I would like to buy my girlfriend a vibrator, but have no idea how to go about this type of thing. Any suggestions?

Confused

Dear Confused,

Vibrators have an interesting history behind them. While they seem to be a recent fad, they date back to the 1880's when they were used to treat hysteria. Doctors would bring crazy and deranged women to orgasm in order to get them to relax. However, doctors would get tired from manually stimulating the women, hence the invention of the vibrator. The vibrator was the fifth household appliance to become electric, behind the sewing machine, fan, kettle and toaster, and even came ten years before the vacuum cleaner and iron!

Take your girlfriend with you to pick one out. Men often tend to pick out larger ones than women need, so let her choose the shape and size. Also, let her keep it at her house, as women feel empowered owning this type of toy. And anyways, she can use it whenever she wants to.

I have had many men write to me with the impression that she is replacing them, thinking that they are not doing their job right in bed. Don't ever feel like this, the vibrator should be an addition to your love life. I hope the two of you will enjoy your new toy.

-Travis

Question 2

My friends keep teasing me because I spend a lot of time on the bike at the gym. They say if I keep it up, I will become impotent. Is this true?

Keep on Biking?

Dear Keep on Biking,

Unfortunately, there may be some truth to this story. A recent study found that cyclists reported 4 times as many erectile difficulties than the average. This is because all your weight is placed directly on the perineum, an important artery between the scrotum and the anus. This artery gets pinched, and blocks normal blood flow to the penis, which can cause long-term negative effects.

Companies are producing seats designed for more comfort, and less restrictions; so you should try to use these newer seats. Also, the position of the seat can make a difference. Keep the seat straight, not tilted downward or upward.

If you will be using the bike for long periods of time, stand up occasionally to allow blood to flow and to relax the area. This will also shift your body position, and will make a difference when you sit down again. Also, the height of the seat should be such that your knees do not lock at full extension.

Although I feel that a conscious effort is prevention enough, if you are very concerned, perhaps you can look for other exercises like running on the Stairmaster to replace your biking.

I am dying to try anal sex with my girlfriend, but she is worried that it will be painful. Is there anything I can do to make it easier on her? 

Anxious Alejandro

Dear Anxious Alejandro,

Anal sex has become a lot more common than most people think. Over 30 per cent of couples have tried anal sex, with over half reporting they would do it more often if it did not hurt as much for the woman. The single most important thing is lubrication. The anus does not lubricate itself, so you should use as much of it as you can. This is one department where there is no such thing as too much.

Go slow, and make sure she is relaxed. If she is uptight or nervous, she will tense up and it will hurt even more. A good time might be after a few drinks, in the shower, or any other time when she may be very relaxed mentally and physically. Let her control how fast and deep you enter.

I also strongly recommend you use a condom, since STD's are transmitted very easily from the anus. Also, it may be bad for the man to go bareback, since he can pick up infections from the anus.

Also, never forget what is known as the back-door rule , which states that once you enter through the back door, you don't enter through any other doors. Simply put, this means that after anal sex, you should not enter through the vagina or mouth for obvious sanitary reasons.

If you are safe and communicate well, anal sex can be a welcome change to your sexual relationship.

I met a woman, and while I was getting to know her, she told me she had gonorrhea. While I appreciate that she told me before we got intimate, I am not quite sure what gonorrhea is. Can you give me some more information?

Kevin D.

Dear Kevin D.,

Gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeas bacterium, which is usually found in warm, moist environments like the throat, rectum, urethra and vagina. Theoretically, it can live in a suitable environment outside the body, but this has never been adequately proven.

Gonorrhea cannot be transmitted through normal, everyday contact. It is generally passed on through unprotected sexual contact. Early detection and treatment can stop its permanent damage.

Although gonorrhea should not be taken lightly, treatment is fairly simple, and usually consists of an injection or oral dose of penicillin. You should wait before becoming sexually intimate, and see to it that this woman gets treated as soon as possible. Please proceed carefully.