Great News About IUDs

Posted on April 8, 2013 by admin

If the idea of having something inserted into your body and leaving it there for years freaks you out, you can rest easy: A new study published in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that the intrauterine device—a quarter-size, T-shaped contraption that sits inside the uterus—is a safe birth control method for women of any age, including teenagers. Among the study findings: less than once percent of users developed complications, and discontinuation rates were the same across all age groups (a tip-off that younger women experienced no greater side effects or dissatisfaction than older users did).

It’s welcome news, especially since IUDs are more than 99 percent effective at blocking pregnancy for up to 10 hassle-free years. Hopefully the study will put to rest longstanding rumors that IUDs are potentially harmful. Thinking of going to the gyno for your own IUD? Here’s what you need to know:

Complications are rare
Serious side effects from IUDs, such as ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease, occurred in less than one percent of the women in the new study, according to researchers. All birth control methods carry some health risks, of course. But as long as you don’t already have an STD or another infection when your gyno inserts the IUD—and you always use condoms if you’re not monogamous to reduce the odds of contracting one—there’s little to worry about, says Alyssa Dweck, an OBGYN in Mt. Kisco, NY, and coauthor of V Is for Vagina.

Inserting one shouldn’t be uncomfortable
An IUD works by sitting in your uterus and emitting either the hormone progestin or a small amount of copper, a natural spermicide. Getting either type in place requires a five-minute gyno visit, during which your doctor will fit it through your cervix and into the uterus. “Many women don’t feel a thing during insertion, while others experience a twinge or two of pain, like what you feel during a Pap test,” says Dweck. Taking an OTC painkiller beforehand and making the appointment during the last days of your period, when your cervix is naturally more open, will reduce discomfort.

It’s not just for moms
Doctors used to advise child-free women to chose another contraceptive method; the thinking was that since their uteruses hadn’t been stretched out during pregnancy, they were more prone to side effects like cramping and even having the IUD pop out and into the vagina. But these risks were always very small, says Dweck, and they’re practically nonexistent thanks to a new hormonal IUD called Skyla. Approved earlier this year, Skyla is smaller than other IUDs and is specifically designed to fit the less flexible uterus of a woman who hasn’t given birth.

You can remove it whenever you want
IUDs are a long-lasting form of birth control you don’t have to think about or fuss with, and that’s part of the appeal. The copper-emitting type, called Paraguard, can safely remain in the uterus for as long as 10 years. A second kind that administers a small dose of the hormone progestin, known as Mirena, can stay in for up to five years, while Skyla lasts for three. “Still, if you decide for any reason that you don’t want it in anymore, your gyno can remove it in a quick office visit, and your fertility will return with no problems,” says Dweck.

One type might make your period easier
Women who use the Mirena IUD tend to report easier, lighter, less crampy periods. On the other hand, some Paraguard users say that their flow is heavier, longer, and more painful. (Skyla hasn’t been on the market long enough to know for sure how it affects menstruation.) The benefits for your period may be why the new study found that hormonal IUDs were associated with fewer complications and lower discontinuation rates than copper IUDs.

They don’t cost as much as you think
True, the up-front fees of an IUD can run you $ 500 to $ 1,000, says Dweck (you’re paying for the device itself, as well as the doctor’s visit to insert it and then a follow-up visit six weeks later to make sure it’s in place). But many insurance plans cover part or all of the cost. And the initial hit to your pocketbook might end up being better in the long run than what you’ll pay shelling out each month for your pill prescription.

photo: Photodisc/Thinkstock

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Should I Worry About Henna Tattoos?

Posted on April 4, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

If you were getting a tattoo that involved a needle, you would be beyond careful. But getting a temporary tattoo on the boardwalk or at an amusement park? You might not even think twice about it—but you should.

The FDA recently issued a consumer alert informing the public that it has received reports of serious and long-lasting reactions to a certain type of henna tattoos. We’re talking redness, blisters, raised red lesions, loss of pigmentation, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and even permanent scarring—scary stuff.

