Sexin’ it up: Dublin Bus will get their sexy on through new STI campaign

Jun 26, 2018

Your sexual health is more important than ever, as latest figures show an increase in sexually transmitted infections.

In response to the concerning rise, HIV Ireland, in collaboration with Durex is launching its Just Carry One initiative.

Be prepared to see half of our beloved Dublin Buses transformed into hubs of information reminding us to practise safe sex.

If you aren’t already, it’s time to buckle down and get serious about safe sex as 10 people in Ireland are diagnosed with HIV every week.

Furthermore, 2017 saw a 10 percent increase in STI notifications compared to 2016 in Ireland.

Chlamydia cases climbed by 7.6 percent and gonorrhoea grew by 15.6 percent.

Reports of genital herpes also rose by 14.2 percent.

The age group which have the highest rate of STIs are people aged 15 to 24 years of age.

According to research, they account for half of the chlamydia diagnoses, 39 percent of gonorrhoea cases, and 38 percent of genital herpes cases.

Additionally, Durex found 68 percent of Irish people in the 18-24 age group have never had an STI check.

Another one in 10 have experienced an STI scare.

The campaign will be running from June 22 to July 6 and will promote the use of condoms EVERY time you have sex.

You can avail of a free packet of condoms when you pop into HIV Ireland’s offices.

Condoms are the ONLY form of contraceptive to protect against STIs, including HIV.

If you fancy a chance at winning a special Durex goodie bag on HIV Ireland’s social medias, just answer the question – ‘How do you carry yours?’

Remember there is nothing sexier than safe, consensual sex.

If you’re concerned about your sexual health, talk to your GP and organise an STI check.

Saucy: This is where the magic happens most often on holidays

Jun 14, 2018

by Staff Writer

Airbnb is part and parcel of a trip away – and there's nothing better than being enveloped in the privacy of an authentic international homestead while you're away.

For those who jet off with their other half, or opt for a holiday fling, holiday sex could be part of that experience.

Airbnb Confessions: Examining Guest Behavior During Their Stays by House Method asked over 1,000 Airbnb uses about their sexual habits while on tour, and over half of them said they engaged in sex while away.

The guests who reporting having sex during their Airbnb stays said that their most frequent freak'um spot was in the shower.

Enjoy thinking about that next time your having a quick wash during your next international excursion.

27.9% of those surveyed said the shower – which we guess is considerate seeing as Airbnb hosts have to take charge of laundering the bed sheets.

Along with the shower, the couch saw quite a bit of action with 22.5% of couples saying this is was their sexy spot of choice for getting it on.

Airbnb users with hot tubs and pools are also fond of an underwater rendezvous, with 10% reporting sexing it up in the hot tub, and a further 6% confessing to having pool sex.

3% of the cheekiest said they have even got it on on the kitchen table.

So, it turns out sex and sleep really are the secrets to a happier life

Jun 3, 2018

by Amber Saunders

So, while we humans might like to think we're a sophisticated bunch with an extensive list of wants and desires, new research has shown that we're actually quite the opposite.

Sure, shiny new cars and expensive designer handbags might give us that temporary boost of happiness, however, when we look at the bigger picture, it's plenty of shut eye and an active sex life that brings us the most joy.

Developed by Oxford Economics and the National Centre for Social Research, the new happiness index has found sex and sleep have the biggest influence on a person's happiness and well-being.

For the study, 8,250 people were asked how satisfied they were with various aspects of their lives. Participants were then given a Living Well score based on their answers, averaging at around 62.2.

Interestingly, those who reported getting more sleep scored 15 points higher than those who struggled, while those with an active and fulfilling sex life scored seven points higher than those without.

What's more, researchers discovered that an increase in household income lifted scores by just two points.

Other factors which were deemed more important than money included living in a strong community, job security, and the health od close relatives.

So, it turns out our mothers were right all along – money really can't buy happiness.

These are the things people feel insecure about between the sheets

May 19, 2018

by Staff Writer

For those of us interested in it, sex can be completely fab. There are days when you're feeling absolutely, amazingly sexy and you cannot wait to get between the sheets with your partner(s) of choice.

However, there are some days that our insecurities hold us back from enjoying our saucy encounters to the fullest.

Body image can be a huge thing for both men and women when stripping off for sexy time.

