19th July 2007

Average size of erections

We’ve talked about the length of the penis in its ordinary non-erect state, but how long should it be when it’s erect?

Interestingly, most penises are very much the same size when erect.

  • The man whose non-erect penis is smallish will usually achieve about a 100 per cent increase in length during sexual excitement.
  • The man whose non-erect penis is on the largish size will probably manage about a 75 per cent increase.
  • This means the great majority of penises measure between 15cm and 18cm (6-7 inches) when erect, with the average figure being about 16.5cm (6.5 inches).

So you can see that even if a man has got a ’small’ penis, he’s got a built-in compensating factor that will bring him up to about the same size as the guy who appears to be ‘better equipped’ in the shower room.

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29th May 2007

Which lubricant do I use?

Lubricants reduce friction, help to increase sensitivity, and provide a simple solution to female dryness. There’s so many to pick from out there and it’s a hard decision. Well the answer somewhat depends on what you are using it on.

You will want to use a water-based and glycerin free lubricant when having vaginal sex. The water-based is for easy clean up, stainless, odorless and good to use with condoms. Water based lubricants are also good with all sex toys and need a few drops of water or saliva to reactivate them since natural evaporation occurs. The glycerin free (a form of sugar that can cause yeast infections) is so that your female partner won’t get an infection. You see, glycerin can cause yeast infections so if it gets into your female partner’s vagina then she could get a yeast infection.

Water based gel lubes are Thicker for no-mess, no-drip version of liquid lubes. They can be reactivated, just like water based lubes, with a few drops of water or saliva. The thick viscosity of gel lubricants provide consistent coverage. Gel lubes are good for all sexual activities and particularly recommended for anal and toy use.

Silicone based lubricants stay wet and slippery the longest, never drying out even when immersed in water. This makes silicone lubes perfect for pool, tub and water play. Remember though, that silicone lubes can damage silicone toys and the synthetic “real feeling” toys. They are also particularly recommended for anal and non-silicone toy use. Silicone lubricant is not good for use with a Silicone toy because the 2 heat up and the toy melts. Silicon based lubricant is extremely slippery so clean up spills immediately in the tub or shower to avoid slipping. Also they may stain clothes and sheets.

Petroleum based lubricants are not good to use on latex toys or during intercourse because it will damage latex condoms rendering them ineffective and cause holes and tears in condoms and diaphragms.

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3rd September 2006

Sex During Pregnancy

Content by BetterSex.com - the #1 Authority on Sex.

Tip # 1: Sex & Menstruation »

Tip # 2: Fertility
»

Tip # 3: Sex During Pregnancy »

Tip # 4: Conception Without Penetration? »

Tip # 5: Sex Positions During Pregnancy »

Tip # 1: Sex & Menstruation

Depending on the lengths of the woman’s menstrual cycles and her periods, it is possible for a woman to get pregnant while having her period. It is rare, however. Ovulation occurs fourteen days before the next period begins. For woman with a 28-day cycle, ovulation would be around day 14. For some women it’s shorter (i.e., 24-day cycle means ovulation occurs on day 10). The egg only lives a day or two after ovulation, but sperm can still wait five days (or longer) for the egg to arrive. Therefore, if ovulation is on day 10, sex that occurred on day 5 might still lead to pregnancy. Some women will still be menstruating on day 5, or even day 7.

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Tip # 2: Fertility

There are several reasons why couples have trouble conceiving. Here are a few tips to improve your chances. The best time to have intercourse is on the day or evening before ovulation, so that sperm will already be waiting in the fallopian tube when the egg arrives. The woman should lie still for about ten minutes after intercourse to give the sperm that have entered the vagina enough time to proceed through the cervix. (If some seeps out after intercourse is not a problem; it only takes one sperm to penetrate an egg.) Also, try to have intercourse at least three times during the week the woman expects to ovulate. This raises the odds that sperm will be present in the fallopian tubes when ovulation occurs.

