Welcome to a new feature “What I learned from Jersey Shore.” Every Friday I will take something from the previous night’s episode and discuss. This week’s topic.. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

What is a UTI?

UTI is an infection that is caused by bacteria. The bacteria that is the #1 offender is E-coli which can be found in feces (poop). UTI’s can occur in men and women but women are more prone because of the proximity of the vaginal opening to the anus. Some common symptoms are having the urge to urinate frequently, pain during urination, burning during urination and/or blood in the urine. Low back pain and stomach cramps can also be possible.

If you are having some of these symptoms I would recommend going to a health care provider not only to get antibiotics but to make sure that it is a UTI. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can mimic the same symptoms as a UTI. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can also be treated with antibiotics but you want to make sure that you get the right drug for the right problem.

How can I get a UTI?

Like I mentioned above you can get a UTI just by wiping wrong after going to the bathroom. Remember ladies… Wipe front to back! Sex also increases your risk of getting a UTI. Sex introduces bacteria into the vagina but there are some things that you can do to prevent a UTI.

•  Urinate before and right after having sex
• If you have anal sex DO NOT go from anus to vagina without changing the condom or washing up
• DO NOT share sex toys without cleaning them first
• Clean your anal and genital areas before and after sex
• Drink plenty of fluids to flush out the urinary tract

In an interview Snookie said that she got the UTI from having “butt sex” but what probably happen is that she “double dipped” meaning that she when from anal to vaginal without changing the condom or cleaning the penis off. 

SEE SNOOKIE HERE 

Question:
A lot of my friends use lube and I have never used it? I guess I don’t need it is this weird? Should I use it? 

Answer: 
Do I need it? 
Your body as part of the sexual response cycle creates it’s own lubricants. During arousal the vaginal walls secrete fluids to lubricate the vagina decrease friction during penetration. Some women create enough lubricant and some women don’t. It doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. Some people just like lube to enhance pleasure with better slipping and sliding.

What kind should I use:
There are three different kinds of lubricats water-based, silicone-based and oil-baed. If you use condoms ALWAYS use a water based lubricant. Each of these has their advantages and disadvantages,however water-based lubes are by far the most popular. Some popular ones in the market are: KY jelly, Astroglide, Maximus and Wet. 

What is a no no?
Never use oil based lubricants with condoms. Never use petroleum jelly (li.e. Vaseline), baby oil, hand or body lotions, cooking oils (i.e. Pam), etc… Within seconds the oil breaks down the latex and will cause the condom to break. So unless you are looking for an STI or to get pregnant stay away from the oils. 

You can get most of the popular lubricants like KY at your drugstore or grocery store but if you are looking for a better selection of slippery merchandise try a sex toy store or “adult store.” As always have fun and happy lubing. 

Question:
When am I supposed to take Plan B and where can I get it? 

Answer: 
Plan B is a form of emergency contraception also know as “the morning after pill.” It is NOT the abortion pill. 

Time is of the essence 
Plan B can be taken up to 120 hours after you had unprotected sex or your birth control failed (i.e. condom broke). The sooner you take it the more effective it is but it can be taken up to 5 days after (120 hours). 

How does it work?
Plan B is made up of the same hormones as in birth control pills. Just like birth control pills Plan B prevents ovulation. The hormones also prevent pregnancy by thickening a woman’s cervical mucus, which blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg. Plan B also thins the lining of the uterus which would prevent a fertilized egg from being able to implant and attach to the uterus. 

Where can I get me some?
Plan B can be purchased at your pharmacy. You have to ask the pharmacist for it but if you are over the age of 17 you should be able to get it, if you are under the age of 17 then you need a prescription from your doctor. The price ranged from $10-$70 depending on where you get it but averages around $40-$50. 

*** Plan B is called Plan B for a reason … there are a lot of Plan A’s that you can use: don’t have sex, condoms, birth control pills, diaphragm, IUD, sponge etc… Plan B is not and should not be taken as your only form of birth control. If you are concerned about becoming pregnant please see a doctor and discuss your birth control options, BE PROACTIVE! 

