Unlike men, women can actually have different types

Unlike men, women can actually have different types of orgasms. On one hand, you have the clitoral orgasm, which originates from clitoral stimulation. And then there's the vaginal orgasm, which is reached through stimulation of the vagina. In this article, rather than focusing on how to give women orgasms, I'm going to explore the main differences between the two different types of orgasms.
Despite every woman being capable of different orgasms, most women only have experience with a clitoral orgasm. Over the years, women tend to train themselves to respond most to clitoral stimulation after experiencing with their own sexuality through masturbation.

Women who have experienced both vaginal and clitoral orgasms have been extremely helpful in determining the differences between the two different types of orgasms. While the clitoral climax is more common, that does not mean that it does not feel good. When a woman has an orgasm through clitoral stimulation, it is usually an extremely powerful one because it is centered on one specific area. However, this type of orgasm usually does not last very long.

A vaginal orgasm, on the other hand, is likely to last much longer than your average clitoral orgasm. In addition to lasting longer, the vaginal climax has other advantages going for it. It is often described as an extremely relaxing and soothing feeling that leaves a woman feeling much more intimate with her partner.

Despite its many advantages, the sad fact is that many women will go to their grave with only clitoral orgasms under their belts. Women and their partners alike are often frustrated by their inability to achieve true vaginal orgasms, especially during intercourse.

It doesn't end there, either. The vagina has yet another distinct advantage over the clitoris. After the clitoris is stimulated to orgasm, it becomes dormant and has to go through a recovery period before it can orgasm again, similar to a penis. The vagina, on the other hand, has no such recovery period. In fact, it is easier for a woman to have a vaginal orgasm again shortly after she's already had one!
There is no right way or wrong way to have an orgasm. Some women are satisfied only having clitoral orgasms, while others will spend their life in pursuit of mind blowing vaginal orgasms.

Clitoral Orgasms Vs Vaginal Orgasms - What's the Difference?

Unlike men, women can actually have different types of orgasms. On one hand, you have the clitoral orgasm, which originates from clitoral stimulation. And then there's the vaginal orgasm, which is reached through stimulation of the vagina. In this article, rather than focusing on how to give women orgasms, I'm going to explore the main differences between the two different types of orgasms.
Despite every woman being capable of different orgasms, most women only have experience with a clitoral orgasm. Over the years, women tend to train themselves to respond most to clitoral stimulation after experiencing with their own sexuality through masturbation.

Women who have experienced both vaginal and clitoral orgasms have been extremely helpful in determining the differences between the two different types of orgasms. While the clitoral climax is more common, that does not mean that it does not feel good. When a woman has an orgasm through clitoral stimulation, it is usually an extremely powerful one because it is centered on one specific area. However, this type of orgasm usually does not last very long.

A vaginal orgasm, on the other hand, is likely to last much longer than your average clitoral orgasm. In addition to lasting longer, the vaginal climax has other advantages going for it. It is often described as an extremely relaxing and soothing feeling that leaves a woman feeling much more intimate with her partner.

Despite its many advantages, the sad fact is that many women will go to their grave with only clitoral orgasms under their belts. Women and their partners alike are often frustrated by their inability to achieve true vaginal orgasms, especially during intercourse.

It doesn't end there, either. The vagina has yet another distinct advantage over the clitoris. After the clitoris is stimulated to orgasm, it becomes dormant and has to go through a recovery period before it can orgasm again, similar to a penis. The vagina, on the other hand, has no such recovery period. In fact, it is easier for a woman to have a vaginal orgasm again shortly after she's already had one!
There is no right way or wrong way to have an orgasm. Some women are satisfied only having clitoral orgasms, while others will spend their life in pursuit of mind blowing vaginal orgasms.

