Did You Know? - Fun & Interesting Sexual Facts!

Did you know? "Ithyphallo phobia" is a morbid fear of seeing, thinking about or having an erect penis.

Did you know? According to a survey of sex shop owners, cherry is the most popular flavor of edible underwear. Chocolate is the least popular.

Did you know? In the Aztec culture avocados were considered so sexually powerful, virgins were restricted from contact with them.

Did you know? Marilyn Monroe, the most celebrated sex icon of the 20th century, confessed to a friend that despite her three husbands and a parade of lovers, she had never had an orgasm.

Did you know? The average shelf-life of a latex condom is about two years.

Did you know? 14% of Americans have skinny-dipped with a member of the opposite sex at least once.

Did you know? According to a U.S. Market research firm, the most popular American bra size is currently 36C, up from 1991 when it was 34B.

Did you know? "Formicophilia" is the fetish for having small insects crawl on your genitals.

Did you know? Male bats have the highest rate of homosexuality of any mammal.

Did you know? Studies show that women who went to college are more likely to enjoy oral sex (giving and receiving) than high school dropouts.

Did you know? A man's beard grows fastest when he anticipates sex.

Did you know? In earlier times, masturbation was believed to lead to blindness, madness, sudden death and other unpleasant diseases. Present research, however, shows no connection.

Did you know? The female bedbug has no sexual opening. To get around this dilemma, the male uses his curved penis to drill a vagina into the female.

Did you know? A man will ejaculate approximately 18 quarts of semen, containing half a trillion sperm, in his lifetime.

Did you know? The Geisha of Japan would not perform fellatio because it was considered demeaning for the cultured to do so.

Did you know? The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time television were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Did you know? Sex is biochemically no different from eating large quantities of chocolate.

Did you know? Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure.

Did you know? For every 'normal' webpage, there are five porn pages !!!!

Did you know? The word "fuck" is actually an acronym. It dates back to the Good Old Days, when England was severely underpopulated due to the usual combination of fire/war/plague, and the King issued an official order to, well, fuck, to replenish the population. Hence the phrase "Fornicate Under Command of the King" passed into everyday language.

Did you know? A pig's orgasm lasts for 30 minutes. A pig's penis is shaped like a corkscrew also it is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky unless, of course, you played 'pig-tipping'.

Did you know? It's an urban legend that men think about sex every 7 seconds. According to an intense Kinsey Institute study, the average man forms a thought about sex approximately every two minutes, and that he generally ponders the thought for about a minute, 50 seconds before letting go of it.

An associated legend - that every two minutes women think about shopping - is blatantly sexist and completely without basis. It has been shown, however, that every two minutes a woman who is with a man will wish that he'd stop staring at her chest.

Did you know? The earliest known illustration of a man using a condom during sexual intercourse is painted on the wall of a cave in France. It is dated between 12,000 and 15,000 years old.

Did you know? A medical study conducted in Pennsylvania showed that people who have sex once or twice a week have their immune systems boosted slightly.

Did you know? A U.S. News and World Report poll found 50 percent agree that it is better to remain a virgin until you marry, and 39 percent felt it's better to have sex with a few different partners before settling down to marry.

Did you know? During the 1920s, it was believed that jazz music caused one to permanently lose his sexual inhibitions. It was often banned in many cities. One private company went as far as to sell the elites "jazz proof" furniture.

Did you know? All humans are 99.9% genetically identical and 98.4% of human genes are the same as the genes of a chimpanzee.

Did you know? "Venus Observa" is the technical term for the "missionary position".

Did you know? Sex is a beauty treatment. Scientific tests find that when women make love they produce amounts of the hormone estrogen, which makes hair shine and skin smooth.

Did you know? Gentle, relaxed lovemaking reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced cleanses the pores and makes your skin glow.

Did you know? Sex is one of the safest sports you can take up (if you use a condom). It stretches and tones up just about every muscle in the body. It's more enjoyable than swimming 20 laps, and you don't need special sneakers!

Did you know? Sex is an instant cure for mild depression. It releases endorphins into the bloodstream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well-being.

Did you know? The more sex you have, the more you will be offered. The sexually active body gives off greater quantities of chemicals called pheromones. These subtle sex perfumes drive the opposite sex crazy!

Did you know? Sex is the safest tranquilizer in the world. IT IS 10 TIMES MORE EFFECTIVE THAN VALIUM.

Did you know? Kissing each day will keep the dentist away. Kissing encourages saliva to wash food from the teeth and lowers the level of the acid that causes decay, preventing plaque build-up. Hey, and it burns up 26 calories!!

Did you know? Sex actually relieves headaches. A lovemaking session can release the tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain.

Did you know? A lot of lovemaking can unblock a stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine. It can help combat asthma and hay fever.

The Benefits of Masturbation

In 1972 the American Medical Association declared "Masturbation is a Normal Sexual Activity". Guess what? Not only is it "normal" for individuals to masturbate it is also very beneficial!

Boost Self Esteem - Masturbation can help overcome inhibitions, allowing for fulfillment of sexual desire, stemming self-confidence and self-image, giving others the impression of youthfulness.

Consistent Sex - Masturbation is truly the only way to have one's sexual needs met throughout life, whether too young or not ready to experience sex with a partner or one is not available.  Masturbation allows individuals to meet their sexual needs whenever and as frequently as they need.

Help Relationships - Although someone may be in a relationship sex may not yet be a part of the relationship, or schedules may not allow for the desired amount of sexual intimacy.  Self-pleasure can alleviate this sexual desire, decreasing sexual frustration, allowing for a clear head to deal with all the facets of the relationship

Improve Communication - Ever heard "you must love yourself to be loved by someone else"?  The same holds true sexually.  Having a good understanding of one's own needs and desires allows for the open communication of this information with one's partner, enhancing both of their sexual experiences.

Improves Overall Physical Health - Regular orgasms allow for the release of endorphins which cause an overall sense of contentment and relaxation, promoting better more regenerative sleep.

Improve Sexual Response - Regular masturbation with orgasms increases blood flow to the genitals.  This increased blood flow brings "intelligence" to this area making arousal during sexual acts with one's partner(s) easier and sensations enhanced.

Pain Control - Regular orgasms also release cortico-steroids the release of these and the endorphins are shown to increase the pain threshold, easing discomforts such as menstrual cramping, arthritis, migraines, etc.

Take a moment to check out or sexual health aides @ pureromance.com or click on the specials page here!!!

The Blended Orgasm

Here's a more intense climax to add to your repertoire. Your new slogan may become "I'll take mine blended."

Okay, you've heard of a clitoral orgasm and you've heard of the G-spot kind — both damn good in their own right. Now imagine if you blended the two types for one phenomenal fireworks-like finale. Yep, you can actually do that. It takes some specific techniques — which we teach you here — and a bit of practice, but experts say it's a skill you can master.

The Basics

As we said, a blended O is the combo of the two different ways women can climax. Clitoral orgasms usually come on faster because that area is so accessible. G-spot orgasms — named for the dime-size pleasure zone behind your inner vaginal wall — are considered much more intense because they reverberate from inside your body. "By simultaneously having your clitoris and G-spot stroked, you mix the unique sensations of each peak into one, resulting in a longer, deeper experience," explains Ava Cadell, PhD, a certified sex therapist in Los Angeles.

This kind of big bang won't just leave you feeling ah-mazing; your guy will reap its benefits too. "A blended orgasm requires different touches on two distinct body areas, and this extra effort naturally slows him down and helps him last longer," says Cadell. Plus, men love it when a woman really loses herself in lust. Watching you experience twice the power of a regular O will absolutely drive him over the edge as well.