A study conducted by Zava Med found that there are certain things that make us feel insecure and take us away from the romantic moment.

Both men and women found that their weight was on their minds just sex.

Almost three-quarters of 5,000 women in the study felt that their weight was an insecurity during sex, along with 67% of men.

55% of men were hung-up on their genitals, as were 52% of women. 23% of women also worries about how their boobs looked during sex.

All bodies are beautiful guys and gals – and it seems our partners know that.

Only 12% of men and 9% of women allow their partner's genitals to bother them, so that leaves almost 90% of men and women out there who aren't shallow when it comes to genital appearance.

As well as specific body parts, some felt self conscious about their sexual performance.

The performance anxiety impacted 675 of men and 51% of women studied, with men being 16% more likely to feel the pressure.

'This worry appears to be largely unfounded, though, as only 35 percent of men and 29 percent of women felt bothered by their partner's sexual performance,' Zava Med found.

Gin & Tonic flavoured lube exists, and we’re pretty darn happy about it

May 11, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

Tell me this – what is better than an ice cold gin and tonic?

Sex, most people would argue. However, what if there was a way in which you could combine the two?

Yes, I'm serious.

The sexy people over at Playtime have launched a new range of lubes, all inspired by well-loved cocktails (yes, there's a pun there somehwere).

Anyway, the stand out flavour in the range of boozed up lubricants has to be the G&T, although they all sound pretty cool.

Alongside the G&T, we have a mojito flavour and a sex on the beach flavour (obviously!)

Amanda Lewis, head of Marketing for Playtime products, said: "We couldn't be more excited to introduce our Gin and Tonic, Sex on the Beach and Mojito flavoured lubes to the market."

"These new products epitomise what the Playtime brand is all about – fun, full of flavour, great quality and exciting. They'll spice up bedroom activity and bring plenty of enjoyment to sex lives this summer!"

And these are just the new goodies! The brand have been mastering the art of lube for years, and have so many varying options.

From cherry and strawberry to tingling and warming – theres so many ways to spice up your sex life.

PLUS – these lubes only cost €1, so both your sex life and your budget will be satisfied.

Enjoy!

Dirty talk? New survey reveals exactly want we like to hear in bed

May 6, 2018

by Amber Saunders

We all have our own personal likes and dislikes when it comes to getting busy between the sheets – but judging by the results of this new survey, an awful lot of us like to partake in the lost art of dirty talk.

A study conducted by the online dating agency, Saucy Dates, has revealed the noises and words that men and women love to hear while getting down to business – and the results were very interesting indeed.

Both sexes said they enjoyed moaning sounds the best, with 90 per cent of men and 77 per cent of women admitting it was a huge turn-on for them.

Next came dirty talk, with men (76 per cent) and women (73 per cent) both saying that being able to vocalise their sexual thoughts and desires heightened the experience.

But, as the research points out, it's always good to have a few go-to phrases in your back pocket – you know, so you don't get caught off guard and kill the moment with some cringe-worthy phrase you heard in Fifty Shades.

Heavy breathing, screaming and swearing also ranked quite highly on the list of likes.

Check out the full table below:

Table via saucydates.com
What they say	Men like	Women like
Moan	90.5%	77.6%
Talk dirty	76.8%	73.5%
Heavy breathing	60.1%	45.9%
Scream	51.4%	36.2%
Swear	38.6%	31.2%
Squeak	27.9%	14.8%
Silence	8.3%	12.8%

At the other end of the spectrum, respondents were also asked the worst things that have been said to them during sex.

Unsurprisingly, saying the wrong name came in as the number one mood killer, closely followed by 'I need a poo' and 'I'm going soft' – yep, that'll do it alright.

At the end of the day, whether you're a full-blown dirty talker or as quiet as a mouse, it's all about finding what works for you can your partner.

Laugh, moan, swear or squeak – but most importantly, just have fun!

Summer loving? These are the months you’ll have the best sex

May 5, 2018

by Amber Saunders

There's no denying that we all go a bit mad when the sun is in the sky.

Our spirits are lifted, our guards are down and it's suddenly acceptable to sit in a beer garden from 12 in the afternoon.

But it seems the sun may have another effect on us ladies, and well, it looks like we're in for a good time this season.

A new survey has revealed that women are more sexually active during the months June, July and August.

