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At our age, we are poorly attempting to juggle a career, a social life and self-care.

Honestly, it can be exhausting.

So it's little surprise that when it comes to getting our freak-on – we would rather watch Netflix without the chill.

It seems that our perception of this is skewed, according to this research.

The BBC asked people in Britain and US how much sex they think people between the ages of 18-29 were having.

The results were in and to be honest, we are kinda shook – they're wild.

The average guess were that young men in both countries were getting down and dirty 14 times in a month.

Sorry lads – but it couldn't be further from the truth – it was actually just five times in Britain and four in the US, says surveys on sexual behaviour.

But wait, it gets better.

It's our turn ladies and supposedly Brits think we are getting our bit 22 times a month, while Americans think it is 23 times. 

Now, let's crunch the numbers properly.

This means we would be having sex EVERY weekday.

PLUS, doubling or tripling up on special occasions.

Immediately, our first thought is how on earth do we find the time? 

I call it a success when I manage to get three square meals in, never mind trying to squeeze a daily sexy session in.

Here is where I will burst the bubble, in reality women our age are having sex five times in four weeks. – That sounds a tad more accurate.

But, why are the misconceptions around how much sex we are having, so big?

Well, people white lie for various reasons around their sex life.

Judgement remains high and societal norms surrounding gender and sex are prominent. 

This was evident when in the same survey the BBC asked three different nations how many sexual partners they had notched up, by the time they reached the ages 45 to 54. 

Guesses for males were scarily accurate, in Britain and Australia the average was 17, and in the US, 19. – Most participates guessed these correctly.

However, when it came to questions around sexual behaviour in female and males – eyebrows were raised and perhaps lies were told.

Women reported much lower sexual experiences than their male counterparts, even saying that they've had half of the sexual partners in comparison to men.

However, there's a problem statistically – the amount of sexual partners for both genders should somewhat match.

Since both men and women are saying they're having sexual relations and they make up roughly the same amount of the heterosexual population – it would be impossible for women to have half the partners of men.

But time and time again, this is a common finding in surveys, amongst our friends and depending on the circumstance – some of us have even tweaked our number. 

This survey goes to show that perception has a seriously powerful influence on society.

Our age group probably needs to get laid a little bit more.

And gals – you aren't defined by a number so own your experiences and don't be shy about your sexual partners.

And if you're friends are bragging about the amount of sex they're having – you can presume that they're fibbing. 

 

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If this study is anything to go by, we seriously need to have a long, hard look at the issue of consent in Ireland.

Shockingly, an NUI Galway study found that the majority of third-level students do not think 28 standard drinks makes a person too intoxicated to give sexual consent. 

The researchers gave 753 online participates two different scenarios which involved drink and being able to give consent to do the deed. 

So here's how the survey worked:

The online respondents were given the same story of two students of Neil and Carol.

They go home together after a night out on the town to celebrate exam results.

However, those who completed the survey were split into two groups: one was given a "moderate" drinking level and the other was a "heavy" drinking consumption.

For clarity's sake as our opinion will majorly vary on what "moderate" and "heavy" consumption of alcohol is –  we will called in the experts.

Drinkaware.ie states that 28 standard units adds up to around 12 pints of beer at four percent alcohol or 700ml of spirits at 40 percent.

Carol and Neil's story starts off with them bumping into each other at a night club where they're both celebrating exam results from their college course.

"By midnight Neil had had the equivalent of about 5 (10) pints of beer, when he bumped into Carol, also 21, who is in one of his classes at college. She had also been out celebrating with her friends since the early afternoon.

“She had been drinking vodka (the equivalent of 4 pints (8 pints) of beer altogether). They started talking at the bar. Neil bought Carol a drink."

It continues with Neil knowing that Carol lives in the same student accommodation, so offers to share a taxi with Carol at the end of the night.

In the club, things begin to heat-up between the pair.

"Neil started kissing Carol and touching her. She moved his hands lower on her body."

The story finished with: “They took a break and had one more drink (three rounds of drinks) before the nightclub ended. In the taxi on the way home at 3 am Carol closed her eyes and dozed off for a few minutes. When they got to Carol’s apartment, Neil woke Carol up and they went into his flat. He made her tea and put on some music. They were having a good time laughing and joking together.

