3 Everyday Aphrodisiacs

We humans have a way of associating things to food. Some types of food are healthy of us while others are bad if you eat too much. We even link certain types of food with sex and performance. Although there really is not medical prof that these foods do enhance our sex drive, or even help encourage safe sex, many people believe in their effects. Most aphrodisiacs can actually be found at your local grocery store or supper market, even in your own pantry. Here are a few examples.

Chocolates

This commonly places first in the aphrodisiac list. Chocolates have always been known to stimulate our minds and bodies. It’s even become a yearly tradition to give your partner or special someone a box of chocolates during Valentine’s Day to show affection and love. Eating chocolates have proven to release endorphins, or the happy hormone, which gives us that good feeling. Although eating too much chocolate is bad, having some in moderation, especially dark chocolate which has not gone through too much processing, is actually good for your health.

Oyster

Oysters also make it to the top of the list of aphrodisiacs. Most people would serve oysters raw or half-cooked to make it more “potent”, but many dislike the taste so they actually cook it all the way. Fresh oysters are available in most seasons, however canned or processed oysters are easier to find and prepare.  Oysters are loaded with protein, calcium, magnesium, and iron. So whether or not they do have an impact on your sexual performance, they’re good for your diet.

Strawberries

Although they do have their peak seasons where you can get a whole basket of them for really cheap, strawberries are available all year round. What’s so great about these fruits is that you can cook and prepare them in a million ways, or you can just eat them fresh and raw. It can keep your heart healthy, increase your HDL or good cholesterol level, lower blood pressure, and help guard against most types of cancer.

These three foods that you can definitely just check out at your local grocery can help spice things up in the bedroom. Search for recipes and meals that will make you use all three ingredients and prepare a simple and elegant meal for you and your loved one. Keep in mind to always be safe and have safe sex to avoid any problems after your special night.

Common STDs and their Signs and Symptoms

Although some people don’t take it to seriously, STDs or sexually transmitted disease are real problems. Some sexually active people are not fully aware of the consequences of STDs and don’t practice safe sex. Once infected, it could take some time for the symptoms to manifest and when they do, it could be too late.

However, some symptoms do show up during the early stage of the infection. These can tell you what type of STD it is and what you can expect. Below are three common STDs and their symptoms.

Chlamydia symptoms

This is an infection caused by bacteria that stays in the genital tract. It’s probably one of the most difficult STD to diagnose since its symptoms and signs are hard to spot during its early stages, especially amongst women. The signs usually start to manifest weeks after the actual infection and most people don’t really mind them since they are often mild and manageable.

Symptoms include:

Pain in the lower abdomen
Pain during sex
Painful urination
Discharge of fluid in sexual organ
Testicular pain

Gonorrhea symptoms

Like Chlamydia, it is also an infection in the genital tract. It’s first symptoms would commonly show during 2 to 10 days after the infection. However, there have been cases where the symptoms manifested months after the actual infection.

Symptoms include:

Thick, bloody or cloudy discharge from vagina or penis
Burning sensation or pain when urinating
Abnormal bleeding
Swollen and painful testicles
Anal itching
Painful bowel movement

Trichomoniasis symptoms

Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite that stays in a person’s reproductive and urinary tack. This parasite only infects people who are already infected with an STD. although it does affect both men and women, men show no symptoms of infection.
Symptoms include:
Yellowish, greenish, white or clear vaginal discharge
Vaginal irritation or itching
Strong odor
Painful urination

Protection

The best way to stop an infection is to protect yourself. You should know how to practice safe sex and regularly have check-ups. You should also be aware of your partner’s health, it’s possible that they could be infected and are not aware of it. The simplest way to protect yourself is by using a condom, you can get these at any pharmacy or drugstore and they’re inexpensive. Condoms can help minimize the risk of an infection and can protect you from most type of sexually transmitted illnesses, even the life threatening ones.