Question:
I heard that you can get a yeast infection from wearing tight jeans is this true? 

Answer:
In a one word answer… kinda…. 

What is a yeast infection?
Yeast Infection (Candidiasis) is a fungus that likes to grow in moist warm areas (i.e. your vagina). 

What’s going on down there?
Let’s think of the vagina as a delicate eco system. It is best when it has a certain pH. Yeasts are found in the vagina normally but can overgrow if the eco system in the vagina changes. Kind of like when your lawn grows crazy after a good rain. 

Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms is a vaginal discharge that resembled cottage cheese. Usually there is itching and irritation in and around the vagina. Some women report that they may have pain with sex or it burns when they pee. 

Treatments
There are many over the counter treatments such as gels, creams, inserts etc… Which may help with the itching and burning but if the vaginal discharge lasts for more than 1 week, CALL YOUR DOCTOR! 

What about my pants?
Wearing tight pants increases the warmth and makes it a really good place to grow bacteria (Sorry hipsters). People that wear spandex or pantyhose all the time might experience the same thing. Now I am not saying if you wear tight jeans expect a yeasty suprise in the morning just be mindful to let your vagina breath every once in awhile. Take it out for a walk get some fresh air… feel the breeze on your cha cha

Question:
Why do some people prefer having sex with someone with foreskin? Does it really feel better? 

Answer:
Well first let’s take a look at the anatomy of the foreskin. What is it’s purpose? 

The foreskin is a layer of skin that covers the head of the penis. The outside of the foreskin is much like a continuation of the skin of the shaft of the penis. But the underside of the foreskin is a mucous membrane like the inside of your mouth or your eyelids. If you have never seen an uncircumcised penis… picture it like a circumcised penis wearing a turtle neck. 

As far as it being more pleasurable? Well it depends who you ask. When you have your foreskin intact you have more “gliding action.” The foreskin moved up and down during intercourse or masturbation. Okay try this out….. put your finger on your eyelid and move the eyelid around… feel how smoothly is glides to and fro??? Many doctors believe that the foreskin is important and increases the pleasure and comfort of both parties involved because of the gliding action and that it reduces vaginal dryness. Many uncircumcised men claim that sexual activity is much more pleasurable for them (and their partners) due to their increased sensitivity and the added friction of having foreskin. 

Just a side note that just because you have foreskin does not mean that you are going to be a sex god. It’s all about technique and communicating with your partner(s) your wants and needs. 

Just like the vulva all penises are unique and different. Everyone enjoys different kinds of stimulation no matter if you are wearing a turtle neck or not. As always have fun!

Question:
I didn’t get my period but I took two pregnancy tests and both said they were negative and I am on birth control… could I still be pregnant? 

Answer: 
If you have taken two negative tests and you have no reason to believe your birth control has failed (i.e. you take your pill everyday without missing) then there is very little chance that you may be pregnant. 

There are a number of reasons someone can have a late period or skip one all together. Take a look at your cycle… are you normally pretty regular? Have you missed before? What type of birth control are you on? Have you had any changes in your life recently?

Birth Control:
Some birth control pills make you have lighter periods and some you may not have your period at all. This is most common with progesterone methods like Depo Provera shots, Nuva Ring, or the mini pill and is common and seen as a benefit. 

Stressed Out:
If you change your schedule (i.e. start working night shifts) or if you are going through a really stressful situation you can miss a period as well. This is a double edged sword because if you are stressed out and then stressed about not getting your period you won’t get it. 

Weight 
When people fluctuate in weight gain and weight loss they can miss as well. If you have lost a significant amount of weight or are anorexic then you may experience amenorrhea which is a stopping of your period. Excessive exercise can also change your cycle. 

There are other physical or medical condition (like your thyroid) that may be the reason for you missing your period but the golden rule is that if you are not pregnant and you are otherwise felling okay and generally healthy then try not to worry too much about it. If you have missed two or three cycles then I would recommend seeing your gynecologist so they can figure out what is going on. Most importantly try and stay calm and relax and you may just be surprised if Aunt Flow shows up unexpected. 