“He took out a bottle of whiskey and they each had one shot (a few generous shots). Both at this stage were a bit unsteady (and slurring their words), they talked for another while and shared a bottle of Coke (Neil spilled the tea all over the table and Carol nearly fell off her chair getting up to go to the bathroom). Then they went to his couch and started kissing again.

“Soon they had each removed their clothes. Through his actions, Neil made it clear he wanted to have sex with Carol. She asked him to put on a condom first. He did so and they had sex,” it concluded.

The results have somewhat floored us.

Twenty percent of respondents in the moderate drinking group "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that Carol was too drunk to give her consent to sex, while 14 percent thought Neil was too drunk to give his.

In comparison, to the heavy drinking participates, 33 percent thought Carol was too drunk and 30 percent thought Neil was too.

Furthermore, in their evaluation of the results, the report said: “Even when 28 standard drinks were consumed, 67 percent of students did not agree that Carol was too drunk to give consent, and 70 percent of students did not see Neil as unable to give consent.”

The study also highlighted that student's opinions, more often than not, didn't differentiate between "moderate" and "heavy" in alcohol intake, despite the stories varying. 

"These findings suggest that it is urgent to achieve enhanced awareness among young adults in college of the impact of drinking on the capacity to give consent," said the report.

Dr Pádraig MacNeela at NUI Galway said in relation to the results:

“The survey findings show that the social environment in which consent takes place among college students is often unsupportive – most women experience harassment, a large majority of all students are dissatisfied with their sexual health education at school, and social norms for drinking minimise the true impact of alcohol on the capacity to give consent.”

The study was conducted as part of a SMART consent research report which is run in NUI Galway. 

If you want more information surrounding the work they do and consent, please click here.

The report was published on Tuesday by Minister of State for Education and Skills, Mary Mitchell O’Connor.

Sexual consent has been a hot topic in Ireland over the last year and this study has given us a lot to mull over.

It's crucial that you arm yourself with the right information surrounding what is consensual and what isn't.

Remember: Safe, protected and consensual sex is always the sexiest. 

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It's time to double check your johnnies.

A recall for two types of Durex condoms, Durex Real Feel – Latex-Free and Durex Latex Free Polyisoprene has been issued by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

It comes after fears arose over the affected condoms potentially bursting as they come closer to the end of their shelf life. 

If you have purchased "Durex Real Feel – Latex-Free" and "Durex Latex Free Polyisoprene" condoms, please check their batch number to see if they are amongst the recall.

The batch number for the Latex Free are as follows: Durex Latex Free 12-Pack – Sku number 3014272: Batch numbers 1000444367 – expiry February 2021 and 1000433145 expires January – 2021.

As for Durex Real Feel 12-Pack: the Sku number is 3014277 –  Batch numbers 1000419930 January 2021, 1000444367 February 2021 and 1000416206 December 2020.

The HPRA is urging consumers to check the date at the bottom of the outer packaging and the brand.

You should also check the foil wrapping to see if they are amongst the recall batch.

If you are in possession of the condoms with the brands/batch numbers, the authorities have advised people to “immediately discontinue the use of the affected product” and return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

The regulatory authority has cautioned that six and 18 pack boxes of the Real Feel condoms on sale in the UK could be on Irish shelves. 

The HPRA is “requesting consumers to also check the below list of batch numbers. Although the HPRA have received no confirmation to date that the following batch numbers are on the Irish market, we strongly believe these products may have reached the Irish market,” its statement warned.

The batch numbers for the UK products are Durex Real Feel six pack: 1000438054, Durex Real Feel 12 Pack: 1000444370, 1000474804. Durex Real Feel 18 Pack: 1000434066, 1000430479 and Durex Real Feel 18 Pack (RF Tag): 1000430479

Safe sex is sexy!

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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.

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Worrying new research has shown that Irish people have a seriously laid-back attitude when it comes to sexual health.

A new study conducted by Durex as part of its 'Wrap Up' campaign found that some 49 per cent of Irish people have had sex without protection against STIs, while just 27 per cent of us are making a conscious effort to prevent the transmission.