Strange Organic Items in the Market

Since the “green revolution”, people are becoming more and more conscious about what they use and eat. Some people are become very organic and natural minded that they would only use items that are made from 100% natural material. It has also become easier to shift to this lifestyle since most markets and groceries offer organically grown fruits and vegetables and free range poultry and meat.

However, is there such as thing as too organic? There are some items in the market that you wouldn’t expect to be labeled as natural. Below are a few.

Organic natural fabrics

Silk and wool, are already natural. However, certain varieties are labeled as organic because the animals where these items were taken from did not get feed artificial feeds. Most producers, because of demand, would give animals feeds that would affect their hormones, making them grow faster and develop more raw materials. Some farmers would actually prefer to take time and invest in making sure the animal grows up as natural as possible, be given naturally grown grass and feed and let roam around the fields like how they are supposed to be domesticated and raised. Many say that items coming from these organically taken cared of animals are better in quality.

Organic condoms

These have actually been around for centuries. People have been using condoms as a form of protection, contraceptive and even for ritual rites. Organic condoms are made from sheep or lamb intestine. They feel so natural that you would even feel like you’re wearing a condom. The down side of these is that they can’t protect you from certain STDs. Natural condoms have small pores in them that can let bacteria and viruses to pass through the barrier. These condoms are also noticeably more expensive compared to regular latex condoms.

Organic pasta

You’d expect that pasta is already organic, since the main ingredients are just flower, water, eggs and seasonings. But there is a line of pasta that is labeled as organic. What makes this pasta special is that it’s made from artichoke flour instead of regular flour. Other than the ingredients used in organic pasta, it basically has the same taste and texture as regular pasta.

Some items are better used organic, but sometimes, producers could just be riding along the organic train just to get people to purchase their items. Whatever choice you make, just make sure you read the label and keep updated about ingredients that are not good for you so you’ll know what you’re buying.

Enjoying Life – The Vegan Way

Some people become discourage when it comes to the vegan life. I mean, think about it, you can’t have meat, eat or use anything that contains animal by-products, and you constantly have to watch what you use so that you won’t accidently use something that’s not vegan friendly.

However, it’s really all not that bad. You get to be healthier, care about the environment more and you do your part in protecting animal rights. Going vegan isn’t all that boring. You just need to know what to do and how to have fun.

Dinning out

As a vegan, your diet will mainly consist of all natural, organic vegetables and fruits, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t go out with your friends and family for a night out. Try to look up restaurants near your area that serves 100% vegan friendly food. You can check the web or inquire at your local vegan society. They should be familiar of the places where you can have a nice vegan dinner and you could even introduce these meals to your loved once.

Healthy sex life

A regular latex condom won’t do for vegans since they contain a small amount of milk protein. When it comes to healthy and safe sex, vegan condoms are the best solution. Vegan friendly condoms are basically like latex condoms, only it doesn’t contain any animal byproducts. You can get vegan condoms in some pharmacies and drugstores but if you really want a good deal, you can go online and buy in bulk. It’s cheaper plus you get more choices.

Clubbing

It’s ok to enjoy music and dancing when your vegan, there’s no rule that’s stopping you to do so. However, make sure that what you’re drinking doesn’t contain any ingredients like eggs, milk, cream or anything else that could have processes from an animal. Same goes for cocktail food, stay off the Buffalo wings and pastries. Just ask for some gin and fresh juice and have fun with your friends.

Movies

Enjoy a night out at the movies, have some popcorn, but don’t put any butter on it. Salt and pepper will help make the popcorn taste better, or you can go of all natural popcorn. You should also watch what else you get at the snack bar. Some snacks could contain non-vegan friendly ingredients. As for the movie, you can watch anything you want. Nothing is stopping you.

How to Increase Sexual Stamina in 5 ways

If you’re the type of guy who’s always looking for tips and exercises that can help you increase your sexual stamina, then there are a lot of things that you can do. Lasting just a few minutes may not be enough for you or your partner, and it can lead to a few frustrating and embarrassing situation.