How to Achieve One on Your Very Own

Before you pursue a blended O with your guy, it's a good idea to learn the ropes on your own so you're then able to better direct him, explains Lori Buckley, PsyD, a certified sex therapist in Pasadena, California.

The best way to start is by lying on your back comfortably and letting your body de-stress. When you feel relaxed, begin manually stroking your clitoris lightly. As you become more aroused, increase your pressure and speed until you're close to reaching your peak.

Once you're near the brink, take your hand off your clitoris and move it to your G-spot. If you're not sure where yours is, locate it this way: Insert a finger palm-up about an inch or two into your vagina, feeling for a spongy or puckered area along the front wall.

You'll know you've found it when a warm, sexy sensation washes over you...one that may even make you feel like you need to pee (because your G is near your bladder, it can trigger the urge to urinate, but don't worry, this should subside in a few seconds).

As you massage your G and become increasingly excited, resume stimulating your clitoris with your other hand or a vibrator...but don't take your finger off your G-spot. "While touching both, charge full speed ahead until you reach an explosive, pulsing kind of climax," says Buckley. If it doesn't happen the first time, practice, practice, practice.

Getting Your Guy In on the Action

Once you've located your G-spot and know how to bring yourself to a blended orgasm, you're ready to go for it with him. This position should make it easier: Lie on your back on the bed, your feet dangling over the edge, with a few pillows underneath your bottom to raise your pelvis. "It'll be easier for your man's penis to hit your G-spot if your vagina is elevated," says Buckley.

Have your guy stand or kneel (depending on how tall he is and how far off the floor the bed is) as he penetrates you. You two will form an L shape; he shouldn't lean too far over your body because you'll soon need room to reach down and touch your clitoris. Once he's inside you and you feel his penis stroke your G, have him thrust until you feel close to climax...then ask him to stop and remain very still. Let him watch as you softly tease your clitoris with your fingers. "Switch back and forth between touching your clitoris and stopping and having him thrust until you can't take it anymore and you have to do both moves at the same time. It'll lead to an incredibly explosive finale," says Cadell.

Now That You're a Pro

Once you've mastered this missionary move, test-drive a few slightly trickier — yet superpleasurable — positions. One option is a blended O during doggie-style. "When you're on all fours and he's thrusting from behind, his penis naturally finds your G-spot," says Buckley. Lean your upper body against the bed for support while reaching down and massaging your clitoris as he thrusts.

But doggie-style offers a bigger bonus: You can make him do all the work. His hand is free to rub your clitoris as he thrusts, putting him totally in charge of the two different types of stimulation.

If you crave more control over the G-spot stroking, try woman on top. "Face your guy, lower yourself onto his body, and lean forward. You'll feel his penis tickling your G-spot," says Cadell. "Because you're on top, you can thrust fast or slow, up and down, or in circles while you or he touches your clitoris."

Or by leaning far enough forward as you thrust, your clitoris will rub against his pelvis, creating completely hands-free stimulation that will culminate in blended-O nirvana.

Pure Romance by Christina

ChristinaTrejo@pureromance.com

www.prchristina.com

708.770.2657

Sex Positions for Fat Days and More

This has been one very long winter and one that has no doubt caused a few of us to put on a pound or two. Are you one of those desperately waiting for the warm sun to shine and the snow to melt so you can get out there and shed those extra pounds? I hear ya'! Problem is that in the meantime, it leaves some women feeling less than desirable. And, let's face it, "fat" days are just one of many scenarios that leave women second-guessing their inner sex goddess! Time to take control, ladies!! Read on and learn how to overcome and master those less than stellar moments…

Take care!!

  Christina

Sex Positions for Fat Days and More
by Tracey Cox

Just because you're tired, bloated or having a horrendous fat day (we've all been there), that doesn't mean it has to be a no-sex night! No matter the reason, it's easy to work around these common lust-busters - if you know the right moan-inducing moves. Just follow my intimate instructions for any of the problems below, and you'll be basking in the afterglow in no time.


You're having a fat day

What you want: To hide bulges, keep yourself semicovered - and ideally keep his hands far from your tummy and other no-go zones.

Intimate instructions: There are alternatives to keeping your T-shirt on and settling for (yawn) missionary. Rear-entry positions are the most flattering. Kneel facing away from him, lean down to rest your weight on your forearms (read: tummy hidden) and push your bottom tantalizingly high in the air in his direction. Not only does it give him a visual treat, the angle and position makes your waist look tiny and your thighs slim and taut - without you having to launch into that whiny "Don't look at me!" girly stuff. Put his hands on your hips to hold you steady while he thrusts, and you've also solved the wandering hands problem.

Sneaky tricks: If he wants the lights on, place glass-encased candles on the floor or simply plunk the bedside light down there. Lighting from below is far more flattering. Or play a game using a flashlight. Make the room as black as possible so there's complete darkness, then use the flashlight to highlight favorite parts of each other's body. It's complimentary, plus, because only one section at a time is being lit, it's less intrusive. Another good fat-day trick: Blindfold him and let it all hang out.

A new angle: If you do opt for missionary, make a pudgy upper midriff look sexier by stretching your arms up over your head and grabbing onto the bedposts or by placing them flat on the wall behind the bed. Better still, get him to pin you there. It's supersexy for him - he's in control and you're completely submissive. Plus, it works a treat to make tummies look flat and breasts appear perky!

You're exhausted

What you want: A zero-effort session where he won't notice if you nod off during the boring bits - plus speedy orgasms so you're spooning (and snoring) in no time.


Intimate instructions: Chances are you're already lying on your side, your back to his front (eyes determinedly shut despite his penis prodding you in the back), so this really is lazy-girl sex. Just lift your bottom to allow him to penetrate, and tighten your thighs for maximum friction while his hands reach around to stimulate your clitoris. To speed him up, make lots of satisfied groans and moans.


Sneaky tricks: If you're half asleep, your sexual system probably is too, so help it along by using lubricant. Save even more energy by ditching the usual in-out thrusting motion, and instead clench one buttock cheek at a time to rock you from side to side.

A new angle: If you can bear to get out of bed or are already snuggled up in front of the telly, have armchair sex instead. You sit on his lap, facing him, in a crouched position. Place your feet flat on the seat beside his thighs while he holds you by the waist and lifts you up and down. If you really want to be self-indulgent, tell him it's "your turn" (promise he can be completely spoiled next time): Settle yourself into that swivel chair in the study for a blissful oral sex session.

You've got your period

What you want: A position that doesn't bump or display a bloated, tender tummy - and doesn't involve washing the sheets afterward. Interestingly, while some women want nothing more than rest and an electric blanket, lots of women are turned on more during their period than any other time of the month. Here's another incentive to get over any squeamishness: An orgasm often alleviates cramps.

Intimate instructions: The shower is an obvious choice. Aside from the built-in cleanup, warm water running over your abdomen is soothing. True, it does look marvelously sexy to let water stream over those cheekbones (not to mention brave, since that's your makeup disappearing down the drain). But your best bet is to face away from the water, because you move your head more than you think during sex, and water shooting up your nose is not hot.

Try putting your hands on the shower wall for balance, and let him enter from behind as you stand on tiptoes and push your bottom up and outward. Alternatively, put your back against the shower wall and lift one leg as high as you can, resting your calf against the side of his shoulder. He holds your thigh and under your bottom to support you.

Sneaky tricks: By choosing a position where you're in charge of the pace, rhythm and depth of penetration - him behind or you on top - sensitive cervixes and sore middles can be accommodated. Another good option that saves the bedding: Do it in the kitchen. Those easy-to-clean surfaces are there for a reason!

Hop on the counter while he stands in front of you and penetrates. Then either wrap your legs around his waist or put them on chairs or stools for leverage and stability. Be warned, though: The angle is deep. It'll either hurt a little (just tilt your bottom back to keep the thrusting more shallow), or he'll hit your G-spot (which you probably won't complain about).