Women Experience 2 Types of Orgasms; Now Sonographs Reveal How Clitoral And Vaginal Climaxes Cause Different Sensations

The time has come to solve the age-old scientific mystery: Are there two types of female orgasms? The debate and speculation is based on whether different types of orgasms are attained from vaginal penetration and clitoral stimulation. Now, according to a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, ultrasounds have found women do experience not one, but two kinds of orgasms — clitoral and vaginal — that differ in blood flow and sensations.
“Women describe at least two types of orgasms: clitoral and vaginal. However, the differences, if any, are a matter of controversy,” wrote the study authors. Through the use of ultrasounds, the researchers believe, they would be able to capture the visualizing movements of the clitorourethrovaginal (CUV) complex — the system of clitoral nerves — during both external and direct stimulation of the clitoris, and during vaginal stimulation. This procedure would be able to clarify the “functional anatomy of this sexual pleasure.”
Two French gynecologists, Odile Buisson and Emmanuele A. Jannini, used an ultrasound to track blood flow patterns and to determine how the clitoris moves during different types of sex with three healthy volunteers. These women were asked to stimulate themselves during manual self-stimulation of the external clitoris and during vaginal penetration with a wet tampon. A flat probe and vaginal one were used to carry out functional sonography scans. Both probes measured the tiny changes in blood flow patterns in the area during different types of sexual contact to determine how the clitoral and vaginal complex responded.
The findings revealed during external clitoral stimulation the orgasm did not involve the internal root of the clitoris. However, during vaginal stimulation, due to the movements and displacements, both the root and the external clitoris were involved. The researchers found this difference affected blood flow and therefore led to a difference in sensation.


This shows “functional differences depending on the type of stimulation,” the researchers explained, the Daily Mail reported. Furthermore, “the [Doppler] signal indicating flow speed in the veins mirrored these anatomical changes.” Overall, Buisson and Jannini believe the different reported perceptions of these two kinds of stimulation could be explained by the different parts of the clitoris — external and internal — and the CUV complex involved.
This study adheres to Sigmund Freud’s belief who devised the two-orgasm theory. He believed the vaginal orgasm was a feminine and mature sexual response, while the clitoral orgasm was masculine, immature, and inferior. However, Dr. Alfred Kinsey has refuted Freud’s claims through interviews where he found women could not and were not having vaginal orgasms, according to several studies available via The Kinsey Institute. Despite the recent findings of the French study, many will wonder if the vaginal orgasm really does exist.

Whether a woman has a vaginal or clitoral orgasm, her body will physically react in the same way. Everyday Health says a woman’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing increase as she feels stimulation in her clitoris, and tension within her pelvis is released upon the orgasm. Partners should learn about the different types of orgasms, as one in three women have trouble achieving an orgasm when having sex, while 80 percent have difficulty orgasming with just vaginal intercourse alone.

The Best Sex Positions for Women Who Like Clitoral

If you're having penetrative sex and you're not getting off, you might be wondering what the heck is wrong. Chances are there's one major problem: You're forgetting about your clit. Eighty percent of people require clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm, says Lisa Finn, a sex educator at Babeland, but not nearly that many are actually focusing on the clit during sex.

"A lot of people hope to have an orgasm just by the G-spot," says Finn. "While it can be done, it is harder for most people, so if you don't hit the G-spot and you're not adding in clitoral stimulation, there's a good chance you're just going to miss your orgasm." (Make sure you orgasm every time with these sex tips.)

And, really, that would be a shame. Especially because it's actually easier to have a clit orgasm than one from penetrative sex alone. "The clitoris that we see, that little nub where most of those delicious nerve endings are, is just the tip of the iceberg," explains Finn. "The clit is actually shaped like a wishbone, with these two legs that go down and surround the vaginal opening. And those legs are a great way to have extra stimulation during penetration." Plus, stimulating the clitoris makes the G-spot more pronounced and therefore easier to locate, she adds. "Even just prepping with clit play is going to get everything revved up and ready to go." (BTW, here's how to find your G-spot.)
So, if you're officially convinced to give it a go, these are the best sex positions for women because they focus on clitoral stimulation—and, as a result, may just be the best sex positions for orgasm too. Have fun.

