Emma Watson on "Being Sexy"

Love, 

ALPHA

Birth Control Methods

The Shot

How It Works: This shot contains progestin, a hormone that stops your ovaries from releasing eggs (and keeps you from getting pregnant). Women who use this get the shot every three months.

How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent, if used correctly

An Implant

How It Works: This is a tiny rod that's inserted under your skin, which releases hormones that stops your ovaries from releasing eggs. 

How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent—and you don't have to remember to do anything but get it replaced every three years.

An IUD

How It Works: This hormone-free, T-shaped piece of plastic is inserted in your uterus, where it prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. It lasts for five to 12 years, depending on the brand. 

How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent

The Patch

How It Works: Users stick this beige piece of plastic on their skin once a week for three weeks. It gives off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. 

How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent, if used correctly

The Ring

How It Works: You insert this small ring into your vagina once a month and it stays there for three weeks at a time. It gives off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. 

How Effective It Is: 99 percent, if used correctly

The Pill

How It Works: Users take a pill which prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs at the same time every day. 

How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent, if used correctly

A Diaphragm

How It Works: This latex or silicone dome-shaped cup is inserted into your vagina, where it covers your cervix and keeps sperm out of your uterus. You also need to use it with spermicide 

How Effective It Is: 94 percent, if used correctly

Male Condoms

How It Works: One of the most popular forms of birth control out there, these slip over a man's penis and keep sperm from entering your vagina. 

How Effective It Is: 98 percent, if used correctly 

Bonus: It helps prevent STDs.

The Female Condom

How It Works: This is condom that you insert into your vagina. It looks and works like a male condom, but you wear it instead of him—and you need to insert it every time you have sex. 

How Effective It Is: 95 percent, if used correctly 

Bonus: It helps prevent STDs.

The Sponge

How It Works: Kind of like a wide, short tampon, this piece of plastic foam is inserted into your vagina before you have sex. It blocks sperm from reaching your cervix and releases spermicide. 

How Effective It Is: 81 to 91 percent, if used correctly

Spermicide

How It Works: These gels, creams, foams, and suppositories contain chemicals that prevent his boys from moving. You insert it deep into your vagina to keep sperm out of your uterus. Experts recommend you use it with other forms of birth control. 

How Effective It Is: 82 percent, if used correctly

Emergency Contraception

How It Works: This pill can stop a pregnancy before it starts by blocking hormones your body needs to get pregnant. Users can take it up to five days after they have unprotected sex. 

How Effective It Is: This is extremely effective, but experts don't recommend that you use this as a regular method of birth control (it can cause heavy bleeding, vomiting, and other unpleasant side effects).

Love,

ALPHA

Sexual Fetishes

Ursusagalmatophilia: People who dress up like animals and call themselves “furries” or “plushies”. Don’t mistake this for zoophilia which is the sexual attraction to animals. There is a large ‘furry scene’ and it’s surprisingly main stream these days. My question is how do you realize you’re into this? Why furry animal costumes?

Domination and submission: Relatively common. In most sexual situations there is one person who likes to be dominated and the other who likes to submit. There are varying statistics on whether more men like to dominate or be dominated. Some people like to play both roles while others can only play one. This is where sexual compatibility comes into play. If you like to be dominated you should date the guy who will buy the riding crop and teach you a lesson. A sexy lesson.

Odaxelagnia: Bite me. Biting and being bitten by your partner is a sexual fetish that has nothing to do with teenage vampires. (Yes there is a blood drinking fetish in case you were wondering.) I find it surprising that biting is regulated to fetishism since I consider it somewhat normal during sex but perhaps that speaks more about me than the fetish. Does that mean that rough sex is a fetish or a preference? Does hair pulling count as a fetish than?

Dacryphilia: A person who gets turned on by tears. So what you’re saying is that all the men who’ve broken my heart are dacryphiliacs? All kidding aside this particular fetish seems to be quite creepy. Who gets off by making someone cry? Steer me clear of these guys.

Lingerie & costumes: Your garden variety fetish. Who doesn’t like a little lingerie and role-playing? I have a love for lingerie, I own tons of it and I wear it nearly every day. So when I date a man who appreciates it all the better. And as for dressing up, that old costume from Halloween when you were the slutty beer wench? Dust it off, put it on and let the role-playing begin.