Question:

I’ve been on the pill for 5 years and i hate it. it makes me moody/gain weight however, with a steady relationship, i want to be constantly protected. any advice? mini pill? nuva ring? 

Answer: 

Many people love the pill and many people hate the pill for various reasons whether it be because of moodiness or forget fullness, whatever. Let me take this time to say that BCP’s do not cause weight gain. There are several studies that have shown that it does not cause weight gain. Okay back to what you were actually asking…are there alternatives for you? Short answer….yes. 

If you are worried about the moodiness then anything that is hormonal based is going to be the same. Nuva Ring, Patch and Pill are all hormone based just in different forms. Here are some options that may be good for you.  

Diaphragm & Cervical Cap 
The diaphragm and cervical cap are both viable options if you aren’t into taking hormonal methods of birth control. They are a dome or cap made out of latex that covers the cervix. You need to get sized by a healthcare provider and you insert them into the vagina before having sex. These methods are used with spermacide. 

Barrier Methods (i.e. condoms) 
Condoms are always an option but if you don’t love the glove there are other options. Try some different brands and materials and see if you like them. Try polyurethane condoms or lambskin condoms. 

Implanon
Implanon are matchstick sized rods that inserted under the skin by a health care provider. They can last up to 3 years. 

Depo Provera Shot 
The birth control shot (Depo) is a shot that is given every 3 months by a health care provider. 

Mini Pill 
The mini pill is a progestin-only birth control pill that you take daily. If you aren’t into taking a daily pill perhaps the other options are better for you. 

IUD (Intrauterine Device)
There are 2 different types of IUD’s Mirena(Progestin) or ParaGard(Copper T). An IUD is a T-shaped device that is inserted in to the uterus by a health care provider. Mirena is effecctive for 5 years while in and ParaGard is effective for 12 years while in.  The IUD has gotten a lot of flack in years past but is effective and safe. 

Still confused? Planned Parenthood has a great resource to help you choose a method CLICK HERE

***Remember that above all you need to discuss your options with your healthcare provider and figure out what works best for you.

Question:
I am with a new partner and she doesn’t want to have anal sex. My previous lady loved it and so did I. How can I convince her to have anal sex?

Answer? 
Many people enjoy anal sex, but some people want nothing to do with it. So how can you convince her that anal is the bees knees?

Talk it over
Most importantly have a conversation about it. Why exactly is she giving the back door a no go? Is she nervous? Afraid it will hurt? Is it an out hole policy? Find out why she doesn’t want to and if she is adamant about it then you need to respect her wishes. A successful sexual relationship involves trust and respect. Forcing someone or convincing someone is not the right way to go. 

If she is into it but just nervous here are a few things that you can try

Practice before the big game
Pre-game is important. It gives your partner a chance to see if she is into anal play and it will allow her to become more comfortable. It may also peak her interest in anal sexIf she is nervous whether or not she will like it try working in some anal action into your sexual repertoire. Try rubbing, touching or even kissing the anal area. If she is enjoying all of this try inserting a finger, maybe a sex toy and work up to the penis. 

Lubrication
Make sure to always use lube during anal sex or anal play. Unlike the vagina the anus does not produce lubrication or relax with arousal. You will need to lube up the penis (condom) and the anus. Make sure to choose a water-based lubricant like Astroglide or KY. 

No backsies frontsies 
NEVER put anything into the vagina that has been in the anus it will cause an infection. You can go from the vagina to the anus but not anus to vagina. This includes mouth, fingers, sex toys, anything. Always change condoms as well. 

Try the reach around
Remember how good the reach around is for vaginal sex and stimulating the clitoris? This can be applied here too (For MSM you can reach around to the penis). Also doggie-style is not the only position that anal sex can be performed. Try different position and find out what is most comfortable for you and your partner. 

Wrap it up
If you use condoms you should use them here too. No you are not going to get pregnant but there is an increased chance of creating small tears in the anus and this makes it easier to transmit STI’s and infections. 

Make sure to always stay in communication with your partner and check in to see how she is doing. Go slow and if she wants to stop…STOP! Remember have fun and be safe. 