A new angle: If it seems like a great idea but the thrusting hurts, have him withdraw, and then rub the head of his penis against your clitoris until you orgasm. Finish him off with your hand or mouth.

You're taking ages to orgasm

What you want: An orgasm...now. As exquisite as it might feel hovering at that I-think-I'm-about-to-but-then-again-maybe-not stage, getting stuck there is no fun.

Intimate instructions: Because you're probably desensitized and in need of a jolt to push you over the edge, the trick is to switch stimulation. If you're into anal stimulation, a well-lubricated finger could do the trick. If that's not your cup of tea, try the old "fake it till you make it" method. Pretend you're going into the throes of orgasm (clench your bottom and thighs and moan), and you may trick your body by providing all the triggers it associates with actual orgasm.

Not working? Change position. Get him to lie on his back, legs stretched out and together, then climb on top so you have complete control. Put your knees on either side of his chest, let him penetrate and, leaning forward, move your hips so your clitoris is making small circles against his pubic bone. Still not working? Move yourself upward - if his penis isn't doing it for you, his tongue might!

Sneaky tricks: Make it a threesome - reach down, open your bedside drawer and get out your vibrator. If you're worried he'll feel left out, switch to a rear-entry position while one of you holds the toy firmly on the fleshy bit directly above your clitoris.


A new angle: If a clitoral orgasm won't work, perhaps a G-spot orgasm will. While the jury is still out on whether the G-spot even exists, the whole front vaginal wall is supersensitive. You on top or him from behind will give him a direct shot. If you suddenly think, Omigod, I have to pee, you're on target. Stick with it, and the sensation will pass, giving way to a G-spot orgasm. They feel totally different than clitoral ones, and I'm not sure I like them - but you might!

You've both had too much to drink

What you want: A way to make the most of the alcohol-induced total lack of inhibition without landing in jail (and help with a wonky erection would also be nice).

Intimate instructions: Make out all you like, but don't consummate anything in the elevator on the way up to your apartment - Mrs. Brown in 12B will be so not impressed. Instead, do it the second you're through the front door. Don't remove your clothes; just unzip and pull your panties to one side. Having sex while fully clothed feels lustily risqué (you just can't wait!). Let him slam you up against the hallway wall with your legs spread, then lift one and turn it sideways so he can penetrate. He puts his hand under your thigh for support; you put your arms around his neck for balance. Another way to be naughty but not too risky is to do it in front of a window with the lights off. You can see everyone else walking past and watching telly in other windows, so it feels like you're having sex in front of them - but they can't see you.

Sneaky tricks: If you can feel his erection depleting, get into a position where he's on top. Gravity will work in his favor, keeping all the blood in his penis rather than draining out of it. Don't panic if he's too limp for intercourse, and resist the urge to dive down and desperately perform the kiss of life. I'd avoid his penis entirely until he seems relaxed and just sneak a peek occasionally to see if anything's happening. If nothing is, tell him you don't need an erect penis to have a good time in bed; his tongue and fingers will do just fine, thank you.

A new angle: Some men go the opposite way and orgasm too quickly when they've had a few drinks - particularly if you're up to raunchier stuff than usual. If you're (rather optimistically) aiming for a simultaneous orgasm - rarer than you think - watch for the three surefire signs that he's about to explode: His penis swells one final time, his testicles rise tightly and pull up toward his body and the speed and depth of his thrusting increase.

Pure Romance by Christina can help you in your intimate relationship! Find out all about it when you host or attend a Pure Romance party!

Pure Romance by Christina

ChristinaTrejo@pureromance.com

www.prchristina.com

 708.770.2657

"Not Tonight, Honey... I Have Endometriosis!"

  One of my Pure Romance sisters posted this article for her MySpace friends and I wanted to do the same for my MySpace friends. The saying is true, when you sign up to become a Pure Romance consultant you've just signed on to become a sex therapist, too. I've been a consultant now for almost 8 years and I have women who have confided in me their most intimate sexual challenges and experiences. And, endometriosis is ranked right up there as one of the most confusing and most frustrating conditions a woman can experience. Read on and learn how to easier cope with endometriosis.

Christina

Endometriosis - Severe Pain with Sex
by Heather Guidone

Question

I have endometriosis and I have always had painful sex but the pain is so severe now that I have tears coming down my face. I get zero pleasure due to all of the pain. I feel like I am less of a woman because I can't give my husband what he wants. What are so me of the things I can do to help deal with this. My pain is deep in my abdomen and pelvis during sex.
~Kathryn

Answer

Dear Kathryn:
Thanks so much for writing.  I'm so sorry for what you've been enduring.

I actually had pulled together an article on this exact topic recently for the Endometriosis Research Center (www.endocenter.org) newsletter.  You would not believe how many others with the disease are similarly suffering; I promise you are not alone. Here is a copy of the article; I hope it helps.  Be sure to check out the resources listed therein for additional help as well.  Good luck and feel better, and remember, you are not alone. ~HCG

"Not Tonight, Honey...I Have Endometriosis!"

Let's be frank: Endometriosis combined with sex does not always bode well for the ultimate intimate experience.  Make no mistake -  Endometriosis is a disease that affects more than just the woman.  It affects her partner almost as much, and dealing with it as a couple is crucial.

Let's first address why some patients with Endometriosis experience dyspareunia (painful intercourse):  the lesions may obstruct, bind or invade tissues and organs; it can secrete inflammatory substances known as prostaglandins and histamines that irritate surrounding tissue; it can cause scarring which can restrict blood vessels; and it can make our pain receptors much more sensitive.

Cul-de-sac (the membranous wall between the rectum and the vagina) Endo is a well known culprit for causing painful intercourse, particularly upon deep penetration.  Take these physical aspects of the disease and combine them with treatments that kill our libido, throw our hormones into overdrive, and in some cases, make us gain weight so we can have a whole new set of body-concious issues to deal with, and you've got a recipe guaranteed to have "Not Tonight, Honey..." coming soon to a bedroom near you.

Further, let us not forget that infertility also factors into the mix for some.  When we're having sex because our dreams of fertility depend on it, we sometimes forget in the process that sex can and should also be an intimate sharing between partners...and frankly, fun.

That said, here are some coping tips that might help:

You Must Work Together With Your Partner

This is the cardinal rule.  Two-person problems are never resolved by one-person efforts.  Work together to find what seems best for you as a couple.  This includes having your partner join you at doctor visits and encouraging them to ask questions of their own.  Don't be afraid to ask for help - if the problem becomes bigger than both of you, seek the assistance of a qualified therapist who understands the disease.  Blame, doubt, fear, anger, sadness and even shame - of self and of each other - can appear in the bedroom when Endometriosis is a factor.  There is nothing wrong with getting professional guidance, and it is not the same as saying "it's in your head" or "you're imagining the pain."

Treat the Disease

Research proves that thorough eradication of Endometriosis from all affected areas can leave a patient symptom-free in many cases, and if desired, even improve fertility.  Finding a doctor who is skilled in the treatment of the disease can be your first step in feeling better overall.  See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EndoDocs for help finding someone near you.

Timing is Everything

For example, a lot of women feel physically best before ovulation.  Determine what your "good" time is and plan accordingly.  Call it "scheduled spontaneity"!

Lubricate, Lubricate, Lubricate

Then lubricate some more.  GnRH therapy and other medications can cause vaginal dryness, as can certain surgeries.  There are numerous products available to compensate for this, such as KY jelly, Astroglide and Gyne-Moistrin.  Please note: if you are attempting to conceive, certain lubricants such as KY jelly can decrease sperm motility or destroy sperm altogether.  Similarly, if you are using a barrier form of birth control such as condoms, vaseline-based products can deteriorate the latex.  Ask your gynecologist for a few safe suggestions that might work for your situation.

