Sexual Health

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Here’s How To Have A Discussion With Your Doctor About Sex

      by

      Your gynae might have “Dr” before her name, but sometimes you have to be the one to school her. That’s because docs don’t always initiate über important talks. It goes both ways, too. We’re often embarrassed to bring up topics about our sexual health for fear of being judged. Per the Ovarian Research Trust, 66% of 18-24 year-olds are so shy of talking with a doctor about sex that they forego the visit altogether, which holds some serious risks, like not knowing your sexual health status and making poor decisions based of Internet research.

      We’ve put down some common topics often avoided at the doc’s rooms, and how you can bring ‘em up constructively.

      Talking with a doctor about: the baby convo

      Many ob-gyns are uncomfortable bringing up fertility, per a recent study. Why? They may not want to seem judgy or presumptuous, and can’t answer the “Am I fertile?” question until you start trying.

      Why It Matters

      If you’re thinking about babies, it’s time to talk about them (egg freezing too), because your reproductive years won’t last forever.

      Your Script

      “I have some questions about my fertility; I’m hoping you can give me better answers than the Internet.” Your gynae will jump at the chance to sift fact from fiction and you can get specific.

      READ MORE: 5 Small Sex Moves So Powerful You Won’t Believe You Didn’t Know Them

      Talking with a doctor about: STI tests

      These aren’t built into your annual check-up, nor are all STIs included when you say, “Test me for everything.” Plus, your doc won’t know when you need ’em unless you tell her (or she sees something amiss).

      Why It Matters

      In many cases, the longer an STI goes untreated, the more damage it can cause. And you

      could spread it. Plus, infections like HPV can turn into cervical cancer (the second most common cancer of women in South Africa and the one with the highest fatality rate) if all goes untreated.

      Your Script

      “What STI tests do you think I need?” This should lead to a chat about sex habits, number of partners, condom use and so on, to determine your risk level. Ask whenever you have a concern or have had unprotected sex. 

      READ MORE: 12 Reasons Why You’re Suddenly Experiencing Painful Sex

      Talking with a doctor about: your sexual happiness

      Loss of desire, trouble orgasming? Too few gynaes will “pry” into this part of your sex life. Almost 65% of SA women are keen to take sexual matters into their own hands, says Désir Intimates owner and MD Brodie Meyer. “They’re big on self-pleasure, with rabbit vibrators making up almost 70% of their purchases, followed closely by lubricants.”

      Why It Matters

      A stronger pelvic floor, healthier heart and immune system, better sleep and immediate pain relief… the benefits of sexual happiness are endless! 

      Your Script

      “Doc, errrr, is too much self-pleasure bad?” This will launch into a larger discussion about your sexual habits between the sheets, which can shed light on the health (and happiness) of your vagina and clitoris. Your doc can also guide you through any problems you may be experiencing during sex, like pains, which could open up a further discussion of possible causes, like endometriosis or a penetration disorder.   

      READ MORE: Pop Quiz: Do You Actually Know What’s Going On With Your Vagina? More

    • 100 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      12 Reasons Why You’re Suddenly Experiencing Painful Sex

