admin
Condom Brands

There’s a lot of choice when choosing a brand of condom-here are some facts to help!

They are all reputable and many of them also manufacture internal condoms, lubricants, sex toys and other products.
Durex Condoms- UK Based Company.

Offer a range of condoms-some specifically designed to prevent premature ejaculation problems. Durex supports various projects such as a gender equity program in Brazil named ‘Program H.’

Trojan Condoms-US based company.

Offers a variety of over 30 types. They say that their HER PLEASURE condoms are manufactured using premium-quality latex to reduce the risk of STIs and pregnancies.

Lifestyles SKYN Condoms-US based.

One of the first condoms to be made from polyisoprene, these condoms are known for the comfort and natural feeling they provide to users. Their non-latex material makes the brand highly popular among sensitive condom users.

Astroglide Lubes-US based.
This company produces a water-based, petroleum-free condom. They say their products are moisturising, long lasting, and advertise better satisfaction for users.

Kimono Microthin Condoms-Japan based and US owned (from what I can see?!)

This brand is known for manufacturing condoms using advanced latex engineering. They boast products that are 38% thinner than traditional condoms and are manufactured using premium natural latex state-of-art Japanese technology. Kimono condoms are vegan and paraben-free.

Beyond Seven Condoms-Japan based.

Beyond Seven condoms are made from advanced latex called Sheerlon. The Japanese company is a world leader in latex technology.

Cupid’s Female Condoms-Indian based.

A leading manufacturer of female condoms, Cupid Limited also makes condoms for men, along with lubricant jelly. The Indian company has a strong presence in 40 countries around the globe. It is the first company in the world to have been pre-qualified by WHO/UNFPA for the supply of both male and female condoms.

Crown Condoms-Japan based.
Specially designed for highly sensitive users, Crown Condoms are known for their thinness. Just like the other condoms manufactured by Okamoto, Crown also makes use of Japanese technology to design products which have minimal latex odour.

2:27 pm 1Nov, 2021
admin
What is a prostate orgasm?

A prostate is a walnut sized gland which is situated between the penis and the bladder. It sits in front of the rectum and the urethra runs through the centre of it. It’s job is to secrete fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

💥 Surrounded by nerves, the prostate can feel good when touched. When the prostate is stimulated, this can lead to orgasm for some people. According to some, prostate stimulation can produce a stronger, more powerful and deeper orgasm.

🗺 How do you get to it? On the inside, it is located roughly two inches in, on the front side of the anal passage (facing the penis). From the outside, it can be felt through the perineum (the skin that runs from the scrotum to the anus). When someone is aroused, the prostate can swell, making it easier to locate.

🍑 Tips for anal penetration-the more turned on a person is, the more relaxed they will be. ⭐️ This is important ⭐️
🚽 If you’re worried about bodily functions, empty your bowels and bladder beforehand
💦 water based lubrication is SO important and the use of condoms is especially important during anal sex
🧼 hygiene is paramount when using sex toys or fingers (trim nails/clean toys and hands/use a condom over the finger)
👨‍🔬 experiment with yourself/each other. Everyone is different and communication and trust are key
🥛 ‘Milking’ the prostate refers to the act of massaging the prostate until fluid (prostatic fluid) comes out. (The fluid can look milky, hence the term and is semen without the sperm.)

NOTES: Having fun with the prostate is not just for homosexuals and doesn’t make you gay if you’re straight and want to try it/enjoy doing it
👩‍⚕️ Burning, pain, difficulty during urination/More frequent urges to urinate at night/Loss of bladder control/Decreased flow or velocity of urine stream/Blood in urine or semen/Erectile dysfunction could be early signs of prostate cancer so go get screened!

2:23 pm 1Nov, 2021
admin
Why are you single?

Asking someone why they are single can be exhausting for that person and make them painfully aware of society’s expectations that to be viewed as ‘successful’ in life you have to be with someone (and someone of the opposite sex for that matter!)

But how many times have you asked someone (or asked of yourself) “Why are you in a relationship?”

Could it be….
—because society/your family expects it of you?
—because society rewards you for being in a relationship-REGARDLESS of whether it’s healthy?
—because you don’t want to be alone?
—because your partner is a distraction?
—because being with someone ‘completes’ you?