The research comes at a time when the HSE reports a rise of Chlamydia, Herpes and Gonorrhea amongst youths year on year, with the later having  increased by over 50 per cent between 2015 and 2016 alone.

Despite well over two-thirds of 18-24 year olds saying they feel confident in their knowledge of how to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases, Durex's recent findings suggest that just 27 per cent use any form of contraception against STIs at all.

So, why do we decide to takes risks when it comes to sexual health?

Here's the top three reasons cited by respondents.

1. “Confidence the other person is not carrying an STI” (35 per cent)

2. “The thought simply didn’t cross my mind” (23 per cent)

3. “Taken over by the heat of the moment” (35 per cent)

Reports show that  20–29-year-olds are most likely sufferer from an STIs, with The Health Protection Surveillance Center’s (HPSC) latest findings (October 2017) showing  the age group account for over half (58 per cemt) of diagnoses. 

What's more, Durex's findings also found that just one in six Irish women have ever purchased condoms – and of those who do to use them, only 37 per cent admit to using them every time they have sex. 

Speaking about the recent findings, Dr. Jack Lambert, Consultant in Infectious Disease and Genitourinary Medicine at The Mater Hospital, commented: “The rise in sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Herpes in the past 12 months is a clear reflection of young people’s casual attitude to preventing the spread of STIs. Youths are incredibly liberal in terms of behaviour but the same approach is not taken in terms of carrying out regular STI checks."

"The surge in recordings of STIs year on year reflects several behavioural changes, with no two cases being the same. However, what can be taken from the recent findings is a need for further education on the matter and an open conversation when it comes to safe sex, not only with regards to preventing pregnancy but also STIs.”

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A lot of information is thrown our way these days, and when it comes to our sexual health, it can be difficult to make decisions.

What birth control is right for me? Should I switch my pill? Is skipping my period actually safe? 

These questions all run through our minds every now and again, but a lot of the time, they go unanswered.

Whether you have a fear of doctors or life just gets in the way, these decisions are difficult to make with little or no guidance, and that's where this app comes in.

 

A post shared by Tia (@asktia) on

The new iPhone app, Tia, aims to be your personal assistant when it comes to your sexual health.

According to Refinery29, Tia is "for millennial women by millennial women, and run both by a bot and by human sexual health educators."

You can privately ask a question about birth control or sexual health, and if the bot knows the answer, it will shoot it right back at you.

However, if the app doesn't know any information or doesn't understand the question, then it will be sent over to a "wing woman," or in other words, one of its sexual health experts.

Wing women are online everyday between the hours of 8am and 11pm, so you'll always have someone there.

As well as being a source of sexual health information, the app also reminds you to take your pill and can track your menstrual cycle.

"She’s your go-to for all those 'ugh!' 'oops' and 'huh?' moments," according to a source in Refinery29.

While this app seems like a total Godsend, we understand that some women might be a little wary depending on an app to give them solid information.

 

A post shared by Tia (@asktia) on

Tia was developed with the help of two doctors – Aparna Sridhar, MD/MPH, a practicing ob-gyn and Sally Rafie, PharmD, a pharmacist specialist and they were the key to developing the app's algorithm.

In saying that though, if you do want to make any changes, small or drastic, it's always better to sit down with your doctor face-to-face to see which course of action is right for you.

But as for Tia, we'll be using this as a guideline for our everyday 'oops!' moments.

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Maintaining our sexual health is extremely vital as we become sexually active.

Unfortunately, it is often neglected and pushed aside, maybe due to embarrassment or even the fear of being diagnosed with an STI.

However, the risk of not keeping up to date with your sexual health can mean that you may be infected and not even know.

This increases the chance of the infection spreading to your partners and so on, therefore, testing regularly can be just as important as using protection when practising safe sex.

According to a report released by the HPSC, STIs in young people (15-24) are on the rise, with a 11pc increase in 2017 from 2016.

The report states that Chlamydia in young people make up to 50pc of all cases reported, Gonorrhoea making up 39pc of cases and Genital Herpes making up 38pc of all cases reported.

An STI can occur in anybody regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation.

According to research by the HPSC, it is more likely to occur to a person under the age of 25 who does not routinely use protection or has had more than one sexual partner in the space of a year.