Erotic Lactation: When a person is sexually aroused from breast-feeding. “Because female breasts and nipples are generally regarded as an important part of sexual activity in most cultures, it is not uncommon that couples may proceed from oral stimulation of the nipples to actual breastfeeding. In lesbian partnerships, mutual breastfeeding has been regarded as a familiar expression of affection and tenderness.” I have no commentary on this except, uh, who knew?

Pogonophilia: The fixation on bearded men. Guilty as charged. I dig facial hair on men. However I think this is more a preference rather than a fetish. I don’t eliminate men that I date based on their facial hair. Also maybe it’s only a fetish if you can’t sleep with a man or get aroused unless he has a beard.

Golden showers: Yes, the act of peeing on or being peed on by your partner. Not to sound judgmental or anything but, gross. Also, what are the mechanics of this? Do you only do it in the shower? I mean how do you clean a mattress after that? By the way those are rhetorical questions.

Well....then...interesting right...?

Love, 

ALPHA

10 Reasons To Have Sex Tonight

The evidence is mounting – sex is good for you, body and soul. Not only does an active sex life provide measurable physical benefits, but it also supports emotional and relational health. Life is full of a million distractions, but there are clear reasons why you should make time to make love.

1. Burn Calories
Sexual intercourse can burn as many as 150 calories every half hour. That’s the equivalent of a brisk jog, and it’s triple what you would burn if you sat couch surfing. If you have sex a few times a week, over the course of a year it’s like running 75 miles.

2. Boost Immunity
An active sex life, whether partnered or solo, also boosts immunoglobulin levels 30 percent compared to those who are abstaining. That means you’ll be better equipped to fight off sickness and disease.

3. Improve Body Image
Most adults are dissatisfied with their bodies, but sex can be an affirming and empowering way to reclaim a positive body image. It doesn’t matter your age, shape, size or physical limitations – if you have a body, you can experience sexual pleasure.

4. Relieve Pain
Have a headache? All the more reason to have sex. In one study, 60 percent of women reported that sex lessened their pain – about the same effectiveness as taking popular medications. Sex and orgasms increase the level of endorphins in your bloodstream, which may alleviate PMS symptoms and arthritis as well.

5. Improve Heart Health
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Healthreported that men who have sex at least twice a week cut their risk of a fatal heart attack by 50 percent when compared to men who have sex less than once a month.

6. Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer
The American Medical Association has reported that men in their 20s who have five or more ejaculations per week cut their risk of prostate cancer by a third when compared to men with less frequent ejaculations.

7. Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles
The adage “Use it or lose it” comes into play here. Sexual activity exercises the pelvic floor muscles, and better muscle tone increases pleasure and decreases your odds of developing incontinence later in life. This is true for men and women

8. De-Stress
An active sex life also helps to lower blood pressure and decrease stress. According to a study published in Biological Psychology, people who enjoyed frequent intercourse managed stress better than those who were abstaining or were engaging in other forms of sexual behaviors.

9. Increase Intimacy
Sexual arousal and orgasm result in increased levels of oxytocin, the “cuddle chemical” or “love hormone” that is known to support feelings of bonding and trust. Some research has shown that it also leads to increased generosity.

10. Get Better Sleep
The release of oxytocin has a calming, soothing effect and has been shown to promote sleep. To get an even better rest, incorporate meditative practices and sensual massage into your sexual encounters.

Love,

ALPHA

15 Tips to Get in the Mood

1. Watch a “chick flick” together. Snuggle up to each other and kiss long and passionately.

2. Every man and woman want to hear good things about themselves. Even small things that you may think don’t matter can make us feel good. Tell your partner that you appreciate him/her. Even take it a step further and tell your partner what you love about his/her lovemaking techniques.

3. Dress up in black lace or a black silk robe (for men). Undress each other slowly. Dress up as a nurse, police officer, whatever turns your crank. Better yet, meet your partner at a bar and one can “pick up” the other.

4. Dirty Talk! Talking dirty before, during foreplay and sex will get your partner really going. Not your style? Just give it a try – he/she will love it.

5. You don’t need to learn how to pole dance but doing a few sexy strip-tease moves and teasing your partner a little will definitely get him/her excited. 

6. A great way to relieve tension and get in the mood is by massaging your partner. If we are stressed or worried about something, it’s harder to relax and get in the mood. Getting some massage oils and research a few massage techniques that will help her let go of all her worries and be more willing to focus on other things.

