This thread is dedicated to all the questions regarding sexual health you may have. You can ask about contraception, Condom Sense, STIs, sexual practices, whatever you like! We're your resident sexperts here to answer all the questions that may be burning in your loins.
Simply post an anonymous comment on this post and we'll publish your question and our answer within a week. Don't be shy, ask away!
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Are STDs a major problem on the Hopkins campus? I feel like I never hear anything about them and they aren't a worry to most people I know?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Student Health and Wellness Center... "No, STIs are not a major problem on our campus. Our incidence of STIs is lower than the national American College Health Association #s. In 2007, we had 7 (0.6%) cases of chlamydia (compared to 3.6% nationally), 1 (0.08%) case of gonorrhea (compared to 0.6% nationally), no cases of HIV (compared to 0.13% nationally), and 10 (18%) cases of herpes, out of the students who came in for STI testing. There were 13% abnormal paps smears." Though STIs may not be a huge issue on our campus, it is still important to ALWAYS practice safe sex. Methods used to prevent STIs are also effective in preventing pregnancy (i.e. condoms). Also note, while Hopkins may not have a high prevelance of STIs, there are other colleges in the area with higher rates. Part of safe sex is knowing and trusting your partner to protect against the spread of STIs.
ReplyDeleteTo learn more about STI testing from the Student Health and Wellness Center, visit:
http://ww2.jhu.edu/shcenter/loader.php?page=STI.html
Short answer: not likely.
ReplyDeleteLong answer: masturbation is a completely normal part of sexual health. It is the fastest, easiest, and safest way to orgasm. Not only that- it can releive stress, help you to get to know your body, and make you more confident in your sexual needs. As long as masturbating isn't getting in the way of usual daily activities, there is no reason not to masturbate as often as one likes. Just be sure it isn't becoming an addiction or interfering with you (or a roommate's) normal functioning and living. So feel free to pet the bunny, get a grip, polish the pearl- whatever you like. Love thy self.
Do people get carpal tunnel from masterbation?
ReplyDeleteInteresting question. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by repeated or excessive pressure on the median nerve of the wrist. Most commonly, this is due to swelling or thickening of the lining of the tendons. Swelling can occur from several reasons, but I’m going to go ahead and assume that your question is referring to ‘repetitive use’ of the wrist joint? According to the Mayo Clinic, “Repetitive flexing and extending of the tendons in the hands and wrists, particularly when done forcefully and for prolonged periods without rest, also can increase pressure within the carpal tunnel. Injury to your wrist can cause swelling that exerts pressure on the median nerve”. Whether or not masturbation can cause carpal tunnel syndrome really depends on personal practice. While it may not cause carpal tunnel, it can definitely be a risk factor. The definitive answer to this question would have to be a ‘maybe.’ It is possible, but it would take a lot of… um… effort.
ReplyDeleteAre free condoms available somewhere on campus?
ReplyDeleteYes! There are free Lifestyles brand condoms located in the Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC). When you walk in the first main door, they are located on your left. They are hanging up on the wall, so just reach in and grab a few! Additional ones are located through the waiting room by the exam rooms. If you have an appointment, you can ask your provider for the location.
ReplyDeleteThe Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) also has a 'Condom Sense' program where you can buy Durex and Trojan brand condoms for a reduced price. The cost is $3 per pack of twelve. To order, Google search ‘JHU Condom Order Form” and the first result will be the order form- or follow the link below. Once you receive an order confirmation, you can inconspicuously pick up the order at the front desk of the SHWC.
The condom sense order form can be found at:
http://ww2.jhu.edu/shcenter/loader.php?page=Condom_Orders.html
Play it smart, wrap your part!
Is it possible for a a girl to get pregnant when having sex without a condom but pulling out a long time before ejaculation?
ReplyDeleteYes, it is still possible to get pregnant when using the withdrawal method. The only way to completely prevent pregnancy is through abstinence. Even the most highly proven effective methods like condoms and birth control have the occasional failures. The lowest expected failure rate of withdrawal is around 4%, even with perfect use- meaning the male removes his penis well before ejaculation. With typical use, there is a failure rate of 19% (FDA). Planned Parenthood states, "Even if a man pulls out in time, pregnancy can still happen. Some experts believe that pre-ejaculate, or pre-cum, can pick up enough sperm left in the urethra from a previous ejaculation to cause pregnancy".
ReplyDeleteIf you are sexually active, the best option is to use multiple methods of effective contraception. Both birth control and condoms are available in the Student Health and Wellness Center. Any appointments or conversations with a health care provider are kept completely confidential. Call 410-516-4584 to make an appointment to discuss options.
To explore the effectiveness of contraception methods visit:
http://www.fda.gov/Fdac/features/1997/conceptbl.html
I'm a male who cannot achieve orgasm with a partner. It's very embarrassing for both me and the girls I've been with. I can achieve it alone easily and quickly, but cannot easily achieve it in the presence of others even if I am the only one touching myself.
ReplyDeleteI have found that I sometimes lose my erection during intercourse and that after secreting precum reduce to a 'weak' erection that is insufficient for penetration. This can happen in the middle of intercourse, and often does if I am wearing a condom.
In case you're wondering the same thing they are, yes, I have found my partners to be attractive.
What can I immediately do about this, and should I seek medical attention?
Thanks so much for sharing your story! It's actually a very common problem- especially for college-aged men. With college comes new experiences. Not just sexually, but also mentally and stressfully! Sex is more than just a physical act, it also takes a lot of mental preparation. Is this a recent problem or has it been occurring for a while? Do you feel comfortable with your partners? Are you stressed, nervous, worried, anxious? It could be your emotions getting the best of you. If it doesn’t seem to be a mental or emotional issue, you mentioned that you have no trouble with achieving an orgasm on your own. It could just be that your body is just used to you! With masturbation, you can change your approach to make it more pleasurable. Intercourse brings on a whole different sensation. It could be that your body needs to adjust between the two. Figure out if something is missing. Is it fantasy you’re missing? Technique? Foreplay? Comfort? Don’t be afraid to teach your partner what it is that excites you. Obviously, no one knows better than you. In this day and age, there are solutions for everything- it’s just a matter of figuring out the problem. It is a frustrating scenario, so seeking medical advice is always a good idea. That's not to say there is anything 'wrong' with you- it's just a matter of determining what your barrier is and breaking it down!
ReplyDeleteYes! It is actually possible to “break” your penis. Although there are no “bones” in the penis, penile fracture can occur as a result of injury to tissues of the penis during an erection. You can injure your penis by thrusting it against a hard surface, such as a bedpost, or using it too roughly during sexual activity. Tubes inside the penis called the corpora cavernosa fill up with blood during an erection. The corpora cavernosa are inside a membranous sack called the tunica albuginea, which can rupture after injury and cause the blood from the corpora cavernosa to leak out. There is an audible “pop” when this happens. Pain and swelling ensues, the erection disappears, and the penis may bend to one side or another due to the break.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy. If you do “break” your penis, seek medical attention immediately. The tear in the tunica albuginea can be fixed by surgery and your penis will be as good as new.