9 Most ridiculous sex myths of all time

1. Size matters: Is it a universal law that what's bigger has to be better? Do you feel the intensity of your pleasure depends on the size of his organ? Wrong. Only about 4 centimetres (external one third) of the vaginal canal contains sensory nerves for arousal and orgasms. So why waste time trying to stimulate the internal two thirds of the vaginal canal when there's not going to be any response? Focus your attention to more important matters, women!

2. Love foods or aphrodisiacs will get you "tingly": Pigging out on oysters and strawberries to spice up your sex life? Sorry to break your bubble women, it's nothing but a placebo effect. As in, if people believe oysters and chocolate are supposed to be sexually stimulating foods, they very well might become aroused after consuming them. Aphrodisiacs have no provable affect on the libido.

3. Men think more about sex than women: Don't blame the sex game on the men. Women think about sex as much as a man does. If you're an 18 year old with raging hormones then there are chances you might be sleeping, eating and dreaming sex. After a certain age, men and women's sexual urges mellows a bit. And it's a complete no-no to weigh out sexual prowess. To each man his own. This also doesn't mean that only men make the first move for sex. Women do too! And nothing can be more turning on for the man than a woman in control.

4. The withdrawal method won't get you knocked up: All it takes is a tiny sperm to get you pregnant. And that can happen through pre-ejaculation also. Most pregnancies happen because of the withdrawal method. This isn't a fool proof plan so heads up!

5. Women don't like porn: Not all women want rose petals on their bed. And not all women want to be whisked away into a gentle world of "love-making". Women enjoy pornography too. And if anyone thought only men can conjure up fantasies, then you are definitely misguided.

6. You won't get pregnant if you have sex while menstruating: Wrong! This is a long standing myth that most people believe in. It is unlikely that a woman will get pregnant while menstruating but not impossible. Sperms can stay alive inside you for several days, especially if you have a shorter cycle.

7. An orgasm for women is supposed to be earth shattering and if not so, you're not normal: Myth, myth and 100% myth. Some women have orgasms and don't know about it. Pelvic muscles don't contract as much for some women however after a point of arousal they do feel relaxed and content. So if he failed to "rock" your world, then don't panic. You're still very normal.

8. Every woman has a G-spot: The alluring mystery of the G-spot. Yes, it's true every woman has a G-spot, but not every woman's G spot is an erogenous zone. So if you've been on a quest to find out the sweet spot, then you're wasting your time. Focus on the other erogenous zones. She'd be so much happier!

9. If she doesn't make pleasure noises, then she's not enjoying the sex: Some women are vocal, some are not. This doesn't mean she's not enjoying it. Don't expect her to scream out all the time. We know it's an ego boost for you, boys. But it just doesn't work that way. Sometimes, silence is golden.

5 Exercises Men Can Do for Better Sex

Better Sex Exercise No. 1: Weight Lifting

Strength training could be just what the doctor ordered for your sex life. The reason: “Weight lifting causes the body to produce testosterone, which is the primary precursor for the male sex drive,” says McCall, who recommends lifting enough to feel fatigue by the 10th repetition. In fact, some studies have linked short intense exercise, such as weight lifting, with increased testosterone levels. To improve your sex life, do some push-ups, sit-ups, and crunches. These muscle-building exercises can help lead to better sex by strengthening the shoulders, chest, and abs. Strong upper body strength can increase stamina since these muscles are used during intercourse.

Better Sex Exercise No. 2: Kegels

Doing Kegels is considered a good sex exercise for men because these exercises can help endurance and control by toning the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles — the ones that let you stop the flow of urine mid-stream. Named after Los Angeles physician Arnold Kegel, they strengthen the muscles in your body’s pelvic floor, which can lead to better sex. “Men can use Kegels to delay ejaculation by contracting these muscles just before orgasm,” says McCall. To do Kegels, start by interrupting the flow of urine when going to the bathroom to get familiar with your PC muscles. After that, you can do Kegels anytime and any place by squeezing the PC muscles. Hold for 10 seconds, relax, and do as many reps as you can before tiring.

