The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sex

  • Advocating use of female condoms

    Advocating use of female condoms

    The Global Female Condom Day observed recently in Lagos, brought to the fore the need for the womenfolk to embrace the use of female condoms. Kelechi Amakoh and Hope Samson report.
     
    In spite of its availability in the country, stakeholders are of the view that awareness on the use of female condoms is still very low among the women folk. In their view, if it is embrace, most of the issues associated with women would be reduced drastically.
    At a recent event organised to mark the 2013 Global Female Condom Day, participants, were educated on the importance of using female condoms.
    One of the leading voices and co-ordinator of Safe Haven Development Initiative (SHDI), Mrs. Margaret Ona advised Nigerian women not to shy away from of condoms, “As women we should all embrace the use of female condoms. It is our power to prevent sexually transmitted infections and will help us to make decisions on health issues,” she said.
    Ona stated that the female condom had been in Nigeria but is yet to record high usage due to the cultural beliefs, “’ since 2007, female condoms have been in Nigeria but it has not been accepted because of our culture,” SHDI Co-ordinator said.
    According to her, female condoms are made from polyurethane-a thin soft plastic and it is worn inside the birth canal used to prevent semen from getting into the womb, “It helps to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases,” she added.
    The event also provided the right atmosphere for SHDI to announced its readiness to partner with hair dressers and barbers as a way of drumming support and creating the needed awareness for women to see the need to use condoms.
     “We (SHDI) will be working on the government initiative on promoting female condom with barbers and hair dressers in Nigeria. Every woman must go to a hair dresser to make her hair so as every man to his barber,” she said
    Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Sussie Metu, Secretary of Young Women Christian Association of Nigeria (YWCA) called on all women to embrace the use of female condoms.

    ”As females, the female condom gives us the power and right to express ourselves sexually. We all need to use these condoms. It serves as protection from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted         infections.”

    Metu, a community development worker with over two decades of experience, advised women to ensure their husbands are informed properly in order not to cause any family problem.

    Meanwhile, as part of activities to mark the Global Female Condom Day safe heavens distributed 2,000 free female condoms to females at Ogba area of Lagos state.

     

  • Causes of erectile dysfunction

    Causes of erectile dysfunction

    Testosterone plays an important role in keeping your mind sharp and your body healthy-from the heart to muscles and bones to erectile dysfunction (ED). If you’re middle-aged, your body’s testosterone levels have already begun to decline.

    Testosterone is a hormone that is produced primarily in the testicles. It is essential in the development of masculine characteristics, muscle strength, fat distribution and sex drive. Testosterone peaks during adolescence and as you get older; your testosterone level gradually declines — typically about 1 per cent a year.

    Researchers have found low testosterone contributes to weight gain and obesity, elevated harmful blood fats, and insulin resistance – each of which is a risk factor for the development heart disease, type 2 diabetes and ED.

    Heart health concerns with testosterone include elevated cholesterol and blood pressure, thus increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to a UK-based study, having high testosterone isn’t what makes men susceptible to heart issues—it’s having too little.

    Weight gain, diabetes and alcohol use can lead to fat forming around the mid-section — this contributes to the production of the female hormone oestrogen that counteracts the function of testosterone.

    “Other men produce testosterone but may be resistant to it, just like diabetics are resistant to insulin,” says Dr Malcolm Carruthers, founder of The Centre for Men’s Health in London.

    Low testosterone has also been linked to changes in sexual function. This may include reduced sexual desire, fewer spontaneous erections, and infertility. Many men blame their age or their relationship for problems with their sex lives, but it could be due to a hormonal imbalance.

    Emotional changes have been linked to low testosterone as well. It can contribute to a decrease in motivation and self-confidence while increasing depression, trouble concentrating and forgetting things.

    Low testosterone is partly due to the testicles not working properly, but a lot is related to the testes’ communication to the brain. Various underlying factors, including excessive levels of stress, medication side effects, thyroid disorders and excessive alcohol use can negatively affect the nervous system.

    Raising your testosterone levels naturally

    The most effective way to increase testosterone production is through one’s lifestyle. Decrease alcohol and sugar consumption while increasing vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and exercise. Sex can also raise your testosterone level.

    The testes produce testosterone by converting cholesterol in to testosterone. We get cholesterol from eggs, red meats, fish, avocados and nuts. Natural sources of saturated, monounsaturated, and polysaturated fats won’t make you fat and will help in the production of testosterone.

    Un-natural fats found in packaged and fried foods have the opposite effect. Sugars, carbohydrates and man-made fats facilitate gaining weight around the waistline and contribute to the development of heart disease, diabetes and low testosterone levels.

