To Circumcise or Not to Circumcise?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
It is logical to assume that if we randomly pull two women from a
crowded street and interview them, one of them might say that she prefers a
circumcised man while the other may claim that she wants it otherwise.
Going back on the age-old question, which do women prefer: circumcised
or uncircumcised? I had an opportunity to meet Jane (not her real
name), a communication student in a southern college. According to her, she
prefers her partner to be uncut. “Although I do base my opinion of a
man on his big head, not his little one, I have to say that uncircumcised
is better because there is more variation. Playing with the skin is
like an added benefit, it feels comfortable while he is thrusting also.
From my experience, cut penises tends to rub too hard and too much. A
little friction is good, but too much can be quite painful. Uncut guys
give just the right amount of friction and I like the way the skin moves
back and forth in my mouth.”
Meanwhile, Alex a customer service representative prefers circumcised
men mainly for hygienic reasons as well as sexual ones. “Based on my
previous encounters, cleanliness is important because the penis tastes,
smells, and looks more appealing. Plus, spur-of-the-moment sexual
activity is more enjoyable with a man who is circumcised, because bathing
efforts last for longer periods of time.”
As far as statistics are concerned however, a one-to-one profile will
be meaningless. We need to go to a bigger perspective. The bottom line
of course is the woman’s personal preferences but considerations on
health should not be ignored. On one point, we have pain and shock; and on
the other hand, we have pleasure and cleanliness. Women’s preferences
in this subject have undoubtedly become more pertinent nowadays than let
us say, two decades ago. During that long-ago era, about 90% of the
male population in the Western world underwent circumcision but since
then, a lot of lobbying has been done to stop this tradition. To date, only
about 60% are circumcised for non-religious reasons.
So what are the reasons why women would prefer a circumcised man? If we
based it on actual studies, one would be because it moves more smoothly
during sex and as a result, both parties derive more enjoyment. Another
is on the usage of condoms. Those who are uncircumcised would find it
difficult keeping a condom on during actual sex.
In one particular survey conducted by a team of experts, 57% of the
respondents said that they preferred circumcised penis because it looked
more attractive. On the other hand, 33% preferred the other side.
However, out of those unaccounted yet, 11 women said that their ideal male
organ would be natural. Let us count out the anti-circumcision lobbyers
and the remaining would be six respondents. Six whose “ideal penis” is
untouched, so as far as this study is concern, the conviction that men
in general are in favor of circumcision is highly exaggerated.
Still on this survey, with regard to oral sex, circumcision reigns
supreme. About 80% of men who accepted oral sex were circumcised while the
rest were not. Moreover, another study showed that circumcised men gave
out more sexual contentment to the women. Among heterosexual men who
engaged in sex at least once a month, it was concluded that 83% of those
circumcised claimed that their partners achieved the orgasmic state
while the remaining 17% claimed that their women did not. Of the
uncircumcised, 53% claimed that their bed partners usually achieved climax and
47% revealed never or occasionally.
Before boring you to death with tons of figures, these significant
comparative studies done over the years are still assumptions and nowhere
near a conclusion. The general statement from women all over England,
Singapore, North America, and other places is that circumcised penis
wins.
Why did I say that we could safely assume but not definitely conclude?
To carve it in stone would be too risky, indeed. There are other
studies (done by equally intelligent and capable professionals) that
concluded in favor of the uncircumcised. The outcome of these researches is
that women are actually more at ease with what they are better acquainted
with (and that is the natural). In one of these, what came out was a
highly interesting piece of data that bulldozes the belief that
circumcised men give “better sex” to women. This study said that 73% of the
respondents said that “natural” men thrust more lightly and that their (the
women’s) clitoris was in fact better “caressed,” obviously indicating
that they enjoyed the sex more.
As far as the definite answer is concerned, the jury is still out
although all things considered, we can fearlessly say that the circumcised
still holds the edge.
posted by Healthy Life @ 11:42 PM,
Women and Hot Flashes
Thursday, April 23, 2009
You suddenly feel a burning feeling on the face and the upper body,
probably with a lightning-fast heartbeat, nausea, vertigo, headache and
other irritating symptoms. You are experiencing what is commonly known as
a “hot flash.” What infernal reason is behind this? Hot flashes are a
woman’s biological process caused by the hormonal dictates of menopause.
