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Despite the fact that we’re 13 years into a new millennium, when it comes to self-pleasuring – otherwise known as masturbation - we seem to still be in the Dark Ages.
Many women I counsel about sex feel and believe that masturbation is only for men or people without a sex partner. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, research about self-pleasuring habits has revealed that men and women in couples are more likely to masturbate than single people. So why the blushing and nervous giggles whenever someone mentions it? Because few people find it easy to talk about sex openly and this is what causes the red-face and reticence when conversation turns to sex on our own steam.
“You don’t have a penis, Mommy!?”
Even though I’ve worked in HIV, sexual health, and education for over 20 years, I never imagined I’d be having a conversation like this with my 3-year-old son.
One of the hottest debates among school administrators, parents, and politicians is sex education, specifically information about safer sex, in schools. If you give a teenager a condom, are you promoting promiscuity? Are we inviting unplanned pregnancy and STIs into teen’s lives by acknowledging the fact that they might be interested in sex?
Simply put: No. Duh.
We’ve all heard it before – sex with condoms isn’t as good as sex without condoms.
However, a new study by ASHA board member Dr. Debby Herbenick and other researchers from Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion shows that condoms’ bad rap might be unwarranted.© 2013 American Sexual Health Association
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