8 Female Orgasms and How to Reach Them

You have probably heard that women can have clitoral or vaginal orgasms. You might have even read about the debate within academia around whether vaginal orgasms even exist. However, the experience of many women, my experience as a sexual coach, as well as the ancient science of Tantra, all prove that women can actually experience many different and distinct kinds of orgasms.
We can differentiate orgasms by anatomy, the direction of the energy, the strength and length of the orgasm, and by the orgasm’s effects on the physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual spheres.
(Note: I might be a man, but I have been studying, teaching and empowering women about their sexuality for many years. So I invite you to read with an open mind and see if this serves you.)
The 8 Different Female-Anatomy Orgasms And How To Reach Them
There are a few major erogenous zones in a woman’s body. Most women would enjoy the stimulation of these erogenous zones, and it might lead to some kind of orgasm. Some would actually experience a distinctively different orgasm at each area. As they say in real estate: Location, Location, Location…
If you are just starting out, don’t worry about which is which. Just experiment with the following areas of arousal, and see what works for you.
Before attempting any of these techniques, first get yourself “in the mood”: Take a hot bath, put on some sensual music, light candles and incense, and start touching yourself all over your body in a way that excites and arouses you. Don’t “try” to have an orgasm. Instead: Explore. Play. Discover. Try. Experiment… Have fun!
1. Nipple Orgasm
The nipples are an important erogenous zone. They are connected via energy channels to the clitoris, and thus, stimulation of the breasts will cause an arousal of the clitoris and the whole genital area.
Continues stimulation of the breasts and nipples can result in an actual orgasm, or can bring about more quickly and easily the onset of an orgasm when vaginal stimulation is applied.
Women with small breasts tend to be more sensitive, but all women can develop sensitivity in their breasts, regardless of size. If your breasts are not sensitive, give yourself regular breast massage and/or ask your partner to do so, at least 20 minutes a day.
How to have a nipple orgasm: Use fingers, a vibrator or your partners mouth to stimulate your nipples. Touch, rub, pinch, pull, kneed, and twist your nipples to explore different sensations. Your partner can lick, suck, and bite them. Try to do this for 20–30 minutes, even when they feel a bit sensitive or if the sensation has “plateaued” .
2. Clitoral Orgasm
A clitoral orgasm is what most women know to be “an orgasm” — intense clitoral stimulation leading to a short peak of orgasm that lasts 20–30 seconds, focused mainly in the genital area, and feels intense, sharp, but a bit shallow compared to vaginal orgasms.
The pleasure declines rapidly, your clit might feel hyper-sensitive and even a bit painful, and some women lose their interest and passion for a few minutes or even hours. Even with penetrative sex there are positions that stimulate the clitoris more than others. For example if either partner is on top and leaning forward.

