SEXUALITY AND HEALTH

Ξ August 10th, 2007 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Sextoys Articles |

Our lifestyle choices, such as exercise and diet habits, have strong influences on both our overall mental and physical health; there was never really a strong body of research to back this hypothesis up in the sexual health department.

Interestingly enough, researchers have noted that sexual dysfunction in men used to be thought of as primarily a psychological rather than physiological issue, but this new research confirms that many of the lifestyle choices that are correlated to physical health, and more importantly heart health, are also strongly linked to a healthy sex life for men. If you think about this relationship, it does make sense though really, since both heart health and erectile health are linked to a healthy blood flow, which is influenced greatly by the lifestyle factors of obesity, smoking and exercise. It seems like they thought of everything in this study, and just as well, since it is the largest group of test subjects to date on sexual health studies for men. Regular cardiovascular exercise was also shown to protect against erectile issues in the exercisers vs. the non-exercisers in this study.

These new findings will help to lead men to a healthier lifestyle, since it has produced convincing and clear evidence that a healthy lifestyle also leads to a healthy and active sex life, a major driving biological force in men.

Using Sex Toys during Pregnancy

Below are suggestions for sex toys that will add variety and pleasure to your sex life at every stage of your pregnancy. If you have any questions about whether a particular type of toy or activity is right for you, consult your doctor.

Your First and Second Trimester
If your doctor has cleared you for penetrative sex and orgasm, anything goes during your first two trimesters! That said, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

Keep Toys Clean! You should always keep your sex toys clean and well maintained, but it is especially important during pregnancy. We suggest using a condom on any sex toy, as well as changing the condom when changing orifices or sharing the toy with a partner. We also recommend thoroughly cleaning your toys with an adult toy cleaner .You may also want to consider adding some pure silicone sex toys to your collection, like this dildo that can be boiled between uses to keep it bacteria-free.

Your Third Trimester
As long as your doctor has no concerns about orgasm inducing early labor, sex and sex toys are still a go! However, by your third trimester, you may choose to have only non-penetrative sex due to a medical recommendation or your personal choice.

Sex After You Deliver
Your doctor will likely be very clear about this matter, but if not; make sure you ask exactly when it will be safe for you to have vaginal intercourse after you deliver. Follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter so that you can stay healthy. Once your doctor has given the okay, the rest is up to you and your partner. Remember to go easy on yourself if you need to start out slowly before fully resuming your sexual routine. Your body and life has just gone through some big changes and you should move ahead only as you feel comfortable.

Remember, the experience of pregnancy can differ broadly by individual, so be patient with yourself and stay in touch with your feelings.

 

THE HISTORY OF THE VIBRATOR

Ξ August 10th, 2007 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Sextoys Articles |

Many people assume that sex toys are a recent invention and were invented in Asian.  It is true that many sex aids today are made in Asia but the history of the dildo, the vibrator actually started in the west, and they have been used as sexual aids for more than 1,000 years.

The History of the Dildo: The first use of a dildo is not completely clear although it is recorded that single or lonely women in Ancient Greece used them. Unlike modern dildo’s they were made of wood or leather and needed plenty of olive oil for comfortable use. Dildos have always had a sexual purpose.

The Vibrator’s Humble Beginning: For hundreds of years it was believed that many ‘conditions’ women suffered from a disease called ‘Hysteria’ and that the uterus was complaining of neglect. Anything from tiredness, headaches, absent-mindedness, melancholia and insomnia, irregular breathing, and confusion was put down to ‘Hysteria’. In fact, any type of behavior by women that confused men were put down to hysteria. It was decided - by men - that ‘Hysteria’ was caused by sexual frustration. It seemed clear that a women’s mental or emotional distress was an indication of a need for sexual release. Hysteria, it seems was a prevalent disease, second only to ‘fevers’ - or the classic cold. It was also classed as a chronic disease that could not be cured.

The Vibrator Was About To Be Born.

A ‘breakthrough’ for the poor weary doctors came in 1869 when the steam powered massage and vibratory apparatus for treatment of female disorders was patented.  This apparatus was intended for supervised use only in case of over indulgence.

It was indeed a brilliant invention, saving doctors much time, therefore allowing them to see more patients. Many doctors had difficulty in treating patients using their own fingers. They could start to perform in minutes, tasks that before could have taken up to an hour. A 17th century doctor was to complain how tiring and time consuming the ‘massage therapy’ was for the doctor.

Other strange techniques were also sometimes used, such as air powered and gasoline powered vibrating tables, swinging chairs, jolting chairs and many others.

What does seem strange now, is that it was deemed normal for women during Victorian times to visit their doctor in order to obtain the sexual pleasure and relief they were not getting at home.

The Modern Vibrator

Within 20 years of the steam-powered vibrator being patented, a more portable battery vibrator was available, and by the turn of the 20th century - 20 years after the first electromechanical vibrator there were at least two-dozen different types of vibrators available to the medical profession.

It was not long before certain businesspersons spotted the potential of producing vibrators and selling them directly to women. They were marketed as household appliances - although never as sexual massagers. They were advertised in respectable periodicals.

Advertisements spoke of ‘health, vigor and beauty” promoting the vibrator as an aid to health. Men were encouraged to give their wives a massager as a gift. In fact, the vibrator (massager) was only the fifth electrical household appliance behind the kettle, toaster, sewing machine and fan.

The idea of hysteria as a disease was debunked in the 1950’s.

Today, women everywhere see their vibrator as part of their sexual independence and freedom. SexToys now come in all shapes, sizes are mostly quiet and discreet, and many women use them regularly.