How much do teenagers need to know about sex?
One of the myths of adolescence is that teenagers know more than enough about sex. Despite explicit sexuality in movies, TV, and rock videos, a great many teenagers are woefully ignorant about sex.
Much of teenagers’ naivete about sex may be due to the fact that they are still learning to reason abstractly and don’t fully understand the laws of probability.
For example, a survey of sexually active teenage girls who did not use birth control revealed that half relied on wishful thinking to prevent pregnancies. They were convinced they wouldn’t get pregnant because they didn’t want to.
Teenagers need to learn that they can control their sexuality. This is particularly important, since teenagers often think that being sexually aroused inevitably becomes so overwhelming that they cannot be blamed for “losing their heads” and forgetting that intercourse causes pregnancy.
In most Western cultures, it falls to the parents to instuct their children about sex and, more important, about acceptable sexual behaviour. Health experts advise parents to avoid lecturing about sex. Instead, parents should be sensitive to their child’s level of interest and be ready with information when the child asks. As children mature, so do their questions. Parents then should provide frank and explicit answers.
Parents should make their views and standards very clear to their teenage children. “In shaping the values of young people,” says Michael Carrera, a health-science professor at Hunter College, “parents are more powerful than any clinic, any (sex-education) teacher, any peer.”
Have a fantastic day
Willem Broekers
Male fertility
Male fertility winds down with age. According to convential wisdom, men can make babies their whole lives. Look at Charlie Chaplin and Rupert Murdoch: both fathered children in their 70s.
But there’s increasing evidence men have biological clocks too. A study in Fertility and Sterility has shown that male fertility decreases after 40, while another from the University of California found the genetic quality of sperm declines as men age, leading to failed pregnancies as well as genetic deseases.
For men, the decline in fertility is fairly gradual and modest, says Professor Rob McLachlan, director of Andrology Australia, whereas it is profound and brief in women.
Have a fantastic day
Willem Broekers
Is Sex Good For You?
Yes!
Bucking the typical public discourse about sex that centres almost exclusively on risks and dangers, worldwide research by sexuality scientists encourages us to embrace sex with gusto. Here’s why:
It’s a great work-out
Like any other form of exercise, sexual intercourse burns fat and kilojoules- about 390kj in 20 minutes. That’s about as much as doubles tennis, a 20-minute stroll or a leisurely cycle ride.
It combats ageing
In a study of 3500 people aged 18- 102 conducted by the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, a good sex life was found to be a key ingredient for looking younger. The researchers attributed this to significant reductions in stress, greater contentment and better sleep, all of which are also associated with sexual activity.
It can help fight disease
Before you pop your next painkiller, try an orgasm.
Studies have found that those who have sex once or twice a week have stronger immune systems than those who abstain. Scientists have also found that an active sex life may lower the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and strokes.
It reduces pain
Women and men have long reported that sexual activity relieves chronic pain. A 1985 laboratory study found that vaginal stimulation resulted in increased pain tolerance, while subsequent studies found that pleasurable self-stimulation of the clitoris also had an analgesic effect. The researchers have reported that this type of stimulation can ease the pain of menstrual cramps, arthritis, migraine and other conditions.
It helps colds and flu
Sex once or twice a week produces 30% higher levels of immunoglobulin A, which boosts the immune system. Sex is also reputedly a natural antihistamine, helping to combat hay fever and asthma.
It helps you live longer
A Welsh longitudinal study examined the relationship between frequency of sexual activity and mortality and found the risk of dying in any one year was 50% lower among men who had sex twice or more a week than among men who had sex less than once a month. Even when controlling for such factors as age, social class and smoking status, the study concluded that the more sex, the better.
It promotes general physical wellbeing
Sexual release can help people go to sleep. One US study of over 1800 people found surges in oxytocin and endorphins as a result of orgasm, with apparent sedative effect. Other studies meanwhile suggest that sexual activity fosters everything from sexual and reproductive health to happiness.
Have a fantastic day
Willem Broekers
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Sex Sells
Sex sells cars, as well as anything else you can think of!
Beautiful women and men showing their bodies to make you buy whatever!
Bettina Arndt tells you about sex and how people think about sex!
It was sex that made Bettina Arndt famous. As one of Australia’s first sex therapists and editor of Forum magazine, Bettina spent ten years talking about sex on television and radio. A trained clinical phsychologist, she taught medical students, doctors and other professionals and talked endlessly about this fascinating subject to audiences all over Australia and overseas.
Not sure who Bettina Arndt is? Go to; http://www.bettinaarndt.com.au/ and you will be able to read about her!
Have a fantastic day
Willem Broekers
Penis Size
From The Advertiser July 5 2011
By Jordanna Schriever Health Reporter
GENTS, you might want to keep your hands hidden away while reading this.
A new study has found the ratio between the index and ring fingers on the right hand can indicate the size of your manhood.
The research, published online last night in the Asian Journal of Andrology, found men who have a smaller difference between the lenght of those two fingers will have a longer penis.
The study concludes penis formation and capacity to grow are determined by foetal testosterone levels – which is linked to genital developement.
University of NSW senior lecturer in embryology Dr Mark Hill says a penis usually begins growing in the second trimester of pregnancy when the testes secrete testosterone – which in turn leads to the growth of external genitalia. The researchers conclude it is the foetal period that causes the differences in finger lenght, and penis size.
“In the present study, patients with a lower digit ratio tended to have a longer stretched penile lenght,” the researchers say.
The study was conducted on the right hands of 144 Korean men. Each participant had been hospitalised for urology surgery and had their penis measured when flaccid and again when fully stretched. The researchers did not measure the lenght of penises while erect, but say other studies have shown stretched penis lenght “provides a reliable estimate of the potential maximal elongation during erection”.
Dr Hill says men need not worry because the size of a penis has no impact on its ability to function.
“Penis size has nothing to do with it,” he says.
Have a fantastic day
Willem Broekers