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Tip # 3: Sex During Pregnancy

Generally speaking, it is perfectly safe to engage in sex and sexual activity throughout a normal pregnancy. ���Normal��� is defined as a pregnancy that is not at risk for complications like miscarriage and/or pre-term labor. However, there are things you should not do at any point during your pregnancy. If you and your partner have oral sex, your partner should not blow air into your vagina. This can cause an air embolism, which is a blockage of a blood vessel by an air bubble. The result can be fatal to both the mother and child. Also, be sure to know the sexual history of the partner you are with. Now especially it is important to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes, genital warts, Chlamydia or HIV. These diseases may not only infect you, but may also be transmitted to your baby.

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Tip # 4: Conception Without Penetration

Many couples use the rhythm method as a form of contraception. Basically, this involves the man pulling his penis out of the woman���s vagina just before he climaxes. Sometimes men and women refrain from intercourse and choose mutual masturbation as a sexual option while a woman is ovulating. It���s important to note two things: First, penetration is not required for a woman to become pregnant. Second, sperm can remain active for several days in the body. Therefore, if semen is transferred from outside the body to inside (by fingers or other means) while a woman is ovulating, it is certainly possible that she could become impregnated.

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Tip # 5: Sex Positions During Pregnancy

As your pregnancy progresses, you may find your favorite sex positions no longer feel comfortable to you. The Missionary position, for example, can become troublesome in later months. If pressure on your belly makes sex uncomfortable during pregnancy, try a few variations. The Spooning position is ideal because the woman is able to lie on her side as she receives her partner from behind. Some women prefer versions of the female superior position, either straddling her partner as he lies down or having him sit up and support her with his legs and arms. Congress of the Cow or Doggie Style positions may also appeal, but extra care should be given that the woman does not strain her back.

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1st September 2006

Forever Young

Content by BetterSex.com - the #1 Authority on Sex. Tip # 1: Lubrication »

Tip # 2: Stress-Free Sex Positions »

Tip # 3: Communication »

Tip # 4: Setting the Mood »

Tip # 5: Increase Stimulation »

Tip # 6: Finding A Partner »

Tip # 7: Advanced Thinking »

Tip # 8: Getting Help »

Tip # 9: Timing is Everything »

Tip # 10: Beyond Intercourse »

Tip # 1: Lubrication

As they age, women often find a decreased level of natural vaginal lubrication during arousal. This is particularly true for women who are post-menopausal. After menopause, their vaginas are also often less flexible than they were during younger years. For women of any age, having insufficient lubrication during intercourse causes intense discomfort and even severe pain. For older adults, it is often necessary to introduce a water-based personal lubricant to lovemaking. In this way, vaginal dryness is alleviated, and intercourse is much more pleasurable. Men can use the lubricant as well, for additional stimulation and ease of penetration.

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Tip # 2: Stress-Free Sex Positions

There may be occasions when sexual positions that were once favored when you were younger are not as comfortable for you now. In this case, it’s good to have a few new positions to rely on so sexual connectivity with your partner is not interrupted. The best positions for intercourse that does not put undue stress on your muscles or joints are the ones where both partners are lying on their sides. If both partners face each other on their sides, the intimacy is still maintained, and you can look each other in the eyes. Another suggestion is to ¬ìspoon.¬î Here, the man enters from behind, while both partners are lying on their sides.

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Tip # 3: Communication

No matter what your age, open communication is key to a healthy sexual relationship. Perhaps this is even truer for older adults. By discussing sexual issues with your partner as they arise fewer misunderstandings will occur. For example, one partner may feel pain during sex due to arthritis or some other physical ailment. His or her interest seems to be waning, and the other partner may feel rejected. Without effective communication, this small misunderstanding can weaken or even destroy a relationship. Communicating with your partner about what you want and what you do not want in a clear and positive way is arguably the most important part of a healthy sexual relationship.

