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Resources on Physical and Sexual Health

Discussion in 'Physical & Sexual Health' started by EmptyClosets, Mar 10, 2013.

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  1. EmptyClosets

    Admin Team Full Member

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    Below is a list of threads in the Mental, Physical, and Sexual Health section that have been deemed helpful or important. Because there are so many, we've put links to them together in one thread, rather than having a bunch of stickies at the top of this section. We will post in this thread every time a thread is added to the list, so you don't need to constantly check for updates; just check the date of the most recent post in this thread. Be sure to check the stickies in other sections of the forum for more useful advice and information.

    If you want to suggest any threads that could be added, please post in Ask The Staff pointing us to the thread you found useful.


    EC Resources - Numerous sections containing detailed information on various parts of health and relationships.

    What Can Be Posted Here
    : A brief description on the purpose of this forum and what threads are suitable for it.



    Anal Sex

    Safety
    Anal sex carries a high risk of infection with HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Whenever indulging in anal sex, it is ESSENTIAL to practice safe sex. Always use a good quality condom and plenty of water based lubricant. Other lubricants can damage condoms, causing them to split. If you think the condom has split or is damaged, withdraw immediately and replace it.

    Being Clean
    Most are concerned with being clean. The best method for achieving this is as follows:

    Warm water, soap, washcloth and a towel.

    Wet the washcloth and soap it up, wash the area between the butt cheeks and up against the anus, but no need to scrub hard or vigorously, but a good lathering and wash, rinse, and dry with a towel. Use of enemas is not necessary or recommended.

    The best way to make sure the rectum is clear of fecal matter is to learn to have good bowel habits and when you feel you have to have a bowel movement. Once you have a bowel movement, the rectum is usually clear. Use of enemas can stimulate things and cause the rectum to fill with fecal matter.

    A New Sensation
    Prior to engaging in anal intercourse, the person being penetrated (especially the first time) needs to know they will feel “full” and that they will have a feeling of wanting to take a dump. As long as you know that something is being placed there that you want there, you can overcome this sensation and no you will not take a dump on your partner. Given some time to get use to the sensations, it will become more pleasurable and the thrusting will not cause further problems.

    Alternatives to Anal Sex

    Rimming
    Even if actually anal intercourse is not going to take place, rimming is considered a pleasurable experience. This is where your partner uses his tongue to lavish stimulation to your anus and surrounding area. It is a great way of adding to the whole pleasure experience. The tongue is used to stroke and poke around the anus and surrounding area. Making sure the anal area is clean is really quite imperative.

    Fingering
    Another stimulating activity prior to anal intercourse is butt play with fingers. Your partner can rub, poke and prod around the anus and surrounding area. Use of lube is very helpful. Stimulating around the anus a lot while putting pressure on the sides of it help prior to any insertion of the finger(s) into the rectum. Eventually you can add more lube and insert a finger and over time another, until up to three can be inserted without discomfort. Take your time.

    Getting Prepared
    Prior to any penetration, prepare the area with lots of lube and use fingers to push lube into the anal canal. Go slow.

    When actual penetration takes place, both you and your partner need to go slow. The biggest problem is the person inserting the penis is far to aggressive and in a hurry. You have to take your time. The receptive individual needs to relax the outer sphincter as much as possible and when penetration begins, bear down slightly like you were going to take a dump and it will relax the inner sphincter and make penetration less discomforting. Clamping things down will make it an unpleasant experience. Both partners need to take their time and move along when it is comfortable for the person who is the bottom. It may require slow short insertions, resting for a bit, then more, resting, etc. until all the penis is inserted.

    Resting until there is comfort with the penis being inserted is needed. The feeling of “fullness” will diminish some but will not go away fully, but there is a certain comfort level that can be achieved. Once that happens, thrusting can take place and pleasure experienced.

    After activity, things will close up as always, but it certainly is nice to have your partner get a washcloth and clean things up a bit for you before the end of session.

    Doing things in a slow and proper manner will bring a lot more pleasure. Overall, even if the first time, the experience should not be painful at all, some slight discomfort yes, but never painful. If so, stop everything and start over.

    HIV, STIs, and Lesbian Sex

    What is HIV and how can it be contracted?
    HIV – the virus that causes AIDS is in the blood, breast milk, vaginal fluid (or semen) of someone with HIV. You are at risk if any of these fluids get into your bloodstream.

    The risk of contracting HIV between women is low. Very few women are known to have passed HIV on to other women. There is an increased risk if a woman has a cut or sores in her mouth (if performing oral sex), has sores on her genitals, or is having their period.

    Sharing sex toys can be risky for transmitting HIV if they have vaginal fluids, feces, or blood on them. Always clean them well with soap and water before using it on any new body parts or the other person. You can also get one for each partner to not kill the mood.

    Some infections can be transmitted by hands, fingers, and mutual vulva rubbing. Always wash your hands before and after sex.

    Any sexual activity which can lead to bleeding or cuts/breaks in the lining of the vagina or anus is risky.

    Methods to have safe lesbian sex
    It is still possible to catch STIs from same-sex sex. Vulva-on-vulva sex can transfer bacterial vaginosis, oral herpes, HPV, and more rarely, trichomoniasis and hepatitis.