      by

      Painful sex, or dyspareunia, can cause problems in a couple’s sexual relationship. In addition to physically painful sex, there is also the possibility of negative emotional effects, so the problem should be addressed as soon as it becomes evident.
      In many cases, a woman can experience painful sex if there is not sufficient vaginal lubrication. When this occurs, the pain can be resolved if the female becomes more relaxed, if the amount of foreplay is increased, or if the couple uses a sexual lubricant.
      READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Having A Coregasm 
      In some cases, a woman can experience painful intercourse if one of the following conditions is present:
      1. Vaginismus
      This is a common condition in which there is a spasm in the vaginal muscles, mainly caused by the fear of being hurt.
      2. Vaginal Infections
      These conditions are common and include yeast infections.
      3. Problems with the cervix
      In this case, the penis can reach the cervix at maximum penetration, so problems with the cervix (such as infections) can cause pain during deep penetration.
      4. Problems with the uterus
      These problems may include fibroids that can cause deep intercourse pain.
      5. Endometriosis
      Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium (tissue lining the uterus) grows outside the uterus.
      6. Problems with the ovaries
      Such problems might include cysts on the ovaries.
      7. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
      The tissues deep inside become badly inflamed and the pressure of intercourse causes deep pain.
      8. Ectopic Pregnancy
      A pregnancy in which a fertilised egg develops outside of the uterus.
      9. Menopause
      The vaginal lining can lose its normal moisture and become dry.
      10. Childbirth
      Intercourse too soon after surgery or childbirth.
      11. Sexually Transmitted Infection
      These may include genital warts, herpes sores or other STIs.
      12. Injury to the vulva or vagina
      These injuries may include a tear from childbirth or from a cut (episiotomy) in the perineum (area of skin between the vagina and the anus) that is made during labour.
      READ MORE: 5 Sex Positions You Should Finish With For An Orgasmic Grand Finale
      How can painful sex in women be treated?
      Some treatments do not require medical intervention. For example, in the case of painful sex after pregnancy, wait at least six weeks after childbirth before attempting intercourse. Make sure to practice gentleness and patience. In cases in which there is vaginal dryness or a lack of lubrication, try water-based lubricants.
      Some treatments for female sexual pain do require a doctor’s care. If vaginal dryness is due to menopause, ask a healthcare professional about oestrogen creams or other prescription medications. Other causes of painful intercourse also may require prescription medications.
      For cases of sexual pain in which there is no underlying medical cause, sexual therapy might be helpful. Some individuals may need to resolve issues such as guilt, inner conflicts regarding sex, or feelings regarding past abuse.
      READ MORE: “I Tried Masturbating To Cure My Hangover — This Is What Happened”
      Call a doctor if there are symptoms such as bleeding, genital lesions, irregular periods, vaginal discharge, or involuntary vaginal muscle contractions and ask for a referral to an SSASSERT-certified sex counsellor if there are other concerns that need to be addressed. More

    • 100 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Finally, Contraception Delivery Services Are In South Africa

      by

      We’ve come a long way. COVID – thankfully – forced pharmacies and businesses to jack up their service and offer delivery of much-needed medication. A relief, since most of us are so busy we can barely make time for the grocery store, let alone stand in a queue for what feels like a year. And then there’s all the questions that come with picking up a simple prescription.
      Now, contraception delivery services are in full swing and there are a few options to choose from. Medical aids can even cover the cost of the medication, and delivery is discreet and in some cases, comes with a few goodies. Here, the cool-as-hell services we’ve come across in sunny South Africa.

      Contro
      Compatible with medical aid (or without) choose a subscription and every month, you’ll get your contraception delivered. Contro also offers treatment for erectile dysfunction, hair loss, STIs, thrush and UTIs.
      How it works
      First, sign up and fill in a health questionnaire, get a digital doctor’s consultation, then get free delivery. Contraception offered is over 30 kinds of the contraceptive pill.
      How much?
      Pay R150 per month with medical aid, or between R240-R400 per month without. Check them out here.
      READ MORE: This Explains The Reason Why You Feel Like You Can’t Pee After Sex

      MyContraceptive by Zoie Health
      Zoie Health is an all-inclusive digital healthcare app, with virtual doctor’s consultations for everything from endometriosis to lactation consults to psychologist sessions. Their contraception delivery service, MyContraceptive, offers monthly delivery for your chosen contraceptive.
      How it works
      Book a consultation from the app (or website) with a medical professional, who’ll help pick the right contraception for you. Then it’ll be delivered monthly – with a few other goodies. You’ll also get access to the Zoie Health online community of women and healthcare professionals who swap tips around birth control, periods and everything in between. MyContraceptive offers the contraceptive pill, The Patch, The Ring and emergency contraception.
      How much?
      Pick from a consultation only (from R250 or medical aids may cover), consultation and delivery (from R150) and delivery only (from R150). Find out more here.
      READ MORE: Struggling To Sleep During Your Period? This Might Be Why