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Tip # 4: Setting The Mood

No one can dispute the importance of taking time to seduce your lover, regardless of what phase of adulthood you are in. Older adults, however, typically benefit more from the added effort placed in setting a relaxed and sexy mood prior to lovemaking. There are many ways to accomplish this. Taking baths together, having a romantic meal at home (try this in the nude for added spice), even sharing stories of how you met and became attracted to each other. All these can aid in guiding you effortlessly into sexual activity. Once these efforts have been made, the sex itself should be a more gratifying and well-rounded experience for you both.

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Tip # 5: Increase Stimulation

As we know, older men take longer to achieve an erection as they age. Once they have gained one, it often is not as strong as it once was. This is caused by less rapid blood flow. Older women experience a similar effect: decreased sensitivity in the clitoral area. This, too, is caused by less blood flow to that region. Decreased sensitivity equals less pleasure. In both cases, more stimulation of the genital area may be required. If manual or oral stimulation is not sufficient, other methods can be used. Try incorporating a vibrator into your lovemaking sessions. There are many versions on the market, and not all are penis-shaped. Some are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and work quite nicely to stimulate specific smaller erogenous zones like the clitoris, the perineum, and the entrance to the anus.

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Tip # 6: Finding A Partner

If you find that you are single in your older years, you may think that your sex life is over. Think again. More and more of us are living longer and better. That means there are more people your age living vital lives than ever before. Just as it is when we first started out in the world of sexuality, attitude is everything. Being the best person you can be, getting out there and active, will increase you chances of meeting a new partner. Whatever your interests are, start attending cultural outings or lectures where you’re likely to find older adults. You may even wish to start your own group. Getting older doesn’t mean having to give up a healthy sex life; you just have to keep your heart and mind open to all opportunities.

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Tip # 7: Advanced Thinking

Unfortunately, American society holds many negative stereotypes about aging and the efficacy of older adults. Unconsciously, these messages may cause older individuals to wonder whether they are being frivolous for wanting to continue having sex or holding onto a sex drive in the first place. Perhaps they think they should have somehow outgrown it. This is nonsense. Physiologically speaking, there is no indication that sex drive has to decrease as we age. In fact, older adults have years of knowledge and experience. In fact, it would make more sense if younger adults were to seek advice from their elders. Try to keep positive attitudes and ideas like these in mind. There is no expiration date for desire, so enjoy it!

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Tip # 8: Getting Help

There are occasions when older adults will need special assistance in their sex lives. Sometimes the assistance is the use of a simple tool, like a vibrator, to help a partner achieve arousal in situations where their partner may have arthritis pain and is unable to stimulate his/her partner manually. On other occasions, the assistance needed is psychological. When older men, for example, experience impotence, it is often not due to aging, but rather medications illness, or psychological problems such as depression. While it is normal for any man to have problems getting an erection during sexual activity every once in a while, older men are more prone to it and over time this may cause anxiety. In turn, this anxiety can increase and negatively affect his entire sex drive. Seeking professional psychological assistance could help overcome this sexual problem or others like it.

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Tip # 9: Timing is Everything

For older adults, more time may be needed to achieve full sexual arousal. Older men generally take longer to achieve an erection and the penis may be less rigid. On the other hand, they are less likely to ejaculate prematurely. Older women, too, typically require more time to allow for sufficient lubrication. Even if an artificial lubricant is being used, she still deserves the time to get aroused mentally. This can be a blessing! Taking more time to tend to you and your partner’s sexual needs is a great way to prolong intimacy, and even each new heights of pleasure you didn’t in earlier years. Try making love in the morning, after a good night’s sleep. Not only is it a nice way to start the day, older men are more likely to have a firm erection in the morning.