Some people have even had to go to the ER because of their reactions, which can occur anywhere from immediately after a person gets the temporary tattoo to three weeks later.

What’s causing the problem? Traditional henna is made from the leaves of a plant called Lawsonia, but black henna—the type that’s been linked to the reported reactions—can contain a harsh chemical called p-phenylenediamine (PPD). PPD results in a darker and longer-lasting tattoo, but it can also lead to an allergic reaction, says Tamara Ward, an FDA press officer.

Although the FDA hasn’t released data on how many people have reported having a reaction to black henna, you should keep in mind that anyone can have an allergic response to PPD—regardless of skin type, says Glenn Kolansky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Red Bank, NJ.

The FDA is advising specifically against black henna, but it’s worth noting that even traditional henna is only approved by the FDA for use in hair dyes—not for direct application to the skin.

The verdict: Since there’s really no telling how your skin will react to henna—and the health consequences can be severe—you’re better off steering clear of it. After all, it’s not that big a sacrifice to not get a temporary tattoo.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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Should I Worry About My Vitamin D Levels?

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

Staying up to date on the latest vitamin D research is practically a full-time job—new studies come out so often. The latest findings? Consuming higher-than-recommended amounts of D may give your immune system a boost—potentially lowering their risk of some cancers, heart disease, and other conditions, according to research published online last week in the journal PLOS ONE. While previous studies have linked adequate vitamin D intake to increases in bone strength and decreases in cancer, depression, and autoimmune disorders such as Type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis, this is the first study to show that exceeding the minimum RDA could be key to better health, explains New York City nutritionist Stephanie Middleberg, RD. So does that mean you should start popping vitamin D like candy—or that a deficiency could be to blame for any health issues you might currently have?

Not so fast. First, the PLOS ONE study was small; it included just eight subjects, and even its authors concede that more research needs to be done to back up their findings. What’s more, vitamin D’s link to cancer and heart disease is unclear: A 2010 Institutes of Medicine report that investigated the connection uncovered mostly inconsistent or inconclusive results. That same report also stated that most people in the U.S. are already meeting their D needs—in part because our bodies are like vitamin D factories, absorbing UV light from the sun and synthesizing it into the nutrient. Odds are you’re getting enough, but if you suffer from unexplained symptoms such as fatigue and bone or joint pain, you should consider seeing your MD for a blood test.

As for consuming more vitamin D than the 400 IU the average adult woman needs, be careful. Like many vitamins, D can become toxic if taken in large amounts, says Kassandra Munger, PhD, a research associate in the department of nutrition at Harvard University School of Public Health. And unfortunately, it’s not exactly clear exactly how much qualifies as toxic.

Bottom line: Though taking excess amounts might one day prove to be beneficial, for now, just make sure you meet the current daily D requirement of 400 IU. “Many foods pack decent amounts of it—for example, fatty fish like salmon, nuts, and fortified milk and orange juice—but this nutrient can be hard to get via your diet alone,” says Munger. “Play it safe by taking a daily supplement, and you’ll be covered.”

And though our bodies ares designed to make vitamin D from sunlight, you don’t want to rely on that. Depending on the time of year and your skin tone, it can take 10 to 20 minutes a day in the summer for UV rays to be turned into vitamin D. Problem is, for the UV rays to be absorbed, you likely have to forgo sunscreen, which increases your risk of skin cancer—not to mention fried, damaged skin.

The Verdict: Vitamin D holds promise as a key to improving immunity and preventing conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. But until more research confirms vitamin D’s health-boosting rep, don’t OD on it—just make sure you get the recommended amount (400 IU), ideally through your diet and a daily supplement.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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Are You “Normal” About Sex?

