What is PMS?

Each month like clockwork, most of women come down with a strange collection of symptoms. Crying spells, mood swings, bloating, headache, fatigue, cramps, and the list goes on. One minute you like to take a bite of chocolate, pizza the next. They snap at their family or bite their friends’ head off at the slightest provocation, and then break down to tears because they feel bloated and simply hate the way they look.

Most people, especially the male population, are quick to dismiss it as “that time of the month.” Women’s mood swings had become stereotyped as PMS, an excuse use to justify giving in on their food cravings and acting like a shrew.

However, doctors nowadays recognize PMS as a real medical condition with physical and psychological symptoms. PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a set of hormonal changes that generate a variety of both physical and emotional symptoms in women. It usually occurs between 7 to 14 days before actual “period” and then disappears once the menstruation begins. Women may experience PMS during her childbearing years or sometimes even after menopause.

Bloating, cramps, fatigue, breast tenderness, and irritability, does this sound familiar? Well you are not alone for studies shows that about 95% of women experience some of over 150 symptoms associated to PMS. The degree of severity varies, some women felt only minor discomfort while for others the symptoms are unbearable enough to interfere with their lives. The symptoms may differ from one person to another and may change from cycle to cycle.

Normally, the psychological symptoms of PMS include mood changes like crying spells, depression, anxiety, anger, sadness or irritability. Psychological symptoms may also include some changes in mental functioning such as difficulty in concentrating or remembering as well as changes in sex drive.

On the other hand, a wide range of physical symptoms are associated with PMS. Some of the most commonly observed physical symptoms would include fatigue, insomnia, headache, acne, cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, joint or muscle pain. Occasionally, some women experience upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. Women with PMS also tend to give in to their food cravings especially for carbohydrates, chocolate or other sweets.

Although real test to diagnose PMS has not yet been created, doctors may conduct tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. When the symptoms assent with the monthly cycle and the woman’s tests are negative for other conditions, then PMS is generally determined to be the cause of her symptoms.

There are several conditions to rule out when considering PMS. That includes anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, perimenopause, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea and autoimmune disorders.

On the other hand, some of the psychological conditions that should be ruled out include eating disorders, alcohol abuse, personality disorders and chronic fatigue syndrome. Oral contraceptive side effects should also be ruled out when considering PMS. To further confirm doctor’s diagnosis, keeping a monthly diary of symptoms would also be helpful.

PMS is still considered as a largely mysterious phenomenon by the medical community and had been a subject for research and some ongoing studies. Since there has been no single cause of PMS identified or accepted by the medical community, it is likely that PMS is due to a variety of factors, as well as because of genetics, environment and lifestyle factors like nutrition and stress.

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Posted on February 11, 2008 by admin

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Types of Condoms and What Women Like About Them

Nowadays, condoms come in a variety of sizes, colors, and even flavors. There are small ones, skinny ones, purple ones, strawberry ones, peppermint ones.you name it, and it probably exists. Soon, we might find that we already have as many types of condoms as Hallmark have cards. There used to be a time in another era when there was only one kind of condom out in the market, as far as the texture (or nubbing) is concerned. That has changed in monumental fashion. Nowadays, they can be adorned with latex or they can be ribbed. Some of them can just be on the exterior but some are studded both inside and outside. Presumably, this is also to provide the user with added enjoyment.

Exactly how many different kinds of condoms are out there? Are there in fact any significant differences at all? Basically, all condoms would fall under 8 categories in general, based on the primary consideration. These do not include the ones that would be invented tomorrow (knowing the ingenuity of today’s generation, they will come up with something). The first is the material; it is either made from polyurethane or latex. Second is the size that involves the width and not the length. However, those available in convenience shops are standard-sized. Third is the kind of lubrication where different substances are used for different brands of condoms. Fourth is the spermicidal. Spermicidal lubricant is sometimes used to lessen the probability of pregnancy.