Stop the Pain Before it Starts

If you need to, take your pain medication beforehand - but don't overdo it!

Remember that Intercourse Does not Necessarily Equal Intimacy

Intimacy can be established through numerous other means:  hugging, holding, kissing, etc.  You can heighten these experiences through candlelight, music, sharing a bath or whatever makes you feel good.  Best of all, these activities can be done even when you're not feeling great, so you can both still share intimacy.  There are also other activities that can be done in lieu of intercourse...use your imagination.

Communicate

Establish a signal with your partner that indicates when you feel ready for penetration.  Take it slow and most importantly, be gentle.  Talk about what works for you both - and what doesn't.  Find ways to work around the things that hurt [no pun intended].

It is Even Possible to Have Fun!

Experiment with positions that are enjoyable for you both.  Female dominant and side by side are very popular with Endo ladies, but find ones that work for you.  If penetration is still too painful, consider oral intimacy.

Endometriosis does not have to mean a death sentence to your relationship.  In fact, it can bring you closer together as a couple as you battle the disease together.  In the beginning, it may highlight a greater need for real honesty and communication between you and your partner, but establishing both of these things can make for a  happier partnership both in and out of the bedroom in the long run.  It's not an overnight process; learn what works for you both - but learn together.

Men should not feel left out of the Endometriosis support experience!  For more information, support, ideas and experience exchanges on all aspects of Endo, please visit this invaluable website.  It is the first organization formed for "Men Who Love Women With Endo."  See MENDO at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mendomen

See Also:

The Center for Endometriosis Care
http://www.centerforendo.com

The Endometriosis Research Center Online Support Community
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/erc

Inlet Medical, Inc.
http://www.dyspareunia.org/


"Painful Intercourse"
By D. Ashley Hill, MD
http://www.obgyn.net/displayarticle.asp?page=/women/articles/dyspar_dah

When the Economy is Down, the Sex Goes Up!!

Is Recession Sex Even Better Than Makeup Sex?
Or Could Analytics, Marketing Be Behind Rising Sales of Personal Lubricant, 'Sexual-Enhancement Devices'?

By Jack Neff
Published: May 20, 2009

BATAVIA, Ohio(AdAge.com) -- The recession hasn't taken any edge off the sexual-accessories trade and may well have helped: Data show that such things as his-and-hers lubricants and mass-market sexual-enhancement devices are producing fireworks in supermarket and drug-store aisles.

First-quarter sales of personal lubricants soared 32% to$41.2 million, according to Information Resources Inc., led almost entirely by continued strength from last year's launch of Johnson & Johnson's K-Y Yours& Mine his-and-hers lubricants. That was even before ads from Mother, NewYork, launched last month behind K-Y Intense, the first major mass-market female-arousal gel, which has gotten major end-aisle displays in such surprising places as Walmart stores this spring.

Meanwhile, the small but suddenly booming"sexual-enhancement devices" category in food, drug and mass-market stores is growing even faster, albeit off a very small base, up 74% to $10.1million for the full year ended April 19, according to IRI, with Church &Dwight's Trojan and Durex products leading the way.

"When the economy goes down, sex goes up," said a J&J spokesman by way of explanation, but he and the brand team declined to elaborate on why their products seem to be booming when the economy isn't.

Jim Daniels, VP-marketing for Trojan at Church & Dwight,has some more-developed theories about why what he describes as the"sexual health" business is so healthy these days.

 For one thing, he said, he believes package-goods analytics and marketing are potent forces when applied to sex, something that, at least from a product standpoint, the industry really hadn't paid that much attention to until recent years.

Classic CPG research

"These are areas where there are unmet consumer needs," he said."So what you're seeing is that companies like Church & Dwight, Johnson& Johnson, are investing in classic CPG research, and bringing that research and skills to bear in the sexual-health category, which really hasn't had a lot of classic CPG activity. ... Once those insights are uncovered,package-goods companies move very quickly to meet those needs with products, as well as advertising to make people aware of them."

The other theory is that recession actually helps.

"These seem to be products people are actually gravitating toward in a recession," Mr. Daniels said. "I'm not a psychologist, so I don't know why that is. We are seeing people spending more time at home. We're seeing people's relationships being stressed. We're seeing people looking for means to reconnect with their partner and invest in relationships.In some cases, people may have more time on their hands if they're not working."

But the reality is that some of this was always a pretty big business, just not one conducted in grocery, drug or mass-merchandise stores,where it's still illegal to sell some of these products in seven states.

Church & Dwight estimates sexual devices are actually a$1 billion business in the U.S.,not the tiny $10 million measured by IRI in food, drug and mass stores. While the business overall is growing too, it's up by more like mid- to high single digits than the double digits IRI can see, Mr. Daniels said.

Most of those device sales today come online, through adult stores or through home parties organized by direct sellers such as Pure Romance, he said. Much of the business done to date by Trojan Vibrating Touch,a product launched last year that fits on the fingertip, has been through TV and online direct-response advertising.

Mainstream activity

Use of some of these products is remarkably mainstream, Mr. Daniels said.Church & Dwight is preparing to release a study conducted through Indiana University and Knowledge Networks of more than 3,000 U.S.adults showing that half have used a "vibrating product" at some point in their lives and a third have used one within the past year. Of those,Mr. Daniels said, 80% have used it with a partner.

All of this seems to bode well for future growth -- maybe for the U.S.population, too. Sales in Trojan's main business, condoms, aren't growing nearly as fast as in other areas of "sexual health." IRI data reported by Deutsche Bank show sales flat last year and down 2.1% in the first quarter, though Mr. Daniels said sales are up slightly in all channels. And IMS Health reports that contraceptive prescriptions last year were flat for the second year in a row.

Ladies!!

Even the experts know that the romance enhancement business is booming! Here in Illinois, Pure Romance is seeing a 25% increase in it's sales so far this year - and it's not even our busy season yet!

Pure Romance is still in it's infancy compared to other direct sales companies out there (i.e. Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Stampin' Up,etc). Currently, we have ONLY 10,000 consultants nation-wide. Seems like a lot, doesn't it? By comparison, Mary Kay has 1,800,000 active consultants; Party-Lite has over 50,000; and there are over 60,000 with Pampered Chef! Your point of view just changed, didn't it? It's easy to see then how Pure Romance is still on the ground floor of it's growth and it's only going to get bigger!!

So, how about it? How satisfied are you with your life right now? Do you love your job? Wonderful!! Keep doing it then!! But, maybe you could use a few extra bucks each month - get ahead on some bills, put aside a little extra for a rainy day or a fabulous dream vacation, buy something that you have always wanted but were afraid to ask for.

Maybe you are just so-so about your job or maybe you down right hate it? But, it does pay the bills, doesn't it? You're comfortable in that thought, aren't you? Really? Is that what you really, really want out of this life? Wouldn't you rather be making a difference in people's lives? How about actually looking forward to going to work and actually having a wonderful time?

And, then, maybe you're already doing the stay-at-home thing. And, you're loving the fact that you get to be there for your children and watch them grow and learn. It's an awesome feeling, isn't it? Wish you had some time for yourself, though? Just you? Wish you had some regular adult conversation? No kids. Just adults talking adult stuff. Wouldn't that be something?

What I am trying to say here is that no matter where you are in your life right now, Pure Romance can be the answer you have been looking for all along. Career women, college students, SAHMs, WAHMs, white collar and blue collar, full-time and part-time, experienced business owners and brand new business owners (the list goes on and on). It doesn't matter your lot in life, Pure Romance has something for EVERYONE!