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

Herbenick at her TEDx talk about making sex normal

How often do you think or talk about sex? The best answer: as often as possible. That’s the message behind a new website called Make Sex Normal, created by Debby Herbenick, PhD, a sexual health educator at the Kinsey Institute. And by “normal” she means totally devoid of taboo, because when you can talk comfortably about sex, you’ll see major benefits in your relationships, health, and of course, desire. The Make Sex Normal site launched this month, and it lets people submit photos and stories about how they’re making sex a part of their everyday lives—so you might see accounts of couples getting tested together or people wearing a “sex geek” shirt.

As a sex expert and author of books such as Sex Made Easy and Great In Bed, Herbenick is used to bringing up the bedroom on a daily basis. “My colleagues and I joke about how normal and mundane all of this stuff is in our lives,” says Herbenick. “What that does for all of us is we’ve become more comfortable over time and it impacts our personal lives. It’s easier for us to talk about sex with our partners and bring up sex issues that we might have with our doctors.”

Aside from having spicier brunch conversations, you could also reap major benefits in your relationships—like greater intimacy and better orgasms. Your health can also improve since many physical and psychological issues impact your sex life—so voicing bedroom problems to your doc can help you find a diagnosis and a solution, says Herbenick.

Here, Herbenick’s top tips for how you can make sex normal—starting now:

Take baby steps
If you’re on the shy side, you probably shouldn’t start by hitting up a sex seminar. “Everyone has to figure out where their starting place is and push themselves just a little outside their comfort zone,” says Herbenick. For now, try this simple activity that you can do with or without your partner: Make a list of all the sexual things you’re curious about, interested in trying, or already know that you like. “There’s a whole menu out there when it comes to sex,” says Herbenick. And if you know what gets you off, it’ll be way easier to communicate that to your guy. Check out Women’s Health’s “Have You Ever” sex quiz.

Read all about it
If the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon taught us anything, it’s that lit-erotica is a great way to get women thinking and talking about sex. So don’t let the trend end with Christian Grey—pick up a few sex books (whether they’re novels or non-fiction like Herbenick’s books) and read them on the train or in the coffee shop. “It may help you feel more comfortable and confident in your sexual skin, and it also sends a message to everyone around you that sex is a regular part of life,” says Herbenick. Plus, studies show that just reading about sex (or “bibliotherapy” in science speak) can help you deal with a host of issues—from arousal to satisfaction. Not that ballsy yet? Even reading a steamy book discreetly on your e-reader can help boost your libido—and it’s bound to make your morning commute more interesting.

Shop sexier
Even though you can purchase sex toys and find porn from the privacy of your computer, there’s something to be said for visiting a sex shop. You can go solo, with girlfriends, or with your partner—whatever you’re most comfortable with. The important thing is just to set foot in the store. Not only will it put you in a sexual space that you might normally shy away from, but it also gives you the opportunity to explore new things and learn from sex educators who often work at the shops, says Herbenick. Plus, research on the effect of sex-toy parties, which put you in a similarly erotic environment, shows that experimenting this way is a great way to get informed and can even boost your sexual function.

Plan a sexier date
Being able to communicate with your guy about sex is clutch for good between-the-sheets chemistry, but it shouldn’t be limited to pillow talk. Find new ways to talk about and explore sex before you even get to the bedroom—like emailing him an article about a hot new position or visiting a sex museum together, says Herbenick. “It gives you a chance to talk about it so you’re not just whipping out a sex toy,” says Herbenick. Plus, adding some variety does wonders for your bond: A study in the Journal of Sex Research found that that experimenting sexually was associated with greater relationship satisfaction and intimacy.

Get the scoop on sexual health issues
If you’re a Women’s Health reader, you know it’s smart to stay up on the latest sexual health news. In fact, an article or website may clue you in to a symptom that you may not have realized you should ask your doctor about. “When you become more informed and more conscious about your own health, you’ll look out for yourself more,” says Herbenick. For the latest sexual health news, check out our Sex & Relationship Scoop blog.