    A lack of sleep and excessive stress can lower testosterone levels throughout life. Stress triggers a hormone called cortisol that opposes testosterone. Cortisol also contributes to weight gain and the development of type 2 diabetes.

    Exercise is an effective way to manage stress; balance hormones, increase muscle mass, and lower body fat levels. Lower body fat correlates to higher testosterone levels and lower risk of chronic-diseases.

    By raising testosterone levels naturally, you’ll not only increase your body’s ability to gain lean, athletic muscle, but also improve your sex life. Testosterone is key to a healthier, more energetic life – both physically and mentally.

    Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global health care education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.

     He can be reached via:

     Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

  • My wife bores me sexually

    I am happy with your write-up always in The Nation on Saturday. Please can you educate my wife on her number: 080284… She bores me sexually. All efforts by me have failed.

    Sure, you want adoration, respect, and the occasional sparkly treat from your woman, but more than anything, you want to feel like she’s still got the hots for you. Well, here’s good news: Contrary to the widely held belief that women lose interest over time, experts now know that women are actually hardwired for long-term lusting.

    Below are 7 tips for your wife and women like her who may be going too cold in the bedroom

     

    1. Utter the one word that drives him nuts

    As lovey-dovey as pet names make him feel, they still don’t compare to the electrifying rush your man gets when his name crosses your lips seductively especially when you’re cozy. Just hearing it is an aphrodisiac, it ratchets up his desire because the message you send is ‘It’s you I’m thinking about and no one else.’ And men need to hear that, it’s tied to their primal urge to beat out all the competition.”

    However, just blurting out his moniker as often as possible isn’t going to do it for him. You need to make it count. For instance, when you’re feeling sexy in a public setting, like in at a party, drop it into a sexy conversation and then say something like, “Ibrahim, I need you. I can’t wait for us to get home”. Those are funny things that endear us to our men. He won’t only want to make love to you when you get home, he will want to make you know you’re special. And when you’re about to go on it and he’s putting the moves on you, coo his name to draw his focus entirely on to you and kiss him to let him know you desire him.

    2. Never underestimate the power of an unexpected touch: Just by stimulating his nerve endings when he’s not prepared for it, you create a positive physical connection that leaves your man wanting more. Even better, your guy subconsciously gets hooked on those mini-moments of excitement and craves them when you’re not around. From now on, be on the lookout for opportune moments to touch him “accidentally.” For example, don’t ask him for his keys…glide your hand into his pocket and slowly take them out. Don’t ask him to pass the salt…reach across him, letting your breasts rub against his arm. Don’t walk past him at home or even at an event, press your rear into his gear. These sneak attacks work like a charm.

  • Report sexual abuse, pupils told

    Police officers, social workers, health officers and counsellors have taught pupils attending primary and junior secondary schools under the Agege Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) how to manage sexual abuse.

    The professionals gave expert advice to the young ones at the Education Week organised by the LGEA. The pupils were told not to endure sexual abuse even on the threat of death but cry out for help and seek medical treatment.

    Leading the talks was Dr Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, Executive Director, Project Alert on Violence Against Women and Consultant to Justice for All project of the United ingdom (UK) -funded DFID.

    In addition to giving them hotlines they could call to ask for help, she told them they could get free and prompt medical attention if sexually assaulted at the Mirabel Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

    “If you go to Isokoko (Police Station) right with a child who has been sexually-assualted, they will take the complaints and send you to LASUTH. Treatment there is free. If you go there, they will attend to you promptly and the child will be counseled,” she said.

    To check the activities of rapists, Dr Effah-Chukwuma underscored the importance of reporting them so, they can be punished under the law.

    “We must protect our children; but we must name and shame the perpetrators. We must stop this,” she said.

    Explaining the dangers of child abuse, Ms Hamzat Adebowale of the State Social Welfare/Family Support Unit, Ministry of Youth and Sports, said such children are not able to function well in school. As a result, she said abuse must not be tolerated.

    “Any child that is abused should report. When a child is being abused physically, sexually… it demoralises the child. Abuse also comes in form of maltreatment and neglect,” she said.

    On her part, Sgt Pat Osifo, a police officer attached to the Family Support Unit of Isokoko Police Station, Agege, counselled the pupils not to be afraid to come to the police.

    “The Police is your friend. If you go out and someone touches you, tell your parents. If they don’t listen, tell your teacher. Your teacher will take you to FSU,” she said.

    Sgt Osifo also told them to make reports on the behalf of other abused children.