Some patients may develop symptoms, yet some may not for months. The longer the infection goes untreated, the higher the chance of developing serious health complications such as infertility in both men and women.

The screening process has become easier than ever with many cases being carried out through a urine sample or a blood test.

However, in some cases an examination may be conducted with your GP or sexual health practitioner.

If you are diagnosed with an infection, it is crucial that you let your partner(s) know before the infection continues to spread to other and health risks increase, no matter how daunting it may seem.

HIV Ireland has provided a list of free HIV and STI testing clinics all over Ireland, ensuring you can find your nearest clinic.

If you are a university student, it is more than likely that the university’s health centre will provide full STI screenings.

Make sure you look out for special events such as Body and Soul week or SHAG week when these screenings become free. 

Below is a list of free clinics available in Dublin: 

Dublin

GUIDE Clinic, St. James Hospital, James Street, Dublin 8
Telephone: (01) 4162316
 

Beaumont Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9
Telephone: (01) 8093006
 

Mater Hospital, Infectious Diseases Unit, Eccles Street, Dublin 7
Telephone: (01) 803 2063
 

HIV Ireland, 70 Eccles Street, Dublin 7
Telephone: (01) 873 3799
 

Gay Men’s Health Service (GMHS) – OUTREACH CLINIC, Outhouse LGBT Community Centre, 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1
Telephone: (01) 6699553
 

Panti Bar, 7-8 Capel Street, Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 873 3799
 

The Boilerhouse, 12 Crane Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Telephone: 01 873 3799
 

The George Bar, 89 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
Telephone: 01 873 3799
 

Gay Men’s Health Service (GMHS), 18 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4
Telephone: (01) 6699553

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Research conducted by the gynaecological cancer research charity, The Eve Appeal, has shown that a whopping 50 per cent of British men have less than adequate knowledge of the female reproductive system.

For the study, 1,000 men were asked to label the vagina, vulva, cervix and fallopian tubes – and shockingly, just 500 were able to do so correctly.

What's more, survey results showed that 17 per cent of men “know nothing about gynaecological health issues and don’t feel that they need to know, as it is a female issue.”

The findings highlight the need for better sexual education in schools and indeed, a greater general awareness of gynaecological issues – a subject the charity says is “shrouded in mystery.”

However, it seems men aren't the only ones who need to brush up on their knowledge of female genitalia.

Last year, a similar poll conducted by the same charity found that 44 per cent of women could not identify the vagina on a diagram, so perhaps we could all do with brushing up on our Leaving Cert biology.

The research was published as part of Gynaeological Cancer Awareness Month, in a effort to highlight the lack of awareness of the symptoms of the disease.

“These survey results show shockingly low levels of awareness of the symptoms of gynaecological cancer among both men and women,” said The Eve Appeal’s chief executive, Athena Lamnisos.

“We know from the many calls that we receive at The Eve Appeal from men, that they can play a vital role in identifying the symptoms of gynaecological cancer, prompting their partners to visit the GP. Early diagnosis really is key and can save lives.”

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Sometimes, the greatest gift is the one you didn't even realise you needed. 

That brings us to the latest Internet offering in the form of a sex toy… that can order you PIZZA. 

Seriously though, this snazzy new vibrator, made by CamSoda, which is primarily a webcam and XXX VR company, is called the RubGrub. V good, yes. 

The RubGrub is a vibrator that will order you a pizza from Domino’s after you…get busy. 

Pizza in Bed Photo Ideas

According to a press release by CamSoda, the RubGrub has “an Internet connected button that is affixed on the end of the vibrator. The button has payment/delivery and order information, which is programmed into it at the time of purchase and connects to Domino’s through its pizza-ordering API.

"When a user is done ‘using’ the vibrator, they push the button, which places a delivery order for a large cheese pizza.”

The company also mentioned that it plans to add more restaurant chains in the next few months, so if you crave Indian food or pasta – you'll soon have your wish.

Singer Niykee Heaton eating pizza in bed after a concert

The RubGrub does require that you set up your billing and delivery information one time on their app, naturally. 

After that though, pepperoni with extra cheese is just the push of a button away. 