Here are 5 tips to help you last and perform better in bed.

Eat the right food

Create a meal plan that will help increase your sexual endurance. We’ve all heard of aphrodisiacs and how they can help with our libido. There are a lot of foods that you can just pick up at your local grocery to help with sex. For example, blueberries, aside from being filled with anti-oxidants and vitamins, can help yoursexual endurance far better than potions or pills. Stick with natural and organic food like veggies and fruits. As much as possible, avoid fast food and processed foods since these don’t really contain enough vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Breathe in and out 

Body tension kills enjoyable sex, so monitor how you breathe when you’re having sex. Tensions can cause you to have premature ejaculation, loss of erection and other sexual issues. You need to take deep, relaxing and slow breaths and focus on your breathing. Breathe in naturally and don’t make some kind of crazy rhythm.

Try out new condoms

Safe sex has always been a big issue, especially now that people are becoming more open about sex and being sexually active. The type of condom you use could make a big difference. Be creative and add flavors and even textures to your consideration the next time you buy a pack. Safe sex is also fun if you know what condom to use.

Exercise

Exercising does more that keeping you healthy and strong, it also lets you learn how to control your muscles and give you stamina for sex. Try the Kegel PC muscle workout. This helps you manage your ejaculation reflexes. Go online to research more about this exercise.

Toys

Some sex toys, like rings, can actually help you last longer in bed. Be open minded about using these toys. Most sex shops offer these but if you’re too shy to actually go into on, there are thousands on sex toys websites that you can visit.

Turning Vegan – 3 Simple Reasons Why you Should

To most, shifting to veganism is just a phase. The hype of how amazing this lifestyle is got pumped up because of media and celebrities who turned vegan.  But it’s definitely more than just a fad. Millions of people have successfully changed their mindset, diet and lifestyle after they turned vegan. Today, vegans make up a big percentage of the total population in the United States.

But why should you even consider turning vegan? Here are 3 simple reasons why you should think about it.

Do you care about your health?

Many people turn to veganism because of their health. Sure it’s not just all about the diet, but it does play a vital role. Vegans do not eat anything that’s made from animal byproducts and just stick with natural, and if possible, organic plant based food. They also stay away from processed foods that contain a lot of preservatives and chemicals that could harm the body. These days, you can find vegan substitutes for everything, from vegan “meat” replacements to vegan condoms.

Do you care about the environment?

Turning vegan also helps you become socially aware about pollution, recycling and using only what you need. The lifestyle helps you lessen your carbon footprint and take better care of the environment. Some vegans even make it a point to become self-sustainable, planting their own vegetables and fruits the organic way and recycling what they can to minimize trash and pollution. More vegans are learning how to become self-sustainable, and vegan communities are promoting this by offering classes on gardening, DIY recycling and more.  Most vegan items, such as vegan condoms, are easy to recycle and are biodegradable.

Do you care are about animals?

Farm animals that are raised for human consumption go through a lot of pain and suffering. Form the moment they are born, most of these animals are forced feed food that contains chemicals that are used to genetically modify them to make them bigger or meatier. Some animals that are used to harvest by-products like milk and eggs are over worked and are also given chemicals so that they can produce more. These animals do not deserve how they are being treated and many vegan communities and releasing press statements, articles, documentaries and movies about how they are being abused to educate people.

These 3 simple reasons should be enough for you to turn vegan. Although it is going to take a lot of sacrifices, it definitely is a better lifestyle.

When Should you Talk to a Sex Therapist?

Having to talk to a therapist sound scary to most people, there’s still that link between having problems with your mind and therapy sessions. But people are becoming more open about it and having to talk to a shrink is a common fix to most problems. When it comes to issues within the bedroom, a sex therapist is the person you want to talk to. Many therapists specialize in sex therapy and you can find them in most cities and towns these days.

But when it is time to talk to one? Here are a few cues.