Better Sex Exercise No. 3: Yoga

Want to shake up your sex life with some new positions? Practicing yoga will give you better sex by allowing your body to get into creative positions for maximum pleasure during intercourse. “Yoga will help your flexibility,” which can result in better sex, McCall says. Some experts say it can also improve your stamina in the sack by drawing your energy in and up. McCall recommends yoga poses that improve pelvic muscles, such as the Bow Pose, Peacock Pose (also called the Forearm or Elbow Balance), and Shoulder Stand.

Better Sex Exercise No. 4: Fast Walking

In a study of 31,000 men over age 50, Harvard researchers found that aerobic exercise resulted in a 30-percent lower risk of erectile dysfunction(ED). More specifically, according to another study, aerobic activity that burns at least 200 calories per day (equal to fast walking for two miles) can significantly lower the risk of ED. Brisk walking is thought to help ED by improving circulation and blood flow. “Fast walking, running, and other aerobic activities help your sex life for the same reason that they prevent heart attacks,” says McCall. “They keep your blood vessels clear.” The result can be stronger and longer erections. Vigorous activities, such as running and brisk walking, also release endorphins and relax you, which can boost sexual performance.

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Better Sex Exercise No. 5: Swimming

In another Harvard study of 160 male and female swimmers, swimmers in their 60s reported sex lives comparable to those in their 40s. Since sexual activity can be an act of endurance, long-distance swimming can keep you going and going like the Energizer bunny. “Swimming for at least 30 minutes three times a week will increase sexual endurance,” says McCall. Swimming is also a great activity for weight loss, which can also lead to better sex. A randomized, single-blind study of 110 obese men with ED found that losing just 10 percent of their body weight improved sexual function in one third of the men. And it’s no secret that losing excess body fat will help attain those six-pack abs and make you more attractive to potential partners. The result: better sex!

Try doing some (or all) of the above workouts to improve your sexual technique, endurance, and flexibility. Your mate will be impressed with your sexual powers and, as a side benefit, you’ll get healthier and fitter along the way.

Having Fun Sex at Every Age

Having satisfying, fun, and healthy sex should be part of your life at every age, even as you get older. But sometimes age-related physical changes or sex that has become routine can lead to dissatisfaction in the bedroom.

If your sex life has deteriorated, or if you feel that you and your partner are in a sexual rut, there are things you can do to spice up your relationship and help you enjoy sex again.

Healthy Sex and Aging: Why the Spark Sometimes Fades

In a 2010 survey conducted by the AARP, researchers found that almost half of men and women 45 years of age and older report being less satisfied in their sex life than they were a decade earlier.

There are many reasons researchers believe sexual desire and function tends to decline over the years, including:

• Menopause. As a woman's hormonal levels fluctuate around the time of menopause, the vagina becomes shorter and narrows, the vaginal walls stiffen, and there is often a reduced amount of vaginal lubrication. These changes can make sex uncomfortable or even painful for both the woman and her partner.
• Erectile dysfunction. The inability to produce or maintain anerection becomes more common with advancing age.
• Pain and discomfort. Certain age-related health problems, including arthritis and chronic pain, can make having sex uncomfortable and interfere with your ability to have a fun sex life.
• Other health conditions. Your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and dementia increase with age, and men and women with these conditions often have difficulty maintaining a healthy sex life.
• Medications. Certain medications, including blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and antihistamines, have been associated with erectile dysfunction in men or lack of sexual desire in women.
• Emotional issues. As you age and your body changes, you may become insecure about your appearance, which can get in the way of your enjoying a fun sex life. You may also have to face difficult issues, such as illness, which can put sex on the back burner of your relationship.