7. Build up the romance well before the sex. During the day, send your partner a dirty text message. Tell him/her something that will make them think about what will happen later on tonight.

8. Write a romantic letter for your partner – or even a sexy note – and leave it somewhere you know he’ll find it during the day.

9. Be spontaneous. Nothing beats a fun, spontaneous romp in the sack, hay or wherever you fancy.

10. Strawberries and chocolate – need I say more?

11. Watch an adult film together. It can have a plot line (or not) but there are different “styles” that suit your tastes.

12. Clean the house. Nothing gets a woman in the mood more than seeing her man help out around the house.

13. Share a warm relaxing bath with fabulous bubbles and candles.

14. Make a surprise visit to your partner at work and have a romantic picnic lunch together… Better yet, lock the door and have sex right on his/her desk!

15. Switch things up before the bedroom and in the bedroom. In fact, do something completely different on your date and when you get home, do it somewhere different. If you need a night away, book a hotel for a romantic escape.

Love, 

ALPHA

What His Favorite Sex Position Reveals About Him

A look at the choice of manoeuvres between the sheets is a great tell-tale sign about personality traits, preferences and quirks in your man. Sex therapist and counsellor Simran Chaddha decodes favorite positions and uses them to read into his kinky personality. Here is what his favorite position says about him.


The Missionary Man
Don’t dismiss him as jaded or boring. There is a lot to be said about stability, tenderness and someone who likes to colour within the lines. The body language is devoted towards you and it’s all about looking at you. He maintains eye contact while sharing one of the most intimate experiences one can have. It’s a sign of loyalty and dependability. It could also be a sign of borderline performance anxiety where he wants to constantly be reassured that he’s doing okay by reading your expressions and moves. There is no harm in shaking things up once in a while, so make sure you encourage him to do so.

Doggy Style
As much fun as this is for your man, it doesn’t exactly scream, ‘I love and respect you.’ A fixation towards this move stems from deep-rooted insecurity and confidence issues. The body language is distant, there is no eye contact and expresses a desire to control and feel ‘alpha male.’ He’s a stud more than a metrosexual. On the plus side, he’s open for adventure and will do anything that adds stars to his sexual escapades. Once in a while, it’s fun, but if you find yourself disliking it, then show him who's boss!

The Cowgirl
A lazy lover isn’t exactly a flattering term. If you're always on top, it’s a telling sign that your man has had it easy in life. He is arrogant and as the name suggests, Lazy. He wants things handed to him on a silver platter, including a girl who’ll do all the hard work. There is a deeper strain of lack of motivation and ambition that runs through here.

However, when used in combination with other more inclusive positions, this is a good indicator for playfulness and someone who doesn’t mind handing over the controls once in a while. It is a position that works wonders for the woman and a loving man may encourage it for her optimum pleasure. So if it’s one of his top fives, you have nothing to worry about, he likes showing you a good time. But if it’s his staple move, it’s time he gets off his back.

The Spooner
While it takes a confident man to spoon and caress a woman he loves, it is also an indicator for a possessive personality. In this dominant position, his entire body envelopes you and he is literally all over your body. He likes to claim territory and mark flags all over it. If, on the other hand, he likes to be spooned instead (you’ll be surprised at the number of men who like it after the act), it indicates a needy personality that wants to be taken care of.

There are signs of low self-esteem. Like in all relationships, one goes through phases of emotional highs and lows, which can manifest themselves in the sexual flavour of the month. So it’s important that one doesn’t take these as a rule of law and leaves room to accommodate for an evolutionary process all couples go through.

Love, 

ALPHA

5 Books That Will Make You Want To Have Sex

1. House of Holes: A Book of Raunch By Nicolson Baker

House of Holes s a series of loosely linked stories set in a sexual theme park where rides include “Masturboats” and characters can visit the “Porndecahedron,” a 12-screen planetarium showing nonstop adult films. And those are just the tame attractions at this twisted “happiest place on earth.” Warning: Guests with heart, neck or back problems should not ride!

2. Sugar in my Bowl: Real Women Write About Real Sex  by Erica Jong

This collection of honest essays and stories chronicles every female sexual experience from one-night stands to lovin’ as an octogenarian (that’s anybody aged 80-89).  “Too often people aren't comfortable talking about their sex lives but when they can read about the sex lives of others and see that they are experiencing similar things, it's a huge relief," says Joel D. Block, M.D. a psychologist and sex therapist. Whether you’re craving sex, missing sex, having sex or thinking about sex, Sugar in my Bowl will be eye candy on your nightstand, offer inspiration and provide other-chicks-understand camaraderie for your soul.

3. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

What can get hotter than a telepathic Southern waitress (who also happens to be a fairy) having her way with a sexy vampire and a smokin’ werewolf? Dead Until Dark  spawned into the HBO series “True Blood” -- where this season’s mantra seemed to be “all naked, all the time.” The raunchiness of these books is one of the few things the TV series stays true to. And for good reason. "People get turned on by the idea of otherworldly creatures having their way with them because there is sort of this 'Well, it was out of my control... I was compelled to do it' fantasy that lets them feel sexually free," says Dr. Block. You'll see what she means when you get to a love scene --  they are the perfect blend of steamy, dirty and a little bit undead.

4. Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

This romantic read is chock full of gorgeous damsels and devastatingly handsome but complicated heroes engaged in all kinds of titillating sexual tension and swashbuckling. Be prepared to be whisked into a world of racy soirees and sexy kidnappers.

5.  Lady Chatterly's Lover by D.H. Lawrence

If you’re looking for a scandalous “classic” to add to your now raunchy collection, this would be it. This Victorian love story -- once deemed vulgar because of its use of, what were at the time, “unprintable words” -- is about an adulterous affair between a sexually unfulfilled upper-class married woman and the game keeper who works for the estate owned by her wheel-chaired husband. 

Love,

ALPHA

5 Types of Condoms For Great Sex

It's a lot of fun to choose the right condom before a steamy love making session. Today there are many varieties of condoms available in the market, from flavored condoms to dotted condoms. It's always safe and feels good to wear condom while having sex.

If you are not on a baby-making mission and want to arouse and stimulate your partner like never before, we list down 5 varieties of condoms for great sex. 

1. Flavored condoms
Such condoms are best for oral sex. They are available in a wide range of flavors such as chocolate, coffee, strawberry, mint, vanilla and many more. If you are using it for vaginal or anal sex, always make sure they are sugar-free in order to avoid yeast infection.

2. Dotted condoms
If you want that extra pleasure this is the right condom for you. Textured or studded condoms are meant for increasing pleasure for both the partners. These condoms have slight bumps that run through the length of the condom on both the sides.

3. Super thin condoms
If you want to use a condom and still get the same kick as condom-free sex, this one will suit you fine. This type of condom is transparent with a thin layer made of sheerlon material that acts like a second skin. It is highly effective against pregnancy and STDs.

4. Pleasure-shaped condoms
This type of condom heightens sensitivity for both the partners. It has loose and enlarged tip.

5. Glow in the dark condoms
If you want to experience kinky sex, this is the right choice. When exposed to light for 30 seconds, it glows in the dark. It is non-toxic and has three layers. The inner and the outermost layers are made up of latex and the middle one contains a safe pigment that makes it glow.

Even with condoms one needs to take precautions. So, next time you are buying one don't forget to check the label if it is FDA approved for use against unplanned pregnancy and STDs.

By Biben Laikhuram

Love,
ALPHA

10 Surprising Sex Stats

Remember those pamphlets you got during awkward Sex Ed classes back in junior high that said, “Am I Normal?” and featured a frizzy-haired 13-year-old girl wearing a worried look? Inside the pamphlet were various facts and statistics about puberty and sex that did as much to ease your nerves as a trip to the mall with mom to shop for a new bra. Well, you may be older and wiser now and more comfortable in your skin, but if you’re like me, you’re still a little bit curious what constitutes “normal” between the sheets and under one’s clothes. After the jump,

9. “The average erect penis is five to seven inches long, and four to six inches in circumference.”

8. “Approximately 5 percent of 40-year-old men and between 15 to 25 percent of 65-year-old men experience erectile dysfunction.” Hmm, I guess we’re sort of lying when we tell guys, “It happens to everyone!”

7. “The average male loses his virginity at age 16.9; females average slightly older, at 17.4. And a new study shows that genetics may be a factor: inherited traits, such as impulsivity, can make a person more or less willing to have sex at an earlier age.”

6. “About one out of 10 married adults say that they typically sleep alone.” No word on where their spouses sleep…

5. “While 75 percent of men always reach orgasm during sex, only 29 percent of women report the same. In addition, most women are unable to climax through vaginal intercourse, instead needing clitoral stimulation.”