One of the more common is called nonoxynol-9. Some individuals are sensitive to this and in fact, if used a lot of times, may heighten HIV-infection possibility. Fifth is the Ribbed. There are many people out there, espe cially young people, who utter in disgust “if AIDS is not so prevalent, I would never use this.I cannot feel a thing.” This type is the heaven-sent condom for them. It has ridges making sex more “feel-able” for the couple. Next is color, enough said, it’s self-explanatory. Seventh would be flavor, obviously, this is for those daring individuals who have a propensity for oral sex. Tastes can range from strawberry to god knows what else! However, these condoms should not be used for vaginal/anal sex. Eighth and the last, is the reservoir tipped. Most condoms in fact have a reservoir-like end to hold the semen as opposed to the few others which have plain tips. For the reservoir type, make sure that you pinch the tip before dressing it on. This is more or less mandatory because if air gets in, it could easily break when you are busy and that is what you wouldn’t like to happen. Actually, there is another one, but since our topic is men’s condoms, a simple mention of it would suffice. This is the female condom (If you are a guy reading t!
his and you are the kind who is so averse to putting on condoms, this should give you an idea, right?)

Now that we are through enumerating them, let us go to the more important part which is to answer the question “what are the qualities of a good condom?” In terms of material, latex is probably the best; avoid the naturally made ones (lamb membrane for example). Some unenlightened souls claim that a few viruses can go thru latex that is absolutely untrue. Those made from natural materials are porous and so there is a probability of virus-transmission. Another would be the presence of lubricants. Picking the water-based ones is best like those that are pre-lubricated with spermicidal gel or foam. Petroleum, baby oil or cream used as lubricant is risky. These types have the tendency to weaken condoms, even latex. Packaging is also an invitation. (Not only vis-Ă -vis colors although to some people, color is paramount, they are probably the reason why the glow-in-the dark type was born.)

More specifically, what do women want in a condom? Some condoms are packaged to look like tampon containers and a few women are attracted to this. Form also counts - to illustrate, French ticklers (condoms having long appendages) have popular appeal as these (just like the ridges) increase pleasure during intercourse. For this same purpose, some women would insist that their husbands/boyfriends buy the ultra thin type. Of course, not all nationalities are alike. Japanese women in fact, are insistent on using condoms over pills but they are not particular over the kind or form of condom to be used. For as long as she gets assured that it would not break, she probably would not actually care on what specific kind of condom is being used. If you are an American though, a piece of advice: bring your own, the size being manufactured in there might not be to your liking.

Lastly, the most interesting though, according to one expert on the topic (she came out with a hilarious yet enlightening piece) - women generally, do not care about the ridges, ribbing or the lubrication. The problem she claims is that condoms are designed by men. She asserts that if women were to be the ones to do this designing, they would just make “padded” condoms. Length may not really be crucial, but according to her, width does and that is where the padding comes in naturally.

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Male Insecurity and Jealousy

So, you finally got the girl of your dreams. She’s fine-looking and sexy. She’s definitely a catch! Every time you go out, other guys are checking her out. So, you hold her closer, have a protective arm around her, and cast steely “Don’t you mess with my girlfriend” stares at the other guys. You closely watch her every move and feel a pang of jealousy and insecurity, even at times when it is not the least bit warranted. You constantly call her up to check up on her or count the seconds before she answers your call. You’ve been too paranoid too many times whenever she says she’s out with her girl friends or co-workers, or if she’s meeting up with a high school sweetheart or an ex-flame. You instantly erupt in jealous rage at the mention of past loves.

You feel trapped by your insecurity and direct your energy to over protectiveness and jealousy instead. So, you try to buy her time and attention by overwhelming her with the prettiest flowers, wonderful gifts, expensive dinners, and luxurious holidays. You want to control and have the upper hand in the relationship. You utilize the possess-and-isolate tactic on her. You always make excuses for her to be always with you, or to be available at your beck and call. Her girl friends are exasperated with you and upset at how possessive you are.

So where does all this insecurity and jealousy spring from? You may have bad experiences before regarding relationships and loyalty, and you ensure that it doesn’t ever happen again. In turn, you intensely guarantee that you are the sole object of her desire.