Putting the Fun Back Into Your Sex Life

If you are looking for ways to maintain a healthy sex life or put the spark back into your intimate relationship, consider the following sex tips:

• Get creative. Trying different approaches when it comes to sex is one of the best ways to spice up your sex life. In the AARP sex survey, only 29 percent of respondents described their partner as being imaginative when it came to sex. So if there is a sex toy you have always been curious about or a new position that you want to try, consider introducing it into your next sexual encounter.
• Be more adventurous. Any change from your regular sexual routine can put the excitement back into your sex life. If you always have sex in the evening, try having sex in the morning. If sex usually happens in the bedroom, try a new location.
• Fantasize with your partner. It can be difficult to talk with your partner about sexual issues. But instead of focusing on your dissatisfaction in the bedroom, try opening up about your sexual fantasies and ask your partner to share sex fantasies with you. Talking about your innermost desires can be a great form of foreplay.
• Take the lead. If your partner is always the one to initiate sex, try initiating it yourself. Changing up who takes the lead in the bedroom can be a great way to get excited about sex again.
• Rediscover foreplay. People in longstanding relationships tend to skimp on foreplay, but if you are having problems getting aroused, spending more time caressing can help you get fully in the mood for sex and enjoy it more.

If you are having problems with arousal or sexual function that are interfering with your ability to enjoy sex, talk with your doctor. Often, simple treatments are available to help you have an active and healthy sex life again.

The Male Orgasm

Men achieve orgasm through a series of steps involving a number of organs, hormones, blood vessels, and nerves working together. The end result is ejaculation of sperm through strong muscle contractions.

The fuel for the process leading to orgasm is testosterone , a hormone produced in steady supply by the testicles. The testicles also make millions of sperm each day, which mature and then are mixed with whitish, protein-rich fluids. These fluids nourish and support the sperm so they can live after ejaculation for a limited time. This mixture of fluid and sperm, known as semen, is what is moved through the urethra and out the penis during orgasm.

The testosterone flowing through a man's body, along with psychological factors, determines the strength of his desire for sex. This sexual desire, or libido, is key in kicking off the process that will lead to orgasm. If a man has no sex drive — for example, if he has low testosterone or is suffering from depression — his body will not respond to sexual stimuli and he will not be able to achieve orgasm.

The Male Orgasm: Steps to Ejaculation

The steps that lead a man to successful orgasm include:

1. Arousal. The man perceives something or someone that prompts sexual interest. That perception prompts the brain to send a signal down the spinal cord to the sex organs, causing an erection. The penis becomes erect when blood fills spongy tissue inside its shaft, brought by arteries that have expanded to allow blood to race in at up to 50 times its normal speed. The veins in the penis that normally drain blood out squeeze shut so that more blood remains inside, producing a firm erection. The scrotum pulls towards the body, and muscles throughout the body increase in tension.
2. Plateau. The male body prepares for orgasm in this phase, which can last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Muscle tension increases even more and involuntary body movements, particularly in the pelvis, begin to take over. The man's heart rate increases to between 150 and 175 beats per minute. A clear fluid may begin to flow from the urethra. This pre-ejaculatory fluid is meant to change the pH balance of the urethra, to improve the chances of sperm survival.
3. Orgasm. The orgasm itself occurs in two phases, emission and ejaculation. In emission, the man reaches ejaculatory inevitability, the "point of no return." Semen is deposited near the top of the urethra, ready for ejaculation. Ejaculation occurs in a series of rapid-fire contractions of the penile muscles and around the base of the anus. Involuntary pelvic thrusting may also occur. The nerves causing the muscle contractions send messages of pleasure to the man's brain.
4. Resolution and refraction. After ejaculation, the penis begins to lose its erection. About half of the erection is lost immediately, and the rest fades soon after. Muscle tension fades, and the man may feel relaxed or drowsy. Men usually must undergo a refractory period, or recovery phase, during which they cannot achieve another erection. This usually lasts for about a half hour.

Men differ from women in that men usually are satiated after one orgasm. Women can experience more than one orgasm with no loss of sexual arousal, and do not have to undergo a refractory period.

Male Orgasm: When There's a Problem

Some men can have problems achieving orgasm. These most often stem from psychological factors, for example, they are still affected by a traumatic event or a religious upbringing, or they have fallen into masturbation patterns that have conditioned the body to take longer to reach orgasm. However, the problem also can be caused by taking certain medications or by having a neurological disease.

