Vaginas
Dear Em & Lo
Terrified of Going to the Gyno? 8 Ways to Relax Enough to Make Your Appointment

Hey Em and Lo, I know how important it is to see a gyno, but honestly, I am terrified to go.  I’ve actually made several appointments since I lost my virginity about nine months ago, but every time the date approaches, I find myself canceling last minute.  I’ve tried positive thinking, ignoring thoughts of the […]

How To
Rethinking Intercourse: 8 Ideas to Improve the Old “In-Out”

The definition of sex is not “intercourse”. You won’t find terms like “going all the way” on this site, because intercourse is not the last lap you complete to win a medal — in fact, it’s not even a requirement for “winning” at sex. No, intercourse is one of many ways to engage in sexual […]

Toys
Beads, Balls & Bullets — Which Are Right for You?

As sex toys go, some fall much more neatly into categories than others. For example, rabbit-style vibrators all have a very iconic shape and clear use. However, some terms, such as ‘love egg’ are used a lot more broadly and inconsistently. Generally, it can apply to any sort of small, spherical or egg-shaped sex toy that is […]

How To
Vagina vs. Vulva — There’s a Difference, People

A while back we here at EMandLO.com conducted a poll called “Vulva or Vagina?” Readers had two options to choose from (natch): Vulva – If we’re talking about female external genitalia, this is the anatomically correct & accurate term. (Plus, it sounds nicer.) Vagina – That’s what EVERYONE calls it. It’s common practice, common knowledge. Nobody calls it […]

What's Up Doc?
How Can Women Protect Themselves Against Creepy or Abusive Doctors?

You wish  Dr. Kate were your gynecologist.  She’s an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in Boston who lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health.  She regularly (and generously!) answers your health questions here on EMandLO.com. The following on abusive doctors is part of a continuing series inspired by the #MeToo movement. To ask […]

Advice
The Unbearable Lightness of Blowjobs

Miranda Levy is a major in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies at Elon University where she pens a sex column for its student-run lifestyle magazine, The Edge.  “Popping her cherry” “Swiping my V-card” “Going all the way” All of these phrases — and countless more — connote one single, sexual act: intercourse. Given its reproductive implications, our […]

How To
Em & Lo’s Glossary of Female Sexual Anatomy

There’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to female sexual anatomy: the waters of that pleasure system run way deep. These parts are not inferior, miniature versions of the male sexual anatomy, but rather equitable, albeit more internal, sexual structures that enjoy stimulation just as much. They simply need the right […]

What's Up Doc?
Dr. Kate, Can the NuvaRing Cause UTIs?

Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in Boston who lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health.  She regularly (and generously!) answers your health questions here on EMandLO.com — this week, it’s on “Can th NuvaRing cause UTIs?” To ask her your own med question, click here. Dear Dr. Kate, Does the […]

Dear Em & Lo
10 Reasons Your “Ugly Vagina” Is Normal and Gorgeous

There’s no such thing as an “ugly vagina.” Here’s why… Dear Em & Lo, A male acquaintance recently started a conversation about “ugly” vaginas with my friends and me. He said that some vaginas resemble “kebabs” and that a lot of guys are really put off sex when they get a hot girl naked and […]

Personal Essays
Confession: I Was Allergic to Sex

I started having intercourse at 15. Besides the perpetual awkwardness of budding teenage sexuality and the occasional urinary tract infection (UTI), my first few casual sex experiences in high school were fun, comfortable and safe — what I would call “healthy.”  Sophomore year, I entered a long distance relationship, and soon noticed that after my […]

How To
Oral Sex Skills: How to Go Down on HER

Cunnilingus is one of the most daunting sexual tasks a person can undertake. It’s one of those unfair facts of life: there’s much more variation in what “works” among the gals than the guys, so there’s no sequence of moves guaranteed to result in her orgasm. But don’t think of her orgasm as being high-maintenance; […]

What's Up Doc?
Dr. Kate, His Big Penis Caused Pain, Bleeding & Cramps – Help!

Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in Boston who lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health.  She regularly (and generously!) answers your health questions here on EMandLO.com. To ask her your own, click here. Hello Dr. Kate, I had sex last night with a man who had a larger penis […]

Confessions
Comment of the Week: When Tab A Doesn’t Fit into Slot B

Lily had this to say in response to the post “What Position Should Little Ol’ Me Use with My Big Boyfriend?“: Sex can be extremely complicated, especially if you are a heady, nervous and insecure type (like me). I have yet to sleep with someone I am 100% comfortable around and assume it must have some […]

What's Up Doc?
Dr. Kate, I Lost My Virginity and Now Tampons HURT!

Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in Boston who lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health.  She regularly (and generously!) answers your health questions here on EMandLO.com. To ask her your own, click here. Dear Dr. Kate, About 2 months ago my boyfriend and I had sex for the first […]

What's Up Doc?
Dr. Kate: What Should I Do About a Vaginal Tear from Rough Sex?

Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in Boston who lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health.  She regularly (and generously!) answers your health questions here on EMandLO.com. To ask her your own, click here. Dr. Kate, Hi, I recently had sex with a friend (with benefits) and he was going a […]