    “There are some of your neighbours; they ought to be in school but they do not go to school. They brought them from the village to enslave them. You can report to us so we can help them,” she said.

    In an interview, Education Secretary of Agege LGEA, Mr Olalekan Majiyagbe said the authority decided to make the Health Education seminar part of Education Week because of the prevalence of child abuse cases that had come to their notice.

    “What motivated us is because of the pathetic situation we find ourselves whereby we hear stories about sexual harassment, abuse, violence; a father having sexual intercourse with the children; all those nonsense. And it is becoming rampant. We may find it difficult to capture the elders but now that we have captured the pupils, we are now grooming them to show resistance; to protect themselves; to cry out. As stakeholders, we asked the counselors, the social welfare officers, the NGOs to come to our aid,” he said.

    Other programmes that featured during the Week included the presentation of educational materials to orphans; public lecture; distribution of generator, computer, school uniforms and sandals to pupils; health walk and festival of arts and culture.

     

  • Diabetes

    The term diabetes,when not specified, refers to Diabetes mellitus, a serious metabolic disorder characterized by defects in the body’s use of carbohydrates. The other kind of diabetes is Diabetes insipidus, which is quite a different and relatively rare condition, in which an individual passes large quantities of pale, dilute urine, with consequent dehydration and excessive thirst.

    Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome in which the basic defect is the absence or shortage of the hormone called insulin. This hormone is carried by the blood to the kidneys, where it limits the outflow of water in the urine.

    The great majority cases of Diabetes insipidus are due to a tumour or inflammation in the region of the pituitary gland, thereby suppressing ADH production. Physical damage in form of fracture of the base of the skull or surgery in the pituitary area can also cause Diabetes insipidus. In addition, there is a rare inherited form of Diabetes insipidus where the production of Anti-Diuretic Hormone is normal, but the kidneys do not respond to the circulating hormone.

    As earlier stated, in Diabetes mellitus, an organ in the body (called the pancreas) is found not to be functioning properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the Beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin is carried by the blood to all parts of the body. The body’s cells use glucose (blood sugar) as their fuel. They have receptors to which insulin becomes attached. This binding of insulin enables the cells to use glucose by converting it into energy or storing it as fat. Any defect in this process, either in the pancreas, where insulin is being produced, or at the sites of attachment of insulin to the cells, would interfere with the body’s use of fuel to produce energy.

    Apart from the malfunctioning of the Pancreas, one other cause of this disorder is unbalanced diet. Most of us consume denatured food in one way or the other. Also, food additives and unhealthy drinks, whether soft drinks, teas, coffee or liquor may predispose one to metabolic imbalance.

    The symptoms of diabetes include: frequent urination, loss of flesh, inordinate appetite, constant hunger, mental depression, progressive weakness, great thirst, dry tongue and impaired vision. The person could be irritable, restless and morose. The loss of energy is due to the loss of sugar, which is needed to generate the energy for daily activities.

    In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advised that imported styles of living (i.e. cooking, eating & drinking) must be looked into especially on the use of food additives and colourants in fast foods and so-called take-away. Heavy starchy foods should be cut down drastically, if they cannot be avoided, pending total recovery from the ailment.

    As we make efforts to repair a malfunctioning pancreas, there are some fruits and vegetables known to be helpful. These include carrots, paw-paw, cucumber, onions, garlic and lettuce, combined with soya-milk mixed with guinea-corn pap or porridge.

    Control: The Holistic remedy that has been popularly suggested for the control of Diabetes is a combination of the natural extracts of some herbs scientifically called Anchomanes difformis, Pergularia daemia, Vinca rosea and Viscum album.

    For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

  • My parents leave sex smell everywhere

    I know you will say is it too late in the night to text you, but please I need your help. Whenever my parents finish having sex everywhere begins smelling, not heat because there is always light. I am SP by name.

    Dear SP, the first thing you must realize is that you came into being through sex. For your parents to continue to build a happy home for themselves and the children involved, they must continue to have sex.

    What they do in the bedroom is their business and there’s no how you can come in. Yes, it may be very annoying if they leave annoying smell behind. Sex shouldn’t come with horrible smell anyway, except the people involved are not hygienic enough. The smell of un-deodorized armpits and dirty body can give off a foul smell after sex, and that can be ugly. You can introduce both your parents to deodorant or talc powder to use every day. Simple lessons in hygiene gently delivered to them will help take care of this smell problem.

  • My friends laugh at me in because I’ve never had sex at 24

    Hi Deola, I’m a guy of 24 and I’ve never had sex. My friends laugh at me in because of that. When I read your stuff in the dailies, I really feel like having sex. Looking forward to when I’ll have a taste.

