Women’s Health

South Africa
August 3, 2o10

Make the most of your hormone cycle by knowing exactly which buttons to push on which day…

It All Depends On…

Why you have sex, how often you orgasm and how wild you’re tempted to get in bed all depend in part on where you are in your menstrual cycle.

“When women hear the word ‘menstrual’, they tend to think of cramps and discomfort,” says Dr Gina Ogden, author of The Return of Desire. “But the hormones that influence your cycle – oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone – fluctuate each day and affect your sexual behaviour in dramatic ways.”

Although every woman is different, knowing what changes your body is going through can help you plan for a month of unbelievable sex…

Read the complete article and related information at Have Great Sex Every Day

Pediatrics

December 7, 2009

Objective To examine timing of parent–child discussions about sexual topics relative to child-reported sexual behavior.

Methods Longitudinal study of employed parents and their children, with an initial survey followed by subsequent surveys 3, 6, and 12 months later. Participants were 141 parents, along with their children (13–17 years), who were control participants in a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate a worksite-based intervention to improve parent–adolescent communication. Main outcomes were parent and child reports of discussion of up to 24 sexual topics and presexual and sexual acts (ranging from handholding to sexual intercourse) that occurred before the first survey and in the intervals between subsequent pairs of surveys.

Conclusions Many parents and adolescents do not talk about important sexual topics before adolescents’ sexual debut. Clinicians can facilitate this communication by providing parents with information about sexual behavior of adolescents.

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Read the complete article and related information at Timing of Parent and Child Communication About Sexuality Relative to Children’s Sexual Behaviors

empowHer Women’s Health Online

by Dr. Marty Klein
May 28, 2009

“Slut!”

Like children telling stories about a scary old man, women criticize each other’s sexuality – from a safe distance.

“Slut!”

It’s hit and run.

“Slut” is what women call a woman who is “too” sexual. It’s someone who can enjoy sex without being in love. Someone who admits she enjoys sex more than a woman “should.” In other words, it’s a woman who can enjoy sex the way only men are supposed to be able to.

“Look at her, all over him. Is she even wearing a bra? God, anyone can tell what’s on her mind…what is she, a nympho?”

But there are costs to this sisterly vigilance. Aware that others will be judging them, it makes women wonder if they’re withholding their sexuality “enough.” Or it makes them proud that they do. Either way, it says that repressing yourself is an important part of sexuality and relationships. And that’s a destructive idea.

Women are caught in a historical collision between the sexual values of the past and future. Religion, the media and our families are sending out contradictory messages about sexuality that are driving women crazy.

Consider: Today’s woman is supposed to be sexy, but not too sexy.

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Read the complete article and related information at Women’s Internalized Oppression: Undermining Your Own Sexuality

Sexuality & Society

by Kari Lerum, 3 hours ago at 15:36pm

Debates about Gardasil (aka the “cervical cancer vaccine”) have up until this point focused on girls and young women. By focusing on cervical cancer,  rather than on HPV (what the vaccine is really for) — debates on this issue have completely sidestepped around the issue that, of course, boys and men get HPV too. Shouldn’t they also get vaccinated? What will happen now that the debate isn’t just about girls’ sexuality?

I came across this story through sister sociologist/Huffington post blogger, Abby Ferber. In her post, entitled “Cervix Not Required,”  Ferber interviews Adina Nack, professor of medical sociology and sexuality studies at California Lutheran University and author of the the book, Damaged Goods? Women Living with Incurable Sexually Transmited Diseases (Temple U. Press, 2008). I quote from Ferber’s interview with Nac:

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Read the complete article and related information at Gardasil comes out as an STI Vaccine (now for boys and men too!)

Los Angeles Times

By Sonja Bolle

October 25, 2009

Kristin Cashore’s ‘Fire’ and Barry Lyga’s ‘Goth Girl Rising’ tackle the difficult subjects of young women’s budding sexuality and the power of gender from engaging perspectives.