Be social
While talking, reading, and thinking about sex are all important, it’s also key to surround yourself with other sex-positive people who will reinforce the idea that doing things focused around sexuality is the norm. A few easy ways to do that: You can visit an erotic art exhibit, take a pole dancing class, see a burlesque show, or attend a sex salon, suggests Herbenick. The best part about these events: Everyone is there for the same reason, so judgment and criticism are checked at the door.

photo: Debby Herbenick

More from Women’s Health:
The ABCs of Sizzling Sex
6 Ways to Feel Sexier
The Secret to Living a Sexier Life

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Should I Worry About Getting an STI From My Bikini Wax?

Posted on March 22, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

As if you need another reason to dread your bikini wax: Grooming your nether-regions could make you more susceptible to certain STIs, according to a new French case study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Case study author François Desruelles, MD, a dermatologist at Archet Hospital in Nice, France, asked 30 of his patients infected with molluscum contagiosum (a pox virus marked by painless, wart-like sores) about their pubic hair-removal habits. Turns out, 93 percent of them participated in some kind of private-part maintenance. Seventy percent shaved, 13 percent clipped, and 10 percent waxed away unwanted hair.

Here’s the thing: Since your pubic hair acts as a layer of defense against all types of infections, including any STIs you may come into contact with, removing it makes you more vulnerable. Healthy skin is another barrier against infection. But since most hair-removal methods, when done improperly, could cause microscopic wounds, irritations, and (if you wax) burns and inflammation, you risk making yourself more vulnerable to infection when you get rid of down-there hair, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Don’t cancel your bikini wax just yet, though. Keep in mind that the study only looked at patients already infected with molluscum contagiosum. Tons of people tend to their pubic hair but don’t contract an STI, says Tracy Zivin-Tutela, MD, an infectious disease expert at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City and a member of the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

In reality, getting professionally waxed is safer than shaving and riskier than laser hair removal—but any hair-removal method is pretty benign when done properly. If you’re a waxer, make sure to pick a salon that’s hasn’t violated any health codes, says Desruelles. The clinician should use new or sterile equipment, and they shouldn’t double dip applicators into the wax during the treatment (since that can spread infection, says Zivin-Tutela).

If you do end up with any kind of cuts, redness, inflammation, or irritation post-hair removal, use an OTC cortisone cream or bacitracin to get rid of the problem ASAP, says Zeichner. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of sexual contact until your skin heals fully, he says. Holding off for a few days may be hard, but protecting your sexual health is so worth it.

The verdict: Almost any hair removal technique can result in skin damage that makes you more susceptible to STIs—but as long as your skin is in good shape, infection is still pretty unlikely. When it comes to waxing, stick to a sanitary salon to further reduce your risk.

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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Should I Worry About Superbugs?

Posted on March 14, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

It might sound like the plot of a science fiction movie, but drug-resistant “superbugs” are on the rise, according to a recent statement from the Centers for Disease Control. These powerful germs are called carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, and, while no specific statistics are available, the CDC has noted that they’re spreading through hospitals and nursing homes across the U.S., especially in the Northeast.

In fact, the director of the CDC went so far as to call them a “nightmare” and a triple threat since they’re resistant to almost all antibiotics, they have very high mortality rates, and they can spread their drug resistance to other more common bacteria (like E. coli). Yikes!

But you don’t need to grab a medical mask and lock yourself indoors just yet. Right now, the cases are contained to hospitals, nursing homes, and in patients who already have a compromised immune system. “We know at this point that CRE doesn’t thrive in healthy people,” says Rosa Herrera, health communication specialist at the CDC. Though the germs are spread by person-to-person contact, it’s very unlikely that they would cause an infection in an otherwise healthy individual (even if you’re visiting a loved one at the hospital or nursing home or are a short-term patient).

That said, if you happen to go to the hospital, make sure to ask any doctor or nurse who touches you to wash their hands, says Herrera. It sounds like a simple request, but it’s currently the best defense to stop the spread of CRE. It’s also a good idea to request that any IVs or catheters not be left in any longer than necessary since these can be portals for bacteria, says Priya Sampathkumar, MD, of the department of infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic.

