Tag: std

  • Is anal sex harmful to health? The sexologist answers

    Is anal sex harmful to health? The sexologist answers

    There are often opinions that anal sex can pose various risks to lovers. For example, fecal incontinence. Sexologist Artūrs Šulcs comments on this and other shadows of doubt that may arise about this different sex.

    OPINION:

    “Anal sex – sounds beautiful, but there is one big BUT. Nowhere is there any comment on what the proctologists (specialists with a narrower focus on the lower intestines) think about this topic. It is not mentioned that by stretching the anus in this way, one can not only become infected with STDs from the relatively large “microcracks” in the anal area but over time experience things such as fecal incontinence. I will not mention hemorrhoids at all. If they already exist, then the bleeding can be profound and threatened with a long lying-upright regimen. Also, it is easy to infect the genitals with a bowel rod after anal sex with the vagina, and do not understand later why you can not get pregnant due to chronic inflammation. Unfortunately, these are not just my fantasies on the subject. Of course, it gives a man more pleasure than vaginal sex, because the sphincter is tighter than the vagina, but is it worth it? ”

    COMMENT BY SEXOLOGIST ARTURS ŠULCS :

    “Yes, it is true that the feelings during anal sex are different than during vaginal sex. However, not to mention the flowers, the size of the hole alone does not determine how well both or one of the partners will feel. Anal sex is not just a simple physical contact, it requires much more contact and trust. And often these are the essential things that bring pleasure. Anal sex is not a simple insertion of the penis into the anus. This type of sex requires prior preparation and mood. It requires special tenderness and attention. Anal sex can also end not with some insertion into the anus, but only with massage and stimulation in the area. 

    Yes, sexually transmitted diseases can be acquired during anal sex. At the same time, it is a myth. Often people think that if I have anal sex, I will get sick, if not, then no ailments will affect me. In this case, it all depends on the sexual life of both partners. If they are the only ones to each other, if they are convinced or even checked that they are not suffering from any of the sexually transmitted diseases, there is not the slightest reason to get sick during anal sex. After all, STDs do not fly in the air!

    If you want to have anal sex with a less familiar partner, you should use a condom, thus protecting yourself. However, a condom should also be used if you have traditional sex with a little-known partner.

    Reasonable concerns about anal opening could arise if a disproportionately large object is inserted into the anal opening. If a finger, two fingers, or even the penis, which is commensurate with the size of the feces, is inserted, no problems should occur. To avoid the risk of opening stretching, anal sex should not be practiced every day for three hours. However, if it is a holiday full of Sunday evening romance, tenderness, and trust, everything will be fine. 

    If anal sex is performed in such a way that neither partner is in pain, there will be no rupture or bleeding. Hemorrhoids are not an anal sex disease. They are much more common for reasons such as poor diet and sedentary work. ”

  • The sexiest countries in the world – Greek libido and Norwegian orgasms

    The sexiest countries in the world – Greek libido and Norwegian orgasms

    Greek men were recently recognized as the best in bed – thanks to a healthy Mediterranean diet and grilled fish, olive oil, and feta cheese. From foot fetishes in Manchester to specific poses in Poland – here we find out which are the sexiest countries in the world and whether other countries can keep up with the Greeks.

    Japan – unwillingness to have sex

    ONLY 34% of Japanese people have sex every week, making them the most sexually dissatisfied in the world, according to a Durex survey. Long working hours are associated with a lack of physical contact between spouses.

    France – fast sex

    French people are much more likely to choose short sex classes, according to a survey. Slightly more than half of the men can prolong sexual intercourse by delaying ejaculation, and only 6% are able to stay for 13 minutes.

    Greece – the most to have sex

    According to Durex, 87% of adults in Greece have sex at least once a week, more than in any other country. They were at the forefront of a survey of 30,000 people from 26 countries.

    Norway – the most orgasms

    Norwegians are accustomed to cold weather, but it seems to be the capital of the world’s orgasms, says the sex toy company Lelo – 35% of the population say that they experience orgasms every day.

    Photo: Shutterstock

    Great Britain – feet and foreplay

    It turns out that 1.5 million people in the UK have a foot fetish, with Manchester in the lead, followed by Leeds and Sheffield. The people who live here are also world leaders in the art of foreplay.

    Belgium – the cowgirl pose

    The “cowgirl” pose, in which a woman is on top of a man’s face, is the most popular sex pose in the land of beer lovers in Belgium, according to Dr. Ed.

    Poland – “spooning” or the spoon pose

    The spoon posture, in which a couple lies on their side with a man behind a woman, is the favorite Polish sex posture.

