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High Blood Pressure's Effect on Your Sex Life

DearSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0800

High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is really common. It can be caused by stress, a diet high in saturated fat and sodium, and it can also be a result of genetics. High blood pressure comes with a risk for heart problems, so if you suffer from hypertension, you may be wondering if it's still safe to get it on. Since sex (like all cardio activity) can get your heart pumping, the concern is that the physical exertion will put too much stress on your heart which could cause a heart attack. You'll be happy to know that according to the American Heart Association, fewer than one percent of heart attacks have occurred while getting busy in the bedroom. So for those that have their blood pressure under control, sex gets a thumbs up! Hypertension can make sex less enjoyable though, and if you're wondering how, just

Relationship Protocol: Do You Discuss Your Sex Life?

DearSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

If you’re in a relationship, you’re probably having sex, but are you talking about it? Serious relationships require communication in response to the small things, like what the plans are for the weekend, and the bigger things, like what you've been arguing about lately. But while sex is certainly an important issue in a relationship, we correlate it more with action than talk. So do you and your significant other seriously discuss your sex life? Or when it comes to sex, is talking the last thing on your mind?

Source

The New Joys of Sex

DearSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

When I think of The Joy of Sex, I immediately recall a massive book, filled with pictures of a naked, bearded man in various positions with a nude woman, that my friends and I would sneak glances at when our parents weren't looking. Suffice it to say, it wasn't until later that I realized this was the manual for contemporary sex, at the time. Of course, having been published in 1972, I think it goes without saying that sex has changed since then, which is why relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam decided it was time for an update, saying, "A lot of research has been done. But also the whole attitude to sex has changed." An article in The Sydney Morning Herald considers Quilliam's changes:

The new book is aimed at the couple, rather than just the men, and includes many new entries including advice on Internet and phone sex, sex shops and intercourse during pregnancy.

Personally, I'm thrilled that this updated version takes into account female needs and desires, which in a time when women are finally gaining control over their sexuality, seems like a perfect way to modernize this classic. It's available on Amazon UK right now, and I for one will be checking it out when I can find it here in the US! You can never have too much information, right? Is this something that you and your significant other could learn from? Or do you think the idea of a sex manual in this day and age is just too silly?

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Sexual Response Cycle: What Happens Before, During, and After Your Orgasm

DearSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

When I first learned what happens physiologically when we’re turned on, my initial response was, “oh, so that’s what’s going on.” If you’ve never learned the details of your body’s sexual-response cycle than I think you might have the same reaction I did. If you have, it’s never bad to get a reminder on just how incredible our bods are! To learn the basics about all four stages,

The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part II

DearSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Now that we all have a few reminders when preparing for an upcoming pelvic exam, I have some quick suggestions for the day of the appointment, too. To see them

The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part I

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I don’t know any women who actually enjoy a trip to the gynecologist, though feelings about settling into the stirrups tend to vary from mild annoyance to extreme anxiety. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall on, it’s important to make the most of your annual exam. To see my suggestions to do just that

Dear Quiz: What Do You Know About Your Reproductive Anatomy?

DearSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Even though we walk around with it every day, you might be surprised how many women only know the basics when it comes to their plumbing. So take this quick exam to see if you know the real ins and outs of your lady business!

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You Asked: I Can't Get Over My Herpes Diagnosis

DearSugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

Recently I was diagnosed with genital herpes. I didn't know that I had ever been exposed to it, and then an ex-boyfriend called to tell me that he was diagnosed seven months ago. I felt very betrayed and shocked that he waited so long to tell me. I haven't slept with anyone else, but learning this news has me totally devastated. I've been having a hard time moving forward, and I'm struggling with the thought that my life is essentially over. I'm just now starting to come to terms with the diagnosis, but my biggest fear is how and when I tell someone who I am interested in. I have gone on a couple of dates with a guy I really like, but I completely panic at the idea of having to tell him the news. I'm just terrified. Do you have any advice?

— Devastated by the Diagnosis Danielle

To see DearSugar's answer,

Sex Is Healthy

DearSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:39:04 -0800

Sex Is Healthy: Part I If "have more sex" is one of your New Year's resolutions for 2008 (don't laugh, it's on my husband's list every year), then you may be doing more for your health than you originally thought. Here are some reasons why.