Do yourself a favor TODAY! Just take a moment to look into Pure Romance and see what we're about. Call or email me and let's talk! You have questions and I have your answers.

It's that simple. It's that easy!

Pure Romance by Christina
ChristinaTrejo@pureromance.com
www.PRChristina.com
(708) 770-2657

How Great Sex Can Make You Rich!

Got this one from a sister consultant - Thanks, Paula!!

Financial Advice from a Call Girl
How Great Sex Can Make You Rich

Originally Posted by S. Shugars at www.savingadvice.com
May 29, 2008

When people think about the best financial advice they have ever received, it usually comes from a family member, a close mentor or a financial guru. So it’s with a bit of embarrassment that I must admit that the best financial advice I ever received came from a call girl I slept with in my younger days. Even more surprising, it wasn’t intended to be financial advice,but what seemed to be almost an afterthought that she shouted back at me on the way out the door: “Don’t marry her if she isn’t great in bed.”

While her comment always stayed in the back of my mind, I never looked at it as financial advice until I realized where I am in my marriage and where many of my friends are. What I realize is that great sex has made me a happier person, saved our family a lot of money and kept me from falling into situations that have cost my other friends a lot of money.

Let me first state that I don’t see great sex as having anything to do with sexual prowess or stamina, but everything having to do with compatibility. Great sex isn’t an individual performance, but a combined performance between two partners that leaves you both exhilarated.

Having great sex with your partner is certainly not typical financial advice that you will hear in any of the personal finance magazines that you read, but that little gold nugget of advice has made me a lot more wealthy than most of my peers and advice that you should take to heart. Here are some reasons you should consider it a lot harder than you have:

Great sex reduces your entertainment costs: I can’t remember the last time I have seen a movie with my wife. This isn’t because either of us is cheap or don’t enjoy movies, but because there is never a question of what we’d rather choose to do. If you had the choice of a movie or a night of passionate love, which would you choose? Neither of us sees any reason to change this choice even after 15 years of marriage.

Great sex keeps you out of the malls: There is no need for retail therapy when you have a good sex life. You already know what makes you happy so there is no need to go searching for it in the latest gadget that will supposedly make you feel better. Nothing will fulfill you on a daily basis the way a great sex life will.

Great sex means you don’t eat out as much: Having a great sex life will mean you eat out a lot less than the average family. Much like with movies, if you have the choice of going out or a dinner in together with extra curricular activities, the dinner in almost always wins.

Great sex keeps you organized: When you are constantly looking forward to being with your partner, you don’t want other things to get in the way. You learn to get organized so that when you get home, there is nothing left over from work that needs to be done that could get in the way of the evening activities. Being the once unorganized slob and constant procrastinator that I used to be, I can tell you that having a compelling reason to be organized and get things finished early will ensure that you do. great sex is one of those compelling reasons.

Good sex makes you healthier: According to a study of 90,000American adults done by Dr. Ted Mcllvenna, from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, sexually active people take fewer sick leaves, are more gregarious and enjoy life more.

That means less doctor visits, lower insurance premiums and no need to pay for a gym membership.Except for the unexpected heart attack (that appears to have been more genetic that anything else according to my doctors),

I have been in great health during my marriage. I have taken exactly 3 days of sick leave in the 15 years I have been married and I find it hard to believe that many married men look forward to coming home as much as I do.

Great sex means that vacations are less expensive: When you and your partner have great sex together, the focus of a vacation changes dramatically. Most people choose vacations to be entertained, but when you have great sex, you choose vacations for the mood that they create. Time isn’t spent going from tourist attraction to tourist attraction, but spending time together enjoying the time and the atmosphere. Even when we pay extra to create a more romantic mood, the vacations are still far less than friends who vacation to be entertained.

Great sex means that you have no reason to cheat on your partner: A lot of people cheat on their partners for a lot of different reasons, but if the two of you have great sex together, it takes away the biggest reason for either of you to cheat on one another. Having affairs can bean expensive habit that can drain money from your overall wealth, especially when money is being hidden in order to maintain the affair. Great sex can keep you from ever making this costly mistake.

Great sex means you’ll stay married: That affair can become a lot more costly if it ends up resulting in divorce. If you want to keep your net worth secure, you don’t ever want to get divorced. I’ve seen first hand what it has done to a number of my friends financially, and it’s not a pretty sight.

There is a reason why people say that divorce is like taking all the money you have to the top of a tall building and then throwing handfuls of hundred dollar bills out of the window as fast as you can because that is essentially what happens. If you have great sex together, there is a lot less likelihood that either one of you will see divorce as something that you want or need.

What this all means is that our savings and net worth are a lot healthier than most of the friend that I’ve known over the years. It isn’t that we make more money, but that we have found a way to spend time together that costs little money and which we both enjoy immensely. Spending our time having great sex instead of spending money on other things means that we will retire with plenty of money without ever having to have struggled they way most people do.

So I pass along the best financial advice I have ever received from a call girl who didn’t even realize she was giving such important financial advice: “When you choose a partner, make sure that you have great sex together.”

Hey girls! Host a Pure Romance party, spice up your sex life for FREE and get WEALTHY!!!!!!!

Or, become a PR consultant and get wealthy from everyone else spicing up their sex life!

Study: Sex toys help in the bedroom

September 20, 2004
By: LAURA BERMAN

Better sex does not have to be the stuff of dreams. For women who can't remember the last time sex was good or consider it just another chore to add to the list, there is a variety of sexual aids and devices that can really help.

Everybody's doing it. Well, almost everybody. A recent study by the Berman Center, funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Drugstore.com, found that nearly half of women ages 18 to 55 have used a vibrator. We got down to the truth about sex toys by surveying nearly 2,000 women across the country. The findings might surprise you.

For women of all walks of life, we found that using vibrators leads to better sexual functioning. These women are more interested in sex, achieve heightened arousal, have an easier time reaching orgasm and experience less pain during and after sex. This includes all sexual activity -- not just when women were using a sex aid. It seems that practice really does make perfect. We found that women who use vibrators are more sexually satisfied in general. And women who reported high levels of sexual satisfaction were more likely to report a positive quality of life as well. So ultimately, vibrators lead to a better quality of life!

And make no mistake -- far from taking the place of a partner, sexual devices work to enhance relationship sex by giving women (and men) a window into what pleases her, which only makes sex better. More than 55 percent of women in relationships reported using a vibrator, while 34 percent of singles did so. Two-thirds of women in relationships said their partner was supportive of their use of sex toys. Nearly half used their sexual aid with a partner, in addition to using it by themselves. And get this: Four percent of women reported that their male partners borrowed their vibrators for their own use.

What vibrators give women is a tool to take charge of their sexuality, either to improve what they have or get back what they lost. The hardest part is figuring out where to begin. Sex toys are definitely not one-size-fits-all, and the choices can be dizzying if you are just starting out. I prescribe different types of vibrators every day in my practice.

Remember, vibrators are not simply about good sex. Our study found what most women already know: If you are happy in the bedroom, you're happy outside of it, too. So if you're having some trouble with your sex life, take my prescription for a better life and try a vibrator. Doctor's orders!

Laura Berman, Ph.D., is a sex therapist and director of Chicago's Berman Center

What's a Pure Romance Party?

Hello Everyone!

I am just trying to get the word out about Pure Romance, America's 1 reason for a Girl's Night In. I am a Pure Romance consultant living in the Metro Atlanta Area and I specialize in helping women put the "O" in Romance, as well as empower them about their own sexuality.

At a Pure Romance party there is no need to fake the fun! A company founded by and run by WOMEN, Pure Romance offers products that can add a new dimension of fun and playfulness to coupled partnerships, as well as enable singles to explore, enjoy and satisfy natural desires. With a variety of products available, there is sure to be "that something special" to suit your own, personal needs.

