Researchers Andrea L. DeMaria, Ariane V. Hollub, and Debby Herbenick proposed that gynecological exams are underused by young women, possibly due to having a negative genital self-image. They decided to collect data on 450 undergraduate women’s genital image at Texas A&M University using the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) and examine the relationship between FGSIS scores, gynecological exam behaviors, sexual behaviors, and demographic characteristics. All of the participants were enrolled in health-related courses and were asked to complete a voluntary written survey during the last ten minutes of a class.

In addition to the FGSIS survey, participants were asked to answer questions related to demographic characteristics, gynecological exam behaviors, sexual behaviors, and body image. While the 450 female participants ranged from 18 to 24 years, the majority of participants were Caucasian (77.8%), identified as heterosexual (97.6%), and indicated being in a relationship but not living together (45.4%) or single and not dating (30.4%). Most participants were not currently sexually active (52.6%) or were in an exclusive/monogamous sexual relationship (41.2%).

Of the 450 participants, 280 (62.6%) had engaged in a gynecological exam. Exam
behaviors over the past 12 months ranged from 0 to 3 exams, with the majority of participants having received either 0 (51.1%) or 1 (45.1%) exam(s) during this time period. The majority of participants indicated that they had previously engaged in vaginal intercourse (61.4%) and most also indicated having oral sex (68.4%). Of the women who had ever had vaginal intercourse, 74.2% reported having had at least one gynecological exam in the past 24 months. Body image was measured using the Body Parts Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BPSS-R) and all of the scores reportedly fell in the “somewhat positive body satisfaction” range.

Upon assessment of the FGSIS, the researchers found a significant difference between FGSIS scores among women who had not received a gynecological exam over the past 24 months compared with those who had: women who engaged in at least one gynecological exam during the past 24 months had a more positive genital self-image than those who had not. An examination of FGSIS scores among those engaging in sexual behaviors (i.e., vaginal intercourse, oral sex) during the past 3 months was also conducted, revealing that women who reported having at least one partner for vaginal intercourse or oral sex during the past 3 months indicated more positive feelings toward their genitals. Further analysis was conducted to determine which variable, or combination of variables, was most predictive of gynecological exam behaviors during the past 24 months. Having had a vaginal intercourse partner during the past 3 months proved to be the most predictive of gynecological exam behaviors. Looking at genital self-image—FGSIS score—alone, was slightly less predictive but still significant.

The results of this study point to the likelihood that women who engage in partnered sexual behaviors understand or are aware of the importance of gynecological exams or may seek care due to medical symptoms (e.g., pain during sex or concerns about STIs) that relate to their sexual behaviors. Additionally, sexually experienced women may seek health care due to an interest in gaining information about their sexuality, sexual pleasure, or contraceptive options. Women who feel more positively about their genitals may also be more likely to allow not only a partner, but also a healthcare provider to examine them, and this could indicate that the experience of having one’s genitals viewed by a partner or a healthcare provider has the potential to enhance one’s genital self-image, but only if the sexual experience is positive or the exam is informative, educational, or communicates to the woman that her genitals are healthy or “normal” in some way. This study was limited, however, due to the homogeneity of the sample, which consisted mostly of white heterosexual women in one area of the country. Also, women who felt uncomfortable answering questions related to genital self-image, sexual behaviors, and gynecological exam behaviors may have chosen to abstain from participating, limiting the extent of the generalizability of the study results. Lastly, oral sex behaviors were not specified between giving or receiving, therefore it is unknown what oral sex behaviors the study’s participants were engaging in.

The issue of negative female genital self-image has recently come to light as the number of women who request surgery to alter the appearance of their genitals has increased. Women have expressed reasons for engaging in this type of cosmetic surgery as for aesthetic or functional purposes, due to discomfort in clothing, and psychological concerns like social embarrassment. Additionally, concerns associated with upper thigh and pubic hair removal prior to gynecological exams is frequent in females and sometimes leads to declining a same-day appointment due to the need to “prepare.” Because it seems that many young females have concerns related to their genital appearance, questions about what—if anything—they should do to prepare for a gynecological exam, and issues with pubic hair removal, including health risks of removal methods, it may be necessary for clinicians or sexual health educators to create helpful literature or resources so that women can be better informed.