4. “Two-thirds of college students have been in a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship, citing the lack of commitment required as the main advantage to such an arrangement. More than half of those who had sex with a friend said they had engaged in all forms of sex; 22.7 percent said they had intercourse only, while 8 percent said they did everything but have intercourse.”

3. “According to a survey of adults aged 20 to 59, women have an average of four sex partners during their lifetime; men have an average of seven.” Well, we already knew that, didn’t we?

2. “Two-thirds of women who had their first baby between 2001 and 2003 worked during their pregnancy, and 80 percent of those women worked within one month or less of giving birth. Compare this to the period between 1961 and 1965, when 44 percent of women worked during their pregnancy (35 percent worked one month or less before delivering).”

1. “At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women will have a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. HPV, or human papillomavirus, comes in both low- and high-risk forms; low-risk HPV can cause genital warts, and high-risk can cause cervical and other cancers. In 90 percent of cases, the body’s immune system will fight off the disease within two years.”

Love,
ALPHA

Sex Info 101

 One Alpha keeps on asking how to do a particular move or how to function (so to speak) in sex. It's come to the point where words are of no use and there needs to be physical visualization. Of course you don't turn to porn and it's just awkward when you have to show the moves yourself. The answer? Sex Info 101. It may be a little weird at first, but it is actually quite insightful. Not only does it provide the description, it also has moving avatar looking people that show you how its done - yeah they move!! Also, there are people's comments so you know people actually do this stuff!! What I like more about this sex information (rather than Cosmo's - sorry!) is that these positions are more realistic and well the pictures are more helpful... Sex should be done correctly and this site sure does help make it amazing. 

Happy Humping!

Love, 

ALPHA

The Truth about Orgasms

fun facts right?

Love, 

ALPHA

8 Sexy Ways to Burn Calories

Sex—and smooching and snuggling and everything else on the spectrum—is great for your relationship and happiness, but intimate time with your sweetie is also terrific for your physical health. Not only does that “loving feeling” get your heart rate up, it can burn some serious calories, too! Check out the calorie-burning profile of each romantic activity below (based on the body weight of a 150-lb woman) along with tips from experts on ramping things up to maximize the amount of calories burned.

Kissing: 68 calories per hour

Remember how, when you were first dating, you’d start locking lips and 30 minutes later you’d come up for air? See if you can get into that groove again, say experts. Not only is smooching a great way to show affection and improve your bond as a couple, it can also help you burn fat. “If the kissing is vigorous and involves some petting, it could be even closer to 90 calories burned in an hour,” says Jaiya Kinzbach, a Los Angeles–based sexologist and the author of Red Hot Touch. Try her technique for turning kissing into an honest-to-goodness workout session: “Kiss in unusual positions,” she recommends. “Have the guy on his back and do ‘plank pose’ or a push-up on top of him, coming down to kiss him and then pushing back up. Push-ups burn 171 calories in 30 minutes.”
Photo by Getty.

Undressing: 8+ calories total

You probably don’t put much thought into undressing when you’re getting intimate with your husband, but an Italian researcher looked into the matter and found that the mere act of taking one’s clothes off burns about 8 to 10 calories. Even more fascinating, the researcher reportedly found that a man attempting to remove a bra with his mouth burns as many as 80 calories. While that may not be applicable to you, here’s what is: By upping the energy you put into undressing, you can burn some extra calories. Don’t just strip down in seconds, says Kinzbach; instead, “draw it out and make it part of your foreplay, while getting a great a workout going.” Or undress to tease him, adds Gilda Carle, PhD, a psychotherapist and relationship expert. “Find your favorite silk scarf, and do a seductive dance with it,” she says.
Photo by Getty.

Massaging: 80+ calories per hour

Who doesn’t like a good rubdown from their partner? But if you’re the giver, you get an additional benefit other than making your guy happy: burned calories. As it turns out, giving a good massage can get your heart rate up and kick your body into calorie-burning mode. But the way to ramp things up even more isn’t to speed things up. Instead, consider going slower, recommends Kinzbach. “This may seem counterintuitive to burning calories,” she says, “but going slower and deeper is not only more sensual, it works different muscles. I also recommend getting a massage table—it's better on your body, and standing to give a massage burns more calories.”
Photo by Shutterstock.