Whether you are looking for goodies on the "tame" side, such as massage oils, bath aids and spa products, or you are ready to dive into the fun with arousal creams, lubricants and best of all, bedroom toys!! -- Pure Romance has what your looking for and more!

Host the BEST Girls' Night In around and have your friends talking for days! If you've ever been to a Pure Romance party, you know that it's NOT your typical party! When you book a Pure Romance party I will bring the store to you! At the end of the evening you and your guests will be able to take home all/or most of what you have ordered, instead of waiting 2 - 4 weeks like other in-home parties. Best of all, there are no fees to host a party but plenty of perks!

In addition to some much-needed time with the girls, you get FREE PRODUCTS just for hosting! As a hostess, you will receive 10% OF TOTAL PARTY SALES IN FREE PRODUCTS FOR YOURSELF! For example, if you host a $500 party, you will receive a $50 shopping spree--ON ME!! I also offer additional hostess gifts--After all, you are giving your friends an evening they will never forget and YOU DESERVE TO BE SPOILED!!

For more information on booking a party, send me a message or email me at ChristinaTrejo@PureRomance.com. (You can also visit www.PRChristina.com.) I look forward to meeting you and showing you and your friends a GREAT night in! ADULT LADIES ONLY (18 and over)

You can recycle your bottles, cans, and paper products. Now you can recycle your old sex toys!

You can recycle your bottles, cans, and paper products. Now you can recycle your old sex toys!

www.recycleyoursextoys.com

Recycling Your Sex Toys

Finally, there’s an environmentally friendly way to dispose of used or broken vibrators, dildos, plugs, or any other sex toy you may have. Our Sex Toy Recycling program offers you a way to recycle sex toys that you no longer want or use.

It is Simple and Easy

Simply drop your clean used toy(s) in the mail, when we receive it in our warehouse we will have it cleaned and disassembled. The rubber, silicone, hard plastics, metal, e-waste and motors will be sent to recycling facilities that process the materials for reuse. Did you leave the batteries in? Don’t worry, we dispose of them responsibly.

Help Your Planet

Now, when you get rid of that old, broken or unused sex toy, you will be helping our environment. You can feel good that you have done one more thing to cut consumer waste, reduce landfills and help eliminate the toxic chemicals that seep into our soil and ground water.

Be Rewarded For Your Good Deed

Not only do we make recycling your sex toys simple, we also offer a reward as an incentive. For every package of toys* you send in to be recycled, you will receive a $10 gift card (please allow 4 to 6 weeks to receive) to use at one of our affiliate partners as well free shipping when applicable on your next order. So the more you recycle, the more you can play. Going green has never been this much fun!

*As we do appreciate your enthusiasm in participating with the Recycle Your Sex Toy Program, sending multiple packages with one or two items in it, and not filling the box to capacity, does not fall in line with our intentions to reduce wastes. Consider, as well, that you are paying more for shipping all those boxes individually.

So why not recycle your old sex toys and purchase new state of the art toys from Pure Romance by Christina

12 Secrets of Sensational Solo Sex

Am I doing this right?

When it comes to sex, it's the most asked question of all time, and masturbation is no exception. That's where expert advice from Anne Semans comes in. In her book The Many Joys of Sex Toys, 12 tricks are spelled out in buzz-worthy detail.

Relax.

The key to your enjoyment is your ability to relax and stay in the moment, so check your anxieties or frustrations at the door. Stop thinking about work, the kids or the dirty laundry. Take a warm bath or get a massage beforehand. (Ladies, we have some wonderful bath products to help you with just that!)

Turn yourself on.

Think about what things have turned you on in the past and focus on them now to jump-start your arousal. Fantasize about a steamy sexual encounter, replay a scene from a sexy movie or imagine yourself naked with your favorite celebrity. If you enjoy additional stimulation, put on some sexy music or read some erotica.

Have a look.

If you've never really looked at your genitals before, take out a mirror and hold it with one hand while you use the other hand to locate the parts of your genitalia. Look for the clitoris under its protective hood at the top of your vulva; identify your labia, vagina and anus. It might help to have an anatomical diagram next to you if you're having trouble figuring out what's what. (Consider this INCREDIBLE guide book - Tickle Your Fancy - to help you in your quest!)

Let your fingers do the walking.

Use your fingertips to explore all the parts of your genital anatomy. Notice the smoothness of the labia folds, and the hardness of the clitoris. Peel back the clitoral hood and touch the glans so you are familiar with its sensitivity. Insert a finger into your vagina and notice the different textures as it moves in slightly. As you explore, pay attention to the parts of your vulva that feel especially good when stimulated.

Play with yourself.

Put the mirror down, lie on your back and touch yourself all over. Begin by running your hands all over your skin, lingering on the spots that feel particularly sensitive -- including the breasts and the sides of your thighs. Try a variety of movements on your labia and clitoris, pulling, pinching and rubbing along the smooth skin. Focus on the clitoris, paying attention to any erotic sensations that certain moves generate. Some women like to use two fingers to rub over the clitoral hood in a circular motion; others place a fingertip on either side of the clitoris and move from side to side.

Feel the buzz.

Turn your vibrator on and explore in much the same way that you did with your hands. Try running the toy over different parts of your body, including your genitals, but saving your clit for last. Lightly place the tip of the vibrator on your clitoral hood. If the vibration is too intense, place a washcloth or piece of clothing between your body and the toy. (Pure Romance has so many toys to choose from! May I recommend the 7th Heaven or the Exhilirator?)

Add your Kegels.

Slowly rock your hips back and forth, contracting your PC muscles (what you squeeze when you want to stop a stream of urine) in time to the motion. (And did you know the stronger your PC muscles the more intense your orgasms become? Need to strengthen them? Consider using our Ben Wa Balls.)

Mix it up.

Vary the speed on your vibrator or apply pressure to get a stronger vibration on your clitoris. If you're moving the toy around, try changing the direction of the motion. As your arousal builds, try stopping and starting the vibration. By "teasing" your clit you coax it along -- when you withhold the stimulation, your body jumps back after it when it's resumed. If you have a hard time getting over the top, stop the toy for longer periods and relax your muscles. Try using the vibrator in a different position -- squeeze it between your legs or lie on top of it. (More toy choices - Sealed with a Kiss or the 5" Personal Massager)

Breathe deeply.

Resist the urge to hold your breath; instead, take long, deep breaths. With practice, you can coordinate the rhythm of your breathing to your mounting arousal. When you feel yourself close to orgasm, inhale, then time your exhale with the onset of the orgasm, and you'll feel the sexual contraction flow through your body to your toes.

Stay with it.

One of the frustrating and magical things about orgasm is that it can feel very elusive up until you're actually seconds away from having one. Once you hit the point of no return, your orgasm will sweep over you in a matter of seconds, and your body will be wracked by several contractions.

Go for multiples.

Vibrators are tireless -- they can keep going and going long after hands or penises tire out. After your first orgasm, remove the vibrator if your clit is too sensitive, but return after a few seconds to try for another orgasm. You might be surprised at how easy it is to go for more than one, or two, or three... (Or consider going for that G-Spot orgasm. Try the Love Doctor or the G-Whiz! You won't be disappointed!)

Try and try again.

Don't worry if you don't make it on your first go-round. Just pick up the toy again later and give it another try. Sometimes it can take several weeks before your body becomes accustomed to the stimulation. Try to learn from each attempt, paying close attention to which types of stimulation feel best and building on those.

Sexual Health Resource Guide

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Frequently asked sexual health questions answered by the experts: Debby Herbenick and Patty Brisben

DO ALL WOMEN HAVE A G-SPOT?

