Speaking up when sex is painful can feel near impossible, especially when we’re conditioned to just “deal with it.” Shame-free pleasure is about letting go of culturally-engrained narratives we’re conditioned to abide by, and self-advocating not only during the best of times but during the hard times too. It’s often assumed that communicating boundaries is a bad thing, when in fact it sets a foundation of trust so that both partners can fully relax and enjoy.

If you've ever walked into an adult store, you'll likely be able to picture the tacky, hypersexualised lube brands that may or may not be collecting dust. As if there wasn't already enough shame and stigma around using lube... we need brands and products that actually reinforce the feeling of seediness when pulling them out of the bedside table? I think NOT.

This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Maxine Orange, founder of Tap. Health. who, along with her fiancé, Jaron, have set out to change the experience for those who experience painful periods. What started as a personal search for a solution to alleviate her own painful periods, is now an international mission to help menstruators around the world.

As humans, we are hard-wired to want to put things into neat boxes with distinct labels, but when it comes to sex and sexuality, there are about a million little factors that contribute to our relationship to self and to partner(s) that simply won't fit into a box... no matter how hard you try. This binary mindset around libido - either you have it or you don't have it - eliminates the MANY different things that contribute to our experiences of arousal and desire.

Aftercare is something that has been adopted from the BDSM world. In BDSM, aftercare is a period of time after a play session that allows for a check-in, care, and a safe space to come down from the emotional high that may have come along with play. It’s a really great practice that anyone can use - even if you’re not into BDSM.

Always keep in mind that your vagina is a) self-cleaning and b) a wonderful microbiome that protects you from other infections. Our bodies are amazing, and it’s important to be familiar with them so we can spot when something is off (like BV). Getting BV can be annoying, but it’s also a reminder to take the time to mend and be kind to yourself. Take yourself to get checked (at a doctor, medical centre or sexual health clinic) if you notice any changes that are out of the ordinary.

As sexual health educator, Jenny Waugh (@sexpositivesexed) says, “Clean & "dirty" are for dishes, not people." Having an STI does not make you a dirty person. Our society often associates people with STIs with words like "loose" or "damaged goods”. Stop 👏 slut 👏 shaming 👏 people 👏 with 👏 STIs!

Adenomyosis is where the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows into the muscle of the uterus (the myometrium). Each month or when a person experiences a menstrual bleed, they also then experience numerous microscopic bleeds into the muscle. Adeno can be as painful, if not more painful than endo.

We form intimate connections by opening up, being vulnerable. There’s nothing easy about vulnerability, but, that’s largely the point. Only a few people in the world have the privilege of getting to know you on a deep level, and the fact that it’s scary, that it can be hard to trust others - in the end, that’s what makes our relationships worthwhile.

The impact endometriosis can have on your sexual wellness is astronomical! One of the main symptoms associated with endo is pain with sex and for a lot of people affected by endometriosis or adenomyosis, the thought of engaging in sexual activities with themselves or a partner can bring on intense feelings of anxiety! This can make for a really difficult relationship with sexual wellness.

Ever wondered if using a vibrator solo or with a partner could do more harm than good? We've compiled the evidence for you so you never have to wonder if you'll risk de sensitivity or trouble orgasming. Buckle up while we debunk this fearmongering myth together!

Bullet vibrators are the tiniest, most discreet and possibly the cutest vibrator you’ll come across. For people with vulvas looking to try a vibrator for the first time, a bullet vibe is absolutely one of the best places to start. Especially if you’re not sure what type of stimulation you prefer but you’re keen to explore. They can be an approachable and inexpensive option to kick things off. Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they aren’t mighty!