2019年7月28日星期日

How Do I Know if I'm Having an Orgasm?

When you first become sexually active, it can be hard to tell if you're orgasming. Simply put, an orgasm is an intensely pleasurable physical response that results from the release of tension built up during sexual stimulation. There are some physical signals that can clue you in if you're on your way too. When you're aroused, your heart beats faster, your breathing quickens, your nipples become erect, and your genitals become engorged with blood. As arousal climbs, these sensations increase until you orgasm.
While the physical process is the same for everyone, the actual orgasmic experience varies from woman to woman and time to time. You might feel a mild tingle one time and an explosive full-body rush the next. However, there are some general tip-offs, such as contractions in your vagina, pelvic lifting or thrusting, curling of the toes or fingers, heavy, rapid breathing and moaning, and a sense of euphoria.
Chances are, if you're not sure whether you've reached the big O, you probably haven't: The feeling is so distinct, it's unlikely you'd confuse it with anything else. If you suspect that you aren't climaxing, you can learn to by becoming familiar with your body and how it reacts to sexual stimulation. Have you tried masturbating? Consider checking out some of these masturbation techniques — once you've mastered your own domain, you'll be better able to let your partner know what turns you on. And don't be afraid to bring toys into the mix! Shopping for one that fits you and your body can even be its own sexy form of foreplay, whether you do it solo or with a partner.
The trick is to experiment using different types of touch until you find the method that works for you, then go with it. It also helps to focus on what you're feeling in the moment rather than worrying about achieving the goal of orgasm. As sex therapist Vanessa Marin has pointed out, "Deep breathing is a fantastic way to let go of distracting thoughts." Also keep in mind that not everyone can achieve orgasm, either with a partner or ever, and that's OK! Open communication with your partner and talking with a sex therapist can help — but remember that the fun of sex is in the exploration, which encompasses so much more than a climax.
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The Blended Orgasm

imageOkay, you've heard of a clitoral orgasm and you've heard of the G-spot kind — both damn good in their own right. Now imagine if you blended the two types for one phenomenal fireworks-like finale. Yep, you can actually do that. It takes some specific techniques — which we teach you here — and a bit of practice, but experts say it's a skill you can master.

The Basics

As we said, a blended O is the combo of the two different ways women can climax. Clitoral orgasms usually come on faster because that area is so accessible. G-spot orgasms — named for the dime-size pleasure zone behind your inner vaginal wall — are considered much more intense because they reverberate from inside your body. "By simultaneously having your clitoris and G-spot stroked, you mix the unique sensations of each peak into one, resulting in a longer, deeper experience," explains Ava Cadell, PhD, a certified sex therapist in Los Angeles.
This kind of big bang won't just leave you feeling ah-mazing; your guy will reap its benefits too. "A blended orgasm requires different touches on two distinct body areas, and this extra effort naturally slows him down and helps him last longer," says Cadell. Plus, men love it when a woman really loses herself in lust. Watching you experience twice the power of a regular O will absolutely drive him over the edge as well.

How to Achieve One on Your Very Own

Before you pursue a blended O with your guy, it's a good idea to learn the ropes on your own so you're then able to better direct him, explains Lori Buckley, PsyD, a certified sex therapist in Pasadena, California.
The best way to start is by lying on your back comfortably and letting your body de-stress. When you feel relaxed, begin manually stroking your clitoris lightly. As you become more aroused, increase your pressure and speed until you're close to reaching your peak.
Once you're near the brink, take your hand off your clitoris and move it to your G-spot. If you're not sure where yours is, locate it this way: Insert a finger palm-up about an inch or two into your vagina, feeling for a spongy or puckered area along the front wall. You'll know you've found it when a warm, sexy sensation washes over you...one that may even make you feel like you need to pee (because your G is near your bladder, it can trigger the urge to urinate, but don't worry, this should subside in a few seconds).
As you massage your G and become increasingly excited, resume stimulating your clitoris with your other hand or a vibrator...but don't take your finger off your G-spot. "While touching both, charge full speed ahead until you reach an explosive, pulsing kind of climax," says Buckley. If it doesn't happen the first time, practice, practice, practice.

