist Johnson, Coates emphasizes that abstaining from sex improves the couple’s communication. According to her, some couples hide behind sex and do not even try to talk about intimate relationships, so with sex fasting, the partners open up to each other.

    And finally, how does it feel to suddenly stop abstinence? “When the ‘fasting’ of sex stops, you will just feel life. You will realize that it is worth combining emotional intimacy with physical intimacy, ”explains Coates. “Guaranteed increased libido, endurance and even the possibility of orgasm.”

  • Contraception: Which to Choose?

    Contraception: Which to Choose?

    In old biology textbooks it was written that abstinence is the best way to prevent pregnancy. However, is it really worth not experiencing pleasure like orgasm just because of old suggestions? We believe that sex should not be given up to avoid pregnancy. There are almost 20 different types of contraception on the market, so almost anyone can choose the one that suits them best.

    Diversity of contraceptive methods

    Often, couples use only of the most popular methods: condoms, pull-out method, or birth control pills. Due to various allergies, side effects or not very good effectiveness, these three methods of contraception may not be suitable for everyone, so in this article we will discuss not only them, but also alternative measures that may be a little less known.

    However, before you start looking at the pros and cons of spirals or spermicides, you should answer some very important questions:
    • Does it matter to you which one of you will use contraception?
    • Are you planning to have children and maybe you don’t want them at all?
    • Are you able to stick to a schedule, or would you rather classify yourself as a forgetful person?
    • What is your income?
    • Do you want to not think about contraception every day, but just enjoy sex with your other half?
    • Do you have allergies?
    • Do you have a constant relationship with the same person, or maybe you have more than one partner?
    • Do you suffer from painful periods?

    Given these aspects, all contraceptives available in the industry can be divided into several main groups:
    • Contraception – lifestyle;
    • Contraceptives that you have to use during each sexual intercourse;
    • Scheduled contraceptives;
    • Prolonged contraception;
    • Contraception for life;
    • Contraception after unprotected sex.

    Contraception should be considered even if you do not have a regular partner. According to scientific sources, the average age at which young people lose their virginity is 17 years. Therefore, before starting an intimate relationship, it is important to be aware of possible ways to protect yourself.

    Kontraceptinės tabletės ir prezervatyvai

    Contraception – lifestyle

    Let’s look first at the method of contraception, which does not require any pills or condoms. There are different lifestyle-based ways to prevent pregnancy: abstinence, natural family planning, withdrawal method, breastfeeding.

    However, it is worth noting that these methods are not 100% reliable and can make it difficult to relax during sexual intercourse. In addition, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. On the other hand, they are especially suitable for couples who want children.

    Natural family planning – Rhythm method

    This approach is best suited for couples who have strong, harmonious, lasting relationships. The method of planning a pregnancy involves monitoring the menstrual cycle and symptoms to avoid sexual intercourse during the fertile days. Although this method of contraception is free, low risk and does not cause any side effects on human health, it is quite risky. According to the US Planned Parenthood Association, this method is effective in 76 to 88% of cases and is one of the least reliable compared to other methods of contraception.

    Abstinence

    As mentioned above, this method of contraception was probably the most popular in Soviet biology textbooks. Although it seems a bit unusual in today’s society, its effectiveness cannot be questioned in any case. In order to become pregnant, the sperm must reach the egg, but this cannot happen without sex with a partner. This method costs nothing and is 100% reliable. True, this does not mean that sex should be completely ruled out – you can still get the most out of solo games.

    Breastfeeding

    This is another way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy determined by your lifestyle. And although it is believed to be reliable in 98% of cases, gynecologists recommend not trusting it too much. Theoretically, if a woman is breastfeeding, ovulation does not occur, so the egg ready for fertilization simply does not form. However, according to various sources, it requires frequent breastfeeding – at least every 4 hours. In addition, if your baby is older than 6 months, the chance of getting pregnant increases significantly even if you are breastfeeding. Therefore, women are advised to always listen to their body: if menstruation begins, this method of contraception becomes ineffective.

    Withdrawal method

    One of the simplest and most popular methods of contraception, the effectiveness of which is completely transferred to the man’s hands: before ejaculation, he must remove his penis from your vagina so that the egg is not fertilized. Sounds simple, but is it really? This method is effective in preventing pregnancy in only 78% of cases, so it is very important to consider the potential risks with your partner before deciding whether to use it in your sexual life. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that this method can cause additional stress to a man, which often affects the quality of sex.

    Outercourse

    To avoid pregnancy, it is enough not to make vaginal sex. Therefore, it is possible to use different sex toys or try anal sex (but it should be noted that pregnancy can occur if the sperm enters the vaginal canal).

    In the following articles we will look at other methods of contraception.