Principally that is, but it can also be brought about by particular
medications and the styles/manner of living.
Technically, menopause is a biological operation and not a deficiency
state in estrogen. It happens at age fifty on the average. Specifically
though, a lowered level of estrogen directly impacts on the
hypothalamus. The latter is that part of one’s body that controls sleep cycles,
sex hormones and temperature. The lowering of estrogen disconcerts the
hypothalamus – and what it reads is “too hot.” The brain reacts by
announcing an all-out order to the heart, nervous system and the blood
vessels: “eliminate that heat.” End result is that the heart beats quicker,
blood vessels dilate and the sweat glands excrete. The unfortunate
consequences would be: the body cools down when factors dictate that it
should not, thus, one is soaking wet in the middle of a sales presentation.
Not only is it highly uncomfortable, it is embarrassing.
This is in fact normal; 85% of women in the US have this as they come
near menopause. Twenty to fifty percent continue to have them for a
longer period of time. Thus, intensity decreases over time. There are
significant differences in terms of onset, frequency, duration and the
nature of these flashes. It may last for just a few minutes but it could
take more than an hour for one to completely normalize. The most ordinary
time of onset is from 6 to 8 a.m. and also between 6 to 10 p.m.
Do not despair, if one can really make a conscientious effort of
avoiding the triggers, it would be a significant victory. It would be a major
first step in winning at least a battle. Hot flash is triggered by the
following: alcohol, caffeine, diet pills, spicy food, hot food, hot
tubs, smoking, hot weather and still some others. Here are some survival
tips: dress in layers and avoid turtleneck shirts. Where possible,
lower the thermostat, get a larger bed if you and your partner are on
different heat modes but still want to be close to each other, take a shower
before crashing, arrive at meetings and functions early so that you can
take a pick of your seat, and try tylenol.
Regarding the treatment of hot flashes, Chinese medicine has a
well-respected reputation. The Chinese have descriptions for all kinds. They
involve: acupuncture and herbology. The latter means that different kinds
of herbs are mixed to make a particular tea suited to alleviate one’s
specific symptoms.
One of Mayo clinic’s doctors, Dr. Loprinzi, has studied that
antidepressants also play an important role in treatment. Low-dose may assist in
delaying a hot flash. Effexor (venlafaxine) can cut down the frequency
of hot flashes by about half, this in close to sixty percent of women
with breast cancer.
posted by Healthy Life @ 11:42 PM,
Types of Condoms and What Women Like About Them
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Nowadays, condoms come in a variety of sizes, colors, and even flavors.
There are small ones, skinny ones, purple ones, strawberry ones,
peppermint ones…you name it, and it probably exists. Soon, we might find that
we already have as many types of condoms as Hallmark have cards. There
used to be a time in another era when there was only one kind of condom
out in the market, as far as the texture (or nubbing) is concerned.
That has changed in monumental fashion. Nowadays, they can be adorned with
latex or they can be ribbed. Some of them can just be on the exterior
but some are studded both inside and outside. Presumably, this is also
to provide the user with added enjoyment.
Exactly how many different kinds of condoms are out there? Are there in
fact any significant differences at all? Basically, all condoms would
fall under 8 categories in general, based on the primary consideration.
These do not include the ones that would be invented tomorrow (knowing
the ingenuity of today’s generation, they will come up with something).
The first is the material; it is either made from polyurethane or
latex. Second is the size that involves the width and not the length.