Please click here to read the entire Texas A&M study.

1. What do you do in the field of sexuality?
I’ve authored or coauthored eleven books about alternative sexualities; the publishing company I founded, Greenery Press, has published at least 50 more; and I have traveled all over the world teaching about BDSM and polyamory.

2. Where are you based out of?
Eugene, Oregon.

3. What is your focus? What do you do?
It’s changed through the years. I started as a writer and educator about BDSM. Later, I also began writing about polyamory, and still later about attaining ecstatic states through sexual practice. These days, my primary interest is in gender and in breaking down the gender binary.

4. What are your particular goals and passions in the field?
I’m particularly interested in breaking down the artificial barriers that separate one thing from another – male from female, sex from not-sex, love from not-love, relationship from not-relationship, and so on.

5. Why did you choose to work in this field?
It chose me. I used to write high-tech and business-to-business ad copy. Then I lost my job in that field, and it seemed an obvious move to take the skills I’d acquired there and apply them to my own sexual interests. I wrote my first book, a guide for novice women exploring sexual domination, and it all grew from there.

6. Where did you go for school/training?
I’ve had no formal training in sexuality, except the San Francisco Sex Information training. My academic background is in creative writing.

7. Do you have any literature out (websites, articles)?
Eleven books (one of which will be published in the fall), and innumerable articles, interviews, etc. A partial publications list is available here.

8. What would you recommend to future professionals attempting to get into the field?
I have no idea. Given that I didn’t do this on purpose, my advice about doing so seems kind of useless.

9. What is the most challenging aspect for you working in this career?
Trying to keep my own sex life fresh and interesting when I’ve been doing it as “work” for upwards of two decades.

10. One must read-what would you recommend? Why?
Jack Morin’s The Erotic Mind, a brilliant exploration of why sex turns us on.

Story of O is a fictional novel following the female protagonist, O, in her submission to her lover. Throughout the novel, O’s consent is asked for, though there are situations of potentially dubious consent featuring other characters. The reader sees O blindfolded, whipped, chained, pierced, branded, masked, and trained to always be available for any type of intercourse with anyone approved by her lover. Additionally, the reader sees O proudly showing off her welts, branding, and piercings to her female lover.

Trained at the chateau of Roissy by a group of upper-class men, O did not know what her lover had or had not done when she was whipped and taken as was frequently blindfolded or partnered with men wearing masks. At the end of this training, her lover gives her to a more dominant master: Sir Stephen. Her lover claims that it is very important for O to learn how to serve someone she does not love, and who does not love her. However, as the training progresses, O falls in love with Sir Stephen, and she is under the impression that he loves her as well. O chooses to remain with Sir Stephen instead of her lover, and is branded and pierced with his initials and crest.

There has been some feminist backlash against this novel. Andrea Dworkin, for example, argues that having the protagonist’s name shortened to O represents her being zero, empty, and nothing more than an orifice. It has also been argued that the novel is just about the ultimate objectification of the female, and that it glorifies the abuse of women.

In this light, the character of O does delineate being submissive as a person from being submissive in a sexual context. We do, however briefly, see her life in the outside world as a successful photographer. Furthermore, I think it is useful to keep in mind that Réage wrote this as a series of fantasy letters to her lover, a de Sade fan.

I would not recommend this to anyone uncomfortable with mixing pain and pleasure; otherwise, it’s an interesting fantasy.
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The CSPH has also reviewed the film version of this story. To check out the film review, click here!

The CDC reported that the U.S. teen birth rate declined 9 percent from 2009 to 2010, reaching a historic low at 34.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15–19. The rate dropped 44 percent from 1991 through 2010. Teen birth rates by age and race were also lower in 2010 than ever reported in the United States. Rates declined by 9 percent for non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black teenagers, by 12 percent for American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) and Hispanic teenagers, and by 13 percent for Asian or Pacific Islander (API) teenagers from 2009 to 2010.