    My dear, it is natural for you to look forward to when you will have a taste of sex, but I tell you, sex is worth waiting for. All those who laugh at you are just silly and may even have misplaced priority. Latecomers are not taken in the area of sex. Read all you can about sex so you can be a good husband to a good woman when the time comes. Those who engage in it now won’t tell you how many times they may have treated STDs or taken girls for abortion. It may not harm them now, but those are things that pile up to haunt them later. That is why so many people suffer in life without knowing the cause. The law of Karma. It just has a way of catching up with us.

     

  • What do I do to stop my girlfriend from the habit of demanding for too much sex?

    Dear, Adeola my name is Austin from Ibadan. I have a girlfriend who demands sex from me a lot. Please ma, what do I do to make her stop this habit?

    Dear Austin, not knowing your age will not allow me say it the way it should be said. But because when I advise about sex, I always try to assume I’m dealing with adults, I will make an attempt at answering your question.

    If you’re in a committed relationship (and for those who are married), it is a great thing if your woman finds you so sexy and attractive that she wants to be under the sheets with you always.

    I wouldn’t know how often your girl demands for sex, but if it is like 3 times in a week, that’s absolutely normal. Except your libido is low, 3 to 4 times in a week shouldn’t be a bad idea if you’re both healthy.

    Most men I know are angry that they are the ones making all the advances for sex, which could be quite boring.

    If on your part, your health cannot match this girl’s demands, talk to her and be very sincere about it. Don’t make her feel like she’s the one who is odd, instead, crave her understanding and reach a compromise on how many times would be convenient for you. I wish you well.

    N.B: If on the other hand your girlfriend is a school girl, then this is not a good sign as she could be anything from being at that stage when sex is so sweet she must have it, to using is as a tool to get something from you.

  • I stay for many weeks without having the urge for sex with my wife; any solution?

    Please Adeola Agoro, help me.

    I don’t enjoying sex with my wife. I can stay one month or many weeks before having sex with her. (2), I release quickly – like two minutes. Please, I want you to help my marriage. Any power control drugs?

    Unfortunately, you did not state your age. If you’re a man in mid-life experiencing reduced sexual desire you’re not alone. Surveys show as many as 25% of men experience reduced sex drive and low sex drive

    affects one in three marriages.

    Just like you, there are many husbands who aren’t interested in sex with their wives. Some sit up late hoping she will go to sleep before they come to bed so they won’t have to be embarrassed by non-performance. Low sex drive is a more common problem than you might think. Declining testosterone levels as a natural consequence of aging, plus stress from work and family demands can add up to sexual burn out. The good news is there is plenty you can do to boost low libido and restore normal desire.

    Low libido is the same as low sex drive – but not the same thing as impotence or erectile dysfunction. Impotence is wanting to have sex but not being able to carry through on the desire. Low libido is having little desire for sex even if you are capable of achieving erections. The causes of low libido in men are physical and psychological.

     

    Physical causes of low libido

    Alcoholism (most common), drug abuse (cocaine and marijuana), obesity (common), diabetes or other “major” diseases, prescribed drugs, particularly Proscar, a tablet used for prostate problems, low testosterone levels and thyroid disease.

     

    Psychological causes of low libido

    Depression (most common), stress and overwork, performance anxiety and serious relationship problems.

    What can you do about low libido in men

    •Check hormone levels

    •Have a health examination

    •Get testosterone supplementation if necessary

    •Consider supplements

    •Lose weight

    • Exercise

    • Control stress

    •Stop smoking

    •Consult your health practitioner on the best supplements for you after an evaluation of your blood pressure and other factors. Yes, I have

    something you may use, but you may have to call me for the name and

    ask your doctor if the ingredients are good for you, research possible dietary supplements on the web, or talk to your pharmacist, and take action for a fuller and more enjoyable sex life.

  • It takes me one hour before I ejaculate; I need a woman that likes sex

    I have a very long and large thing and I need a woman that needs sex partner. It always takes me 50

    minutes to one hour before I can release. I need a woman that likes sex.

     

    •My brother, your case is similar to that of Ebbi above, so take a cue from it. However, since you are still unattached, you still have enough time to search for the right woman who will not only love sex, but one that will love you as a person. A woman may love sex but not want to be touched by a particular man. It will take love and devotion to be naked with a man on the bed for one hour for at least two to three times every week for the rest of one’s life, or for the rest of the man’s active life. So don’t go looking for only a sexually active woman, look for your soul mate that will accommodate you.