Answers to Womens' Sex Questions
By Catherine Hood
Dr. Hood is an honorary clinical lecturer at Oxford University in England and a fellow of Ethox, the Oxford Institute for Ethics and Communication in Health Care Practice.
Q: How do you improve your orgasm?
A: One in four women find it difficult to achieve orgasm. It takes the average woman 27 minutes to reach orgasm compared to 11 minutes for a man. So focus on foreplay and experiment with sexual positions that stimulate the clitoris and G spot. Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by clenching your pelvic muscles (as if you want to stop yourself passing urine) ten times in quick succession (repeat up to ten times a day). Some women never achieve orgasm but still have satisfying sex lives. Others can be disappointed because their first orgasm isn't earth moving.
Q: Where is the female G spot and how do you find it?
A: The G spot is a small spongy pad of tissue a couple of inches up on the anterior wall of the vagina. Stimulation of the G spot produces very intense feelings which are pleasurable for most women but can be too intense for others. G spot stimulation can also help you achieve the illusive multiple orgasm. During G spot orgasms, the uterus bears down rather than lifts up, possibly improving the chances of conception. It is also thought that the intense pressure on the G spot during childbirth helps to reduce the pain by about 60 percent. Experiment with sexual positions and find the ones that hit your G spot. The missionary position will rarely hit the mark. You're more likely to achieve success if the man enters the woman's vagina from behind.
Q: How do you keep sex interesting?
A: When you've been with a partner for a while it's easy for sex to become routine but remember, variety is the spice of life. Try to retain some spontaneity. Use your imagination and occasionally surprise your partner with something new. For example, share a few fantasies with them and try a few out.
Q: How do you know if you have an STD?
A: Many sexually transmitted diseases have no symptoms. For example, 80 percent of women infected with chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause infertility, experience no symptoms. When they do occur the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections can be varied; a change in vaginal discharge, irritation, pain having sex or during a period. You can also develop lumps or ulcers. If these sound familiar, consult with your doctor.
Q: What is the best form of contraception to use?
A: Other than abstinence, there is no such thing as perfect contraception. All methods have failure rates. If you want to avoid pregnancy, a hormonal method might be best. The pill is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy but you must take it daily. If you're forgetful, the hormonal injection only needs to be given every 12 weeks. The coil is also a good choice, particularly if you've had children. Modern coils are small, easy to insert and you can offer protection from pregnancy for up to 5 years. When it comes to preventing infection spread, condoms are best. They're cheap and when used properly, can provide good protection against pregnancy too.