The impact of the decline in the teen birth rate on the number of births to teenagers over the nearly two-decade period (1992–2010), according to the CDC report, is substantial. If the 1991 rates had continued to prevail from 1992 through 2010, there would have been an additional 3.4 million births to women aged 15–19 in the United States. These estimated additional births also take into account the rise in the female teen population as well as changes in the female teen population composition during this period.

Recently released data from the National Survey of Family Growth, conducted by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), have shown an increase in the use of contraception at first initiation of sex and increase in the use of dual methods of contraception (e.g. condoms and hormonal methods) among sexually active female and male teenagers.
According to the CDC, these increased trends in birth control use and pregnancy prevention messages directed to teenagers are the likely cause of the recent birth rate declines.

These findings should not, however, be taken as a sign that the current state of sex education and availability of birth control are sufficient. While the teen pregnancy rate is decreasing, rates of various STIs and HIV have been increasing in women for years. If a slight increase in the amount of birth control available to teens and a very slight increase in sex education that is not abstinence-only can account for this significant decrease in unwanted pregnancy, imagine what universal access to birth control and a complete overthrow of abstinence-only education could do?

Please click here to read the entire CDC report.

Who: The Community Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS) and the Projects Advancing Sexual Diversity (PASD)

What: 5th Annual Alternative Sexualities Conference: “De-Pathologizing Alternative Sexualities”

Where: Adler School of Psychology; Chicago, IL

When: May 24th, 2012

Why: The day-long conference will include lectures, panels, roundtable discussions, and poster presentations. At the conclusion of the conference, participants will be able to: discern and distinguish emotional and sexual abuse from BDSM sexuality. Identify three of the most likely issues or concerns around BDSM sexuality in counseling interactions. Identify three of the most likely issues or concerns around polyamory in counseling interactions. Identify at least two resources for learning more about BDSM sexuality or polyamory. Articulate the issues with DSM diagnosis of BDSM sexuality as a paraphilia.Identify conceptualizations of BDSM sexuality in classic clinical literature. Finally, participants will be able to identify some of the current research needs and current studies on polyamory and BDSM sexuality.

1. What do you do in the field of sexuality?
Since 2005, I’ve been performing in queer pornography, and since 2007 I’ve been working behind-the-scenes with notable filmmaker Shine Louise Houston’s company Pink & White Productions, facilitating the production and promotion of ethical pornography to a sex-positive community.

I write on my blog at JizLee.com and as a contributor to numerous print and online publications on the subject of queer sexuality, gender, and pornography, and I speak at colleges and universities on those subjects as well as host screenings and lead sexuality workshops. I also advocate for accessible technology and social marketing, and consult with sex workers, artists and small businesses within the realms of web production and advocacy.

For the past year, I’ve raised money for sex-positive, queer, and kink-friendly non-profit organizations and charities through my experimental erotic philanthropy project Karma Pervs, and have so far donated over $3500 through sexy fundraising. (I have a background in arts administration and explicit performance art, so it’s my playful way to keep in touch with creative advocacy.

I do a little bit of everything, each a spoke on the wheel of my curiosity of how sex and art can be a medium to explore pleasure in ways that are authentic, healthful, beautiful and fun.

2. Where are you based out of?
I’m from Hawai`i but have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past twelve years, so it’s also home for me. My work routinely takes me to LA, NYC, Toronto, Berlin, and elsewhere.

3. What is your focus? What do you do?
My focus is porn performance, and I’m specifically interested in expressing my personal authentic pleasures, whether it be through safer sex practices, female ejaculation, fisting, and other acts. I work within adult video, and write about my experiences online, often providing resources to others interested in participating or partaking in pornography that is queer, indie, kinky or artistic, and which depicts desire and pleasure in honest and healthful ways.

4. What are your particular goals and passions in the field?
My goals are to articulate my explorations, and to inspire others. I hope to encourage consumers to support the work of myself and other pornographers, helping to create a sustainable business of professionals bringing marginalized desire to the screen.