    Oral
    Oral sex is safer if you use a dental dam (a square piece of latex) to stop any vaginal fluid or menstrual blood from getting into the mouth. You can also get flavoured dental dams which taste better while keeping you protected. A cut open condom, spread flat can also be used.

    Accessories
    Always wash any toys used with yourself or your partner before using it on the other person as you can transfer bacterial infections. Use toys with condoms and/or wash them between uses to prevent spreading anything.

    Symptoms of STIs in Women

    Genital Herpes
    This is caused by a virus, which can spread if you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or share sex toys. It can also cause cold sores on the mouth and nose.

    Symptoms include painful blisters and ulcers around the genital area, although some women may have no symptoms. Antiviral tablets can help the healing process.

    Genital Warts
    These are fleshy growths in the vulval and anal region. They may be itchy, but are usually painless.

    They are caused by certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which are usually sexually acquired through skin contact, such as rubbing vulvas together.

    Women with genital warts do not need more regular smear tests than those without them. There are a variety of treatment options, including freezing and medicated creams.

    Trichomoniasis
    Trichomoniasis can be passed between women during any sexual activity that involves the exchange of vaginal antibodies.

    Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea
    These STIs are caused by bacteria, which can infect the cervix, rectum, throat and urethra. There may be a discharge, but usually there are no symptoms.

    If the conditions are not treated, the bacteria may lead to an infection in the fallopian tubes and infertility.

    Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be passed between women through shared sex toys, hands, and by rubbing vulvas together. Treatment is with antibiotics.

    Syphilis
    Syphilis is a bacterial infection that causes a painless ulcer, usually in the genital area. It will disappear on its own, but other symptoms may appear. These can include a rash on the body and swollen glands.

    If it is not treated, syphilis can cause serious nerve and body organ damage later in life.

    In its early stages, syphilis is extremely infectious and can be passed on by close skin contact during sex. Treatment is with antibiotic injections or tablets.

    Keeping your vagina healthy
    The vagina is self-cleaning, so there’s no need to wash it (douching). Vaginal soreness and vulval irritation can be caused by overuse of perfumed soaps, bubble baths, and shower gets.

    After going to the toilet, always wipe from front to back (from vagina to anus).

    When to see a doctor about sexual health
    If you have any of the symptoms above or are worried you may have an STI, speak to your GP or visit and STI clinic.

    Getting tested regularly is a good idea to ensure you have a healthy sex life.

    Sexual Assault

    What is Sexual Assault?
    Sexual assault can be anything from unwanted touching to rape. Some types of sexual assault can include descriptions of specific acts such as using a weapon, or causing bodily harm, as well as types of relationships where the aggressor is in a position of authority. Furthermore, there are three levels of sexual assault:
    Level 1: simple sexual assault
    Level 2: sexual assault with a weapon or resulting in bodily harm
    Level 3: aggravated sexual assault

    What to do if you have been sexually assaulted
    If you have been sexually assaulted, consider your immediate safety. Call 911 (or your emergency phone number in your area) if you believe you are in direct danger, and leave any location or situation that doesn’t feel safe.

    Find someone who can help you. This can be a trusted family member or friend. It can also be an advocate from a local crisis center.

    Seek medical care. You can get treatment for injuries from a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital emergency department. You can seek medical care without reporting what happened to law enforcement.

    Find mental health support. Your local crisis center can connect you with professionals skilled in this area of support.

    Figure out your next steps. A sexual assault service provider can help answer any questions you may have. They can also connect you with resources you may need, including legal and medical options.

    If you have experienced sexual assault, remember it is not your fault.

    Know your rights and options
    Victims of crime have rights that depend on the laws of the location (state, territory, province, tribe) where the crime occurred. Some of the laws that might apply to you if a person has committed the crime of sexual assault against you include:
    · Availability of a forensic exam (rape kit) at no cost to you
    · Confidential access to victim advocates
    · Time limits (statute of limitations) on certain legal actions
    · Mandated reporting of the assault if you are a vulnerable person (child or elder adult)
    · Confidential communication with service providers
    · Testing or storage of evidence kits
    · Possible financial compensation for you as a crime victim

    It is also a good idea to contact a rape crisis center in the area where you were assaulted since they should be familiar with the laws that apply in your/their area.

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A very detailed guide on common sexually transmitted diseases. Includes how to spot symptoms, how to get treatment and how to prevent it.

    HIV/Aids FAQ
    : Frequently Asked Questions about Aids and HIV. Includes general questions, transmission and prevention, and being tested for it.

    Safe Sex and STIs - A Guide for Women

    Breast Cancer: Detailed information on breast cancer.

    Testicular Cancer: General information on testicular cancer.

    Prostate Cancer
    : Detailed information on prostate cancer.

    Alopecia

    Blackheads

    Bulimia

    Self Injury: Informative guides on self injury. Includes safety, how to overcome it and suggestions for substitutes.

    *Updated June 2021
     
    #1 EmptyClosets, Mar 10, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 15, 2021
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