Or…because you’ve found a genuine connection with someone or more than one person and you are choosing to share your time with them in a healthy and fulfilling way 💗

In terms of attitudes, society does not reward people who choose to be single or who are single because they just are. Yes, we are social animals but we are fed the idea of being partnered up/married as the holy grail since we are babies and it’s high time we all think carefully about these accepted norms. Do we truly want the relationships we are in or are we there because society expects it of us? Maybe the single person you are speaking to wants a relationship but isn’t in one at the moment. Everyone is different and has their own reasons for being/not being in a relationship.

And if you are a parent of a teen or young adult, think carefully about the messaging you might be sending or reinforcing to them if you ask them this question. It may sound obvious that they need to feel loved, valued and complete just for existing as themselves but how are you as parents reinforcing that message?

Let’s think a little more about how we speak to people and what we are really saying when we ask, “why are you single?”

2:20 pm 1Nov, 2021
admin
What happens to the clitoris when aroused?

Because most of the clitoris is inside the body, we don’t really see clitoral erections -but they happen! When the clitoris is aroused, blood rushes to the erectile tissue that makes up the clitoris (the same tissue as in a penis), causing it to become engorged. This is a clitoral erection!
All this increased blood flow means that the labia can increase in size, alongside the clitoral glans and the rest of the clitoris that you can’t see. The clitoral hood might pull back, exposing the engorged glans. It might turn a darker pink or red too with all that blood flow!

Some people find direct stimulation with the clitoral hood or glans too much as they are so sensitive. Luckily, the clitoris can also be stimulated through the labia, around the urethra or around the base of the vagina!

Fun fact: part of your conscious brain turns off when you are having an orgasm!

Note: While getting a clitoral erection is a normal and healthy response to being aroused, it isn’t something that should be happening in the absence of sexual stimulation.
If it does, it may be a sign of persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) or priapism which is a condition that can result in people being aroused and having a clitoral erection even when there isn’t any physical, visual, aural, or other sexual stimulation happening. There are many possible causes for these conditions, but the most common include:
* certain medications,
* recreational substances, like cannabis or cocaine
* certain disorders and diseases, like sickle cell anemia and leukemia

2:13 pm 1Nov, 2021
admin
How do I help my child with their acne?

How do I help my child with their acne?

I often get questions from kids about spots/pimples and acne. Acne can occur anywhere on the body but is common on the face, neck, shoulders, back and chest. It can be physically painful and also emotionally upsetting.

There is plenty we can do for our children if they have acne:
1. Understand what causes it.
✳️Acne is a condition affecting the skin’s hair follicles and oil glands. Pores are connected to glands that make an oily substance known as sebum. When sebum and dead skin cells clump together, they form a plug in the hair follicle. Bacteria in the plug causes inflammation, leading to red pimples in acne. Acne often runs in families. It is not caused by diet.

2. Understanding that how we respond is a vital component to helping them with their self esteem
✳️If your child has acne they may feel very self conscious about it and not want attention brought to it or they may not know how to talk about it. Apparently up to 95% of people aged between 11-30 are affected by acne to some extent and this is especially true during puberty. They may feel alone but they definitely are not. Talk to your child with compassion and offer practical help (see below). They are acutely aware of their skin so will not appreciate comments on it. Model to them/remind them (if needed) that self worth should not be determined by our looks.

3. Understanding the pressures society puts on them
✳️Of course, society tells us the opposite (self worth IS determined by looks/money/fame) so making sure we are raising media literate children (those that understand that most images are altered) who ideally are also beginning to understand the messages we receive from social conditioning, will help.

4. What steps can be taken
✳️Treatments that address the causes work best. Active ingredients in acne treatments from over the counter are benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Treatments need time to work so be consistent and stick with them. There is never any harm in seeking medical help, especially if the acne seems on the more severe side or your child is particularly upset about it. 

✳️Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
✳️Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
✳️Do not try to “clean out” blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
✳️Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics. Use water-based products that are described as non-comedogenic. This means the product is less likely to block the pores in your skin.
✳️Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
✳️If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.
✳️Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
✳️Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.
(Some source information from www.nhs.uk)

2:10 pm 1Nov, 2021
admin
Do you know about PMDD?