Having Sex: 144+ calories per half-hour

You knew sex was a workout, but who knew that a half-hour romp in the hay with your guy could burn off the chocolate you nibbled on after dinner? The key for high-calorie-burning sex is making it hot and making it last, say experts. You can also add a little moaning and sighing, says Kinzbach, which can help you burn an extra 18 to 30 calories. And try a position change for a better workout. “If you are on top, try moving your hips like a belly dancer; this feels great and will give you a workout,” she adds. “Also try a position where you squat on top of him and then bounce up and down. This is a great workout for your thighs and butt, and it can burn up to 207 calories in 30 minutes.” Perhaps the best way to maximize calorie-burning during sex is to make sure you orgasm. Experts estimate that women who orgasm during sex burn more calories during lovemaking than those who don’t. Photo by Getty.

Giving Oral Sex: 100 calories per half-hour

Here’s a stat you don’t hear every day: Being on the giving end of oral sex may be just as effective as a quick stint on the elliptical machine. But if you want to take your calorie-burning to the next level, Kinzbach recommends this calorie-blasting technique: push-ups (yes, in the act!). “Also you can do a little yoga, suggests Kinzbach. “Try plank position into downward facing dog, and back into plank where you can lower down and do some oral stimulation.” Tack on 71 extra calories blasted when you do push-ups, and 35 additional calories by mixing in some yoga.
Photo by Getty.

Using Your Hands: 100 calories per hour 

Of course, the old-fashioned hand job is a calorie burner, but you can zap an additional 50 calories per half-hour by taking things up a notch. “Get lots of stuff going at once,” suggests Kinzbach. “Try really slow sensual strokes, and position yourself so that you can use your body as well.” Rocking your body against his and varying the pressure and frequency can help, too, she adds.
Photo by Getty.

Romantic Dancing: 103 calories per half-hour

A little dirty dancing—even with your clothes on—can be a workout for you and your husband. Couples who take dance lessons (and practice in the privacy of their homes) can attest to this. Bonus: “It has been shown in scientific studies that right after an aerobic exercise, women become aroused and lubricated more easily,” says Barbara Bartlik, MD, a New York–based psychiatrist and sex therapist. Slow dancing is fine, but you have to rev things up—and add in a few surprises—to get a real workout. “Add kissing, nibbling the neck and touch,” suggests Kinzbach. And increase the pace, too!
Photo by Getty.

Making Out: 238 calories per half-hour

A sizzling clothes-on make-out session with the man you love may be the most intense caloric blaster yet. Why? Anticipation, says Dr. Carle, can get your heart rate going. “It gives way to heavy breathing, which gives way to a great calorie burn,” she explains. But you can still maximize the workout by making it hotter and sweatier! “The hotter the room—think Bikram (a.k.a. “hot”) yoga—and the sweatier the make-out session, the more calories you burn,” adds Kinzbach. Also, try rolling around on the bed or changing your scenery. “Make it playful and erotic and you have a great combination for a pleasurable workout.”
Photo by Getty.

Sarah Jio is the health and fitness blogger for Glamour.com. Visit her blog, Vitamin G.

From Women's Day

Love, 

ALPHA

French Condom Ad

Okay, a little inappropriate...

but it's so funny....and clever

hehhehe

Love, 

ALPHA

10 Surprising Facts About Orgasms

Psst—you over there! Don’t be shy…orgasms are as much a part of women’s health as dental floss—but a lot more fun. For all the things you've been dying to find out as well as things you've never even thought of, expand your knowledge about the “big O" with this list of enlightening facts.

1. Orgasms can relieve pain.
Got a headache? Maybe you should have sex after all. “There is some evidence that orgasms can relieve all kinds of pain—including pain from arthritis, pain after surgery and even pain during childbirth,” notes Lisa Stern, RN, MSN, a nurse practitioner who works with Planned Parenthood in Los Angeles and blogs at Gynfizz.com. “The mechanism is largely due to the body’s release of a chemical called oxytocin during orgasm,” she says. “Oxytocin facilitates bonding, relaxation and other positive emotional states.” While the pain relief from orgasm is short-lived—usually only about eight to 10 minutes—she points to past research indicating that even thinking about sex can help alleviate pain.