    Russia – the day of childbirth

    The Russian government has declared September 12 a “day of childbearing”, urging couples to stay home and have sex. Couples who give birth just nine months after this date are awarded.

    Photo: Shutterstock

    USA – threesomes

    The US is the place to go for those who want threesome sex. This type of sex is especially popular in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, according to the dating app 3somer.

    One in nine Americans has been in a polygamous relationship. And one in six Americans would like to try it, according to the academic journal Frontiers in Psychology.

    In addition, 46% of American women prefer to sleep rather than sex, while 34% of men choose to masturbate before going to bed, according to a survey of sexual therapy Myhixel.

    Romania – public toilets and STD’s

    About 40% of Romanians believe that sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted from person to person if a public toilet is used, according to the Global Sex Survey. It is very unlikely that an STD can be obtained in this way.

    Brazil – endurance

    Brazilians, who have sex for about 30 minutes on average, are the gold medalists of the world’s sexual endurance. But 44% of Brazilian women admit to falsifying orgasms, according to the book Human Sexual Behavior.

    Germany – nudists, swingers and armpits

    One-third of Germans like to bathe naked on the beach, and this nation has more swing clubs than any other European country. In addition, 23% of Germans will get excited by smelling armpits.

    New Zealand – self-confident women

    Passionate New Zealand women enjoy rich and varied sex and have an average of 20 sexual partners in their lifetime. This is the largest number in the world, shows Condoms.uk .

    Austria – number of sex partners

    Studies have shown that Austrian men have the highest number of sexual partners in their lifetime in the world, averaging 29.

    Thailand – cheating

    More than half of the Thai population admits to being unfaithful. The existence of a lover has been a part of Thai culture for centuries.

    Kenya – confidence

    By contrast, according to a global report by The State Of The World’s Fathers, men in Africa are likely to have children with two or more women compared to the rest of the world, although Kenyan men were on the continent’s list of most trusted people.

    Italy – oral sex and food

    According to a 2019 survey, more than 80% of Italian adults enjoy oral sex. A quarter of Italian couples watch porn together, and 24% use objects or food to arouse them. Almost half of the couples have sex two to three times a week.

    India – dislike condoms

    A Durex survey found that 95% of Indians do not use condoms, resulting in a Twitter chat under the snapshot of #HateCondoms asking why. Respondents said that it reduces intimacy and is a “lack of feeling”.

    China – the least orgasms

    It turns out that the Chinese have the fewest orgasms in the world, according to a Durex survey in which about 76% of people found that they could not reach a climax every time they had sex.

  • 4 key rules to follow to avoid STDs

    4 key rules to follow to avoid STDs

    Although sexually transmitted infections (often referred to as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs) are not significantly different from catching a runny nose when shaking someone, they are usually highlighted with particular negativity. People stigmatize both the diseases and the people who catch them, transmit them and spread them, and often associate them with forms of sex that people themselves do not agree with, such as neglect, sexual work or queer sex, rather than a much more banal reality.

    The truth is that many infections are transmitted under very prosaic conditions, between people who do nothing particularly unusual. Disease transmission is not limited to people who have not had a smile on their lives, but youth and an otherwise healthy lifestyle will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases unless you are smart and have safe sex.

    So what’s the best way to be aware of STDs, STIs, and everything in between? Here are four things to keep in mind.

    WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STDS (AND HOW TO AVOID GETTING CAUGHT BY IT)


    1. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CONDOM USE TO PREVENT STDS

    Using condoms to effectively prevent STDs is not just an old story. Aside from complete abstinence, using one properly fitted condom throughout sexual intercourse will be the best choice in this case. But there are many things that people still do not know about condoms.

    Let’s start with the fact that not all condoms are the same. If you’ve usually avoided using them, it’s time to rethink this strategy.

    If you don’t feel well with a condom on, you may not have found the right one for you yet. Condoms are so diverse: special thin ones that enhance the senses, textured condoms, and dozens of other styles. The fact that the feeling with a condom on is not good enough simply does not count as an excuse.

    Of course, in addition to size, layout, and other aesthetic factors, there is also the issue of material – which can be no less important. Not all condom materials are compatible with each partner’s body. People often develop irritations, rashes, or other reactions due to condoms. Some condoms may be treated with a lubricant that can cause an allergic reaction.

    Photo: Unsplash

    2. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT STD PREVENTION IN OTHER WAYS

    Of course, STD prevention does not begin or end with a condom.

