Make Love, Not Babies
Q: My birth control pills are making me sick. Are there any other options?
A: Certain contraceptive aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There’s dozens of contraceptives–from the pill to the patch. You just have to find out what’s right for your body. If you’re forgetful and don’t want to be burdened with the daily dosage of hormones, the pill isn’t for you. Stick to something a little more long-term, like the Nuvaring. It’s a small, flexible ring that kind of looks like a jelly bracelet. It consists of hormones that’s inserted into the vagina and absorbed through your bloodstream. The best part is that it can stay in the vagina for up to 3 weeks, hassle-free and baby-free. You simply insert a new ring every 3 weeks, and you’re good to go! You and your partner will not be able to feel it during sex, but third base is a whole different story, so make sure to warn him before things start to heat up. If necessary, you can leave it out for up to three hours. In addition, as weird as it sounds, you’ll need to refrigerate the ring when not in use in order to better preserve the hormones within it. It’s a little bizarre storing your vaginal ring next to the milk, but it’s worth not being preggers. Then there’s the patch, which is applied to the body weekly, and has the same effects as the pill by being absorbed through your skin. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution however, try the shot. It’s cheaper and lasts up to 3 years of contraception, as long as you get it done every 12 weeks. The more you know about your contraception options, the smarter you’ll be about your sex life and your body. If only Snookie had done the same…
Feel the Burn
Q: Why do I always get UTI’s after sex?
A: UTI’s, or Urinary Tract Infections, are like nature’s painful way of reminding you to keep it clean down there. Basically, they are caused by the spread of bacteria from the genital area to the urethra, and sometimes even to the kidneys–which is why it burns when you pee. To prevent UTI’s, urinate soon before and after having sex, clean your junk, use a condom, or if it’s frequent, get an antibiotic prescription from your doctor. Whatever you do, DON’T keep having sex while infected, no matter how hard it is to refrain. A couple days of celibacy is much better than weeks of screaming in the bathroom.
Loosen Up
Q: If I don’t have sex for a while, does my vagina get tighter?
A: The answer is maybe. After a dry spell it may seem less flexible and sex or even a tampon may feel like you’re getting impaled. However your vagina is stretchier than you think–if a baby can come in and out of there, anything can. It quickly adjusts to the size; just lube up and you’ll be back in action. :)