10 Things to Know to Be Sexually Savvy

Want to be your best sexually savvy self? Follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/amy.levine and also be sure to sign up for the Sex Ed Solutions Newsletter www.sexedsolutions.com/newsletter.html

1. Visits to the doctor are important for your sexual health.

Women should see their gynecologist every year starting at the age of 21, or when they have sex for the first time—which ever happens first. The main reason: to get a Pap test. The test screens for changes in the cells of the cervix—often caused by sexually transmitted strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—that are detected by swabbing the surface and sending it to a lab for analysis. Usually, the exam also includes a breast exam, a visual examination of the vulva (the external genital area), checking the vagina and internal organs (particularly the uterus and ovaries by palpating externally), checking the anal tissue, and a general physical exam. Guys can visit their general practitioner or a urologist for an overall physical that usually includes blood work, a visual examination of the penis and scrotum, and a hands-on testicular exam.

2. Lambskin, latex, and polyurethane condoms don’t offer the same amount of protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

All three materials protect against pregnancy when the condom is used consistently and correctly. However, lambskin condoms don’t offer any STD protection because they have microscopic pores too small for sperm to permeate, but large enough for STDs to travel through. Polyurethane is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and proven to be comparable to latex condoms in creating a barrier for sperm and the HIV virus. Although, you’ll likely see a disclaimer on the box that says that the risk of pregnancy and STD transmission is unknown. The bottom line: A latex or polyurethane condom can reduce the STD risk for the areas that it covers and acts as a barrier between. And, although polyurethane is a good alternative for those who have a latex allergy, latex is the best option overall.

3. Prevent your condoms from breaking.

It’s incredibly rare for a condom to burst if it’s used correctly. Here are some tips to make the male condom most effective:

Check the expiration date and be sure the wrapper or condom isn’t damaged, discolored, or brittle.

Open the package carefully so you don’t rip the condom.

Hold the condom so the tip points through the ring and rolls down easily (if you try to put it on the “wrong” way, and it touches the penis before you realize it, throw it out and grab a new one).

If the penis isn’t circumcised, pull back the foreskin.

Place the rolled condom on the head of the penis.

Leave a half-inch space at the top to collect semen. Then, pinch the air out of the tip with one hand as you unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand as far as possible toward the base of the shaft. Next, smooth out any bubbles by pushing them out the open end.

Lubricate the outside of the condom to slip inside easier and increase pleasure. Use only water- or silicone-based lubes with latex condoms (that means no baby oil, body lotion, massage oils, or other kinky finds or food products), or else the prophylactic will likely deteriorate and ultimately break. Polyurethane can be used with water-, silicone-, or oil-based lubes.