Not so normal daily life

If your issue is starting to affect how you perform at school or work, your relationships with other people and your decision making skills, then it might be time to talk to a sex therapist. For example, becoming a sex addict could be affecting your decisions on safe sex. Many people set up appointments for therapist only when they start to realize that their lives are already falling apart and that they need a lot of help copping with it and building it back up.

You just don’t understand it

Some people have a problem understanding their sexual problems and frustrations. A sex therapist can help you understand where these frustrations are coming from and what you can do to cope with them. They can help dig down to the core of the issues and guide you to finding an answer to your problems. Sex therapist can also help teach you more about sexuality, safe sex and a healthy sex life.

S.O.S

Many couples would take sex therapy sessions to help save their relationship. Many couples consider sex as a major component to their relationship, and having problems with it could shake the foundations. Sex therapy is also closely knit to family therapy. Some couples can’t start a family because of their sexual frustrations and problems.

You need to face it

It’s difficult to face it, but you have to deal with it at some point. Opening up about sexual problems is a difficult thing to do, especially for men, but once you start to acknowledge the issue, it’s going to be easier to handle and cope with it. The longer you keep it inside, the more difficult it’s going to be at the end. This way, you and the therapist can talk about what you can do to resolve the issue and live your life normally again.

Tips on testing for latex allergies

Allergies are really annoying especially if you’re not aware of them. Some people are not so sure if they’re allergic to something because the symptoms are too unnoticeable and they don’t feel any different. However, allergies should still be taken seriously and one needs to be aware of the limitations that it can cause.

Some allergies, like latex allergies, might end up in a very embarrassing situation if you’re not careful. You could be using a latex condom that could trigger your allergies. Commonly, it only shows a couple of small rashes on the skin, but some cases might call for immediate medical assistance.

If you think you have latex allergies but are not sure, here are a few things that you can do.

Test other parts of your skin

The safest way to know if you’re allergic to latex is to test yourself. You can do a skin test which basically means you deliberately expose yourself to latex and check if it shows a reaction or not. Keep the test safe by doing it on the back of your hand or other area that you can easily reach and check. You might also want to ask assistance from a medical professional when preforming the skin test. Use regular latex condoms and skip special ones like natural rubber and vegan condoms.

Check your family and medical history

Other people who have the allergies tend to forget about it, so it’s a good idea to scan through your medical history and check if there were any case of allergies. You can also check any record of family members who have the allergy. Most allergies are genetic, and if one of your parents is allergic to latex, you might also be. Ask your mom or dad if they can remember.

Don’t use latex

If you’re still not sure if your allergic or not, then it’s just best to keep away from latex. There are other types of condoms in the market such as vegan condoms that don’t contain the protein found in common latex but does offer the same functions as one. Avoidance is key, so watch what you buy.

Whether you’re allergic or not, it’s also a good idea to have medication around. Common anti-histamine can help you ease down any allergic reaction so have one just in case. Take note of how severe the allergy as and how it affects you.

5 Tips on How to Kiss

A kiss can mean true love or it could just be something you’ll regret. Either way, knowing how to kiss is a big plus. Kissing is a big part of how we humans express our emotions, we kiss to show how we feel and some cultures treat kissing as a greeting.

When it comes to romantic kissing, you should have some idea about how to do it. Here are a few tips on how to kiss and how to make it a memorable one.

Fresh breath helps

Nobody wants to get kissed by someone who has breath that smells like fresh garlic cloves. A lot of people have bad breath, and you can have it too if you don’t regularly take care of your teeth and mouth. Make it a point to keep your teeth sparkling clean and your breath minty fresh. Your bad breath could ruin your kiss so keep it clean.

Make the moment last

The best way to do this is to keep your partner anticipating for more. Build a bit of tension between the both of you, tension that can only be broken with a passionate kiss. It’s kind of like that perfect and anxious moment in a good love story that makes it so exciting.  It could also be the moment that can lead to something more, like safe sex.