A short-term way to address problems with orgasm involves stimulation of the penis with a vibrator or some other type of sex toy. However, to really make meaningful changes, a man often will probably need to go through some sort of sex therapy. Therapy usually involves "homework" in which a couple engages in sexual activities that reduce performance pressure and focus on pleasure.

If you are consistently experiencing problems achieving orgasm and ejaculation, contact your doctor. A thorough medical exam and history may reveal the reason why.

g-spot secrets

For years, medical researchers have debated the existence of the g-spot. Some naysayers have even ignored women who were certain the G-spot was real because they themselves had experienced G-spot orgasms. However, medical research has finally confirmed what these women have known all along: The G-spot is real…and it’s wonderful.

The research was performed by Adam Ostrzenski, MD, PhD, who just published the results in an article in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Dr. Ostrzenski, of the Institute of Gynecology in St. Petersburg, Florida, did his research in Poland, where he was able to locate and measure the G-spot on a female cadaver. Ostrzenski stated that he “confirmed the anatomic existence of the G-spot, which may lead to a better understanding and improvement of female sexual function.”

For the millions of women who have enjoyed g-spot stimulation and G-spot orgasms, the results of the research are hardly a surprise. However, just because it exists doesn’t mean that it is always easy to find: In fact, many women and men don’t know how to locate the G-spot.

The G-spot is located in the lower distal, one-third of the way into the vagina. If a woman is lying down on her back, then it is on the belly-button side, meaning that if you insert your finger into your vagina and make a “come hither” motion, you will be able to feel it. It’s a small, rubber-like spongy area, and some women compare its consistency to the tip of their nose. Most women find that stimulating this area can cause them to feel as if they have to urinate, but in a few moments, that feeling passes and is replaced by feelings of pleasure.

A g-spot orgasm is different from a clitoral orgasm, which occurs outside the vagina (the canal itself) but inside the vulva and above the opening of the urethra. (The vulva is the correct name for the entire female genitalia, interior and exterior, including the vagina.) However, it is possible to have a G-spot orgasm and a clitoral orgasm at the same time, and this is known as a blended orgasm. There are sex aids that are built to stimulate the G-spot and the clitoris at the same time, and these can help you to achieve the blended orgasm, or you could try positions such as man-from-behind that stimulate the G-spot, while manually stimulating the clitoris as well.

Although G-spot orgasms and blended orgasms are enjoyable and wonderful, it may not be a good idea to prefer one type of orgasm over another. Women already have a hard time when it comes to judging their bodies and their sexuality, so studies such as these can make women who haven’t enjoyed G-spot exploration feel as though they are missing something or as though they aren’t sexual enough. Of course, this isn’t the case, and everyone has different preferences in the bedroom. I always say that an orgasm is an orgasm, meaning that whether it comes from the clitoris or the G-spot or manually or through intercourse, it’s always enjoyable. No matter how the movies make it seem, accomplishing orgasm is different for everyone and it often isn’t as easy as simply having sex for a few minutes. Great orgasms take exploration and effort, but it’s effort that is enjoyable and rewarding.

While the existence of the G-spot might not be “news” to millions of women who have already enjoyed G-spot orgasms, the truth is that research on female anatomy and sexuality is far behind that of men, and therefore anyone actively researching this area is worthy of praise in my book.

How to Take Birth Control Pills

Alternative Names

Contraception; Family planning and contraception

Information

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a birth control method:

• Effectiveness -- How well does the method prevent pregnancy? Look at the number of pregnancies in 100 women using that method over a period of 1 year. If an unplanned pregnancy would be viewed as potentially devastating to the individual or couple, a highly effective method should be chosen. In contrast, if a couple is simply trying to postpone pregnancy, but feels that a pregnancy could be welcomed if it occurred earlier than planned, a less effective method may be a reasonable choice.
• Cost -- is the method affordable?
• Health risk -- What are the potential health risks? For example, birth control pills are usually not recommended for women over age 35 who also smoke.
• Partner involvement -- The willingness of a partner to accept and support a given method may affect your choice of birth control. However, you also may want to reconsider a sexual relationship with a partner unwilling to take an active and supportive role.
• Permanence -- Do you want a temporary (and generally less effective) method, or a long-term or even permanent (and more effective) method?
• Preventing HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) -- Many methods offer no protection against STIs. In general, condoms are the best choice for preventing STIs, especially when combined with spermicides.
• Availability -- Can the method be used without a prescription, provider visit, or, in the case of minors, parental consent?