Getting Your Guy In on the Action

Once you've located your G-spot and know how to bring yourself to a blended orgasm, you're ready to go for it with him. This position should make it easier: Lie on your back on the bed, your feet dangling over the edge, with a few pillows underneath your bottom to raise your pelvis. "It'll be easier for your man's penis to hit your G-spot if your vagina is elevated," says Buckley.
Have your guy stand or kneel (depending on how tall he is and how far off the floor the bed is) as he penetrates you. You two will form an L shape; he shouldn't lean too far over your body because you'll soon need room to reach down and touch your clitoris. Once he's inside you and you feel his penis stroke your G, have him thrust until you feel close to climax...then ask him to stop and remain very still. Let him watch as you softly tease your clitoris with your fingers. "Switch back and forth between touching your clitoris and stopping and having him thrust until you can't take it anymore and you have to do both moves at the same time. It'll lead to an incredibly explosive finale," says Cadell.

Now That You're a Pro

Once you've mastered this missionary move, test-drive a few slightly trickier — yet superpleasurable — positions. One option is a blended O during doggie-style. "When you're on all fours and he's thrusting from behind, his penis naturally finds your G-spot," says Buckley. Lean your upper body against the bed for support while reaching down and massaging your clitoris as he thrusts.
But doggie-style offers a bigger bonus: You can make him do all the work. His hand is free to rub your clitoris as he thrusts, putting him totally in charge of the two different types of stimulation.
If you crave more control over the G-spot stroking, try woman on top. "Face your guy, lower yourself onto his body, and lean forward. You'll feel his penis tickling your G-spot," says Cadell. "Because you're on top, you can thrust fast or slow, up and down, or in circles while you or he touches your clitoris."
Or by leaning far enough forward as you thrust, your clitoris will rub against his pelvis, creating completely hands-free stimulation that will culminate in blended-O nirvana.

2019年7月27日星期六

How to Pull Off Tantric Sex

imageBelieved to date back 5,000 years, Tantric sex is an ancient Eastern spiritual practice. Like yoga or Zen, its purpose is enlightenment—and the philosophy transcends the bedroom into all aspects of life. In the Tantric view, sex and orgasm = spiritual awareness at its peak. And when Shiva (male energy) and Shakti (female energy) join in one sexual union, it's believed to be the highest point of enlightenment.

The best part is that all of us hold the key to Tantric sex: breath. If you can keep your body relaxed and your mind clear of the mundane, your "inner goddess" can be fully present. Using your breath can spread orgasmic energy from your genitals through your entire body. This all-over tingling, in turn, leads to a more intimate connection with your partner.
And despite all the talk of a too-good-for-words orgasm, the big "O" is not the goal of Tantra. Instead, it's more about being in the moment and riding a wave of sensation and arousal (yours and your partner's). If you focus on getting to one big bang at the end, you may miss out on tons of other "orgasmic joys" happening in your bodies along the way. Tantric instructors promise that in addition to fuller orgasms, women experience them more quickly since they learn to become more relaxed and sensitized. Dawn Cartwright, a SkyDancing Tantra instructor in Los Angeles, advises that beginners to tantra follow the below tips and tricks to fully commit to the tantra experience.

1. Create a sacred space.

Transform your bedroom. Awaken your senses with flowers, aromatherapy oils, scented candles, fresh fruits, and chocolates. Include sensual fabrics like silk for added sensory elements—whether it's your sheets or your lingerie.

2. Shake your body alive.

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Put on your favorite music and stand with your legs hip-width apart, relaxing your body and breathing through your mouth so that your breath travels down to your belly button. Shake your whole body—your legs, head, and butt— for one minute. Lie down, and invite your partner to come into the bedroom. "You've opened up all these places where there's tension and increased the sensitivity, allowing pleasure in," says Cartwright. "If you make love after doing that, it's more likely that you'll have a whole-body orgasm."

3. Breathe and rock.

Sit on the bed or floor, facing your partner (you're on his lap). Start by closing your eyes, and use your imagination to watch your breath move in and out of your body. Start to allow your breath to go three inches below your belly button. Begin rocking like you're in a rocking chair, moving your chest forward as you inhale, and rocking back as you exhale.
Then, as you inhale and rock forward, tighten your PC muscles; relax them as you exhale and rock back. "You may start to feel sexual sensations," says Cartwright. Stare into each other's eyes ("soul gazing") and breathe, rock, and pulsate together. "The amazing connection that you'll feel will blow your mind," says Cartwright. "Your energy fields get together, so you're both in the same state and are much more sensitive to each other. It's very electric."