*Note: This is the same for anal sex between two men or between two women. 

Question:
Are there any other condoms that you can use besides latex? I heard of the lamb one but that grosses me out. 

Answer:
There are a few types of materials that condoms are made out of and yes lambskin is one of them. 

Lambskin
Lambskin condoms are made from the intestinal membrane of a lamb (This is one of the oldest ways to make condoms). Lambskin are effective in protecting against pregnancy however they ARE NOT effective for STI protection. Lambskin condoms have small pores that the viruses can pass through; however sperm cannot pass through. They claim have a “more natural” feel than latex and polyurethane no research on polyisoprene is out yet. They are also considered “eco-friendly” because unlike the other types of condoms they are biodegradable. They are more expensive than latex condoms. Trojan NaturaLamb Condoms and Kling-Tite Naturalamb Condoms are two brands that are available. 

Polyurethane
Polyurethane condoms are thinner and stronger than latex. They also transfer heat better than latex for a more natural feeling. Polyurethane are available in men’s and women’s condoms. They are more expensive than latex condoms but offer comparable pregnancy and STI protection. Durex-Avanti Polyurethane and Trojan-Supra Non-Latex are two brands that are available. 

Polyisoprene
Polyisoprene is the newest condom on the market and is good for people who have latex or polyurethane allergies. They have a feeling similar to latex. They are more expensive than latex condoms but offer comparable pregnancy and STI protection. LifeStyles-SKYN and Durex-Avanti Bare are two brands that are available. 

So which is best for you? 
Depends on what your need is. Are you looking for just pregnancy protection… any of the above would work. Remember lambskin does not protect against STI’s. Try a few of them out give them a whirl and see which ones are best for you and your partner(s). 

Question:
My partner and I have been together for over two years. We have a great relationship and wonderful sex. Recently, my partner expressed interest in having a threesome or sex with another couple. He said he really enjoys the sex we have together but thought it would be fun to spice things up. Although it sounds intriguing I’m rather apprehensive… what am I to do? 

Answer:
Well you’ve seen it in pornos, movies, read about it, maybe even dreamed about it and now it’s your chance to take place in a threesome or foursome hell even a tensome but what are you to do? Do you know proper etiquette? How do you make sure you are okay with what is going on? 

Be honest with yourself
Make sure you take the time to ask yourself if this is something that you really want. DO NOT do anything that you are not comfortable with. Going into something that you are apprehensive about is not going to end well and someone is going to get hurt. 

Lay down the ground rules… and stick to them
Have a discussion and let your partner know what you are comfortable with for yourself and for them. Are you comfortable with penetration with this third person or are you sticking to oral? Do you want to watch or be involved? Who do you want involved men, women or both? Do you want it to be someone you know or a totally random hookup? Basically, figure out how far you want each other to go. Make sure to be specific, don’t assume that your partner should know what you would want. 

What happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom
If this is supposed to be purely sexual then make sure you set that as one of your rules. You are just having sex not going out to dinner or talking on email or having long conversations about life. Keep all activity in the bedroom unless both partners agree to something else. 

Too many penises and not enough hands
It’s easy to get carried away when you are in the middle of it. There can be penises, vaginas, hands, toys, mouths all over the place. Just remember that everyone is there to get in on the action. Don’t be selfish and steal all the sexy time, make sure that everyone is in on the fun in some way. 

You are not a porn star
Now matter how awesome you think you are you are not a porn star. Let’s keep things in perspective you probably are not going to be able to please ten people simultaneously and last for fifteen hours while orgasming too many times to count (If you are able to… call me). Your first time at this is probably going to be awkward. Also, if this is something that you have always wanted to do your expectations might be a little too high. 

I know I sound like a broken record but communication is key here. You need to talk about ground rules before and discuss after the deed as well. What did you like? What did you not like? Do you want this to happen again? Make sure that you are honest and open and it can be a lot of fun. Remember this can only work if everyone involved is having a good time. Make sure you are aware of what you AND your partner is enjoying. HAVE FUN!