The Eve app analysed data from 1.27 million users and found that the majority of women reported a 12 per cent increase in sexual activity during the summer months.

Users of the app are asked to report their daily health, which includes information about their sex lives.

Figures showed that women reported having sex 41.5 per cent of the time in the summer months, 38.8 per cent of the time in the autumn months, 36.8 per cent in winter and 35.8 per cent in spring.

What's more, during the summer months, most women also reported an increase in the amount of orgasms they experienced and more described the sex they were having as 'mind-blowing' rather than 'pretty good' or 'eh'.

So, what makes us so sexual in the summer?

Well, a user poll revealed that woman want more sex in the summer because they're 'feeling tan and fab' and because they're spending a lot more time 'half naked'.

However, all this summer sex does comes with a consequence.

According to Marie Claire, unprotected sex is at an all time high during June, July and August leading to an increase in young women who test positive for STI's come autumn.

‘Stealthing’ The online community which promotes sexual assault

May 4, 2018

by Staff Writer

A new study in the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law has exposed the vile act of stealthing.

Stealthing is the casual phrase for the removal of a condom by one partner without the consent of the other participant, and it is 'a common practice among young, sexually active people.'

The act occurs when a woman (or man) consents to sex with a male partner with the use of a condom, but the partner removes the condom during the act, or removes it right before the act happens.

The act itself is nothing new, but it is finally getting the attention it warrants through this study.

People can argue that it is not a form of sexual assault as the woman consented to the sex beforehand, but the removal of the condom breaches the boundaries of the consent entirely.

There are entire online communities set up by men online, glorifying the act as a 'man's right' to exude control over their sexual partner by 'spreading their seed.' *Shudders*

'I just go raw dog from the beginning,' reads one Reddit thread discussing the issue. 'Unless she looks rough, then I throw one on for my own protection.'

When people consent to sex with a condom, they're not necessarily consenting to sex without a condom. #Stealthing is rape.

— chrys (@WChrysippus) April 23, 2017

'Survivors fear unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections,' says the study, conducted by Alexandra Brodsky.

Aside from the possibility of contracting an STD or being forced to deal with a potential pregnancy, the fact that the act violates consent makes it, in the study's description, 'rape-adjacent.'

'Survivors experienced nonconsensual condom removal as a clear violation of their bodily autonomy and the trust they had mistakenly placed in their sexual partner,' according to Brodsky.

Just heard a thing such as #stealthing exists and now im going to be sick. Faith in humanity lost again.

— Prince (@One_FreshPrince) April 25, 2017

'Situating nonconsensual condom removal within the broad category of gender violence reveals that the practice is an ethical wrong with practical, psychic, and politically salient repercussions for its victims,' she wrote.

'There's a difference between consenting to someone touching you with a condom, and consenting to someone penetrating you without one.'

'In the same way a woman can consent to being fingered without consenting to penetrative sex, a woman can consent to protected sex without consenting to unprotected sex.'

'I agreed to f*** him with a condom. Not without one,' reads one testimony.

Glad we are finally having a conversation about #stealthing. I have been stealthed but didn't realise it was common

— Gender-critical Egg (@femancip8) April 26, 2017

As evidenced by the online communities who actively encourage one another to engage in the act and subsequently brag about it afterwards, the act has deep roots in misogyny.

The perverse pleasure of the enforcer comes before the wants of the partner, and a 'mans right' or 'natural instinct' to reproduce is cited as one vile excuse for the action.

One sick individual has even published a comprehensive guide on the act called I Remove The Condom Without Them Knowing.

One 'handy tip' the author enlists in his nonconsensual mission to engage in 'stealth sex' is to 'make sure you have at least one more good shot of cum that she sees or feels outside of her body so she has no reason to suspect you've emptied your balls inside her.'

Beware, the entire journal is a sickening read.

This abhorrent and completely disgusting behaviour is thankfully on its way to being legally recognised.

In January, a Swiss court convicted a man of rape after he took off his condom without telling his partner.

The court decided that the woman would have said no to sex if she knew the condom would be removed, so consent was breached.

Want to be better in bed? Science says you should drink more wine

Apr 10, 2018

by Amber Saunders

So, if you've ever read the pages of a glossy magazine, or drunkenly googled how to improve your technique, you'll know that the so-called 'sex tips' on offer are, for the most part, totally unrealistic, and let's face it, downright cringey.