Do you know about PMDD?
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It’s a severe and chronic medical condition that needs attention and treatment. It straddles mental and menstrual health and training is lacking for health professionals.
According to Endometriosis-uk.org, 15% of those with PMDD attempt suicide, stating it is ‘crushing.’ Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can help manage symptoms.
The exact cause of PMDD is not known. It may be an abnormal reaction to normal hormone changes that happen with each menstrual cycle. The hormone changes can cause a serotonin deficiency.
Some people suffer from it from puberty – for others it is triggered along the path of their reproductive life.
While anybody can develop PMDD, the following may be at increased risk:
-a family history of PMS or PMDD  
-a personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders
-cigarette smoking
Symptoms of PMDD appear during the week before menstruation and end within a few days after the period starts. These symptoms disrupt daily living tasks. Symptoms of PMDD are so severe that people have trouble functioning at home, at work, and in relationships during this time. This is markedly different than other times during the month.
Over the course of a year, during most menstrual cycles, 5 or more of the following symptoms must be present:
* Depressed mood,Anger or irritability, Trouble concentrating, Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, Moodiness, Increased appetite, Insomnia or feeling very sleeping, Feeling overwhelmed or out of control.
It might take people a while to realise symptoms are related to menstrual cycle so it’s always a good idea to track anything that is going on in our minds and bodies. *mevpmdd* is a symptom tracker app.
Aside from a complete medical history and physical and pelvic exam, there are very few tests to diagnose the condition. Doctors might make lifestyle change suggestions such as: regular exercise, changes in diet, regular sleep, try to reduce stress levels, reducing alcohol intake, cut down or stop smoking, reducing the amount of caffeine in diet.

2:05 pm 1Nov, 2021
admin
How do we protect children from sexual assault?

The thought of it is so horrific that it’s understandable to push it to one side. Unfortunately, the statistics demand of us, as good parents and teachers, to pay attention. In the UK for example, the NSPCC found the following (March 2021):
-An estimated 1 in 20 children in the UK have been sexually abused
-Over a third of all police-recorded sexual offences are against children.
-Girls and older children are more likely to experience sexual abuse. (Which does not mean that they are THE ONLY ones who do)
-The vast majority of children who experience sexual abuse were abused by someone they knew.

So what practical things can you do about it?
✅Make sure your child knows the correct names for body parts so they have the ability to articulate where something happens to them, if it does
✅teach about consent! This starts young and is about body autonomy and boundaries
✅pay attention to your child’s body language around others
✅Teach media literacy and also use the media as way to start conversations
✅be involved in their day to day lives and ask questions/be available -no judgement
✅ask open ended questions which allow for discussion/an opening for the child to raise issues
✅get to know the people in your child’s life
✅create a safety network of trusted adults so your child knows who it’s ok to go with if there’s an emergency etc (passwords can work well here)
✅talk openly about feelings in the home
✅talk about the difference between secrets and surprises
✅screen caregivers/daycare centres/nurseries
✅Understand school safeguarding policies
✅Be aware of the signs of sexual abuse in a child
✅understand what constitutes a healthy vs unhealthy relationship so that you can identify red flags when you see them
✅if you have a child with different/additional needs, understand the specific challenges they might face in communicating their boundaries to others/communicating to you if something is wrong

❎Of course this is not an exhaustive list and we can’t ever be 100% ensure that nothing is going to happen to our children (&the captions aren’t long enough to go into each point😤) HOWEVER, acting on these suggestions will go a long way to protecting your child.

2:01 pm 1Nov, 2021
admin
How much do you know about perimenopause?