A clitoral orgasm isn’t “bad”; It just doesn’t serve you and charge you like deep vaginal orgasms do. In order to discover the ecstasy and bliss of continuous internal orgasms, you can try avoiding having a clitoral orgasm for a while. However, after you learn how to turn clitoral stimulation into internal orgasms, it is great to have clitoral stimulation, as long as you can avoid having an explosive clitoral orgasm.
How to have a clitoral orgasm: Apply direct and indirect stimulation of your clitoris using your fingers, a shower-head, a vibrator or your partner’s mouth. Note that some women love direct and intense stimulation of their clit, while others can only have indirect stimulation through the clitoral hood or sideways through the lips. Experiment with doing the same motion repeatedly for a while or with changing and alternating your touch.
3. Vaginal Entrance Orgasm
There are many nerves at the entrance to your vagina, making it a sensitive and erogenous zone. Apart from clitoral orgasm, this is where most women experience pleasure and subsequent orgasm. But compared with the inner areas , the vaginal entrance orgasm is more shallow and sharp, similar to a clitoral orgasm, and might also become explosive.
If a man is penetrating you shallowly, at the area of your vaginal entrance, it feels very pleasurable on a physical level, but when he enters you deeper, the experience of the pleasure becomes deeper, more expansive and meaningful. Size does matter, and so does depth.
How to have a vaginal entrance orgasm: Using your fingers, a dildo or your partner’s penis, touch the ring of muscles and tissue at the entrance to your vagina. Use in-and-out movements, circular movements, and apply pressure and stimulation “outwards”.
4. G-spot Orgasm
Originally called the Grafenberg spot after the scientist who “discovered” it. I prefer to call it the “Goddess spot” or the “Good spot”.
The G-spot is actually not exactly a spot but an area located just inside your vagina, near the entrance, on the upper wall under the pubic bone. When you are insert your index and middle fingers into your vagina and curl or hook them towards your clit, you will discover that this area feels different than your vaginal walls. It’s like a ridged, soft, fleshy hill that feels like a combination between a hard tongue, and a soft palate. It will be much more engorged and swollen when you are really aroused.
Some women’s G-spot is located closer to the entrance, while others have their G-spot further back. All women have a G-spot. A G-spot orgasm feels like an overwhelming experience of intense pleasure, not as “sharp” as a clitoral orgasm, but rather more “round”, “expansive”, and “expanded”. It takes longer to reach a G-post orgasm, it unfolds slower, lasts longer, and the pleasure decreases gradually and slowly, compared to the clit orgasm which usually crashes after the peak.
A G-spot orgasm will be more emotionally intense, overwhelming, and meaningful and will be followed by a deep feeling of satisfaction and relaxation. There will be strong contractions of the whole pelvic floor, pc muscles and vaginal muscles. With continued stimulation, you could experience more G-spot orgasms, leading to an experience of multiple-orgasms or an intense orgasmic state, lasting for long minutes or even hours. Sometimes there might be an expelling of fluids from the vagina or the urethra, also known as female ejaculation.
How to have a G-spot orgasm: Using your fingers, or better yet, a non-vibrating dildo, stimulate the area mentioned above — 2–5 cm inside your vagina on the upper wall, kinda below your clit. Make sure you are wet or use plenty of natural lube.
You might need to keep going for 20 or 30 minutes as this orgasm takes time, but it’s soooooo worth it! While a clitoral stimulation is more technical — rub intensely for long enough and you’ll cum — a G-spot orgasm requires that elusive mind-state known as “surrender”. As you are stimulating yourself, keep an attitude of openness and acceptance towards yourself and the experience.
You might encounter some pain, discomfort or strong emotions that come up — frustration, saddness, pain — related to past experiences or beliefs. One of the reasons that women don’t experience G-spot orgasms is that they don’t stimulate (or receive stimulation) for long enough, or that they stop when these sensations and emotions come up. Take a moment to express these emotions, and keep going with the stimulation.
5. Cervical-Uterine Orgasm
According to the Tantric tradition, a cervical orgasm is probably the most profound, meaningful, and special orgasm that a woman can have, at least on the physical level.
The cervix is the entrance to the womb, the uterus. This is the pole or the center of the feminine energies in a woman’s body. A woman’s cervix is related to her feminine core, her sense of self, her heart, her creativity, and to her entire being.
A cervical-uterine orgasm will feel deeper, more intense and yet more “round” than the g-spot orgasm, and will be accompanied by strong emotions, love, oneness with self, partner and god, ecstasy and transcendence, tears, crying and a feeling of deep satisfaction on all levels. The experience of pleasure is deep and profound, but in the same time, the cervical orgasm is perceived and appreciated as an experience which is beyond bodily pleasure, and is often perceived beyond the physical body.
A cervical orgasm is characterized by contractions of the deep vaginal muscles and uterus, while the pc muscle might stay relaxed. It effortlessly causes the sexual energy to move towards the higher chakras; It is related to the naval chakra (Manipura Chakra) but the energy easily rises to the heart chakra and beyond. This is why a cervical orgasm is a whole-body orgasm, as the energy moves throughout the body. A woman who experiences her first cervical-uterine orgasm will usually remember that day forever. One of my female teachers said that she could identify when and if a woman had this orgasm because she glows in a special way.