Patty: I think this is a great question and one I get asked often by women! I do believe that all women have the capabilities to experience g-spot stimulation; it is just whether or not they will respond to it in a pleasurable way. I encourage women to explore their bodies to find out which areas provide them with the most pleasure. Some women may find that after stimulating the g-spot, sometimes over an extended period of time that they may feel pleasure or even orgasm. When exploring the g-spot for the first time, I recommend that women do this alone and with the help of a curved bedroom accessory. Just remember that for most women exploring, it may take several tries to find out whether or not the g-spot is a pleasurable area for you. So the question really isn’t whether or not all women have a g-spot, but whether or not all women respond to g-spot stimulation!

Debby: The G spot is not an actual body part like a nose or a pancreas. Instead, we use the phrase “G spot” to refer to an area inside the vagina, about one or two inches inside the body, on the front wall of the vagina. In that sense, yes, every woman who has a vagina also has this area called the “G spot”. Whether stimulation of the G spot area feels pleasurable or orgasmic is another story. Some – but not all – women enjoy G spot stimulation and the only way to tell is for a woman to explore her body alone or with a partner, using her fingers or a G spot bedroom toy. For more information about the G spot, I recommend reading The G Spot and Other Discoveries About Human Sexuality by Dr. Beverly Whipple, Dr. John Perry and Dr. Alice Ladras.

CAN THINGS GET LOST IN THE VAGINA, LIKE THE BEN WA BALLS?

Patty: This is another great question! If you were to ask several of my customers if this was true, they would definitely say yes! With a little education, however, I was able to reassure them that Ben Wa Balls will not get lost in their vagina! Usually what happens when a woman feels like something is “lost” inside of her, she begins to become tense, which in turn starts to tighten her muscles, making it virtually impossible to allow gravity to work the missing object out! In a sense, things can get stuck in the vagina, but they definitely aren’t lost! Something I like to recommend to these nervous women is to first relax. After they have relaxed, I encourage them to sit on the edge of their toilet with each foot propped up on a trash cans. This position should start to look familiar! I have them bear down as if they were trying to have a bowel movement and while they are relaxed and in this position, use their fingers to reach inside and remove the missing tampon, condom or Ben Wa Ball. If for some reason this method doesn’t work, or the woman doesn’t feel comfortable touching herself, I suggest having a partner try. Otherwise, her health care provider will be happy to help! Just remember, the key is to relax!!

Debby: No. Here’s why: The vagina is a relatively small space and it ends at the cervix (the opening to the uterus). The cervix is an extremely tiny opening and most objects (like ben wa balls, sex toys, and tampons) are too big to fit through this opening. The vagina is about 3 or 4 inches long when a woman is not aroused. When a woman feels sexually excited the vagina grows slightly wider and longer. Even though the vagina gets bigger, it doesn’t get huge. If a woman feels like she has “lost” a ben wa ball inside her vagina (or if she cannot find a tampon she inserted, or a condom that slipped off during sex), she can be reassured that with a little time and patience, she or her partner can gently insert their fingers, retrieve the object and pull it back out. If she feels too nervous to do this herself or with her partner, she should ask her doctor to remove the object as soon as possible (it happens to other women, too, and she doesn’t have to feel embarrassed, but she does need to have it removed to prevent bacterial growth).

HOW CAN I GIVE MY SEX DRIVE A BOOST?

Patty: The million dollar question! There are a lot of different things you can try to help you improve your sex drive. I always encourage women to try a variety of things and to not become discouraged if something doesn’t work right away! Take this opportunity to enjoy discovering and exploring your body again! You may find that it is as simple as changing some small part of your routine, such as the way you initiate sex or how you engage in foreplay. Play some new games; try new positions… challenge your routine! I also encourage women to take care of themselves. Eat well, exercise, get a good nights sleep and visit your doctor regularly! If improving your sex drive isn’t as simple as changing your routine, your health care provider can help you find what will work best for you! It has to start with you and your desire to give it a boost!

Debby: A woman’s sex drive can decrease for any number of reasons including medical conditions, medication side effects, stress, anxiety, depression, feeling tired, relationship problems, eating patterns and more. The best place to start is with a check-up with one’s healthcare provider to rule out medical conditions or medication side effects.A healthy lifestyle is important to sexual desire and interest too. Get plenty of sleep. If you smoke, consider quitting (there are a variety of smoking cessation classes as well as medications available to help you quit). Try to eat better (e.g., more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins) and move more (e.g., try to walk, run, play with your kids or otherwise move your body for more minutes of the day, and on most days of the week). Ask your doctor, nurse, dietician or physical therapist for advice and information about sleep, nutrition and physical exercise. If a woman is unhappy with her relationship or simply wants to re-connect with her partner, suggest that she read For Each Other: Sharing Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Lonnie Barbach or meet with a sex therapist (she can visit www.aasect.org to locate one nearby).

Your Frequently Asked Questions: Foreplay and Communication

Sex has become monotonous in my relationship. What would you recommend to spice things up?

You may want to explore Pure Romance’s foreplay products to help spice up your relationship. Foreplay products are one of the easiest ways to add fun and excitement to sexual activity. Pure Romance has a full line of foreplay products that you and your partner can use together. For example, the new Date Night Game allows couples to communicate with each other, while having fun at the same time! There are several types of cards, including conversation and action cards, that will help set the mood for a full night of pleasure.

Massage is another great foreplay activity. Massage allows couples to connect with each other, while at the same time increasing arousal and exploring each other’s bodies. Two popular massage products are Hot Heart Massager and Burning Desire candle, which can be used together. Burning Desire is a soy-based massage oil candle that never burns hotter than body temperature. Hot Heart Massager is a reusable heat pack that provides users with a warm, relaxing experience. You can pair Burning Desire and Hot Heart Massager together for the ultimate warm massage. You and your partner are encouraged to browse through Pure Romance’s foreplay products (as well as our bath and massage products) to help find the perfect item(s) for you.

Finally, you should talk to your partner about your interest in spicing things up in your relationship. Communication is extremely important in relationships, and, at Pure Romance, we encourage open, honest communication throughout a relationship. Talk to your partner and explain your thoughts and feelings regarding your desire to try new things and spice things up. You and your partner can then decide together what types of things that you could like to do/try to add fun and excitement to your sexual activities. The discussion in itself may help to add spice to your relationship.

I am interested in trying anal play with my partner, but do not know how to bring it up. I have a difficult time talking to my partner about my sexual interests. What do you recommend?

Communication is an extremely important part of all relationships; couples should engage in open, honest communication regularly. Communication is also very important when it comes to sexual activities like anal play. Both partners should feel comfortable engaging in the activity and should agree on how they will engage in anal play. Couples should decide together if they want to take things slowly, and should set a “safe word” in case one person experiences any discomfort.

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can simply tell your partner that you are interested in engaging in anal play, and ask your partner how they feel about your desires. You can explain your thoughts and feelings behind the intrigue and your desire to engage in anal play and see how your partner thinks and feels about it. You could also use books or games to help communicate your desires with your partner. “Tickle Your Fancy” has a chapter on anal play; you can read the book, highlight areas that you would like to discuss, and leave it in an area for your partner to find. You could also sit down together and read this chapter at the same time. This can help open the discussion around anal stimulation.

If your partner decides that this is something they do not want to engage in, there are ways for you to explore anal penetration on your own. Pure Romance has a full line of anal play products that you can use during self-stimulation to explore anal penetration. Our products are easy-to-use and many of them are great for beginners, including the Butt Plug and Little Gem. I encourage you to use a lubricant during anal play, as the rectum does not self-lubricate like the vagina. We recommend silicone-based lubricants, such as Pure Pleasure, because they are gentle and long-lasting. With the right lubrication and self-exploration, you may fulfill your fantasies and desires.