4. Share a Tantric kiss.

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Continue to sit on his lap and rock together—you inhaling while he's exhaling and vice versa. As he breathes out, you'll discover yourself breathing his breath into your body and down to your sex organs. As you exhale, be conscious that you're sharing all of yourself with your partner. Then kiss and share the breath. "Intercourse is not even necessary because you're so merged," says Cartwright. "Tantra is about diving deeply into desire and pleasure. If you feel good and ecstatic, then you're on the right track."

5 Expert Tips To Have Multiple Orgasms

imageBy now, you've probably heard about the ways the deck is stacked against women when it comes to orgasming. It can be more complicated for a woman to figure out what works for her (compared to the tragically simple "up-down" motion on a penis that seems to do the trick every time), and women just aren't having as many orgasms as men in general.
But for all the drawbacks there's one huge upside: the ability to have multiple orgasms in a short window of time.
"The average woman is built to come again and again," says Rachel Carlton Abrams, MD, coauthor of The Multi-Orgasmic Woman. Meaning that once you've mastered that first peak, the climb to the next one is absolutely obtainable. "Women don't require a refractory period like men do, so we're able to stay aroused for longer and have an orgasm a second and third time with little effort," says Dr. Abrams.
But Dr. Jessica O’Reilly, creator of the Sexual Pro Series Webinar Videos, explains that just because you can have multiple orgasms, doesn't mean that's better, per se. Although there have been studies that show about 43% of women have experienced multiple orgasms, O'Reilly estimates the percentage of woman who are capable of it is higher. "The capacity to do something, however, does not necessarily make it desirable. Some women are perfectly satisfied with just one orgasm," she says. So no need to go chasing dozens of orgasms if you're happy with your sex life as is.
In her book, The New Sex Bible, Dr. O'Reilly explains there's no hard and fast rule for when or how your multiples might occur, "Some women have several orgasms in a row without reverting to the early stages of sexual arousal and others have a series of less intense orgasms culminating in a more powerful climax," she writes.
But if you're looking for some practical advice on how to harness your innate ability of multiples, look no further.

Be as open-minded as possible

Tune in to your mind-body connection. If you go into a hookup with limited expectations of your orgasm, you'll actually cause your body to limit its pleasure responses. In other words, if you assume you can only come once during intercourse...you will.
The reason why understanding your frame of mind is so important? "After you've gotten there for the first time, rather than switching off mentally and sexually — which is what you do when you assume you've reached the finale — you need to remain expectant and open to further arousal," says Dr. Abrams. "It's all about knowing that your body is fully capable, even built, to experience deeper, longer, and more frequent orgasms."
And, as Dr. O'Reilly points out, "Oftentimes orgasm can be impeded by intrusive thoughts," making it all the more important to relax.

Consider doing some kegels

Strong PC (pubococcygeus) muscles have been demonstrated to be a crucial component to having multiples, says Beverly Whipple, PhD, coauthor of The G Spot: And Other Discoveries About Human Sexuality. (Kegel muscles — which surround the vaginal canal — are the ones that enable you to withhold urine.)
"Since your orgasm is essentially an intense contraction of your PC and pelvic floor muscles, strengthening them increases blood flow to the area and enables you to experience a deeper pleasure sensation and a repeated series of pulses," says Laura Berman, PhD, author of The Passion Prescription.
By now, you know the Kegels drill: Flex the muscles until you feel them tighten. Release. Tighten again. Ta da.

Don't skimp on the foreplay

If you want to have an orgasm, let alone multiples, oral sex is key. "For most women, clitoral stimulation from oral sex is the easiest way for them to climax," says Dr. Abrams. "And having your guy help you get there before intercourse means that your body will be geared up to come again and respond to the added vaginal stimulation during sex, rather than still struggling to orgasm for the first time."
And even if you don't come during foreplay, don't fast-track the fun stuff. "If you're aroused slowly, then you'll stay aroused for longer, and unlike manual stimulation, his tongue is flexible, soft and strong — the perfect tool for making that happen," says Dr. Abrams.
Ask him to caress your vagina with his tongue for a minute or so before pulling away for a few seconds. Then, have him dive right back in. "Oral teasing techniques prime the body to expect that after each peak of sensation, another one is coming," says Dr. Abrams. "And it remembers that lesson when you orgasm — after one, it'll stay in that prepped state for more stimulation, putting you on the track to come again."