2. Condom use doesn’t affect orgasm quality.
In case you’re wondering if a condom has anything to do with the quality of your orgasm, don’t. “Women are equally likely to experience orgasm with or without a condom, dispelling myths that condoms don't make for good sex,” says Debby Herbenick, PhD, a research scientist at Indiana University and author of Because It Feels Good. “In fact, condoms may help a couple spend more time having sex, as a man doesn't have to ‘pull out’ quickly if he's worried about ejaculating too soon,” she says. If your guy is resistant to wearing a condom because of lack of sensation, consider manual stimulation first, before intercourse, so he can have an equally enjoyable experience.

3. Thirty percent of women have trouble reaching orgasm.
If you’ve ever had trouble climaxing, you’re not alone. According to Planned Parenthood statistics, as many as 1 in 3 women have trouble reaching orgasm when having sex. And as many as 80 percent of women have difficulty with orgasm from vaginal intercourse alone. Clitoral stimulation during intercourse can help, says Stern, but so can medical treatment. “Female sexual dysfunction (FSD), which encompasses the inability to orgasm, is very common—as high as 43 percent, according to some surveys—and has been a topic of much debate and medical investigation lately,” she says. “For some women, topical testosterone therapies or some oral medications can be helpful, but few medical treatments have solid evidence behind them.” Because FSD may be associated with certain medical conditions, be sure to see your doctor to rule out things like thyroid disease, depression or diabetes.

4. Finding your G-spot may improve the likelihood of orgasm.
Can you identify your G-spot? The "G" refers to Ernst Gräfenberg, MD, a German gynecologist who is credited with “discovering” it in the 1950s, and sex experts have long touted this area of female genitalia, which is believed to contain a large number of nerve endings, as the key to helping women achieve longer and stronger orgasm. But it’s a controversial topic. Researchers in England refuted its existence recently, even after Italian researchers supposedly found the spot on ultrasound and published their findings in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Still, sex educators like Los Angeles–based Ava Cadell support the existence of the G-spot, and encourage women to find theirs. While the location may be slightly different in all women, it’s most often found inside the vagina and is characterized by a “rougher” texture.

5. Orgasm gets better with age.
Sure, there are plenty of things to gripe about when it comes to age, but your sex life may actually improve—specifically the quality and frequency of orgasm, reports Dr. Herbenick. “Orgasm becomes easier with age,” she says. “As an example, while 61 percent of women ages 18 to 24 experienced orgasm the last time they had sex, 65 percent of women in their 30s did and about 70 percent of women in their 40s and 50s did.” Though the survey didn't indicate why orgasms come easier with age, we can assume that as women become more sexually experienced, they have more confidence in the bedroom and therefore enjoy themselves more. Additionally, the trust and intimacy that most women experience in long-term relationships can help improve sexual confidence as well.

6. Women who mix things up in the bedroom have more frequent orgasm.
If you have trouble reaching orgasm during intercourse, consider switching things up, says Dr. Herbenick. “It is significantly easier for women to experience orgasm when they engage in a variety of sex acts as opposed to just one act,” she says. “For example, vaginal sex plus oral sex would be linked to a higher likelihood of orgasm than either one of them alone. This may be because more sex acts mean that people spend more time having sex.”

7. A woman’s sexual self-esteem can affect the quality of her orgasms.
Research shows that how a woman feels about her genitals is linked to the quality of her orgasms. “As a women’s health clinician, I can vouch for the fact that every vagina looks different and there is no ‘perfect’ way for a vagina to look,” says Stern. “As long as your vagina is pain-free and you don’t have any abnormal discharge, sores or other medical problems, you can consider yourself healthy and normal.” Increase your orgasm potential by increasing your confidence, she says. “It’s important to treat yourself the way you would want others to treat you—send yourself healthy, positive messages about yourself and your body.” Another trick: Pull out a hand mirror and take a look! Getting to know yourself down there is the first step in feeling confident about your parts.

8. There is an orgasm “gap.”
While it’s true that a small number of men have trouble with orgasm, sex experts report that it’s rare. Instead, a significant percentage of women report not having had an orgasm the last time they had sex, even when their male partner thought they had. “We still have an orgasm gap,” notes Dr. Herbenick. “While 85 percent of men thought their partner had an orgasm during their most recent episode of sex, only 64 percent of women reported having an orgasm.” The cure? It’s complicated, says Dr. Herbenick, but women who are comfortable with and understand their body’s pleasure points can often learn to orgasm regularly.