    If you are sexually active, there is always a risk. That is why it is called ‘safer sex’, not ‘safer sex’, because there is no such thing as ‘safer’ sex. We can only try to reduce the risks to make it as safe as possible.

    One of the most important safety issues has nothing to do with what you actually do in bed. In fact, the most important thing is how openly you are to your doctor. Exactly! Regular check-ups and honesty can affect everything related to STD prevention, prevention, and treatment.

    Regular check-ups, as well as an open conversation with your partner (about the presence / absence of your STD), will be the most important factor in practicing safe sex and therefore in possible transmission.

    Of course, in addition to condoms, there is also prevention (PrEP): medicines that you can take every day that can help protect you from becoming infected with HIV. It is important to note that even if your doctor has prescribed something to you and you use it regularly, you are not immune to various other STDs.

    3. HIGH RISK BEHAVIORS THAT YOU SHOULD REFRAIN FROM

    Often, people get STDs just because the person they are with seems to have STDs.

    Often we trust a person based on his or her appearance and how long we have known him or her. This type of thinking usually creates a credible image that is free of STDs, which in turn leads to condom non-use.

    Another high-risk behavior for STDs is alcohol or drug use. Excessive use of substances can hamper a person’s ability to make informed decisions, which usually makes them more willing to engage in risky activities.

    Keep in mind that even innocent teasing and games with the words “just the tip” and “everything will be fine” will not protect you from STDs. If one of the partners insists on the use of a condom, this step should not be violated.

    And if you think that the penis in the vagina is the only way to catch STDs, then think again. Many people do not even think of associating STDs with, for example, oral sex. There is an idea that if you only get oral sex and there is no sex, then there is no reason to worry.

    Some STDs are associated with oral disease and can be transmitted through oral sex to the genitals. This can happen if an individual has oral sex with a partner who has STDs on / in their genitals.

    If this isn’t alarming enough, then think about the fact that many types of STDs are even more painful if they are experienced orally. This means that if you are unsure of your partner’s STD status (or your own), the smartest choice is to either give up oral sex altogether or practice it with a condom.

    And finally, if you were not sure about this… no, the human body is not the only place where you can catch STDs. Items that are included in sexual toys can also transmit diseases. They can be easily transferred to anyone involved in their use. Using sex toys that are not properly cleaned is a potential way to get an infection.

    Photo: Pexels

    4. WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT AN STD

    If you have unprotected sex and are worried that you may be caught up in something, it can be a scary experience. The first thing you need to do is go to a doctor – either a health clinic, a hospital, or a doctor’s private practice.

    Get to the visit as soon as possible. It can be a scary and disturbing experience for anyone, but it is important to get a proper diagnosis so that you can start treatment if a problem occurs. If you can’t do this right away, try to clean the area where you might be infected as best you can. The area may be sensitive or itchy, so be careful and gentle when cleaning it.

    When you get STD results, keep them a secret – especially if they show you have an STD. This means notifying partners who may be infected by you (or from whom you are infected) as well as future partners. Thanks to advances in medicine, many STDs can be treated.

  • Oral sex

    Oral sex

    If you are satisfied:

    During oral sex, the partner’s saliva dissolves the layer of fat and disrupts the normal microflora of the mucous membranes of the genitals – the biological protective layer of the mucous membrane is destroyed. The mucous membrane becomes easily traumatized and microtraumas occur. These microtraumas can be a gateway to infections such as syphilis, herpes virus, and hepatitis B and C (jaundice).

    Saliva levels of the HIV virus are low to cause infection. During prolonged oral sex, bleeding microtraumas may occur on the lips, corners of the lips, or bleeding gums (especially if the teeth have been cleaned before contact). Microtraumas can also occur in the mucous membranes of the penis, labia, clitoris or anus. In this case, the risk of contracting HIV / AIDS increases significantly. The risk of becoming infected with HIV / STDs increases in proportion to the duration of sex – the longer the contact, the higher the risk of infection.

    In addition to these diseases, fungal inflammatory processes can cause problems. These problems can also occur if you have one independent sexual partner:

    In men, complaints are usually of an unpleasant itching sensation under the foreskin, redness of the head of the penis, and increased plaque formation under the foreskin;

    In women – redness and itching of the mucous membranes of the external genitalia.

    Fungi are usually activated when the normal mucosal flora of the mucosa is disrupted.