BARRIER METHODS

Condoms

• A condom is a thin latex or polyurethane sheath. The male condom is placed around the erect penis. The female condom is placed inside the vagina before intercourse.
• A condom must be worn at all times during intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
• Condoms are available in most drug and grocery stores. Some family planning clinics offer free condoms. You do not need a prescription to get condoms.

Diaphragm and cervical cap

• A diaphragm is a flexible rubber cup that is filled with spermicidal cream or jelly.
• It is placed into the vagina over the cervix before intercourse, to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
• It should be left in place for 6 to 8 hours after intercourse.
• Diaphragms must be prescribed by a woman's health care provider, who determines the correct type and size of diaphragm for the woman.
• About 5-20 pregnancies occur over 1 year in 100 women using this method, depending on proper use.
• A similar, smaller device is called a cervical cap.
• Risks include irritation and allergic reactions to the diaphragm or spermicide, and increased frequency of urinary tract infection. In rare cases, toxic shock syndrome may develop in women who leave the diaphragm in too long. A cervical cap may cause an abnormal Pap test.

Vaginal sponge

• Vaginal contraceptive sponges are soft synthetic sponges saturated with a spermicide. Prior to intercourse, the sponge is moistened, inserted into the vagina, and placed over the cervix

HORMONAL METHODS

Birth control methods that use hormones will have either both an estrogen and a progestin, or a progestin alone.

• Both hormones prevent a woman's ovary from releasing an egg during her menstrual cycle (called ovulation). They do this by affecting the levels of other hormones the body makes.
• Progestins help prevent sperm from entering the uterus by making mucus around a woman's cervix thick and sticky.

Types of hormonal birth control methods include:

• Combination birth control pills, which combine the hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation.
• Progestin only birth control pills, also called the "mini-pill."
• Implants -- small rods implanted surgically beneath the skin, which release a continuous dose of progestin to prevent ovulation.
• Progestin injections, such as Depo-Provera, are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks once every 3 months. This injection prevents ovulation.
• The skin patch (Ortho Evra) is placed on your shoulder, buttocks, or other convenient location. It continually releases progestin and estrogen. Like other hormone methods, a prescription is required.
• The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible ring about 2 inches wide that is placed into the vagina. It releases the hormones progestin and estrogen.
• Emergency (or "morning after") contraception. 

IUD

• The IUD is a small plastic or copper device placed inside the woman's uterus by her health care provider. Some IUDs release small amounts of progestin. IUDs may be left in place for 5 - 10 years, depending on the device used.
• IUDs can be placed at almost any time.
• IUDs are safe and work well. Fewer than 1 out of 100 women per year will get pregnant using an IUD.
• Risks and complications include cramps, bleeding (sometimes severe), and perforation of the uterus.
• The progestin IUD often causes irregular spotting for the first several months. In about 50% of women, the periods may stop completely by the end of the first year. This effect goes away when the device is removed.

PERMANENT METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION

These methods are best for men, women, and couples who believe they never wish to have children in the future. While viewed as a permanent method, these operations can sometimes be reversed if a man or woman later chooses to become pregnant.

UNRELIABLE METHODS

• Coitus interruptus is the withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Some semen frequently escapes before full withdrawal and before ejaculation, which is enough to cause a pregnancy.
• Douching shortly after sex is ineffective because sperm can make their way past the cervix within 90 seconds after ejaculation.
• Breastfeeding. Despite the myths, women who are breastfeeding can become pregnant.

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:

• You would like further information about birth control options
• You want to start using a specific method of birth control that requires a prescription or needs to be inserted by a health care provider
• You have had unprotected intercourse or method failure (for example, a broken condom) within the past 72 hours, and you do not want to become pregnant