How much do you know about perimenopause? Like most things to do with ovary-owner’s bodies, there’s a huge lack of teaching and knowledge around this area. If you have ovaries, at some point you’ll go through the menopause, so it’s good to be prepared so you can identify what is going on within your own body. (Spoiler alert: menopause is not something that’s just going to happen to you in your 50s and all of a sudden you don’t get periods anymore!)
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
Perimenopause means ‘around the time of menopause’ and refers to the time during which the body makes the natural transition to menopause. Many of the changes experienced during perimenopause are a result of decreasing oestrogen and progesterone. If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms but still having periods, then you are perimenopausal. You can expect to go through this “pre” menopausal stage for about four years; however, some can experience anything from a few months to 10 years of symptoms (!!) Perimenopause ends when there has been 12 consecutive months without having a period.
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
To give you a rough guide, in the UK most begin to experience the symptoms of perimenopause in their mid 40s, with the average being 47. The average age of the menopause is 51 years; however, perimenopause or menopausal transition occurs in the years before periods stop. Interestingly, figures seem to vary by ethnicity and can be affected by lifestyle and where you live.
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
Symptoms can be:
Irregular periods (common first sign), Hot flushes, Night sweats, Mood changes, Depression, Sleep changes, Vaginal dryness and changes in sexual function, Decreased libido, Urinary weakness, Weight gain, A fuzzy head and Joint pain.
Sounds fun, hey?! 🙄😳
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
It’s a good idea to keep a track of your symptoms so you can understand your body and any changes that are happening. It’s also important to a find a good doctor who you feel comfortable with-so shop around if you have to!
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
NOTE: Perimenopause is not the same as early menopause, which is when periods stop before the age of 40 years. Post menopause is once you’ve had a year since your final period.

(Sources: Patient.info/livi.co.uk)

3:30 pm 31Oct, 2021
admin
Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is where the penis owner ejaculates too quickly during sexual intercourse. What constitutes too quickly? Some define it as ejaculating in under a minute, others as the person with a penis feeling like they can’t control their ejaculation. Occasional episodes of PE are common and are not a cause for concern. However, if you’re finding that around half of your attempts at sex result in PE, it might help to get treatment.
💥There are an array of psychological and physical factors that can cause someone to suddenly experience PE, including: prostate problems, thyroid problems, using recreational drugs, depression, stress, relationship problems and anxiety about sexual performance.
(It’s possible, but less common, for someone to have always experienced premature ejaculation since becoming sexually active.)
Some facts:
⬆️you can learn to control ejaculation, similar to the way bladder control is learned at a young age.
⬆️While there can be psychological elements to PE, many cases are the result of an oversensitive glans penis, or head of the penis. This is called a low ejaculatory threshold.
⬆️Alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and antidepressants are NOT good ways to control premature ejaculation- While inhibition of ejaculation may be one side-effect of these drugs, other serious side-effects associated with such drugs must be taken into account. More often substance abuse causes erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, inability to orgasm, and other side effects.
⬆️Anesthetic sprays or creams available at sex shops are NOT good ways to control PE. (These products work rarely, if ever.)
⬆️More patients who have suffered from PE for long periods eventually develop erection problems than those who are able to control their ejaculation. Many times, PE is the first sign of Erectile Dysfunction.
⬆️It is often difficult to relax and enjoy the experience of love making if you are worried that ejaculation may occur too soon. Any problem that affects your self-image can have a negative impact on your confidence and ability to socialize.
💡 Communication/kindness/patience/reframing sex are all ways to work through PE (on your own or with partner/s)

3:23 pm 31Oct, 2021
admin
Can your body be aroused if you’re not in the mood?

I was asked this question by a 12 year old. It is a very interesting one because there are a couple of ways of interpreting this.

1. The person is being flooded by hormones at this time in their life and so they may be experiencing unexpected erections or rushes of sexual feelings that are not connected to what they are thinking about or doing at the time. This is completely normal and will settle down after puberty.

2. Maybe they hear or see something online, in real life or on tv that stimulates their body and it surprises them.

3. It’s important to understand that if someone is being touched sexually in an abusive situation (maybe they are being groomed or coerced) then their body might react to the stimulus. If their body does this, it does not mean they are consenting to the situation, it is merely a physical reaction. We don’t want anyone to feel any feelings of shame or blame in this scenario.

This question, therefore, gives me a chance to bring up a serious topic with the class and watch for reactions and further questions. If I feel there is anything to be concerned about I would take it to my child protection officer.

How would you interpret this question and what answer would you give?

3:14 pm 31Oct, 2021
Copyright © 2024 www.vickywalsheducation.com