    How to avoid infection:

    • reduce the number of occasional sexual contacts;
    • always use condoms or latex films during accidental contact;
    • Lubricants for oral sex should be used if condoms are not used to reduce mucosal trauma and slightly reduce the risk of HIV / STD infection. It is recommended to use the lubricant even if you have one regular sexual partner.
    • For the prevention of yeast infection after washing or after contact, it is recommended to lubricate the head of the penis with one of the antifungal ointments.

    If you are satisfied:

    Usually, during an erection, mucous fluid is released from the urethra of a man’s penis, but in women, mucus is released from the vagina, which can contain any microorganism that causes STDs (gonococcus, trichomonas, Gardnerella, etc.) by sucking and licking your partner’s genitals. Saliva has antibacterial properties, as a result of which some microbes can be destroyed. If there are enough microorganisms and they are virulent (viable) – they can cause tonsillitis – angina. Usually, on the second or third day there is a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and there may be a fever.

    Satisfying someone orally, you can become infected with syphilis – then after an incubation period of an average of 21 days, a painless ulcer will form on the lips, tongue, tonsils, or cheek, and the lymph nodes will increase.

    In addition to these diseases, you can also get viral hepatitis A, B, or C (jaundice).

    Concentrations of HIV in the male penis are low. When exposed to saliva in the mouth, the virus is inactivated, so the risk of becoming infected with HIV is very low. The risk increases if microtraumas occur on the lips or in the corners of the lips. The risk of contracting HIV / STDs is particularly high if the partner ejaculates (stops) in the mouth.

    The levels of the HIV virus in a woman’s vaginal secretions are high enough to allow her to become infected with HIV.

    Eye contact is possible while playing with a partner’s member. Infections such as gonococcus can be brought into the eyes, which can lead to loss of vision during the day; chlamydia, which can cause chronic inflammation of the eyelids.

    If your partner has had anal contact with someone before you have been in contact with you. You have the potential to become infected with nematodes, scabies, dysentery, and other infectious diseases. There is also a risk of getting these diseases by irritating or licking your partner’s anal area.

    How to avoid infection:

    • It is necessary to limit the number of casual sexual contacts and partners;
    • Always use a condom or latex film during occasional contact. During oral sex, the condom can only be placed on the head of the partner’s penis. Condoms lubricated with sperm ointment should not be used as they can cause allergic inflammation of the oral mucosa, so it is recommended to use condoms lubricated with a special lubricant (‘Taste’) that have different flavors. Condoms lubricated with anesthetin (“Strength”) are not recommended for oral sex;
    • Have oral sex no sooner than 2 hours after brushing your teeth, including using dental floss. Brushing your teeth causes microtrauma and bleeding gums, which can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it would be better to brush your teeth after oral sex;
    • If your partner has ejaculated (finished) in your mouth, you should spit or swallow the sperm immediately. When sperm enters the mouth, saliva creates a protective layer that lasts for a very short time. It is then recommended to rinse the mouth with oral disinfectant solutions or to chew gum that increases salivary secretion.
  • Anal sex

    Anal sex

    Compared to other types of sex, anal sex has the highest risk of contracting HIV / STDs. For some, such contact is enjoyable, while for others it can be painful and traumatic. There is a risk of infection if such contact has not taken place at all – it has only been attempted.

    Although anal sex is the most common cause of HIV infection compared to other forms of sex, anal sex can also be safe.

    Always use condoms and lubricants during anal sex!

    During anal sex, microtraumas always occur both on the penis and in the anal area. When the penis is inserted into the anus, the sphincter and mucous membranes of the anus are stretched, which almost always causes microtraumas. Microtrauma to the penis is most commonly caused by the attachment of the foreskin and ligament to the head of the penis.

    The use of lubricants, gentle treatment of the partner, and dilation of the anal opening – reduction of the resistance of the sphincter of the anal opening – can reduce the occurrence of microtrauma injuries.

    The possible problems can be divided into two categories:

    1. Injuries – Various injuries can occur when inserting the penis. Injuries can also occur during sexual intercourse if your partner’s movements are rapid or brutal. Anal trauma is usually accompanied by pain, discomfort and bleeding. With microtraumas, the bleeding will be negligible – virtually imperceptible. Regular trauma to the anus can cause inflammation of the veins, leading to the formation of hemorrhoids. Excessive trauma to the anus may result in rupture of the sphincter.
    2. Infection – without a condom, there is a high chance of becoming infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, even if your partner does not ejaculate (if your partner does not stop you). It is possible to become infected with all known STDs during anal sex, especially if a condom is not used and ejaculation occurs in the rectum.

    In 50% of cases, STDs in the rectum go without complaints!