Look 

This is one of the hardest things to do for some people, but since your mouth is busy kissing and you can’t really express how you feel with words, then use your eyes. Your eyes can show a lot of expression, even looking at each other lovingly for a few seconds before you kiss can make it more meaningful. Some people can tolerate eye to eye contact because it makes them feel awkward, but try it and feel the emotions expressed by the other person through their eyes.

Let go

A passionate kiss is supposed to be a burst of emotions that you can’t control, so don’t even try to control the situation and just let things flow. The only reason you’d probably want to control a kiss is if you don’t want to go too far without talking about safe sex.

Only the ones you like

If would be pointless to give someone a passionate and loving kiss if you’re not really interested in them. Some people say that the kiss can make or break where a relationship is going to go. So if you feel sparks fly when their lips touch yours, then there’s probably something special between the both of you.

Natural Remedies for STDs

One of the most embarrassing things that you can probably ask for at the pharmacy is a cure for an STD. Nobody wants to talk about it, but there are thousands of people who get infected and diagnosed with STDs every day, even after all the safe sex campaigns communities push to their residents. Some people would say that they rather “wait it out” then go to the pharmacy to get medications, but an untreated STD will cause a lot of problems the longer it stays active in the body.

You can treat some STDs with home remedies, although these homemade treatments are not as effective as prescription medication, it does help soothe the pain and minimize symptoms.  Below are the top 3 homemade remedies for STDs.

Garlic 

Garlic has always been used as a medical plant. It has natural antiseptic and antiviral properties that help naturally clear out your system. What some people would do is cook the garlic and grind it with water to make a paste. They would ether eat it or apply it to the area that has boils and spots. If this sounds like too much work, you can always just buy garlic supplements at your local health and wellness store. These are usually places in the organic or natural medicine isle.

Cranberry Juice

In some STDs, especially the ones that also affect the urinary tract or bladder, cranberry juice is the best natural remedy. Vitamins and nutrients found in the juice can help kill off bacteria that cause that stinging pain you feel if you have a urinary tract infection. If you can, get fresh cranberry juice, most supermarkets offer these at their juice bar. However if you can’t find fresh cranberry juice, get the ones that don’t contain or has little added preservatives and sugars.

Yogurt

It might sound a bit strange but yogurt is a main ingredient when it comes to home remedies. Many health and diet experts would advise you to eat yogurt, and there is a reason behind that. Most yogurts contain a good amount of good bacteria that can help minimize the number of bad bacteria in the body. It can also help restore the body’s natural PH level, which is important in treating STDs.

These natural remedies are just a few that you can try to help minimize your STD symptoms. Still, it’s best to talk to a doctor about your case and see what treatment is better. Remember, prevention is still the best way to prevent STDs so have safe sex and be responsible.

Talking to your Teen about Abstinence

Keeping a teenager a teenager and not a parent is one of the biggest difficulties anyone could ever face. These days, teens are growing up too fast because of media and the culture around them. More and more teens are becoming parents while they’re still starting the best years of their lives.

The best way to stop teen pregnancy is abstinence. Although this might sound a bit too “old school”, but it’s the only 100% safe sex and you can still talk to your teens about the value and how it can affect them. Below are a few tips to help make the “abstinence talk” a bit easier.

Set the time

Plan when you’re going to talk to them about it because you want to have their full attention. Letting this slide or not taking this too seriously might let your teen think that it’s just something that they can just ignore. Show them how serious you are by actually taking the time to sit them down and talk about it.

Know what they think they know

Most teenagers are confused about safe sex, abstinence and sexually health in general. Ask them what they know about it and build up from there. One thing to remember is that you want to suggest abstinence to them, and not force it down their throat. Your teen has all the free will to choose what he or she will do. You’re there to guide them and point them to the right direction.

Tell them why you value it

They might understand you better if you tell them why u value abstinence. Talk about your past experiences on relationships, what you wish you could have changed and what decisions you’re thankful of making.