9. In rare cases, orgasm can happen without genital stimulation.
We’ve all heard about women who can orgasm while sitting on a train or while getting a massage, but it's no urban legend. Experts say it’s a real phenomenon. “I had a friend who had an orgasm every time she used the treadmill,” says Stern. “If that happened to all of us, we’d be a much more physically fit society!” But, humor aside, there’s an explanation for why this occurs. “The reason for spontaneous orgasms during certain activities is twofold—increased blood flow to the genitals and vibration of or contact with the clitoris. The increased blood flow and the general relaxation of a massage can lead to orgasm sometimes, too.”

10. For most women, it takes a while…
Many women take longer to climax than their male partners, and that’s perfectly normal, says Stern. In fact, according to statistics, most women require at least 20 minutes of sexual activity to climax. “If you find that your partner often reaches orgasm before you do, there are ways to help him slow down,” she says. “Mental exercises can sometimes work, and so can firm pressure around the base of the penis. If premature ejaculation is a concern, your partner may want to see a primary care doctor or urologist to find some techniques that might help.”

Sarah Jio is the health and fitness blogger for Glamour.com. Visit her blog, Vitamin G.

From Woman's Day.

Love, 

ALPHA 

Birth Control Methods

OKAY. for women it's important to understand birth control. in fact. it's healthier to be on birth control! even if you're not sexual active/don't have sex often, birth control regulates your period and can actually help with the whole offspring thing (okay I'll explain this the best way I understand. birth control regulates your period right? it's bad for your body to have very heavy periods because it's essentially harming the walls of your vagina and therefore could result in problems when giving birth - at least this is what I understand from my mother).

The Shot
How It Works: This shot contains progestin, a hormone that stops your ovaries from releasing eggs (and keeps you from getting pregnant). Women who use this get the shot every three months.
How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent, if used correctly

An Implant
How It Works: This is a tiny rod that's inserted under your skin, which releases hormones that stops your ovaries from releasing eggs.
How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent—and you don't have to remember to do anything but get it replaced every three years.

An IUD
How It Works: This hormone-free, T-shaped piece of plastic is inserted in your uterus, where it prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. It lasts for five to 12 years, depending on the brand.
How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent

The Patch

How It Works: Users stick this beige piece of plastic on their skin once a week for three weeks. It gives off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.
How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent, if used correctly

The Ring
How It Works: You insert this small ring into your vagina once a month and it stays there for three weeks at a time. It gives off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.
How Effective It Is: 99 percent, if used correctly

The Pill
How It Works: Users take a pill which prevents your ovaries from releasing eggs at the same time every day.
How Effective It Is: More than 99 percent, if used correctly

A Diaphragm
How It Works: This latex or silicone dome-shaped cup is inserted into your vagina, where it covers your cervix and keeps sperm out of your uterus. You also need to use it with spermicide
How Effective It Is: 94 percent, if used correctly

Male Condoms
How It Works: One of the most popular forms of birth control out there, these slip over a man's penis and keep sperm from entering your vagina.
How Effective It Is: 98 percent, if used correctly
Bonus: It helps prevent STDs

The Female Condom
How It Works: This is condom that you insert into your vagina. It looks and works like a male condom, but you wear it instead of him—and you need to insert it every time you have sex.
How Effective It Is: 95 percent, if used correctly
Bonus: It helps prevent STDs.

The Sponge
How It Works: Kind of like a wide, short tampon, this piece of plastic foam is inserted into your vagina before you have sex. It blocks sperm from reaching your cervix and releases spermicide.
How Effective It Is: 81 to 91 percent, if used correctly

Spermicide
How It Works: These gels, creams, foams, and suppositories contain chemicals that prevent his boys from moving. You insert it deep into your vagina to keep sperm out of your uterus. Experts recommend you use it with other forms of birth control.
How Effective It Is: 82 percent, if used correctly

Emergency Contraception
How It Works: This pill can stop a pregnancy before it starts by blocking hormones your body needs to get pregnant. Users can take it up to five days after they have unprotected sex.
How Effective It Is: This is extremely effective, but experts don't recommend that you use this as a regular method of birth control (it can cause heavy bleeding, vomiting, and other unpleasant side effects).

**Cosmopolitan**

Related Posts: 

Birth Control Part 1

Birth Control Part 2

Practice Safe Sex!

Love, 

ALPHA