Try a timeout

Once you come for the first time, you're probably in the habit of pulling away from your partner because you're so sensitive to their touch. And rightly so: "After an orgasm, a lot of nerve pathways have been stimulated, and there's been a tremendous surge in blood flow," says Whipple. "So it's completely natural for some women to want to take a break from stimulation in those moments immediately following."
But this may not be true for all women. Dr. O'Reilly explains in the New Sex Bible that although some women may want to avoid direct clitoral simulation right after an orgasm, "Some women say that if your push through and embrace the seemingly unbearable overstimulation, your pleasure will build back up quickly resulting in a subsequent orgasm."
To see if this sex session is on track for multiple orgasms, here's a rule of thumb: If you fall into a stupefied pleasure coma, you're done. If you resume touching an area that is not hypersensitive, you bring it on.
Remember, whether you take a break or not, you don't want to entirely put the kibosh on intimate contact. Otherwise, you'll have to work that much harder to get to a heightened state of arousal. So keep up the caressing until you feel that hypersensitivity draining away and everything starts feeling incredible again.

Pick your position carefully

You'll want a position like doggy-style or you on top that allows your clit room to be stimulated (either by you or him).
A good trick is to come initially from clitoral stroking. But then, once that area becomes supersensitive, move on to internal stimulation. Now that you're there, the best positions to milk this feel-good sensation are reverse cowgirl and doggie-style, which are good bets because they tend to stroke that area naturally.
And make sure you're working in sensation to other parts of your body, like your breasts. As for why this combo works like a charm, according to Dr. Abrams, the more areas you engage while also getting internal stimulation, the better. "One study found that women are more likely to have additional orgasms if they are stimulating several body parts at the same time," she says. "Your body never quite knows exactly what to expect next and is more likely to respond." Over and over again.
And even if you don't have multiple orgasms, Dr. O'Reilly has one last bit of advice from her book: "When you reach orgasm, breathe as slowly and deeply as possible while contracting your PC muscle. Some women report that this technique makes the orgasmic sensations last longer." Hey, one long one is just as good as two.

2019年7月22日星期一

How Your Exercise Routine Affects Your Sex Life, According To Experts

Although not everyone is cut out to exercise or even wants to exercise, there's no denying that there are only benefits that come with it. From physical health to mental health and emotional health, exercise does a body good. On top of all those benefits (no pun intended), exercise is also great for your sex life.
“When you exercise you get your endorphins going and serotonin is released,” fitness instructor and personal trainer Autumn Oftedal tells Bustle. “These two factors combined make you feel good and when you feel good you desire things that you enjoy — like sex. Also, working out is great for your stamina. Stamina is a really important part of a healthy sex life because you can go the distance and in doing so, [it] creates the opportunity for more orgasms. It’s also a great way to tackle sexual dysfunction in both women and men.”
While you may not be the exercising type — because some of us just aren't — if you're looking to see positive effects on your sex life, it might be worth considering adding another yoga pose into your routine. You might even say sex itself is considered an exercise, though it isn't going to have the same effect as a dedicated workout with some cardio.
Here are eight ways your exercise routine can affect your sex life.

1. Your Self-Esteem Skyrockets

If you've ever worked out, whether or not you enjoyed it in the moment, there's a good chance that afterward you felt pretty damn good. It's because of all those endorphins that are, basically, making you feel like you can take on the world.
"Physical activity isn’t only tied to body image in terms of the effect it can have on your body composition," Dr. Jess O’Reilly, host of the SexWithDrJess Podcast, tells Bustle. "More importantly, exercise releases feel-good endorphins and research suggests that even short-term exercise can change the way you feel about your appearance."
According to research by the American Psychological Association, the positive impact that exercise has on the brain can practically rewire it to see things in a different light.
"This shift in attitude occurred regardless of the fact that neither their weight or shape had changed over the course of the study," Dr. O'Reilly says. "The bottom line: exercise changes the way you feel about your body and when you feel connected to your body, you may be better primed to enjoy sex — in terms of both desire and embracing the fact that you deserve pleasure."