Do your homework

Know the math, statistics and facts about teen pregnancy and STD infection rates amongst teens. You’re not trying to scare them, but you want them to know the truth and the realities behind sex. If you can, gather data about abstinence, safe sex and non-protected sex and how this affects a teen’s life.

Be open

They probably have a million questions about relationships, intercourse, STDs, and the opposite sex after you open up about the topic. Most teens feel scared or awkward when talking to their parent about sex and relationships, so they rather just keep quiet about it. Be open minded and ask them if they have questions about it. Your answers can help them understand better.

Durex launches emergency condom delivery service in Dubai

You can order a condom delivery man from Durex' new SOS website or iPhone app, available in Dubai. He'll come dressed in disguise — possibly as a pizza man — to ensure privacy. Durex hopes to expand the service to other countries.

Condom company Durex has launched a new app and service in Dubai that discreetly delivers condoms within an hour, with the delivery made by someone dressed as, say, a pizza delivery man or tourist who slyly slips you the goods without your date noticing. Evening saved.

Source: Here

Scientists say: Condoms are sexy again!

There are many people out there (*cough cough* 16-24 year-old dudes) who will resist condom use because it means “sex won’t feel as good.” But contrary to popular belief, recent studies have proven that condoms actually don’t make sex worse. How’s that for talking dirty?

Debby Herbenick, a sex researcher at Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion, teased out information from 1,645 men and women ages 18 to 59 whose most recent sexual event included intercourse. The data suggested that sexual arousal, ease of erection, overall pleasure and orgasm weren’t much different between those who “like it raw” and those who used contraception. But there’s something you should know: a giant bottle of lube was involved.

Source: Here

Safe Sex, Health, Respect, and Talking to Your Child

I watch Lifetime movies. Yes, I help people get their lives back on the “straight and narrow” and be healthier with themselves, their emotions, and their relationships, but I still like to indulge Lifetime movies. That feels good to write!

The Pregnancy Pact is about girls who become pregnant. The issue makes the news, and a reporter tries to not just get the story but to also increase awareness about teen pregnancy. I recommend checking out Lifetime for the rest of the story.

Source: Here

Safe Sex?

This arguably could evolve into the worst thing to come out of Ann Arbor since Ann Coulter. Gizmodo and TechCrunch have been covering Playbook, an app created by a University of Michigan student.

Source: Here

Rwanda debates: should condoms be distributed at schools?

The condom distribution debate rages in Rwanda. While the government and the country’s religious groups oppose the idea of disseminating birth control at school, some young Rwandans see this as a real means for preventing underage pregnancies and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

By Clive Muhenga, Kigali

Although it’s engaged in a massive campaign to promote the use of condoms, the Rwandan government is still reluctant to distribute them in schools.

Source: Here

Free Condoms, Free Cupcakes

Right now, there are free condoms and cupcakes in the basement of Angell Hall/Mason Hall/really near the Fishbowl. Students supporting Planned Parenthood are giving them away in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Source: Here

Help Remedies Offers Condoms To Have ‘The Best Sex Possible’

Help Remedies has introduced their latest product ‘Help I’m Horny‘, a simple contraception solution containing two lubricated thin natural latex condoms. The condoms will only be available at luxury hotels including select W Hotels and through an online application process. Help‘s co-founder and creative director, Nathan Frank, said:

Source: Here

Porn producer sues to block LA County law mandating condoms on adult film actors

A major adult filmmaker is challenging a new Los Angeles County law requiring porn actors to wear condoms.

Vivid Entertainment, along with Califa Productions and two adult actors, sued the county Thursday in federal court.

Source: Here

Majority of condoms sold in Zambia are fake-CYCORP

CYCORP, a film that specializes in issues of intellectual property has disclosed that the majority of condoms sold on the Zambian market are fake.

“This is really sad and the saddest part is that the most popular brands in Zambia are the most counterfeited ones” says Kingsley Nkonde, CYCORP Managing Director

Source: Here