How to experience a cervical orgasm: The cervix is located at the deepest part of your vagina, all the way in. It feels like a finger or the tip of the nose sticking from the back wall of your vagina. You definitely need a long dildo to reach your cervix.
After getting yourself aroused as explained earlier, and stimulating your clit, vaginal entrance and G-spot areas, use your dildo to reach all the way in. You will feel a sensation very deep inside you. In the beginning it might feel numb, tender or even painful. Repressed feelings and memories might come up. Keep stimulating your cervix and allow yourself to go into and through whatever comes up. It can sometimes take 30–60 minutes of internal stimulation to reach a cervical orgasm, and allowing yourself to trust yourself and to surrender is a key aspect of experiencing it.
6. Anal Orgasm
The Anus is an erogenous zone full of sensitive nerves. An anal orgasm will be earthy, raw, rough, physical, and will be generally localized in the genital area. It’s also related to the root chakra.
Some women might be more sensitive and open to anal stimulation than others. About 5–10% of women need to have frequent anal stimulation to feel satisfied, otherwise they feel heavy, stagnant and stuck. An anal orgasm can be explosive, thus your partner should take extra care when penetrating you anally, as it might be more challenging to control his ejaculation.
How to experience an Anal orgasm: Use your own fingers or a dildo to stimulate your anus, first from the outside, and then venture inwards. Make sure you use a lot of lube and that you completely relax your anus as you are inserting something inside.
Make sure not to touch your vagina with anything that came near your anus, as this might cause an infection. You can also ask your partner to stimulate you anally, first with his fingers and later with his penis.
7. Throat Orgasm
Women can have orgasms when performing fellatio, especially when deep-throating, or from having a finger or two rub the back of their throat. These orgasms are related to the arousal of the pituitary gland at the back of the throat, which is also a minor chakra according to Tantra.
The experience of this orgasm might also be related to the physiological effects of holding one’s breath, and the suppression of the gag reflex. When stimulated orally, some women can excrete huge quantities of saliva and mucus that can be very viscous. Sometimes there is even a sort of white foam. The release of these fluids is considered to be throat ejaculation.
A throat orgasm feels very pleasurable and is accompanied by convulsions and spasms and a need to make strong sounds. Some women need to pause if they are giving head because the orgasm is so strong they can’t continue. Although very pleasurable, a throat orgasm feels more transcendent. Some women go into a semi state of trance and experience a higher and more pure state of consciousness.
Women’s throat chakra is less open than those of men, and as a result women have more trouble expressing and asserting their needs. It’s also interesting that many more women than men suffer from throat infections and thyroid problems. The frequent stimulation of the throat and experiencing these orgasms can lead to a better connection with your intuition and feminine wisdom, a deeper expression of your needs, creative and artistic abilities, and your higher potential.
The common belief is that women don’t enjoy giving oral sex; That they “give” head or do this for their partner. But the reality is that women can enjoy and benefit from this even more than men.
How to experience a throat orgasm: This is best done by another person. You first need to be sexually aroused, preferably after already experiencing a few non-clitoral orgasms. Have your partner insert his thumb, facing upwards to your mouth and rub the upper back side of your throat. Alternatively you can take his penis in your mouth, and try to deep-throat him.
You can find more info online on how to do that. In the beginning it might be quite challenging. You might be convulsing, feeling like you’re going to vomit, or actually having some stomach fluids come up.
Don’t worry — it would get easier in time. Especially with his penis, try to keep him inside your throat for as long as you can without moving. Keep the stimulation for a few minutes and remove the fingers — or penis — if you are convulsing. Allow your body to go into spasms and convulsions and permit yourself to make strong sounds.
8. Urinary Orgasm
This is a relatively rare kind of orgasm. A woman who is sexually aroused without having an orgasm might experience an orgasm when she urinates. Some women might first have other kinds of orgasm, and then when they go to the toilet they have a urinary orgasm.
A simple urinary orgasm might feel light, tingling and fun. However, since the act of peeing is related to relaxation, letting go and surrender, some women might experience a much deeper form of orgasm, or even a whole-body orgasm.
How to have a urinary orgasm: Drink half a litre to a litre of water (15–30 oz) before making love. Engage in foreplay and penetrative sex. When you can’t hold it anymore, urinate. If possible, put lots of towels under you and urinate while your partner is still inside you. That would create even deeper effects. If that doesn’t feel right, simply go to the toilet and urinate. Make sure to focus on the sensations in your body while you are urinating.
Most of these orgasms can be experienced by yourself. Some women might need to receive healing, sacred bodywork or de-armoring in order to release trauma stored in their bodies, open the pathway to pleasure, and experience some of the orgasms mentioned above, specifically deep vaginal orgasms.
How about you? Which of these orgasms can you relate with? What did you do that allowed you to experience a new kind of orgasm?

