Flirting keeps a relationship fresh.

Lately when I have intercourse with my boyfriend it hurts. What could be wrong?

There are many possible reasons for painful intercourse. First and foremost, we recommend that you make an appointment with a gynocologist or physician to diagnose any potential physical condition. A doctor can help determine if the pain during intercourse is related to endometriosis, a sexually transmitted disease, a yeast infection, fibroid tumors, or other possibilities. Obviously if you and your partner are having a different kind of intercourse than usual (using a different position or having more aggressive intercourse) the problem may be solved by stopping or slowly introducing the new "technique." Sometimes women experience painful intercourse because they are not lubricated well enough. This may be due to a physical ailment, but may be as simple as needing more foreplay or the use of a bottled lubricant. In addition to physical causes, there may be emotional causes as well. Stress within or outside the relationship may have an impact on your experience during intercourse. Once you have ruled out a physical condition, it might help to evaluate the emotional factors in your life to determine if any alterations need to be made.

Are yeast infections contagious?

Yes, they are contagious. Some health organizations classify yeast infections as sexually transmitted diseases. Candida can be transmitted between people by direct contact.. Both women and men can get yeast infections. Lesbian partners are especially susceptible to sharing yeast infections. Women can pass candida to their male partner, treat their own infection and not the man's and end up getting the infection again. Until you and/or your partner are treated, safer sex guidlines should be followed if you or your partner has a yeast infection, wash your hands if you are touching someone elses genitals before touching your own, and keep your sex toys clean.

Is it true that cold sores can be transmitted to my genitals through oral sex?

Yes, it is true. Herpes simplex virus I usually causes "cold sores" on the mouth, while herpes simplex virus II usually causes herpes outbreaks on the genitals. However, it is possible to transmit HSV I to the genitals or to transmit HSV II to the mouth via oral sex. If you or your partner is having an outbreak, oral or genital, abstaining from oral sex until the outbreak passes iis the best way to protect your partner. For more information on Herpes, please see our page on sexually transmitted diseases.

My boyfriend orgasms really fast, is there any way I can slow him down a little?

Premature ejaculation is a common issue for many men. It occurs when the man ejaculates before he wants to or before his partner is satisfied. Usually, there is no physical problem associated with this issue. The most common reasons have to do with over stimulation or psychological issues such as stress. There are many techniques for helping with premature ejaculation. One popular technique is the start-stop method. Because part of ejaculation is lust and more of it is friction, the idea is to stop the friction momentarily, try to think of something mundane for a moment (what day is it? for example) and then start moving again. With some practice, many men find this to be an effective method for prolonging sex.

Is the "G-Spot" real?

Many women say that they experience extra sexual pleasure when the G-Spot is stimulated, while others claim they have no particular area within the vagina that feels superior to another. The G-Spot is an area on the forward wall of the vagina, just behind the pubic bone about two inches in. A woman can often tell you when you've found her G-Spot, and it often feels more "ridged" than the surrounding tissue. Pressing into it can be intensely pleasurable, but may cause a sensation of needing to urinate. Female ejaculation is sometimes a result of G-Spot stimulation; female ejaculate is NOT urine, but IS expelled through the urethra. One easy way to stimulate the G-Spot is with your (lubricated) first and second fingers together (possibly starting with just your first finger). Make rhythmic gestures inside the vagina that look like the signal to "come here". Alternatively, one can rub the G-Spot in a circular fashion. Generally, it's the pads of your fingers which are pressing into her G-Spot. Another approach is to rotate your fingers inside her vaginal barrel with even pressure against all areas of it. Be aware that the shape of the vagina changes as a woman's arousal level increases. You'll probably notice the inner portion ballooning outwards during extreme arousal, which means that your fingers will need to rotate a little farther from center in order to maintain the same pressure on the vaginal walls. G-spot stimulation usually only feels good when the woman is aroused.

How effective is withdrawing the penis before ejaculation in preventing pregnancy?

The "withdrawal method" is about 73-96% effective. The lower end of the scale is the typical effectiveness rating whereas the higher end is for perfect utilization of the method. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and is significantly less effective than condom use which does protect against STDs. Men will often produce a small amount of sperm (pre-cum) prior to ejaculation which reduces the effectiveness of this method. When no other birth control options are available, this is a convenient method.

What exactly does a cock ring do?

Cock rings fit around the shaft of the penis and sometimes the scrotum as well. Many people like the way the rings look, they come in a variety of materials like leather, rubber, and metal. Many men like the feeling of wearing the ring. Other men say that the rings can create harder erections, make erections last longer and intensify orgasms.

Do lambskin condoms really work?

lambskin condoms are the oldest type of condom made. They are made from lamb's intestinal membrane. Lambskin condoms do protect against pregnancy by blocking sperm despite their porous membrane. However, they do not protect against STDs. The membranes have tiny pores which allow viruses to pass through. Some people say they like the more "natural" feel of lambskin better than that of latex, but the difference is minimal and latex does protect against STDs.

I wake up every morning with an erection, is this normal?

Most men have nocturnal erections throughout their lifetime, whether or not they are aware of them. Specific neuroreflexes are stimulated during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. Morning and nighttime erections might be harder or stiffer than erections had while awake. Nocturnal and morning erections are a normal part of male existence.