Spice Up Your Sex Life: Seven surprising things to shake up your sex life

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Dispelling the Myth

Pure Romance is not like other "toy party" companies. We are very classy company that helps empower women in and outside of the bedroom.

Pure Romance has also grown and evolved into a company that not only helps couples maintain intimacy within their relationships but is also a national ambassador for women’s sexual health.

Pure Romance is also a501c3 non-profit organization which provides research and education for women and health care providers regarding women’s sexual health.

Pure Romance give Consultants, customers and the general public invaluable information regarding sexuality, relationships and overall sexual health; in addition, it expands on the Pure Romance mission to provide a comfortable environment for women to explore sexuality without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.

Pure Romance by Christina
NOT YOUR TYPICAL PARTY!

15 Things You Should Know About Women's Health

15 Things You Should Know About Women's Health

by Debby Herbenick PhD, MPH

1 Sexual desire is complex. A woman's sexual desire can be influenced by sleep, fatigue, illness, fitness nutrition, body fat (too much or too little), feelings about her partner, aging, changes in hormone levels, communication, side effects from medication, mood, stress, anxiety and her menstrual cycle. When a woman wonders what has happened to her sex drive, it can be important to reassure her that many women (and men) experience changes in their sex drive, to encourage her to communicate with her about her feelings and to check in with her healthcare provider to rule out any health conditions or side effects from medications that might be impacting her desire. In addition, she can seek out a sex counselor or therapist. aasect.org.

2 Not all women orgasm through intercourse. Many women require direct stimulation of their clitoris, which is outside of and above the vagina (at the twelve o'clock position). Many women find it easier to orgasm when a partner performs oral sex on them, when they or their partner touch the genitals with their fingers, or when they or their partner use a bedroom toy. A couples toy such as the Pure Romance Jelly Tool Belt may be a particularly useful toy for any woman who would like to orgasm through vaginal intercourse.

3 Not all lubricants are created equal. Some women are sensitive to propylene glycol; other find that glycerin irritates them. Pure Romance Just Like Me is a gentle lubricant that many women with sensitive skin find can make sex more comfortable and pleasurable, without the irritation. Other women simply like to spice things up sometimes with sex in a bath tub or shower. When it come to "water sex", a silicone-based lubricant such as Pure Romance Pure Pleasure is a better choice because it won't get washed away in the tub or shower.

4 Sex should not be painful. Many women experience uncomfortable or painful sex from time to time. Often, a few useful tips can be of help. In my experience, encouraging women and their partners to spend more time on foreplay (which increases vaginal lubrication and helps to expand the vagina), to use a non-irritating lubricant, and to choose positions that give her more control over her body (such as woman on top) have helped many women to have more enjoyable sex without the pain. However, about 15% of women may have a medical condition called vulvodynia, which refers to female genital pain. This pain may occur during sex or even during daily activities such as riding in a car or sitting down at work. Women who have ongoing genital pain or questions about their pain might find it helpul to connect with The National Vulvodynia Association (www.nva.org) for information, support and healthcare provider referrals.

5 Self-pleasuring is good for women. Masturbation is a healthy part of sexuality for many women. In addition, sexual pleasuring (alone or with a partner) can actually keep a woman's genitals healthy by drawing blood flow and oxygen to the genitals and helping to lubricate and keep the vagina moist, all of which can keep the vaginal and vulvar skin strong and healthy. To learn more about vaginal health, read The V Book: A Doctor's Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health.

6 All women have a g-spot. The g-spot is an area of the vagina that some scientists decided to name "the g-spot" because it had been noticed that it was a particularly sensitive area, when stimulated, for some women. That said, just because we all have this area of the vagina (about 1 or 2 inches inside the vagina, on the front wall) doesn't mean that we all find it pleasurable or orgasmic when the g-spot is stimulated. If a woman wants to explore her g-spot, she might find it easier to do so with a bedroom toy, perhaps laying face down on the bed (which puts gentle pressure on the front wall of the vagina).

7 Size may not matter - but fit does. Rather than worrying whether you or your partner are too big or too small, if sex doesn't feel the way you want it to, consider how your bodies fit together. If things feel too "roomy", try using less lubricant or keep a towel nearby to occasionally "dry things off". If penetration feels uncomfortable, you might want to add more lubricant, or take things more slowly (or gently). Also, consider expanding your definition of sex to include oral sex, finger stimulation, toy play, watching each other self-pleasure, passionate kissing or making out, sensual touching and bathing together - activities for which neither size nor fit matter much at all.

8 Stay strong as you age. Aging can throw us a few curveballs. Stay strong by practicing your Kegel exercises which can help with incontinence issues as well as sexual pleasure. Squeeze and release your PC muscles (the same one that, as you're urinating, can stop the flow of urine with a quick squeeze) a few times a day for about 3 to 5 minutes per session. It's a habit that can really pay off over your lifetime.

9 "Bouncing back" after pregnancy takes time. Many healthcare providers tell women that they can resume intercourse six weeks after giving birth. Of course, not all women are ready to get back in the game so quickly. Given the life changes that come with having a new baby in your life (read: lack of sleep, breastfeeding, changes in your relationship) many women and their partners don't resume regular sex until 6 months or even a year following the birth of a new baby. Couples who still crave intimacy often get creative when it comes to sexual sharing - stealing five minutes here and there, snuggling on the couch to promote intimacy, or making the most of your child's time with a babysitter to reclaim your closeness to your partner.

10 Stay healthy, stay sexy. A healthy lifestyle has more to do with sex than you might guess. Gear up for the decades ahead of you by staying fit (ask your healthcare provider what types of exercise like walking, running, cycling, swimming, or team sports might be right for you), eating well (heavy on fruits, vegetable, whole grains and lean proteins), and stearing clear of smoking (it can wreak havoc on your cardiovascular system which has everything to with women's lubrication and men's erections).

11 Your gynecological health matters. Whether or not you are sexually active, you should continue checking with your healthcare provider at least once each year for an annual gynecological exam and learn how often you need a Pap test (some women need Pap tests every 3-6 months; other women may go three years without needing a Pap test). Many insurance companies even allow women to identify their gynecologist as their promary care provider.

12 Mind-body connection. How you feel inside your head can have a lot to do with how you feel about your body and about being sexual with another person. Relaxation can make it easier to orgasm. Telling your partner about your feelings and about what hurts you (as well as what makes you feel good) can help to ease tension between the two of you, identify relationship problems as they come up (rather than months later) and celebrate what's good about your relationship - all of which can help you to feel closer and more apt to be physically intimate.

13 Importance of touch. Touch is crucial to relationships. Don't skimp on hugging, hand holding or cuddling with each other. Touch can help couples to feel closer, to feel loved and to feel relaxed.

14 Every body can be sexy. With society's focus on body size and shape, it's good to step back and remember that we can all be incredibly sexy regardless of our height, weight, or where our curves do (or don't) fall. It's often said that our biggest sex organ is our brain, which speaks to the importance of how we feel about ourselves and our sexual state of mind. Think sexy and you will be sexy.

15 Sex can be great at any age. Whether you're 18 or 80, you can have a wonderful, satisfying, exciting sex life. You can expect changes in your emotional feelings and your physical feelings and in how your body works, and these changes can present you with new experiences and the potential for an enjoyable, sexual life. But, then again, variety is the spice of life - and sex!

The Patty Brisben Foundation participates in several collaborative research studies with various universities including Indiana University. One of the largest research studies is currently headed by Debby Herbenick PhD, MPH, Associate Director of SHRWG (Sexual Health Research Working Group) at Indiana University. She is also a Research Associate for the Department of Applied Health Science and a Health Educator at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction. In addition, Dr. Herbenick works as a sex columnist for various newspapers and magazines across the nation