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Tip # 10: Beyond Intercourse

For some older couples sexual intercourse with penetration may not be possible. This can be due to physical restrictions or disease, among other causes. This does not mean, however, that you and your partner must give up a healthy sexual lifestyle. In fact, a lesson every adult should learn is that sex does not have to be all about intercourse. Sexual intimacy with your partner can be expressed in a number of ways. You may wish to explore mutual masturbation, sensual massage, oral sex, or shared fantasies. Keeping your sex life healthy just requires a little imagination and desire to please your partner.

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posted in Sex Advice | 0 Comments

3rd August 2006

Attitudes About Sex

Content by BetterSex.com - the #1 Authority on Sex. Tip # 1: Sex As Communication »

Tip # 2: Expectations and Pressures »

Tip # 3: How Important is Orgasm? »

Tip # 4: Self-Loving »

Tip # 5: Sexual Health »

Tip # 1: Sex As Communication

One of the best ways a couple can learn each other more intimately is by making love. Sex is a very special form of communication in that most of the talking is done with our bodies instead of with spoken language. Certainly we communicate verbally when we discuss what we like in bed, what our sexual fantasies are, what we find comfortable and/or uncomfortable, and some of this discussion can occur during the lovemaking process. However, there is a silent communication between lovers that occurs during sex. It’s a sort of instinctive knowing that flows back and forth between partners. This is why sex is such an important and intimate act. It can bring human beings closer together than they ever imagined.

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Tip # 2: Expectations and Pressures

Sometimes partners feel so much expectation to be a “good” lover that frustration can occur before sex even begins. Talk with your partner in a neutral atmosphere. Allow him/her to express how s/he feels openly. Do your best not to judge, even if what you hear is surprising to you. Keep in mind that as long as respect is mutual, there is nothing wrong or bad about any fantasy or desire your partner may have. This does not mean you are obligated to act on every wish your partner may put forward, but by listening with an open, mind trust is established between you. In the bedroom, this trust translates to better sex, no matter what happens between the sheets.

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Tip # 3: How Important is Orgasm?

Many couples approach sex with the idea that orgasm is the “goal.” The release is seen to be the big finish after a lot of effort and energy expended in the act of lovemaking. Needless to say, this produces an immense amount of unconscious pressure on both partners. This pressure can result in a less-than-satisfying sexual experience, especially if one or the other partner does not reach orgasm. The next time you and your partner make love, approach the encounter without this goal of orgasm. Spend time enjoying each other’s bodies. When it feels natural, or if one or the other of you seems to have gotten lost or distant (which sometimes happens), stop in between periods of foreplay and/or intercourse and take a break. You can talk or be silent for a while, hold each other, do anything that does not involve direct genital stimulation. Taking breaks during sex doesn’t mean you’re giving up or not doing it “right.” Even runners walk at certain points in a marathon. Removing the goal of orgasm also allows you both to experience the hundreds of other ways to experience pleasure. Orgasm, then, becomes a wonderful bonus when it does happen.

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Tip # 4: Self-Loving

Masturbation is another area of human sexuality that is often considered taboo. On the contrary, it is a natural act, and one that actually enhances your ability as a lover. After all, how can you make love to another human being if you don’t know how to make love to yourself? Men may find masturbation an optimum method for developing the skill to delay orgasm during sex with a partner. Women can use masturbation as a tool to discover what feels good to them and be better able to relay this to her partner. Overall, masturbation is an act of love that you share with yourself. Consider it a celebration of your own sexuality, the same sexuality you share with the partner you care for.

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Tip # 5: Sexual Health

Over the last couple of decades, much of the concern about sexual health has dealt with the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS. While it is a valid concern, there are other STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) that we need to protect ourselves from as well, such as Chlamydia, Venereal Disease, Herpes, and more. New couples should always use a condom when having sex, including oral sex. If you choose to become monogamous, talk with your partner about both of you getting tested for STDs including HIV. As odd as this may seem, the act of getting tested is one that can bring you closer together as a couple, as it build a level of trust between you.

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