Breasts - Questions and Answers, Anatomy and Function

Q. I'm getting a lot of UTIs (urinary tract infections). Can this be from oral sex?
A. Yes, it could be, but see your gynecologist for a urine culture to find out exactly what organisms are causing your bladder infections. You could also see your general health care provider; either way, have a urine culture done. They may not be from oral sex, but from your own bacteria. If you have frequent UTIs, do your body a favor and get it checked out.

Q. I am a lesbian, do I need an annual pap smear?
A. Yes, absolutely. It's your body, take care of it. You can still get cervical cancer. The health of your cervix is important to your entire body, and cervical cancer does not always start from infection.

Q. I have a very dry vagina and it makes sex or foreplay very uncomfortable. Help?
A. Think lubrication. There are lots of products on the market today, most can be bought via the Internet or at your local Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS, etc. Try "Wet," "Astroglide" or even generic KY jelly (water that down a bit). They tend to be a bit expensive, but a little goes a long way they are safe to use with latex condoms. There are also silicone-based lubricants. These claim to "never dry out" and are condom-friendly.
Another thing that might be an issue is lack of foreplay. Maybe you are just not sexually aroused enough. Take your time before sex--lots of kissing and fondling should stimulate vaginal secretions. Ask your health care provider if it continues.
Or, you might be taking a medication (like an antihistamine or antidepressant) that do tend to dry out all your mucous membranes, including the vagina. If this is the situation, you should use a lubricant. Sometimes water helps, too, but have a towel handy!

Q. How can I have multiple orgasms? I am able to have one easily, but this frustrates my husband.
A. Practice often helps. Practice by yourself if that helps you. Your second orgasm usually occurs soon after the first, so continue with intercourse as long as you don't have to worry about the risk of pregnancy or STDs (you're married, so I'll assume you both are monogamous). Talk about what is 'working for you' as far as getting you to orgasm the first time and let it happen; don't obsess over it. If he can keep going, you'll most likely get there!

Q. I am HIV positive and so is my boyfriend. I'm on the pill. Do we still need to use condoms?
A. Yes. There is more than one strain of HIV-- that's what viruses do, they mutate. You may actually have a different strain of HIV than your boyfriend. So yes, using a condom will help prevent you from being infected with an additional strain. Your viral load may also be different than his. Stay healthy, see your health care provider regularly and take your meds on time.