This groundbreaking device is currently only available in the U.S (for just $19.95, we might add) but hopefully something like this will make its way across pond pronto. 

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While we sat through Fifty Shades Freed, we couldn't help but grimace when Jamie Dornan (with a mouth full of ice cream) decided to give Dakota Johnson a treat.

The first thing that came to our mind was nothing sexy – it was how unsanitary it must be to have ice cream in your vagina. 

Seriously though, surely having dairy inserted into your vagina is a recipe for a nasty yeast infection?

Anyway, we decided to look into it, and discover the truth behind the myth – should we put food in our vaginas?

Is dead vagina syndrome a real thing?

The gorgeous folks at Vulture spoke with a gynaecologist about the ins and outs (excuse the pun) of putting food in your lady region. 

“Let me start by saying that this has never been studied in any kind of a scientific study. But in general, we don’t put food in the vagina,” said Lauren Streicher, director of the Northwestern Medicine Centre for Sexual Medicine.

In reference to the actual ice cream scene from Fifty Shades, Lauren said:

“Theoretically, could that throw off her normal flora and cause an infection? Absolutely. It’s sugar and milk, things that do not go in the vagina. But will that happen with a one-time thing? Who knows. The answer is: I don’t know, but in general, I’d say don’t put food in someone’s vagina.”

Feminist Pussyflower Vinyl Sticker Iris Flower Vagina

The next query? If there was to be a vagina friendly food, what would it be? 

"So, for example, a banana that’s not peeled could be potentially safe," she says. "A cucumber could be potentially safe, as long as it’s not going to break off or scratch you. But there have not been good scientific studies done on putting food inside of you."

Spoiler alert: after the ice cream situation in the film, there's talk of an actual spoon being inserted somewhere. 

dirokken: http://www.behance.net/dannyivan

“Cutlery is not good in the vagina,” I mean, no shit. 

“Particularly knives and forks would be frowned upon. A spoon is a little different. If, for example, a gynaecologist put a spoon in the vagina, that’d be fine, because we would know how to put a spoon in the vagina without causing an injury. As a sweeping generalization, I’d say cutlery would be frowned upon in the gynaecologic world.”

So, ultimately, live your best life and do your thing – but don't be surprised if it results in an infection. 

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Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble may have a role to play in the increasing amount of sexually transmitted infections being reported in Ireland, according to doctors.

It's believed that the laid-back attitude associated with online dating may we changing the way we think about casual sex, thus contributing to the increased risk of exposure to STIs.

Dr Ilona Duffy believes that young people are showing less concern for things like unplanned pregnancy and infections, than the generations before them.

"We're seeing the likes of Tinder, other websites where people are hooking up purely for sex and people, young people especially, don't have the same hang ups as they had years ago – worrying about pregnancy, worrying about STIs, worrying just about their reputation," she said.

"So it is very different. While it is fine to be on Tinder etc and meeting up people for casual sex – you've got to take precautions and I think that's not out there," she said.

She also said that an improvement in Ireland's sex education system is need to decrease the prevalence of STIs in Irish society.

However, she did point out that the growing number of sexual health clinics around the county could behind the inflated figures.

To protect yourself from STIs, make sure to use condoms during every sexual encounter, and avail of free, regular STI screenings.

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With Unicode refusing to create an actual condom emoji to protect sexters’ beloved aubergines, the world’s leading sexual health brand has sourced an umbrella-shaped loophole.

To mark World AIDS Day 2016, Durex is encouraging the public to share the “Umbrella with Raindrops” emoji as an unofficial symbol of safe sex.

A recent survey conducted by the contraception giant revealed more than 75 percent of 16 to 35-year-olds use emojis when discussing sex.

And with almost half of that age group believing HIV could never affect them – despite 2.1 million people becoming infected with the virus in the last year – it seem sexters are in desperate need of anything which encourages the promotion of safe sex.

Speaking of the venture, Durex Global Category Director, Volker Sydow, said: “At Durex we believe that for this World AIDS Day identifying the unofficial safe sex emoji is an important step that helps to empower young people to put safe sex back on the agenda, supporting the fight to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS.”

“We are asking people to show their support for the cause by using this unofficial safe sex emoji and sharing the hashtag #CondomEmoji.”

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