Is there anything more provocative than a teenage girl’s sexuality? Who has not looked at a 14-year-old girl and wondered: Does she know how much invitation is in that look? Or, from the teenage girl’s point of view: I’m like a snake charmer to this guy. If I shift, his eyes follow. How can I resist the temptation to test that power?

In “Fire” (Dial: $17.99, ages 14 and up), Kristin Cashore has dreamed up a breathtaking metaphor for that power.
Cashore is that rare gifted writer who can give a fantasy novel real depth. In her previous novel, “Graceling” (to which “Fire” is a prequel), certain children are born with extreme talents, called “graces.” Katsa, the heroine of “Graceling,” has an uncanny ability to fight and kill, which from an early age gains her an uncomfortable job as the king’s enforcer and assassin. In developing her power, she discovers that her talent is more subtle than sheer brutality. As Katsa deepens her knowledge of herself, she learns to use her power in accord with her own conscience rather than in the service of the king’s schemes. It’s a powerful metaphor for a young person’s discovery of strength and independence — and above all, responsibility.

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Read the complete article and related information at Word Play: The uneasy territory between girls and men

Menstruation and sexuality are undeniable evidence of it.

Pink Tear

May 22, 2009

How Bedouin Women Fit into their Ideological Role

In Veiled Sentiments by Lila Abu-Lughod, the codes of honor are regarded as one of the essential elements to construct the ideology of the Bedouin society. Given the fact the Bedouin is patriarchal society, men are dominant and carry the codes of honor, including independence and self-control. Nevertheless, low social class or dependent men and women present voluntary deference in order to achieve their honor. Particularly, Abu-Lughod analyzes women’s role in the society. Women are considered inferior because they are naturally less independent and incapable of controlling their bodies; menstruation and sexuality are undeniable evidence of it. Most importantly, sexuality, which is closely related with women, directly threatens the fundamental social pattern of patriarchy. Hence, women wear veils in order to present their realization of shame and characteristic modesty; this is their voluntary deference, a specific way for women fulfilling the social ideology and achieving honor.

Menstruation and sexuality indisputably demonstrate the fate that women are short of the capability to control their bodies. Menstruation is judged unclean and a pollutant by Bedouins as well as many other people in the world. “A menstruating woman cannot pray” (130). However, menstruation is a natural attribute of women; no women can resist it. Since self-control, including controlling one’s natural desires, is promoted as honor by Bedouins, consequently, menstruation becomes an inherent weakness in women. They are unable to do anything to amend the fact but admitting their inferiority in comparison with men.

Sexuality is constantly linked with reproduction in the Bedouin. This process of reproduction demonstrates women’s dependence and lack of self-control. Sexual intercourse implies women’s dependence. They have to get the cooperation from their husband in order to complete it. Pregnancy and birth-bearing expose women’s failure to control themselves. An example Abu-Lughod offers is that during the pregnancy, women lose control over their own bodies (133). It is true that the bodies of pregnant women grow abnormally. Because of these natural attributes, women are viewed as inferior and as being less honor than men. They become the vehicles for men to perpetuate lineages (133). For this same reason, older postmenopausal women, who are no longer reproductive and less sexually active, are less controlled by others (133).

More importantly, sexuality is a serious threat that challenges the patriarchal system. As mentioned above, sexuality proves women’s dependence because they need men to fulfill this process. Therefore, sexuality reveals men’s dependence as well. When men depend on women to get sexual satisfaction, they are inclined to attach emotionally to women. Before a man gets married, he completely follows the order of patriarchy and fully respects his father and senior kin males. However, after the marriage, sexuality creates intimacies between the wife and the husband, which is a strong force competing for the men’s obeisance of the patriarchy. It “challenge[s] to the hierarchical relationship between providers and dependents, or elders and juniors” (147). Understandably, senior agnates ignore junior agnates weddings, subconsciously recognizing the threat such weddings pose to their authority (147). The implication of sexuality in Bedouin culture is extremely profound.