However, those available in convenience shops are standard-sized. Third is
the kind of lubrication where different substances are used for
different brands of condoms. Fourth is the spermicidal. Spermicidal lubricant
is sometimes used to lessen the probability of pregnancy. One of the
more common is called nonoxynol-9. Some individuals are sensitive to this
and in fact, if used a lot of times, may heighten HIV-infection
possibility. Fifth is the Ribbed. There are many people out there, espe
cially young people, who utter in disgust “if AIDS is not so
prevalent, I would never use this…I cannot feel a thing.” This type is the
heaven-sent condom for them. It has ridges making sex more “feel-able” for
the couple. Next is color, enough said, it’s self-explanatory. Seventh
would be flavor, obviously, this is for those daring individuals who
have a propensity for oral sex. Tastes can range from strawberry to god
knows what else! However, these condoms should not be used for
vaginal/anal sex. Eighth and the last, is the reservoir tipped. Most condoms in
fact have a reservoir-like end to hold the semen as opposed to the few
others which have plain tips. For the reservoir type, make sure that you
pinch the tip before dressing it on. This is more or less mandatory
because if air gets in, it could easily break when you are busy and that
is what you wouldn’t like to happen. Actually, there is another one, but
since our topic is men’s condoms, a simple mention of it would su
ffice. This is the female condom (If you are a guy reading t!
his and you are the kind who is so averse to putting on condoms, this
should give you an idea, right?)
Now that we are through enumerating them, let us go to the more
important part which is to answer the question “what are the qualities of a
good condom?” In terms of material, latex is probably the best; avoid the
naturally made ones (lamb membrane for example). Some unenlightened
souls claim that a few viruses can go thru latex that is absolutely
untrue. Those made from natural materials are porous and so there is a
probability of virus-transmission. Another would be the presence of
lubricants. Picking the water-based ones is best like those that are
pre-lubricated with spermicidal gel or foam. Petroleum, baby oil or cream used as
lubricant is risky. These types have the tendency to weaken condoms,
even latex. Packaging is also an invitation. (Not only vis-à-vis colors
although to some people, color is paramount, they are probably the
reason why the glow-in-the dark type was born.)
More specifically, what do women want in a condom? Some condoms are
packaged to look like tampon containers and a few women are attracted to
this. Form also counts - to illustrate, French ticklers (condoms having
long appendages) have popular appeal as these (just like the ridges)
increase pleasure during intercourse. For this same purpose, some women
would insist that their husbands/boyfriends buy the ultra thin type. Of
course, not all nationalities are alike. Japanese women in fact, are
insistent on using condoms over pills but they are not particular over
the kind or form of condom to be used. For as long as she gets assured
that it would not break, she probably would not actually care on what
specific kind of condom is being used. If you are an American though, a
piece of advice: bring your own, the size being manufactured in there
might not be to your liking.
Lastly, the most interesting though, according to one expert on the
topic (she came out with a hilarious yet enlightening piece) – women
generally, do not care about the ridges, ribbing or the lubrication. The
problem she claims is that condoms are designed by men. She asserts that
if women were to be the ones to do this designing, they would just make
“padded” condoms. Length may not really be crucial, but according to
her, width does and that is where the padding comes in naturally.
posted by Healthy Life @ 11:41 PM,
What is PMS?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Each month like clockwork, most of women come down with a strange
collection of symptoms. Crying spells, mood swings, bloating, headache,
fatigue, cramps, and the list goes on. One minute you like to take a bite
of chocolate, pizza the next. They snap at their family or bite their
friends’ head off at the slightest provocation, and then break down to
tears because they feel bloated and simply hate the way they look.
Most people, especially the male population, are quick to dismiss it as
“that time of the month.” Women’s mood swings had become stereotyped as
PMS, an excuse use to justify giving in on their food cravings and
acting like a shrew.
However, doctors nowadays recognize PMS as a real medical condition
with physical and psychological symptoms. PMS or premenstrual syndrome is
a set of hormonal changes that generate a variety of both physical and
emotional symptoms in women. It usually occurs between 7 to 14 days
before actual “period” and then disappears once the menstruation begins.
Women may experience PMS during her childbearing years or sometimes even
after menopause.
Bloating, cramps, fatigue, breast tenderness, and irritability, does
this sound familiar? Well you are not alone for studies shows that about
95% of women experience some of over 150 symptoms associated to PMS.
The degree of severity varies, some women felt only minor discomfort
while for others the symptoms are unbearable enough to interfere with their
lives. The symptoms may differ from one person to another and may
change from cycle to cycle.
