Chicago Public Schools' recent decision to begin comprehensive sex-ed in Kindergarten is a critical step in ensuring that students will have the skills to build healthy relationships founded on mutual respect and consent.
A few weeks ago, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published research confirming that IUDs are safe methods of contraception, not just for adult women, but for teenagers as well. A review of over 90,000 health insurance claims for IUD users found that less than one percent of them, regardless of the type of IUD they were using or their age, experienced serious complications.
Kink can be practiced safely precisely because of the safeguards, communication and trust embedded in its context. Mainstream kink, however—kink without context—is nothing but a model for dangerous sex and harmful relationships. In skillful hands, a whip is a toy. In the wrong hands, it's a weapon.
Everyone has their own sexual needs. This might not be discussed as often as other parts of relationships, bu everyone has a libido that works at a different pace. It's critical to sit down with your partner if differences in libido start to cause problems in your relationship or sex life.
“Consent is sexy.†It was one of the many taglines branded across the “Pink Loves Consent†site, a webpage that appeared to be promoting a new line of Victoria's Secret underwear. A hoax by Baltimore feminist group Force, it went viral in early December of last year.
When I interviewed Cynthia Fine, Community Health Educator at Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, a few months ago about painful sex, we had a great, in-depth conversation about not only pain during intercourse, but sexually transmitted infections; the importance of creating a positive, supportive atmosphere if you're having sex; good communication; and a whole raft of other topics. I had a lot to say and only a little bit of space to say it in, and inevitably, I left something important out. I want to fix that by saying a few words about choosing a good lubricant.
It is certainly a tired argument to suggest that the problem with open relationships is the non-monogamy, rather than any number of issues which can plague any relationship. However, if an open relationship really is not working, It is worth considering if you truly want to be in a non-monogamous relationship.
From time to time, I get questions in my box that I can't fit into a whole weekly column, but deserve an answer anyway. Over the course of winter break, I thought I'd blow through some of these. Enjoy!