Between worrying about where you're putting your hands, to uttering some absolute filth in the heat of the moment, it can all get a little overwhelming at times.

But what if we told you that all you needed to be a superstar in the bedroom was a few glasses of vino?

According to a study conducted by the University of Florence Italy, women who drink two glasses of wine a day are better in bed and enjoy greater satisfaction than those drink just one glass, or none at all.

For the study, researchers surveyed 800 women between the ages of 18 and 50, using something known as the Female Sexual Function Index, which is used by doctors to assess women and sexual health.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the study's lead author, Dr. Nicola Mondaini said the the relationship between wine and sexuality has been well known since the time of Ancient Greece.

So, in short, of you're looking to add a bit of spice to your sex life, indulge yourself in a few after-dinner tipple – it's win-win really.

At last! There’s now a menstrual cup you can keep in during sex

Mar 27, 2018

by Amber Saunders

If, like thousands of women across the world, you recently invested in a menstrual cup, you'll know just how life-changing they can be.

Not only will the product do wonders for but bank account in the long-run, but you'll suffer less irritation due to the absence of toxins and chemicals and even help the environment by reducing waste.

And as if that wasn't enough to convince you to make the switch, Intimina have just launched the first menstrual cup that can be worn during penetrative sex.

Unlike a traditional tampon or menstrual cup, the Ziggy Cup sits just below the cervix after insertion, meaning those who wear it can enjoy mess-free sex all month long.

Featuring a leak-proof double rim and hexagonal texture, the cup is made from 100 per cent medical grade silicone and promises 12 hours of non-stop protection.

What's more, Intimina say the one size fits all product is so comfortable that it can't be felt at all, and while we're sure insertion may take some practice, we'd be willing to put in the practice for the complete freedom it offers.

It's priced at just €39.95, which is and absolute steal when you consider it lasts for two years.

Convenient, reusable and sex-friendly, what more could you want?

So, missionary is actually one of the most dangerous sexual positions

Mar 11, 2018

by Amber Saunders

If you ever needed a reason to spice up you sex life, this is it.

A study published in the Journal of Impotence Research found that missionary is actually the second most dangerous position for heterosexual couples.

During their research, experts looked at the “relationship between sexual position and severity of penile fracture” in an attempt to identify the positions most likely to cause sexual trauma in men.

90 patients (men aged 18 – 66) who had suffered a penile fracture were asked how the injury came about – and the results were not as risqué as you might expect.

Topping the list was doggy style with 44 per cent, followed by man on top missionary on 25 per cent and woman on top with 10 per cent.

Researchers suggest a reason for this may be the fact that men tend to become “very excited” when they are in a dominant position.

“We can speculate that when the man is in a dominant position and very excited, intercourse can become extremely vigorous, triggering greater impact at the time of trauma when the penis slips out of the vagina and hits against the perineum or pubic symphysis.”

Other offenders on the list include masturbation (17 per cent), 'rolling over' (three per cent) and 'blunt trauma' (two per cent).

This really brings a whole new meaning to the term 'safe sex'.

The best time of the day to have sex? We have the answer ladies

Feb 23, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

Have you ever wondered about the best time of day to get some sweet loving?

Well, if you have, we reckon you're about to be surprised.

Apparently, the best time of day to have sex is after you work out (we know, the exhaustion!)

“You’re feeling strong in your body, and you’re accomplished for having done the work at the gym,” says Jane Greer, New York–based marriage and sex therapist.

There's more to it than just feeling great, as you will have lower levels of anxiety (exercise is awesome in that respect) making your body ready to get down.

What else, I hear you ask?

Well, after you hit the gym, it is scientifically proven that you'll be more aroused. Basically, exercising boosts circulation, and the increased blood flow to your vagina can result in more lubrication.

#SCIENCE.

According to Aline Zoldbrod, a Boston-based sex therapist, your confidence levels will be higher after hitting the gym, which will ultimately result in better sex.

“If you go to the gym and feel more desirable and happier with your body, it can have a direct effect on how good you feel about being sexual.”

Ultimately, your orgasms may also be better also!

If you focus somewhat on your pelvic floor muscles during your workout, you won't regret it. These may “enhance your vaginal tone and ability to have a good, strong orgasm” (over time, mind you.)

Hit the gym folks, your sex life will thank you for it!