Researchers of this study published in Sexually Transmitted Infections believe that the high divorce rate and the ease of finding sexual partners on the internet may be partly to blame. They also believe that many older Americans are hesitant to get tested for STIs or STDs, if they get tested at all, because of the negative social stigma attached to it. If that's not enough reason, another cause could also be the lack of updated sexuality information available to them. 

Young people aren't the only ones dealing with sexual health issues!

Julia Heiman spoke on NPR’s Morning Edition about the study:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92809573

This 'treatment' is not without its own side effects, namely, about half of the women taking Viagra reported headaches.  Perhaps a better approach is to develop antidepressants that don't force a choice between emotional suffering and sexual problems.  Let's hope this is coming in the near future…  

You can read the original research article in JAMA 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) frequently creates new educational tools for people to learn about their health. One of the major areas of work is in the area of sexually transmissible infections (STI).

Today I came across a recently posted section called "Making sense of your Pap and HPV test results" that I wanted to share with you. The human papillomavirus (HPV) has been getting increasing press and media attention in the US since Gardasil (a vaccine that prevents four HPV strains) came onto the market - however, most women (and men) who are sexually active have already been exposed to HPV, and Pap tests are still recommended for women regardless of whether they have ever had sex or had the vaccine (women should ask their healthcare provider how often they should be having Pap tests). 

Many women and their partners have questions about the Pap test, or about the newer HPV test which can tell a woman whether she has HPV and, if so, which strains (e.g., those that are most linked to genital warts or those that are more often linked to, but do not necessarily cause, cervical cancer). To learn more about HPV, the HPV test and Pap tests, check out the CDC's special web site on these topics.

While custom fit condoms are indeed a good idea to anyone, I'm not completely sold on these spray-ons. First of all, 20 seconds sure seems like a long time to wait when you're in the heat of the moment.

Also, some men might lose their erections if they have to stop and 'spray on,' though it might not be any more involved than opening a pack and sliding one on?

The spray-on condoms seem like they might be a bit more complicated than they're said to be. If you want a custom fit condom, there's always Condomania!! 

A plastic surgeon in Los Angeles has developed a type of surgery that he claims enhances a woman's G-spot. Known as the G-Shot, it is a collagen injection designed to swell up the G-spot, which is supposed to create more pleasure during sexual activity. An injection of the G-Shot can last up to four months, so patients must keep coming back if they want to keep getting the results they've had. At $1,850 a pop, that can add up.

According to Dr. David Matlock, creator of the G-Shot, women are flocking to him to have a "G-Shot Party". It's the same concept as a Botox Party, where women (and men) get together and receive Botox injections in their homes, except the G-Shot is in a doctors office - and its definitely more invasive.

Some sex experts out in the field are raising serious questions about this procedure. Kinsey's own Dr. Debby Herbenick raises valid points about the need for a double blind study, and to what extent a placebo effect may be an issue.

Seems to me that this is another "quick fix" to sexuality. I'm not exactly sold on the idea.

Read more about this controversial issue, including comments from Kinsey Institute's Jennifer Bass, at ABCNEWS and SFGate

This comes as a step backwards for Russia. Homosexuality in Russia had been illegal up until 1993, and the gay pride rally last month was held on the same date homosexuality was finally legalized. We had the chance to contact a resident of Moscow, Katya Kolesova, who noted, "Homosexuality is constructed like an exaggerated secret and coming out is really exaggerated scandal…homosexuality is also viewed as really evil and harmful, so there is no information (sometimes there is even lack of negative information) in popular sources of information not to spread it." 

Breitbart.com has an informative article about these protests.

QUESTION:Does having sex while you’re on your period make you bleed more?

ANSWER:No, although it may seem like it. Here’s why: Menstruation occurs when a woman’s body breaks down and releases parts of the endometrial lining – which is the lining of a woman’s uterus - that has built up during the previous weeks. This includes both blood and tissue. Since that is what is being released, sexual activity won’t “create” any new tissue to be released and it therefore won’t make a woman bleed more during those few days of her period. That said, various factors related to sexual activity that a woman experiences by herself or with a partner may cause more blood or tissue to be released all at once, or may give her the perception that her period is heavier than usual (even if it really isn’t).

For example, sexual activity that is arousing or orgasmic and therefore involves contractions of a woman’s uterus may cause more menstrual blood or tissue release at once. Sexual activity that includes penile thrusting close to the cervix (which is the opening to the uterus) might cause more menstrual blood or tissue to release at that time as well. Some women can feel this pressure on their cervix and may find it pleasurable, whereas others feel that it is painful.

In addition, the fluids that are involved in sex can be tinged with blood as it flows out of a woman’s body. These fluids include vaginal lubrication, store-bought lubricant, the lubricant from a condom, semen if no condom was used, and such. That might make it look as though a woman is having a heavier period, even though she isn’t really bleeding any more than usual.

On the plus side, women sometimes find that sexual activity, either during self-masturbation or with a partner, can help to relieve menstrual cramping. The bottom line is that the total amount of blood/tissue over several days isn’t changing, but some women might find the timing or appearance of one’s bleeding makes it seem as though that’s the case.

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