In the long run, it’s also crucial to be smart about antibiotics. Only take them when absolutely necessary and only as directed by your physician, says Herrera. That means no demanding an Rx for a run-of-the-mill virus and not stopping your prescription halfway through your pills. “Antibiotics destroy the bad bacteria that they’re supposed to, but they also upset the good bacteria,” says Herrera. So when you’re taking them, you can actually become susceptible to other infections.

The verdict: Superbugs are a major health issue, but it’s very unlikely that you’ll be infected unless you’re hospitalized and have a compromised immune system. However, you can help stop the spread of CRE by washing your hands (diligently!) and making sure to use antibiotics properly.

photo: iStockPhoto/Thinkstock

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Eating Clean Is About to Get Easier

Posted on March 13, 2013 by admin

Prepare to become a whole different kind of label snob: Whole Foods recently announced that the chain will require labeling on all genetically modified (GM) foods sold in its stores, making it the first U.S. retailer to call out these products. The president of Whole Foods said he plans to roll out this new labeling system within five years, since the process will likely take a while to implement in the chain’s 300-plus stores.

So what exactly are GM foods, and why should you be able to pick them out on a store shelf? They’re essentially foods that have been modified by combining the DNA of two different species. Examples include most soybeans and corn, as well as anything that contains them, like high fructose corn syrup or canola oil. Although the FDA has deemed these products safe, many researchers caution that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may contain more allergens and health risks than naturally grown foods. Jeffrey Smith, best-selling author of Seeds of Deception, notes that animal studies have found an increased risk of tumors, organ damage, gastrointestinal disorders, immune disorders, and more as a result of long-term GMO consumption.

In Europe, grocery stores have almost completely removed GM foods from shelves—a result of a 2003 labeling requirement similar to the one Whole Foods is proposing, says Smith. “Now there are so few products [in Europe] that say they contain GMOs that it’s as if they’re banned.”

Whole Foods already sells many products labeled “Non-GMO Project Verified” (meaning they don’t contain any GM ingredients), and the store has seen a huge increase in the sale of these foods. “These are signs of a tipping point of consumer rejection,” says Smith. “The Whole Foods announcement was both a reflection of that and something that will propel the non-GMO movement more quickly.”

So what can you do until the new label system is up and running? Smith suggests buying organic whenever possible and looking for existing labels noting that a product is Non-GMO Project Verified. You can also try to cut down on processed foods, which typically contain GM ingredients.

photo: Wavebreak Media/Thinkstock

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Should I Worry About BPA?

Posted on March 8, 2013 by admin

Every week, the Scoop examines alarming new claims to help you make sense of the latest health research.

Some of the scariest news we’ve seen recently: Prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in some plastics and cans, may affect the way cells function during brain and central nervous system development, according to a study recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

To mimic the effects of prenatal BPA exposure, researchers examined male and female mouse and human nerve cells and exposed them to the chemical. They found that BPA slowed the cells’ regulation of chloride levels—especially among female neurons, which appear to be more susceptible to the chemical.

These new findings join hundreds of studies that suggest BPA can seriously affect cells and systems in the body.

Other recent study results show intra-uterus exposure to BPA can predispose children to behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social issues, resulting in autism or even a more severe version known as Rett Syndrome. BPA has also been linked to an increased risk of obesity, cancer, and recently, asthma.

“BPA isn’t lethal, but evidence of its harm is strong,” says Wolfgang Liedtke, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine/neurology and neurobiology at Duke University and lead author of the PNAS study. Researchers still don’t know whether low amounts are just as harmful as high amounts, he says. It may be the case that BPA is like a light switch that turns off your genes—so more of it wouldn’t necessarily “turn off” more lights or do more damage.

