Sexual Wellness, Sex Education + Pleasure
Jennifer Litner
16 Ways Shame Shows Up During Sex and How It ...
16 Ways Shame Shows Up During Sex and How It Can Impact Your Relationship

Sexual Health

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4 Types of Pleasure Devices That Can Enhance Your Sex Life

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Pleasure devices (aka: sex toys) are great tools that can enhance communication and pleasure in the bedroom. Sometimes buying one can be an intimidating task with so many options and a lack of information available due to stigma. Never fear though because Embrace Sexual Wellness has compiled a buying guide to help you find the best match for your personal needs.

First of all, you need to identify what is important to you in a sex toy. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before embarking on your search: 

  1. Do you want to be able to use this toy on just yourself, or with partners too? (If you plan on sharing, make sure you take appropriate safety precautions). 

  2. Do you have any sensitivities to materials like silicone or latex that need to be taken into consideration?

  3. What’s your budget? 

  4. Are you interested in something that vibrates or not?

  5. Do you need a toy that is waterproof to take in the bath or shower?

  6. If you’re interested in vibration, do you want pinpointed sensations or broader stimulation? 

Once you have your answers, you can begin your search in earnest. To get you started, let’s talk about the most popular kinds of sex toys. Please note that regardless of what toys you opt for, it’s essential to take care of them properly. Here is a helpful guide that goes over how to clean sex toys. 

Dildos


Dildos are insertable objects that are most commonly phallic shaped but there are also tons of fantasy and abstract options available too! They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are smooth, while others have texture. Some vibrate and some don’t. Some can attach to a wearer like a strap–on, while others are handheld. Some even have suction cups so they can stick to flat surfaces like a shower or a bedroom wall. Dildos are a highly versatile item that can be used for penetration, for external stimulation or rubbing on the genitals, or even for gender affirmation.

Vibrators


Vibrators are “objects that vibrate (move continuously/buzz) to stimulate your genitals. Vibrators are often used on genitals but can really be used anywhere that feels good on any anatomy! Popular types of vibrators are bullet, suction, and wand. Bullet vibrators are good for pinpointed stimulation and portability; suction vibrators are a unique sensation that is distinct from other vibrators because they use air pulsation instead or in addition to vibration; and wand vibrators, perhaps the most well known, are good for high powered broad stimulation.

Anal Toys


From butt plugs to anal beads to anal-sex-specific dildos, anal toys come in all shapes and sizes. Here is a guide detailing the differences between your options. Regardless of what you opt for, EVERY anal toy you use must have a flared base (a base that is significantly wider than the insertable portion of the toy). The flared base ensures that the toy won’t go too far up inside the body and if it does go in too far, it may necessitate an unpleasant visit to the emergency room.

Strokers and Penis Rings

The most popular stroker is known as the Fleshlight but these days there are dozens of options to choose from. Some are heated or vibrating, some are textured, and all of them are fun ways to enhance penis play! Another popular sex toy commonly used by people with penises are penis rings which “slow blood flow out of the penis when it’s erect, which can increase sensation, or make your erection harder and longer-lasting.” 

Finally, something incredibly important to take into account during your sex toy search is that sex toys are not carefully regulated like food or medication products so it’s up to the individual consumer to ensure safety. Here are some things you should look for in terms of safety. Do NOT purchase sex toys from websites like Amazon or eBay as they have been known to sell inauthentic and even used items. Some reputable sex toy shops that you can start with are below. Happy sex toy hunting!    

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3 Things to Know About Cervical Health

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In celebration of January’s Cervical Health Awareness Month, we are sharing 3 things to know about the cervix and cervical health.

1. What is the cervix?

The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, which attaches the uterus to the vagina. It consists of the ectocervix, which is the external part of the cervix that protrudes into the vaginal canal, and the endocervix, which is the tunnel from the inside of the uterus to the ectocervix’s central opening to provide passage between vagina and uterus. 

The cervix’s function is to secrete mucus that facilitates the entrance of sperm into the uterus. Some hormonal contraception works by thickening the cervical mucus to bar sperm from the endocervix.

2. HPV is closely linked to cervical cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses passed through skin-to-skin contact is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Certain types of HPV are known to be the primary risk factor for cervical cancer. The good news is most cases of HPV do not develop into cervical cancer. However, it is important to know the risks of HPV, and to protect yourself via regular STI screening, the HPV vaccine, and communication about safety protocols with your sexual partner(s). 

Each year, around 14,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed, making it the fourth most common type of cancer for people with uteruses worldwide. This is why cervical care is an integral part of overall health maintenance. Two of the best ways you can take care of your cervix are by getting regular Pap smears and regular STI screenings. 

3. Regular pap smears can help detect cervical cancer early

A Pap smear tests for cancerous and precancerous cells in the cervix. People age 21-65 years old generally speaking should have routine Pap smears every three years. It is recommended to get tested for HPV during a pap smear as follows by Planned Parenthood: 

  • “If you’re 21–24 years old: you can choose to get a Pap test every 3 years, or you can wait until you’re 25 years old to start getting tested.

  • If you’re 25–65 years old: get an HPV test every 5 years, or a Pap test and HPV test together (co-testing) every 5 years. In some places where HPV testing is less available, you may get only a Pap test every 3 years.

  • If you’re older than 65: you may not need HPV/Pap tests anymore.”

During a pap smear, the patient lies down on an exam table and the health practitioner will insert a speculum into the vaginal canal and open it to see the cervix. They will then insert a stick or soft brush to collect cells from the surface of and inside the cervix and vagina. They are typically not painful, but may cause mild discomfort. 

These routine health measures are important for taking care of your cervical health. You can learn more about Cervical Cancer Awareness Month here.

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Sexual Wellness Resources For Pelvic Physical Therapists

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Pelvic healthcare is a subfield of medicine that deals with the pelvis, which encapsulates the bladder and reproductive organs. Pelvic health is particularly important because the pelvic floor supports urination, bowel movements, and pregnancy/labor for those who can become pregnant and give birth. These muscles can be strained by things like childbirth or chronic coughing and when they are weakened, it can lead to difficulty with bladder control, put a strain on other muscles, and more complications. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who deal with pelvic floor health such as physical therapists, doulas, midwives, gynecologists, urologists, and more. A shortcoming of the healthcare field, however, is that less than 40% of providers conduct sexual histories with patients, and many do not receive formal sexual history training in school. 

Pelvic health is intertwined with sexual health and failing to take that context into consideration when treating pelvic floor issues can be problematic. Take for instance a scenario in which a professional is seeing a patient complaining of pain in their lower abdomen and unusual discharge. If the healthcare professional neglects to ask the patient’s sexual history which includes having had an STD, it would be difficult to identify Pelvic Inflammatory Disease as a potential cause of the discomfort. This is just one example of many illustrating why having full context is vital for informing pelvic healthcare. For those looking to supplement their knowledge, pelvic healthcare professionals or otherwise, we have compiled resources to guide you. 

One option is to Contact ESW for a Sexual Wellness In Pelvic Health Professional Training. During this training providers can expect to enhance their knowledge of assessing sexual functioning concerns and relational dynamics, and learn how to employ a trauma informed, sex-positive approach with patients. Case consultation is included.

Additional Resources Include:  

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