2. Vaginal Orgasms Become More Possible

Oh, the elusive vaginal orgasm! Some people have them, some people don't, and some refuse to believe they exist. But, as someone who has experienced a vaginal orgasm ONCE I can attest to the fact that they are real. Albeit difficult to have — at least for those of us who mostly rely on clitoral stimulation to orgasm. It can take a looong time to reach the point where a vaginal orgasm is in sight — and cardio can help. "The deeper vaginal orgasms take sustained penetration, even up to 45 minutes in the case of cervical orgasms — the queen of all female orgasms," holistic sex and relationship expert Kim Anami tells Bustle. 'The longer you go, the deeper the reward."

3. It Awakens Your Body

When we exercise, our blood gets pumping, circulating it throughout our entire bodies, including our genitals. This blood flow and circulation can be improved by exercise like cardio a few times a week or by practices such as yoga.
"Yoga is an excellent practice to increase flexibility [and] become aware of your breath," Anami says. "[Yoga] has be scientifically studied to improve libido. Open hips equals and open heart!"

4. Endurance Is Increased

As Oftedal points out, the combination of endorphins, serotonin, and a stronger body contribute to increased stamina, which is just another word for endurance. Endurance isn't just good for the body, but good for the brain.
Endurance is important in bed because it gives us a sense of control and feeling of empowerment," psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Holly Richmond tells Bustle. "We are able to meet our partner’s sexual needs, and feel sexually and erotically fulfilled ourselves. It lets us know for certain that we are a good lover. If two people’s sexual endurance is equally matched, there will be no reason to ask, ‘Was that good for you?’ Having sexual endurance gives each person a sense of sexual self-efficacy and know-how.”
Harnessing endurance can be achieved in a couples ways.
"Cardio and high-intensity interval training three times a week are great for improving endurance," Anami says.

5. It Clears Your Mind

If you've ever tried to have sex with a lot on your mind, you know that it makes being present near impossible. When you're not present, both you and your partner miss out.
"My clients report that simply moving — dancing, walking, stretching, hiking — is key to increasing their desire for sex as well as sexual functioning (likelihood of reaching orgasm)," Dr. O'Reilly says. "[This] outcome may be tied to the fact that exercise can help you to clear your mind and feel more relaxed once the body cools down."

6. You Have A Stronger Sexual Flow

Think your sex moves could use some work? Exercise can help with that.
"[Try] an activity that increases your intuition and flow in your life outside of the bedroom," Anami says. "When you increase flow in your outer life, you find better flow in bed. Examples [of such activities] are free-form dance, yoga, martial arts, and surfing."
But not only is flow important when it comes to having moves in bed, so is holding certain positions for an extended period of time. Anami suggest pilates, or other exercises that focus on your core as workouts that will help you put the moves on in bed.
"Core strength is vital for holding certain positions for an extended period of time," Anami says.

7. It Can Make You Desire It More

It turns out that from a hormonal standpoint, exercise can kickstart the process of wanting to get down to business.
"Exercise is also one of the most effective ways to boost sexual desire, as it can increase testosterone levels as well as augment confidence and desirability," Dr. O'Reilly says.
A study by the University of Arkansas found that those who exercise regularly felt more desirable and reported better sexual performance. "Eighty percent of men and 60% of women who exercise two to three times per week feel sexier," Dr. O'Reilly says, citing the study, "And those who get their sweat on four to five times per week rate their sex lives as higher than average." Sounds pretty good, right?

8. It Can Stimulate Arousal

If you're not getting aroused the old fashioned way — either through foreplay with a partner or foreplay with yourself — exercise might be able to help. One word: "coregasm."
"In some cases, exercise is associated with arousal and orgasm," Dr. O'Reilly says. "More women (and even a few men) are having 'spontaneous' orgasms at the gym (also known as coregasms)." It’s possible that these surprising waves of pleasure are connected with contraction and release of pelvic floor muscles, but we still have lots to learn."
According to Dr. O'Reilly, those who have experienced these types of orgasms cite "cycling/spinning, abdominal exercises, and climbing poles and ropes," as the exercises most likely to cause them to climax. Even if you don't get off at the gym, your workout can be the foreplay that you never expected.
As Dr. O'Reilly notes, we all deserve pleasure. If there are ways in which we can increase that pleasure, it might be worth giving it a try. While no one is saying you need to wake up tomorrow and run a 5k, you might find that even doing a few sun salutations every day, if you don't exercise at all, will start making your sex life even sexier.