When our society lacks comprehensive sex education, we look to porn as one of the few examples of explicit sex. The danger of pornography is when it shows only a limited example of what sex looks like, and who gets to have it. The benefits of queer pornography casting diverse performers engaged in diverse sexual and emotional play is that it opens up the options of representations of desire. It helps to validate those performing as well as those watching, and encourages further representation. If you film them, they will come!

5. Why did you choose to work in this field?
I had wanted to perform in porn for a while; I enjoy sex and find it exhilarating to share on camera/with an audience. Working in porn has helped me come out of my shell, helped me articulate my thoughts both through writing and public speaking, and strengthened my confidence as a sexual person.

6. Where did you go for school/training?
Years of experience on the field.

7. Do you have any literature out (websites, articles)?
I write on my website JizLee.com, and other online sites, and have been a contributor to several publications, from mags to zines and art books to anthologies. I will be a part of the upcoming Feminist Porn Anthology, and am currently working on my upcoming eBook How to Come Out Like a Pornstar, with stories and anecdotes on coming out (or not) about pornographic work to families and loved ones.

8. What is the most challenging aspect for you working in this career?
Being true to myself. This is easier said than done, however I think my success is due to holding true to my boundaries and my desire to express myself as authentically as I can. While it’s limited the kind and amount of work I’ve had access to, I think it’s opened new possibilities for myself and many others. Navigating my personal space and boundaries has helped to strengthen my ability to communicate my needs and has made me a stronger person. Challenges can hold the most rewards.

9. What one must-read would you recommend? Why?
Hard question… I guess I’ll say The Erotic Mind by Jack Morin. Though it’s been a while since I’ve read the book, it’s section on limerance informed me at a pivotal time of my early sexual life as a young adult. But then again so did The Ethical Slut and other non-sex books. Find me on GoodReads.com for more books and recommend some to me!

Impact play is the term used to describe a variety of activities that encompass one partner striking, usually repeatedly, another partner for sexual gratification. Impact play falls under the BDSM umbrella, and entails play such as whipping, flogging, spanking, slapping, and even punching. While some prefer to utilize toys and tools such as whips, canes, paddles, and riding crops, others prefer to use their hands. Furthermore, it should be noted that some people’s preferred method of “impact play” is to cause deep tissue bruising, which is more dangerous than other forms of impact play and requires more practice to master.

Regardless of how it’s implemented, however, safety is paramount. In order to safely incorporate impact play into your sexual activities, I first and foremost recommend that you keep in mind the following guidelines, many of which are true for any kinky play:

- Have a safe word (or two.) Safe words are important because they allow room for explicit consent to be given in a type of play that might entail typical indicators of non-consent (such as struggling, the word “no”). In other words, safe words allow people to communicate their discomfort or desire to stop/pause play. They’re also particularly helpful in bondage scenarios, and for instances when vocalization isn’t possible, such as if a player is gagged or mute. In these cases, players can have a safe-signal, such as dropping a handkerchief to stop play. Furthermore, it’s important to keep in mind that both tops and bottoms can use safe words; they are not just the responsibility of the bottom. Common safe words are “green,” “yellow,” and “red”: green indicates “yes,” yellow indicates “pause/slow down,” and red signals “stop.”

- Start slowly. It’s best to have a full understanding of your boundaries and desires exploring serious impact play, and to communicate them with your partner. Starting slow will also allow you to build up to higher sensations and harder impacts. Indeed, you may find that in the height of sexual arousal, you or your partner’s pain threshold is higher than usual– this is natural, and due to the rush of endorphins the body experiences. Also, pain sometimes takes a while to process, so it’s important to allow time between impacts to give the bottom space to understand the pain, feel it, and safeword if necessary.

- Practice, practice, practice! Before engaging in impact play, you should have a good understanding of the tools are being used and how hard a human being can safely be hit. Those who are topping should learn how to wield their striking implement of choice, as well as how hard and where to hit. For example, a top should take care to not strike as to wrap the tail of a whip/flogger around any part of the body. You can practice by hitting pillows and other inanimate objects, while paying particular attention to where your hits are landing– consider it target practice! Kink Academy has a host of great instructional videos, and in some cities, you can find groups that meet for whip practice. Fetlife is a good resource to find information on local BDSM/kink groups and events.