Based on these analyses above, the real reason Bedouin women wear veils can be explained. In comparison with common American stereotypes about the veil, which generally means women cover their face in order to avoid sexually attracting men; consequently, it prevents further sexual activities from taking place. Oppositely, from the Bedouin perspective, women wear veils because they are innately shameful. The sexual relation between men and women forcefully challenges the fundamental social order of this society. Although sexuality is necessary for reproduction and is unavoidable, the troublesome consequence of sexuality is undeniable and women should accept responsibility for it. The veil demonstrates women’s self-mastery and the code of modesty. Despite the fact that women cannot effectively control their bodies and some natural processes such as sexuality, their attitudes of understanding the shame and showing modesty are a typical form of voluntary deference; their independent choices assist them to achieve honor.

The fact that neither all the women wear veils nor do they wear veils all the time and in all places additionally reveals the significance of the veil. First of all, unmarried girls do not have to wear veils. They have no sexuality, making no threat on the social order and having no shame at all. Due to less or no sexuality, older women wear veils less frequently. Married women are the category of people who wear veils, but they do this depending on the situation. When they encounter high status males, they always wear veils. The profound meaning here is that women’s sexuality with their husband results in the husbands’ greater respect for their wives than those senior males. Married women wear veils because they feel shame about this fact. Nevertheless, women do not wear veils in front of their husbands because their husbands share with their shame.

In the Bedouin society, people emphasize the codes of honor in order to maintain the patriarchal social order. Women are naturally less independent and have less self-control. Particularly, they are closely associated to sexuality, a dilemma, that on the one hand, is essential for reproduction, and on the other hand, threatens the patriarchal system. Veiling represents women’s acknowledgement of shame. This is a critical way that women participate in the society and show their attempt to fit into the Bedouin ideology. Their honor is not placed on independence and self-control, but voluntary deference.

Read the complete article and related information at Bedouin Women considered inferior because they are naturally less independent and incapable of controlling their bodies;

asiaonehealth

April 25, 2009
By Dr Ang Peng Tiam

Recently, many patients, friends and acquaintances have asked me about ‘the cancer vaccine”. It seems to work like magic: take a shot and you will be protected from cervical cancer.

For me, the answer is quite straightforward. However, if it is such a no-brainer, why is there some reluctance to having compulsory vaccination of pre-teens?

First, we must recognise that it is true that women with many sex partners are at increased risk of getting cancer of the cervix. The causative agent in 90 per cent of cervical cancer patients is the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are many strains of HPV infections and some of the ones more commonly associated with cervical cancer are subtypes 16, 18, 31 and 45.

Establishing the link between HPV infection and cervical cancer and the discovery of not one but two vaccines against HPV have opened up one more strategy for tackling this cancer.

If all women were vaccinated against HPV before they become sexually active, the prevalence of HPV infection in the vaccinated community would be lowered. In turn, the risk of getting HPV-related cervical cancer would also diminish.

All this stems from the fact that HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease. Women who have only one sex partner are relatively safe. Whether they acquire HPV infection depends largely on whether the male partner is infected or not. In other words, no sex equals no infection.

So, here is the difficult question. By vaccinating young girls at the age of 12 or 14, are we sending the correct message?

Let’s not forget that ours is a relatively conservative society. By vaccinating them at that age, are we indirectly saying that it is all right for them to engage in sexual activity? Isn’t there a law against having sex with a minor (anyone below the age of 16)?

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Read the complete article and related information at Vaccine’s mixed signals

LiveJournal

April, 22, 2009
By cuislemochroi

I had seen a lot of commercials about this Gardasil thing… I have a very well-established habit of ignoring pharmaceutical commercials. One day, whilst visiting my mum and grandmother, they tell me I should get that vaccine. I tell them “why” and they tell me it protects against HPV. My response was “yeah, but you don’t get HPV by shaking hands.”