Achieving an orgasm can be elusive for a lot of women. But it can be as simple as time, tenderness, and knowing how to stimulate her sweet spots.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to the female orgasm? Start with these three tips.Masterfile

Bringing a woman to orgasm has little to do with pornographic skills. The key is spending more time on foreplay and learning about the two spots that, when stimulated, can lead to a female orgasm.
It also doesn't hurt to understand which sexual positions provide the best chance for orgasm. (Hint: The missionary position isn’t one of them!) Read on to discover the top three secrets to the female orgasm.
1. Spend More Time on Foreplay
You may be aroused and ready to go from the minute she gives you a sexy glance. But many women need plenty of physical and emotional stimulation to become aroused, lubricated, and primed for an orgasm. That's why foreplay is so crucial.
The key is to emphasize the "play" in foreplay. It's shouldn't be rushed or treated like an obligatory task. In fact, foreplay can begin hours before sex actually occurs, and every minute of it will prepare her for an orgasm. Here are some tips for getting both of you in the mood.
Stimulate her mentally. For some women, mental arousal is just as important as physical arousal. A sexy note or a flirtatious call during the day can get her thinking about your upcoming liaison. Candles, fresh flowers, and mood music can also create a loving and sensuous atmosphere. For many women, closeness and emotional intimacy can lead to better sexual experiences and more orgasms.
Use a tender touch. Caressing her gently can create sexual tension before you go any further. Hug her, hold her hand, or touch her thigh. Female orgasm is more likely to happen if, when you're kissing a woman, you let your hands roam to more erotic regions of her body. (Another hint: Yes, the breasts are an erogenous zone, but they're not the only one! Try stroking her back or her thighs, or sliding your fingers into her hair.)
Take kissing to the next level. Kissing is essential to foreplay. Discovering new places to kiss that turn her on is both fun and rewarding. Try the back of her neck or her shoulders for starters.
Don't forget to talk. Women tend to be more verbal, and hearing how good she's making you feel can help her open up and have fun.
2. Know Her Sweet Spots

There are two places on the body that are critical to female orgasm. Here's how to stimulate them so she can achieve orgasm.
The clitoris This tiny organ contains a high concentration of nerve endings and can be found near the top of the vulva. The clitoris is covered by a little bit of skin called the "clitoral hood," which keeps it from being stimulated all the time, so you may have to coax the clitoris out by touching or licking it. Once she's aroused, the hood will draw back and the clitoris will become erect.
The G-spot This other orgasmic area is located inside the vagina. It's a bundle of nerve endings about two inches up from the pubic bone on the inner, upper wall of the vagina. To find the G-spot, gently slide your finger inside her vagina with your palm facing up, then curl your finger up. Be warned — some women love having their G-spot directly stimulated, while others prefer less pressure on this sensitive area. Explore different techniques and ask your partner which she likes best.
3. Try Female-Friendly Sexual Positions
Given what you've just learned, you can pretty much guess that the best sexual positions for female orgasm involve those that provide maximum stimulation to the clitoris or G-spot (or both!). These positions include:
Woman on top This position provides some of the best stimulation of the G-spot, given the angle of the penis. She also can move her body in a way that stimulates her clitoris.
Rear entry This position isn't so great for clitoral stimulation, but provides excellent penetration and stimulation of the G-spot. Either of you can reach under during sex to rub the clitoris.
Sitting Having your partner sit on your lap allows for both deep penetration and good clitoral stimulation. It also provides plenty of intimacy.
Notice that the missionary position isn't on this list? It's difficult for a man to stimulate the clitoris when he's on top, unless he really grinds his pelvis into his partner. The angle of penetration is also all wrong for G-spot stimulation.
Still having trouble? Don’t be afraid to ask your partner for feedback, to make sure she likes what you’re doing. Women may want to consider working with a sex therapist, or getting a medical checkup to see if any diseases or medications are affecting their ability to reach orgasm. Achieving the female orgasm may require some trial and error, but don't forget to have fun while you're trying. Your sex life will thank you.

