D o cold sores mean herpes? Is cybersex really cheating? Where’s my G-spot? Get answers to questions women are often too embarrassed to discuss.
Embarrassing things happen to everyone – not just you. So we asked experts to tackle 14 questions about sex you’re too afraid to ask. Sit back, relax and read on… 1. Why don't my breasts match?
Unless you’ve had a boob job, don’t count on perfectly symmetrically breasts.
That’s because breasts are made of mammary gland tissue and fat, and have naturally different amounts in each, explains Glenn Updike, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. For some women, the difference is more pronounced – but it’s usually a cosmetic issue. The fix:
2. Is it normal to pass gas during orgasm?The fix:
3. I had a dream about having sex with another woman. Am I gay or bisexual?Remember:
4. Is a cold sore the same as herpes?usuallyusually
But you can get either virus in either area through oral-genital contact. “People aren’t as embarrassed to say, ‘I get cold sores,’ but fewer people are apt to bring up that they have genital herpes, although both of them could be in either place,” Dr. Updike says. Genital HSV-1 actually appears to be on the rise among adolescents, Dr. Comrie says, “because they’re having oral sex instead of intercourse.” The fix:
5. Can certain exercises really lead to better sex?
- Hold the squeeze for five seconds, then release.
- Do 50-150 Kegel squeezes a day to keep those muscles in good shape.
Warning: Don’t do Kegels regularly while urinating. This can lead to urinary tract and bladder infections.
6. Is cybersex really cheating?
7. Will my vagina be noticeably bigger after I have a baby?
- The size of your baby
- How long you pushed
- How well your obstetrician repaired your tears
- Whether you’re diligent about doing postpartum Kegel exercises
“If you do Kegel exercises to strengthen the vaginal muscles, the outcome is better,” Dr. Comrie says. If you had an episiotomy and your OB-GYN was meticulous about sewing it up, she adds, “you could be better than before.” That said, after multiple deliveries, your vagina may still feel roomier and you may want more tightening than you’ll get from marathon Kegel sessions.
The fix:
8. I’ve never had an orgasm during intercourse. Is there something wrong me?
9. Where’s my G-spot?
10. Can anal sex give me hemorrhoids?
11. Why don’t my privates look like a centerfold’s?
12. I smell down there. What can I do?
13. Does piercing my genitals increase my risk for infection?
14. I've been diagnosed with HPV once in the past, so do I still have it and? Am I still at risk for cervical cancer?
If you’ve had sex, you’ve probably bumped into human papilloma virus (HPV) – about 80% of sexually active people have been exposed to at least one of the 30 known HPV strains. But in most cases – 90% – the infection clears up on its own. Odds are, you won’t even realize you had it. Most HPV viruses come and go without notice, but about 10 strains can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. If you’re under 26, consider getting the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, which protects against the four main strains of HPV responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. (This goes for men too.) Also, protect yourself with routine Pap tests, which look for changes in the cervix that could eventually become cancer. “We don’t know why some women develop cervical cancer and others don’t,” says Thomas Herzog, M.D., director of the gynecologic oncology at Columbia University in New York City. “But there are millions of women with HPV and more than 11,000 cases of cervical cancer in the U.S. each year,” Dr. Herzog says. “If you’re screened regularly, it’s very unlikely you’ll develop cervical cancer,” he says. “If you did, it would be caught extremely early and likely completely cured.”Most women over 30 who’ve had three consecutive normal Pap tests are advised to get screenings only every 2 to 3 years.
By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Latest in Sexual Health
Why Young Americans Are Having Less Sex Than Ever Before
A newly published study that wrapped up two years before the pandemic finds that young people are having less sex in the 21st century.
By Jessica Migala August 11, 2020
A His-and-Hers Sexual Health Issue
A man’s penile microbiome could predict whether his female partner develops bacterial vaginosis, study suggests.
By Stacey Colino August 5, 2020
5 Tips for Choosing the Best Sex Therapist for You and Your Partner
Looking for a qualified therapist to help you with your sexual issues, but baffled about where to start? Here’s what you need to know.
By Catherine Pearson March 9, 2020
7 Sex-Positive Wellness Gifts
From your smartphone to the bedroom, these sexual wellness gifts are guaranteed to turn heads and curl toes.
By Laura McArdle March 6, 2020
What Is a Sex Therapist and How Can One Help Me?
Whether you’re dealing with sexual function issues or intimacy concerns, a sex therapist can help.
By Catherine Pearson March 5, 2020