- Certain parts of the body are more suitable than others for impact play. While light impact play is suitable against the face, feet, hands, breasts, lower legs, and genitals, heavy impact play should only be exercised against places with high fat and muscle content– so, the thighs, buttocks, lower shoulders, and at either side of the spine. Keep in mind to not hit at the front of side of the body, where you run the risk of hitting vital organs. You should never engage in heavy impact play against the face, neck, head, fingers, toes, or over skin that is healing. For a great informational image on the body parts safe for impact play, visit page 21 of the New England Leather Alliance’s manual, “Basic Guidelines for Safer Sex and SM Interactions.”

- Make sure your toys are in good shape. Toys that are in disrepair can cause unintended injury. Furthermore, keep in mind that some materials, such as leather, cannot be sterilized before/after play, which can result in the transmission bacteria or even diseases, especially if the impact play draws blood. For this reason, it’s recommended that if you are using their impact play toys on multiple people, you do so above clothing. I also suggest that you own your own toys for personal use, which will allow you to safely play in a public space devoted to BDSM, if that is what you desire.

- If you are engaging in slapping, keep in mind to always use an open hand. You should also be aware of any jewelry, such as rings and bracelets, which can cause unintended injury, or earrings, which can be accidentally torn out. Moreover, the one doing the slapping should take care to have trimmed fingernails, and should aim for the center of the cheek, which is the safest place to slap. Also, while a flat hand will leave a red imprint, a cupped hand can cause deeper bruising. Furthermore, if you are back-handing, be aware of where your knuckles land, as this can cause accidental harm. Finally, you should keep in mind the possibility of whiplash, so it’s important that the top not only know how to hit, but also that the bottom knows how to be hit. Protection against whiplash can involve the top holding the bottom’s face on the opposite side where the slapping will happen, so that the head stays in place when the slap lands.

- Lastly: never hit someone somewhere or in a way they do not want to be hit. People’s boundaries should always be respected, and while someone might enjoy one type of impact play, they may not enjoy others. Similarly, people have different desires regarding where they can and cannot be hit, just as people have varying opinions on leaving marks. Finally, you should keep in mind that there are different “types” of pain– while some hits sting, others provide a heavier blow. People’s preferences vary along this axis as well, and will use different words to describe the impact, such as “thuddy” versus “stingy,” or “superficial” versus “deep.”

If you would like to learn more about impact play, I recommend that you visit Smitten Kitten’s video, Impact Play: Things That Go Thwack. Note: the video and link are not safe for work (NSFW), and the video depicts nudity, sex, and impact play.

Dr. Debby Herbenick’s utilization of research, science, and personal experience meld perfectly together in her latest book, Sex Made Easy. She promises to answer our “awkward questions” for “better, smarter, amazing sex” and doesn’t disappoint.

It is immediately clear that the purpose of this book is to stress that education is the key to better sex. Unlike so many sex advice books that read like articles from Cosmo and promise “secrets” to mind blowing orgasms, Herbenick uses her experience as an educator and researcher to inform and entertain her readers. My favorite thing about this book is the way each chapter is constructed: a basic rundown of the topic—areas covered include anatomy, sexual health, orgasms, ejaculation, partner sex, sex toys, fantasies, and how to balance sex and life—followed by sexual situations and real-world advice on how to handle them. According to her blog, mysexprofessor.com, these situations were based off of the most common questions Herbenick has been asked over the years. There’s even a little quiz at the end of each chapter just to make sure you were paying attention to what you read!

As a sex researcher at the Kinsey Institute, it is a given that Herbenick would include much scientific evidence in this book. The way this information is presented is entertaining and allows the reader to trust that Herbenick really does know what she’s talking about (the copious citations at the end of the book don’t hurt either). Though much of the content is presented in a scientific manner, she also provides practical day-to-day advice, like not to ejaculate into “good” towels to preserve their softness. These dashes of humor make the book an even more enjoyable read.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a really great overview of practical sex information. Whether someone is looking to have better sex or just wants to expand upon what they already know, this book would prove to be very helpful.