After listening to some more hype about this new miracle vaccine, I thought I would at least do a little googling. My thoroughly scientific education has taught me that, when it comes to medical things, go for published studies… not opinion articles. So with that in mind, I began looking up studies and medical journal articles. I never once visited the Gardasil website. I decided not to take the Gardasil vaccine, based on the following discoveries:

1. Gardasil does not have any long-term studies published, and was tested on a relatively small population size.
2. Gardasil was rushing to get the vaccine approved by the FDA and as a result, was not tested as thoroughly as they’d like you to believe.
3. Gardasil protects against 4 strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, but there are more than that.
4. It’s unlikely one would run into any of the cancer-causing strains of HPV, and even if one did, it’s unlikely that it would actually develop into cervical cancer.
5. Apparently cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early (annual exams are they key to this), that is, IF one were to actually encounter the bad strain and allow it to develop into cancer at all.

So given that I am in fact not a bimbo who sleeps around, and I [begrudgingly] always visit a doctor for my annual exam… I deduced that, not only is it unlikely I would get infected with a bad strain of HPV, but it would also be caught early. These things, combined with points 1-3… made me think, “why are so many people hopping on the Gardasil bandwagon?” And more importantly, why does my grandma think I’m a slut?

Well I’m glad I didn’t hop on the bandwagon because the HSI has brought up some very interesting concerns about the vaccine:

http://hsibaltimore.com/files/2009/04/hsialert.htm

Oh, and PLEASE don’t get upset because you’ve gotten the vaccine. Obviously you’re fine and I’m sure you will continue to be. This opinion is meant to address those who WEREN’T fine.

Comment from Leslie

Now here’s a woman who knows how to think on her feet!  This is not rocket science people!

Read the complete article and related information at Damn Pharmceutical Companies

SunJournal.com

By Elise Nersesian , The Nest (www.thenest.com)
Sunday, March 8, 2009 05:00 am

Yep, even as newlyweds, you can hit a passion plateau. We uncovered some roadblocks that can pop up and how to nip them in the bud … er, bed.

You just got married – congrats! Now you may be wondering: Why the heck am I reading this? After all, aren’t newlyweds supposed to have scorching sex all the time? Well, if you locate that island filled with blissfully happy duos getting it on nonstop, let us know (and book us a ticket). Truth is, even at this amazing stage, you can have an unexpected sex stall. Here are some common culprits:

- Your libidos are out of sync

You’re supposed to be soul mates, so why is it that you want it slow and sensual at night but he wants it fast and furious in the morning? Nature’s partly to blame. Guys wake up with high levels of testosterone and energy and crave sex first thing in the a.m. But at night, testosterone levels dip and a man’s blood fills with oxytocin (the cuddle hormone) right when you’re starting to get revved up.

The solution? Seek the middle ground. If he’s never in the mood after dinner, grab him before you open the take-out. If you dislike a.m. sex, join him in his morning shower. With that hot, soapy action, you’ll be convinced otherwise.

- Long workweeks leave you both sapped

His afternoon meeting ran late and he’s exhausted; your boss yelled at you (again). By the time you make it through the front door, your sex drives are MIA. It scientifically makes sense: When you have a long, stressful day, your body pumps out hormones that suppress the production of a chemical called dopamine, which happens to boost your libido. So there the two of you are, zoning out to “Lost.” But do you really want Matthew Fox to be the only savage treat you get tonight?

Though it may seem like mission impossible to muster up any mojo, get this: Studies show that lovemaking boosts levels of brain chemicals that trigger desire. So the more you push past your tiredness and get busy, the more you’ll want to do it. You can start by trading five-minute massages (no, you aren’t too tired). And then while you’re getting pampered, conjure up an erotic scenario – research shows women who fantasize often have more frequent and satisfying sex than those who don’t. Before you know it, you’ll be set to go.