Male insecurity has also been known to directly correlate with a deficiency in the size of the male member. Many men are bothered that they are not big enough or they’re not gonna please their ladies with their current size. This probably explains the thriving and often lucrative business that is penis enlargement.

Another reason may be about money or resources. Many guys feel disdain, oftentimes envy, towards other men who are better off than themselves. With more money, you could probably spend lavish gifts for your girl; and with more presents, you think you make yourself highly desirable and attractive.

Men, just like women, also need to be liked. They want to be respected, adored, and esteemed. They want to be feel important and special to someone. They want to be loved and needed.

So, how would you rein in your insecurity and keep your jealousy in check? Take time to do a self-assessment. Improve your looks and learn new things. Go to the gym, join sports club, or enroll in short courses like foreign languages, arts, or even acting. More importantly, is the measure of trust and loyalty that you and your girl have for each other. Don’t let your insecurities cloud your judgment and ruin your relationships. Treat her with respect as much as you would want her to do the same for you.

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Foreplay Advice

Foreplay is a critical and crucial part of the whole lovemaking experience. It is simply define as everything that comes before actual intercourse. A couple needs foreplay to spice up their sex life, get fully aroused and heighten pleasure.

Men are from Mars.

Sometimes men need prolonged foreplay to get an erection. Foreplay for men is relatively simple and easy. The direct touching of the genitals usually does the trick. But for those women, who want to tantalize their men into submission remember these five foreplay-for-him maneuvers.

1. Visuals play a vital role, so a sexy clothe would be a nice touch but giving him an unadulterated view of your body will be the hottest gift. Reinforce this view with some steamy moves guaranteed to thrill, like giving him a strip tease.

2. Let your parted lips roam his body, like his stomach or chest, then slowly exhale. The rush of hot air will change the temperature in his skin and heighten his arousal.

3. Seize control and show your animal instinct. You’ll be surprise to know that men crave seduction as much as a woman and being aggressive is a sign of lust and that you’re as into it as he is.

4. Excite them with touch. Guys are especially touchy when they are between the sheets. Giving him butt massages and long but gentle scratches up and down their back will turn your fella right on.

5. Do what ever it is you are doing to bring him to the brink. Then ease up, not necessarily stopping, but put off the good thing for a while. Do this a few times until he screams “enough already.”

Women are from Venus.

Women need foreplay to become properly lubricated. For women foreplay is a bit more complicated. Direct genital touching is the last place you should go, consider every where else on her body as a good place to touch, massage and kiss before you go there. Letting her know that she is wanted for more than sex, that she is cared about as a woman, is what really turns her on. Here is a five step plan to help her get ready.

1. Nothing is more important to a woman than knowing that you have a connection. It can be as simple as telling her that you were thinking about her, and missed her, nothing over-the-top, just honest and caring conversation.

2. Remember that being intimate does not have to mean being sexual. Once in a while ask her probing questions and give her more than one-word replies when she asks you the same. Confide in her, and let her know that you appreciate her listening.

3. Establish physical contact without being sexual, like holding her hand, giving her massages, do anything to simply make contact without mauling her.

4. Kissing, for women, is an incredible turn on. You have to remember that women sees kissing as another form of emotional intimacy so do not go to a lot of tongue action right away. It will be good to start with a brief caressing of lips and pay attention to whether or not she’s digging it. If she is, continue from there with a bit more passion but always be aware of whether she is reciprocating. A great trick is to imitate her kissing style, as it’s surely a sign of what she likes!

5. Remember that from kissing her until the “heavy petting” stage, there should be some interval in between. The duration of the kiss will depend on how hot and bothered you both get. The longer and slower you kiss her, the more experienced you’ll seem, and the she’ll be excited.

There is no time limit on foreplay, usually the longer it takes the more sensitized your skin becomes and sends your senses to haywire that leads to explosive orgasm. The key is to start intercourse when both partners are fully aroused and having a hard time controlling their desires. Remember that initiating sex, breaking routine, exploration, new places, new positions, letting him/her know that he/she is wanted sexually is what turns your partner on.

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