Normally, the psychological symptoms of PMS include mood changes like
crying spells, depression, anxiety, anger, sadness or irritability.
Psychological symptoms may also include some changes in mental functioning
such as difficulty in concentrating or remembering as well as changes
in sex drive.
On the other hand, a wide range of physical symptoms are associated
with PMS. Some of the most commonly observed physical symptoms would
include fatigue, insomnia, headache, acne, cramps, breast tenderness,
bloating, joint or muscle pain. Occasionally, some women experience upset
stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. Women with PMS also tend to give in to
their food cravings especially for carbohydrates, chocolate or other
sweets.
Although real test to diagnose PMS has not yet been created, doctors
may conduct tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar
symptoms. When the symptoms assent with the monthly cycle and the woman’s
tests are negative for other conditions, then PMS is generally determined
to be the cause of her symptoms.
There are several conditions to rule out when considering PMS. That
includes anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, perimenopause, endometriosis,
dysmenorrhea and autoimmune disorders.
On the other hand, some of the psychological conditions that should be
ruled out include eating disorders, alcohol abuse, personality
disorders and chronic fatigue syndrome. Oral contraceptive side effects should
also be ruled out when considering PMS. To further confirm doctor’s
diagnosis, keeping a monthly diary of symptoms would also be helpful.
PMS is still considered as a largely mysterious phenomenon by the
medical community and had been a subject for research and some ongoing
studies. Since there has been no single cause of PMS identified or accepted
by the medical community, it is likely that PMS is due to a variety of
factors, as well as because of genetics, environment and lifestyle
factors like nutrition and stress.
posted by Healthy Life @ 11:41 PM,
Women and the Monthly Menstrual Cycle
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Having a period or menstruating is said to be puberty’s biggest event.
It is a normal and healthy part of being a woman that young girls
should be prepared for rather than be terrified. Women began their
menstruation cycle during puberty, normally at age 12 or 13 but can start
anytime between 8 and 16.
The menstrual period, also known as menstruation or menses, is just one
part of the menstrual cycle. This is a 28-day long process that happens
in all healthy women who are not yet on their menopause. The menstrual
cycle involves all the aspects of the woman’s reproductive system such
as the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina. The
menstrual cycle is the body’s way of preparing women for pregnancy. A cycle is
generally more or less 28 days long and starts on the first day of a
period. Though, a cycle may range anywhere from 23 to 35 days.
Each month, the reproductive system prepares for the fertilization of a
woman’s eggs and the development of a fetus. The process is conducted
by hormones, mainly by estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Basically, the menstrual cycle have four phases. Menstruation or having
your period is the first phase. Each month the uterus prepares for an
embryo by thickening its lining with tissue and blood. When an egg is
released without being fertilized, then the uterus will shed this lining
through the small opening of the cervix and passes out of the body
through the vagina. The menstrual flow is a mixture made up of blood,
mucus, and body cells. The flow might be red or quite dark, and may include
some clumps or clots. Periods normally last about three to five days.
The second phase is called pre-ovulation phase. This happens after a
period ends. At this time the ovaries start to prepare another egg, or
ovum, for release in the fallopian tubes.
Ovulation is the third phase, where the egg is released from the ovary
into the fallopian tubes. If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm
cell, it attaches to the uterine wall and a fetus will begin to develop.
The ovulation phase typically occurs 14 days before the start of the next
period.
The fourth and final phase is the premenstrual phase. If the egg is not
fertilized, the thickened lining of the uterus is shed and a new
menstrual cycle starts all over again.
A period may vary every month and differs from one woman to another. It
can either be light, moderate, or heavy. Although most menstrual
periods last from three to five days, anywhere from two to seven days is
still considered normal. However during the first few years after having
menstruation, periods may be very irregular.
Women stop having their periods when they reached menopause, usually
around the age of 50. Menopause refers to the stage when a woman is no
longer ovulating or producing eggs. As a result she can no longer become
pregnant. Like menstruation, menopause also varies from woman to woman
and may even take some years to occur.
posted by Healthy Life @ 11:40 PM,
