Five (More) Ways to Love Your Body

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It’s May, and you (may or may not) know what that means—Masturbation Month! Good Vibrations has you covered with a post on what the month is all about if you’re not familiar, and we hope everyone’s having a lovely time celebrating. But getting off isn’t the only way to love your body—here’s five (more) ways you can feel more confident, comfortable, and empowered in your own skin.

1. Take a look. It’s good to know (and appreciate) what you’ve got going on, so grab a mirror and take a look below the belt once in a while. If you’re curious about whether you’re “normal,” be aware that there’s an enormous variety in the appearance of genitalia. Being familiar with yourself can also help you spot any changes or irregularities sooner and talk to a health care provider about them.

2. Feel your boobies. Regular breast exams (including self-exams) can help you feel more in tune with your body and give you the sense of pride that comes from prioritizing your health. If that’s not enough, try browsing 007b.com, a website focused on breastfeeding that collects photos of real, “normal” breasts. These non-sexualized images (still NSFW) can help you appreciate all the ways breasts can be beautiful.

3. Listen to your body. Whether you’re on a run or in bed with your partner, taking the time to listen to your body’s signals can completely change your experience. Maybe you want to slow down—or speed up. Or maybe things are just right. Your body will tell you once you get in the habit of recognizing its signals.

4. Try something new. Kickboxing, pottery, the Kama Sutra—what undiscovered talents could you have? Exploring new ways to engage your body is a great way to show yourself some love. Sign up for a class or an activity that’s outside your comfort zone and have fun with it, whether or not you’re perfect at it right away.

5. Treat yourself! Sometimes the best answer is also the most obvious: love your body by treating it well. Getting a massage, trying a new food, and sleeping late are satisfying, healthy ways to pamper your body. A favorite indulgence of ours? Getting a bra fitting at a high-end lingerie store. (You don’t even have to buy anything—but you can walk out knowing your true size for the next time you go shopping.)

What other ways are you loving your body this month and beyond?

Five Fun Facts from Trojan’s “Charged” Sex Life Survey

Trojan Brand Condoms released their Trojan Charged Sex Life Survey to uncover what Americans are doing in their bedrooms (or anywhere else we’re getting it on). Apparently we’re doing it more often than we were in 2011—hopefully using birth control responsibly when it’s not for procreative purposes. The survey had all sorts of titillating tidbits, but here are five of our favorites:

1) Americans may be having more sex, but the bad news is it’s not as satisfying as the sex we were having last year. The bright side? We’ve still got five months, so if you’re looking to spice it up (and it turns out most Americans are), we’ve got five sex positions to get you started.

2) Midwesterners are the most sexually adventurous Americans—but they also tie with the Northeast for having sex the least number of times per year. We’re thinking maybe they spend all their time planning their adventurous sex and not having it.

3) The survey says that Southerners are the most likely to fake an orgasm and to say their sex life needs to be “charged.” This regional trend doesn’t seem to include Atlanta or Miami, both of which top the chart of sexually “charged” cities.

4) Ever sexted or had phone sex? Apparently more and more Americans are using technology to connect in a sexy way to their partners. (And remember, you can also use your cell phone to connect in a sexy way with your birth control.)

5) Who would have thought that, in spite of scary Funny or Die videos, 74% of men would say they’re open to using a vibrator in the sack? Only 70% of women said the same—which still leaves us with a lot of open-minded people. If this is a revelation and you want to pick up a vibrator to do some research of your own, you may want to try a sex shop so you can check out your options in person. (If you’re nervous about walking into one, we have a Frisky Friday for that.) Or there’s always the internet.

Do you think the survey shows an honest view of Americans’ sex lives or sex in your city?

Method Monday: Masturbation

Okay, we’re being a bit cheeky, but for many people masturbation is an important part of successfully pulling off the “Not right now” approach to sex and pregnancy prevention. And since May is National Masturbation Month, we thought it deserved some Method Monday love. So, what is there to say?

  • It’s got perks. Charlie Glickman of Good Vibrations (the company that founded National Masturbation Month) listed some benefits for a Las Vegas Weekly article. “It’s fun. It feels good. It relieves stress. And it’s likely the safest sex you’ll ever have. Masturbation is also one of the best ways to learn about your body and discover what turns you on.” Need more evidence? Check out this article by Dr. Yvonne Fulbright on the health benefits of masturbation.
  • Don’t believe everything you hear about it. There are many myths about masturbation, most of which were crafted in a world of pure imagination (and not the fun kind). Fortunately Planned Parenthood has a couple resources devoted to separating fact from fiction.
  • Did we mention that, when used correctly, it’s 100% effective at preventing pregnancy? And by correctly, we mean instead of intercourse—not just to switch things up.
  • There are tools (many, many tools) to make it easier and more fun. It’s a great time to be a sex toy user since manufacturers are now creating toys that are eco-friendly, safe, discreet, and chic. You can always shop online, or if you’re feeling up for an outing, check out our Frisky Friday with some excellent tips on how to feel confident walking into a sex shop.
  • You don’t have to be alone. Mutual masturbation (a form of outercourse) can be a great option for couples who want to be intimate but don’t want to “go all the way” for one reason or another. It can also be a great way to learn about your partner’s likes and dislikes without putting yourself at risk of unintended pregnancy or STIs. Outercourse can even be an option for committed couples who want to have kids at some point and in the meantime just really don’t want to take any chances. Don’t believe us? Check out Jason talking about using “Not right now” with his wife until they’re ready to start a family: Remember, though, that some STIs can spread via oral sex or skin to skin contact, so “everything but” isn’t necessarily completely risk-free. And if you’re using “Not right now” with a partner but find yourselves moving closer to the “right now” or “sort of right now” end of the spectrum, it couldn’t hurt to look into some “right now” methods. You know, just in case… 

Whatever masturbation means to you—whether it’s “rehearsing alone” or with a partner—we just, well, we really hope you enjoy the rest of your May.

“I believe in furidous masturbation” image by Dani Lurie.