    Anal trauma can be reduced by:

    • it is desirable to sit in a warm bath or bowl of water for 10-15 minutes before contact, as heat treatments relax muscle tension and make it easier for them to relax;
    • during sex use a lot of lubricant – lubricants that improve slipperiness;
    • promote the loosening of the anal opening sphincter prior to penile insertion. It would be advisable to lubricate the anal area with a lubricant, then slowly begin to relax the entrance to the anus with your fingers or special “toys”. Insert one finger first, then two fingers into the anus. And only when the insertion of the fingers is not difficult and the muscles are noticeably relaxed can the penis be inserted slowly;
    • during exercise of the penis, do not tense, but try to relax in the same way as during defecation;
    • the less traumatic, the greater the muscle relaxation is in the so-called “doggy” position – leaning on the elbows and knees and with your back towards your partner. This position will make it easier for your partner to gently inject your penis.

    After contact, you should wash and lubricate the anal area with 2% Troxovazine gel – this will promote the healing of microtraumas and prevent inflammation.

    To avoid becoming infected with HIV / STDs:

    • Anal sex is practiced only with one regular partner who does not use intravenous drugs. If your partner uses intravenous drugs – refuse such contact or use a condom!
    • Choose a less risky type of sex during casual sex – masturbation or oral sex;
    • In casual contacts – regardless of whether the partner is known or unfamiliar, it is mandatory to use a condom during anal sex;
    • Unlike the active partner (who is injecting), the passive partner (who is injecting) cannot take specific preventive measures after sexual intercourse to prevent HIV / STD infection. The passive partner is more at risk of infection.

    If you enter the penis

    There is a risk of minor microtraumas and the risk of contracting HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and other diseases caused by the rectum.

    During anal sex, even without a condom with a regular partner, there is a possibility that the intestinal microflora (intestinal rod, etc.) enters the urethra, which can cause non-specific inflammatory products in the urethra and prostate.

    STDs (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, etc.) in the rectum occur in 50% of cases without complaints, so your partner may not know that you are ill. Also in the first stage of syphilis, a syphilitic ulcer (chancre) may be in the rectum, which neither you nor your partner may know or feel. Therefore, there is a high risk of contracting any of these diseases.

    As both partners almost always experience microtrauma during anal sex, you are also at risk of becoming infected with the HIV virus.

    When you drive your penis inwards, it works like a piston trying to push everything forward. In the erect state, the opening of the urethra of the penis is more open and without the use of a condom, the contents of the rectum (mucus with microorganisms, feces) are “expelled” in the urethra. Because of this, there is a high risk of micro-organisms capable of causing inflammation entering the urethra.

    Complaints may occur 2-7 days after contact for discomfort while urinating. There may be no complaints if the inflammation is chronic. In the case of a chronic prostate, the first complaints may appear after 5 to 7 years.

    Initially, various types of sexual disorders may occur (premature ejaculation, decreased libido, etc.); there may be pulling, discomfort in the perineum; difficulty urinating (need to urinate at night), and other complaints.

    After contact, the foreskin may swell, this is observed in cases where microtraumas occur in the foreskin, in which various microorganisms enter (intestinal rod, Gardnerella, etc.). Usually the day after contact, the foreskin becomes thick, red, and it is difficult to pull it over the head of the penis.

    The most common injuries are a rupture of a ligament. Complaints usually appear immediately after sexual intercourse – an unpleasant burning and aching sensation under the head of the penis.

    To avoid becoming infected with HIV / STDs:

    • Always use a condom during anal contact, whether with a well-known or completely unknown partner!
    • If you have one regular sexual partner who does not use intravenous drugs and you do not use a condom during sexual intercourse, you should:
    1. before contact, the partner should empty the rectum (perform an act of defect). For this purpose, special microclips are available in pharmacies, after which the abdomen is excreted within 5-10 minutes;
    2. it would be desirable for the partner to rinse the rectum with the help of an enema;
    3. make extensive use of lubricants. Thoroughly lubricate both the penis and the partner’s anus. Paying special attention to the head of the penis, including the opening of the urethra. It is desirable to use antibacterial lubricants. For anal sex, it would not be advisable to use a nonoxylone lubricant (as this may cause irritation of the intestinal mucosa.
    4. before inserting the penis, thoroughly massage the anus with your fingers to relax the muscles;
    5. at first, inject the penis very slowly and gently;
    6. after sexual intercourse it is definitely necessary to wash and it would be desirable to have a shower;
    7. after washing, lubricate the penis with an antifungal or anti-inflammatory ointment.