Too old for HPV vaccine – Am I at risk?

Dear Alice,
I am 28 years old, and became sexually active two years ago. My husband is the only man I've ever had sex with, and I am his only sexual partner as well. Where does the gene or whatever it is that the HPV vaccine helps guard against come from? Because I'm too old to get the vaccine, are my chances of getting cervical cancer from this particular gene increased then? Thank you for your help.

Dear Reader,
First, to clear up some confusion: although the likelihood of getting certain types of cancer may be passed down through genes, cervical cancer isn't one of those cancers. Instead, most cases of cervical cancer are caused by different strains, or types, of a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). The vaccine currently available on the market protects against the most common strains of HPV, some of which are associated with cervical cancer (HPV itself isn't a form of cancer, it’s a virus). Second, due to recent changes, the vaccine has actually been approved for use in people up to age 45, so you may still be able to get vaccinated!
HPV doesn't come from a gene, nor does it affect any genes that you pass on to others. An HPV infection occurs when the virus enters the body, usually through a cut, abrasion, or small tear in the skin — therefore, transmission most often happens via skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. HPV is a common viral infection, though many infected people never have any symptoms and the virus often clears from the system on its own. In some people, certain strains of HPV may cause symptoms, including genital warts or precancerous lesions in the genital area that could, if left untreated, lead to cancer (including cervical, anal, and throat cancers).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three vaccines to prevent the disease-causing HPV types, though just one remains on the market in the United States. Up until 2018, the vaccines weren't approved for those over the age of 26, but the FDA has expanded that range to include people up to the age of 45. While the vaccines provide protection against HPV to folks who haven't previously been exposed to these strains of HPV, keep in mind it’s not a cure for people who've already been infected with these strains.
According to Mayo Clinic, risk factors that can make someone more likely to contract HPV include:
•Number of sexual partners
•Younger age
•Weakened immune system
•Damaged skin
•Coming into contact with an HPV infection
Vaccinated or not, regularly getting a Pap smear (a simple test of cells from the cervix) helps in discovering any cervical abnormalities before they develop into cancer. It's recommended that people have an initial Pap smear within three years of having sex for the first time or at age 21, then discuss with their health care providers about the timing of subsequent exams. There’s not an equivalent HPV screening test for those without a cervix — if they're concerned about HPV or genital warts, they may speak with a health care provider for more information about risk and transmission.
Even if you're at low risk for getting cervical cancer, you may want to consult with your provider about whether the vaccine or other prevention measures are right for you. Having regular Pap smears, limiting the number of sexual partners, and practicing safer sex may all go a long way in steering clear of HPV, and the warts or cervical lesions that may result.

Getting the details on gonorrhea

1) Dear Alice,
What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
2) Hi Alice,
How long of a time frame could you have gonorrhea and not know it? The doctors say you can't track how long you have had it so how do we know? I feel my last partner gave it to me and that was nine months ago. Is that possible?
Thanks. I can't get much information in regards to this subject so I have no idea. And it can't be received from sitting on a toilet or anything of that sort, correct?