- The honeymoon is over

You’re less than a year into your marriage and nagging thoughts start bubbling up. Why can’t sex be as hot as it was during those 10 days in Anguilla? Was it the plush mattress? The sound of the ocean at night? The concierge plying you with free champagne? Wherever the magic came from, now you’re back at home, and it somehow feels like a bit of a letdown. In fact, the period shortly after you get hitched can bring on the blues – an estimated 67 percent of newlyweds experienced some form of postwedding blahs.

How to snap out of it? Start turning things around when you’re not in the sack. A big mistake newlyweds make is assuming that because they live together, activities like reading or working in the same room count as quality time. But being engrossed in your own little worlds doesn’t do squat for your connection – it just makes it easier to tune each other out when you’re in bed. So devote the weekends to reconnecting. Unplug from the world and fantasize about that sexy anniversary trip you’ll be booking in the Bahamas. Anticipation in itself can be a surprising aphrodisiac.

SOURCE: Yvonne K. Fulbright, PHD, sexuality educator and author of “Pleasuring: The Secrets to Sexual Satisfaction”

Read the complete article and related information at No Good Time for Sex?

theage.com.au
February 22, 2009

Women in their 40s are having the best sex of their lives, says Joanna Moorhead. But is this down to self-esteem, hormones — or affairs?

AT 48, Philippa is vivacious, attractive and is having the best sex of her life. “It’s quite wonderful,” she says. “If you’d told me at 28 that this would be happening, I’d never have believed it.”

But there’s a catch. “It’s great sex, but it’s not with my husband. To be absolutely honest, he’s the last man on the planet I’d want to have sex with.”

Philippa is by no means the only 40-something having a great time in the bedroom. In a survey of 2000 women carried out in Britain by Health Plus magazine, 77 per cent said that their sex life was at its best in their 40s; 82 per cent of that age group also said that sex was as important to them as it had ever been. Other surveys echo these conclusions — one carried out in the US, for instance, found that women in their 40s want to have sex more often than younger women.

Jane Polden, a psychotherapist who specialises in working with middle-aged women, says it’s a story she hears time and again, as does relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam, co-author of The New Joy of Sex. “There’s plenty of research that shows sex gets better for women as they get older,” says Quilliam. “It’s one of the best-kept secrets of women’s lives.”

Though Western culture generally associates sexiness with youth, this seems to be gradually changing, with shows such as Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives portraying women over 40 as both sexy and sexual. According to the researchers, the truth seems to be that it is those of us who are approaching menopause — our hair greying, skin sagging a little — who are at our sexual peak.

Polden says there are a host of reasons for this. One is simply that, by this age, women tend to have fewer insecurities. “Younger women are much more likely to be obsessed with their appearance, their weight and so on,” she says, “and worries about those things sap their self-confidence and get in the way of them enjoying themselves. Older women are more confident of who they are, and it’s a deep-seated confidence, which means they’re not scared of intimacy, and they’re not scared of going all out for what they need to feel satisfied.”

The impending menopause is also significant. As it approaches, levels of the so-called “nurturing” hormones — oestrogen and oxytocin — diminish in women, allowing testosterone to make more of an impact. The theory is that from puberty women are physically wired to be attentive to the needs of others, our bodies priming us to care for children.

In our 40s, though, when those nurturing hormones melt away, many women are led to the epiphany that they have been putting their own needs in second place for decades.

“It’s an extraordinary moment of realisation for many women,” says Polden. “Doris Lessing sums it up very well in her book The Summer Before the Dark. Her 40-something heroine has an affair, and she says it makes her feel herself for the first time since she was 13. She has felt overwhelmed, controlled almost, by this hormonal surge … and now it’s draining away, and she can work out who she is and who she wants to be.”

For many women, the light that goes on illuminates a faltering marriage. “It was almost inevitable, really, that I’d find Paul boring after 20 years,” says Philippa. “But it wasn’t just the boredom — he also seemed not to be the right partner for me any more. It struck me that when I was younger I was searching for an alpha male, a provider, but what I want now is a much more sensitive man.”

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Read the complete article and related information at Sex and the older woman