      Pill Squad
      Simply get your existing prescription delivered to your door.
      How it works
      Send them your existing contraception prescription – emergency contraception not serviced, complete the payment (if medical aid covers, then you’ll need to submit those details) and await your delivery!
      How much?
      If you’re on medical aid, this service will be paid for. Otherwise, you’ll have a copayment or can pay using cash or card. Find out more here.
      READ MORE: Getting A Mammogram: What To Know, Even If You’re Young

      Get My Pill
      Get My Pill offers prescriptions for The Patch, The Injection and contraceptive pills. Delivery is free. For the injection, you’ll need to visit a clinic to have it administered – delivery not available.
      How it works
      Complete a medical survey and a script will be sent to you. Or, purchase the delivery option and your prescription will be sent to Get My Pill’s delivery partners, Clicks Direct Medicine.
      How much?
      Prescriptions cost R200 for 3 months ( More

    • 125 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      Struggling To Sleep During Your Period? This Might Be Why

      by

      For a number of women, no matter how early a night they get or how many alarms they set for the morning, during that time of the month waking can be an increasingly difficult affair. But while it’s easy to blame a perceived lack of energy or motivation to get up and attack the morning, it turns out there are a number of factors at play, showing just how complex the female body really is. According to Dr Kat Lederle, sleep scientist and author of Sleep Sense: Improve Your Sleep, Improve Your Health, periods can have a significant impact on our sleep-wake cycle, even causing disruption.
      The reason periods impact our sleep is largely due to ovarian hormones which have receptors in the brain that are also involved in sleep regulation. As these hormones fluctuate and change during the menstrual cycle, they can effect sleep changes and our circadian rhythm. When you think about it, the body is looking to create a stable environment for a fertilised egg to develop, so it makes sense that it will do all it can to ensure adequate rest in the form of sleep is achieved. PMS can also contribute to bad sleep, with many who experience low moods, cramps, sensitivity and anxiety experiencing poor sleep.

      READ MORE: Keep Getting Ingrown Hairs In Your Vagina Area? How To Fix The Prob, According To A Gyno

      Speaking to Glamour, Dr Lederle explained that the worst sleep quality can be expected a few days into menstruation. “Those who often notice poor sleep quality in the late luteal phase [right before you get your next period] and your first few days of menstruation,” she said. “When levels of hormones like progesterone and oestrogen decline towards the end of the luteal phase, some women start to experience sleep problems, including for the first few days of menstruation.”
      According to the Sleep Health Foundation, up to 7 in 10 women say their sleep changes before their period, with the most common time frame being 3 to 6 days before having the period. Those who suffer the most disrupted sleep tend to be PMS sufferers; some report feeling sleepier during the day, others are restless at night, and many struggle to get to sleep and stay asleep.

      So, what can you do to help get your sleep back on track? Keep a diary of your symptoms for three months and list your symptoms day by day, as well as when your period starts and stops. If it’s found that your sleep problems have a link to PMS, you have a better knowledge of when to expect the disruption the following month. In the days before this time, it’s recommended to get plenty of rest and sleep, stay active and maintain a good diet, and try to get lots of outdoor light before and during your PMS.

      This story was first published on WomensHealth.com.au

      READ MORE ON: Periods Sexual Health Sleep More

    • 138 Shares

      in health and weelbeing

      There Are Major Health Benefits When You Masturbate On Your Period

      by

      Oftentimes on your period, the only acts of self-love you feel like treating yourself to are Advil, Netflix, elastic-waist pants, and gargantuan tubs of ice cream. But if you haven’t yet given yourself some literal self-love while you’re menstruating, you’re missing out. Hear us out: Your period is actually a really good time to masturbate. There’s […] More