Dear Readers,
Glad you’ve both come to get up to speed on the who, what, where, and when of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It’s often passed from one person to another via contact with mucous membranes, typically during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed to a baby during childbirth. It’s not, however, transmitted through casual contact such as sharing towels, holding hands, kissing, or even sitting on a toilet seat. Symptoms of an infection, the time between when a person becomes infected, and when they experience symptoms often vary by sex assigned at birth (more on those points in a bit). It’s key to note that most people who become infected won't experience any symptoms — also referred to as being asymptomatic. This makes regular STI screenings and sexual health check-ups all the more critical for sexually active folks so that treatment can be accessed as soon as possible, even though there may no tell-tale signs of infection. Keep reading for even more of the key details on this STI.
First, more about when symptoms may show up: For those who do report them, the period of time between becoming infected and experiencing symptoms, referred to as the incubation period, is often different between those assigned male at birth and those assigned female at birth. Though the ranges seem to vary by source, it’s been noted that for those assigned male at birth, it may take between 1 to 14 days for symptoms to appear and may be upwards of several weeks to 30 days for some folks. A similar incubation period is indicated for those assigned female at birth, but they're also more likely to be completely asymptomatic. There is no research or reports indicating a longer incubation period. So, Reader 2, it may be worth considering other more recent contact you may have had or whether what you’re experiencing has been confirmed to be due to a gonorrhea infection (a number of other STIs have similar symptoms).

If a person does experience symptoms and longer-term health issues:
•For those assigned male at birth: They might experience a yellowish, white, or green discharge from the penis. Urination might be painful, include the feeling of "burning," or be more frequent. Swelling may occur near the urethra (opening where urine exits the body) or the testicles. Untreated, gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis which, in turn, can result in infertility in rare cases.
•For those assigned female at birth: The urethra or cervix (opening to the uterus, at the top of the vagina) can be affected; sometimes the infection is so mild that it goes unnoticed, particularly with inflammation of the cervix. Other symptoms include an atypical yellow or bloody vaginal discharge, bleeding between menstrual periods, painful urination, pain during sex, or lower abdominal discomfort. If the infection is left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), possibly resulting in ectopic pregnancy, pelvic abscesses, or infertility.
Symptoms of an infection resulting from oral sex could include sore throat, swollen lymph nodes near the neck, or no symptoms at all. When transmitted by anal contact or sex, there can be inflammation of the anus, itchiness, puss-like or bloody discharge, feeling the need to have a bowel movement often, or no noticeable signs whatsoever. Further, gonorrhea infections of any kind increase the risk for getting or passing HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and in rare, untreated cases, this bacterial infection may lead to serious health issues if it spreads to the blood, skin, and other major organs. Joint issues, blindness, and infections of the blood may result for babies who contract the infection during childbirth.
Whether symptoms are present or an infection is suspected, gonorrhea can be diagnosed by a health care provider. This is typically done with a urine or a tissue sample (where cells are swabbed from discharge or affected mucous membranes such as the vagina, urethra, anus, or mouth). If a positive result is found, antibiotics are the standard treatment; depending on the strain of an infection, different types of antibiotics or treatment combinations may be prescribed. Since people who have gonorrhea are also often infected with chlamydia, they and their partner(s) may need to be treated for both infections at the same time. When treating gonorrhea, it’s critical to take the full course of antibiotics and, if instructed, return for a check-up to ensure that the treatment has been effective. Due to the growing concern about resistant strains of this STI, it's wise to follow up with a provider sooner if after taking the medication for a few days, the symptoms haven't changed. Also, those actively treating a gonorrhea infection are advised to postpone vaginal, oral, or anal sex until after finishing treatment to avoid re-infection. Even if a previous case of gonorrhea has been treated and cured, it's possible to be reinfected again in the future. On that note, prevention is key; safer sex (especially with condoms!) and regular check-ups can go a long way in guarding against or promptly treating gonorrhea and other STIs.
For more information about symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention of STIs, you can visit a health care provider, local health department clinic, or a health center such as Planned Parenthood.
Take care,