It’s nearly impossible to keep your life a 100 percent BPA-free zone: The Food and Drug Administration permits BPA in food and beverage packaging without warning, and the chemical can be found in air, dust, water, medical devices, dental sealants, CDs, and more, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

You can, however, limit your exposure to BPA by shopping at a farmers market when possible, avoiding plastic containers, ditching canned food, and getting electronic copies of receipts (the paper ones have a BPA-based coasting).

The verdict: BPA does appear to have some scary side effects, but you could drive yourself crazy trying to prevent any sort of contact with the chemical. Do what you can to minimize your exposure—especially if you’re pregnant—but there’s no need to go overboard trying to avoid it altogether.

Additional reporting by Emily Main for Rodale.com

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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Should I Worry About Driving With a Hands-Free Cell Phone?

Posted on March 6, 2013 by admin

You’re driving with both hands on the steering wheel, and your eyes are on the road ahead. All good, right? Not if you’re on a hands-free cell phone and your route involves a left-hand turn (we’re guessing it does). According to a new study published in the open access journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, making a left-hand turn in a busy intersection requires a huge amount of brain activity, and talking on a hands-free cell phone at the same time is more than the brain can handle.

For the study, researchers put a driving simulator—steering wheel, pedals, and all—inside a high-powered functional MRI. Young adult participants navigated straight roads, right-hand turns, and left-hand turns. During some of the steering, the participants answered simple true or false questions (for example, if a triangle has four sides) by pressing buttons on the steering wheel—a lot like the way current hands-free phone technology works. When they did so during a left-hand turn at a traffic-filled intersection, something major happened: “Brain power was allocated to the frontal cortex, which allows you to make decisions and hold that conversation,” says lead study author Tom Schweizer, PhD, a neuroscientist and the director of the Neuroscience Research Program at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. “The visual part of the brain—the back end of the brain—started to shut down.”

So what exactly makes turning left so complicated? Think about everything you have to process: the traffic light, oncoming cars (which are probably going pretty fast), pedestrian and bicyclists to the left. “You have to take in all of that visual information and then calculate a safe driving maneuver,” says Schweizer. “We found that a huge amount of brain is required to pull that off.” When you add some chatting to the equation, “something in the brain’s gotta give,” explains Schweizer. “There are only so many brain resources to go around. And it just so happens that what gives is the visual system.”

Many states already ban novice drivers and bus drivers from using hands-free devices while driving.

Marcel Just, PhD, director of the Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging at Carnegie Mellon University, was not involved in the study but has done separate research on driving while listening. His 2008 research found that even just listening to a person reduces the brain activity focused on driving by 37 percent. “What people tend to underestimate is the draw on cognitive resources of even having a conversation or listening to someone speak,” says Just. “I don’t want to be crossing the street while a driver is coming towards me and talking on a cell phone, even if it’s hands-free.”

The verdict: Hands-free doesn’t mean danger-free. Don’t chat on the phone when you’re behind the wheel!

photo: Edyta Pawlowska/Shutterstock

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The Biggest Myths About Sex and Pregnancy

Posted on March 6, 2013 by admin

You already know that it takes time to slim down after a pregnancy. But new moms should expect delays in the bedroom department as well. Most women wait at least six to eight weeks after giving birth to have sex again, according to a new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia collected data from 1,507 first-time moms at 3, 6, and 12 months after giving birth, asking when they first attempted vaginal sex. The results: 41 percent of women had sex by 6 weeks, 65 percent by 8 weeks, and 78 percent by 12 weeks. Whether they had complications during the birth was a big factor in how long they waited. New moms who’d had a C-section, episiotomy, or other complications were far less likely to resume having sex at the six-week mark.

The study shows that there’s no universal cutoff for when you should start to ease back into your old sex life. “It is very important to dispel the myth that everything will be ‘back to normal’ by six weeks,” Stephanie Brown, an associate professor at The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and lead author of the study, wrote in an email. Recovery is mental as well as physical: according to Brown, many new moms are too busy or too tired for sex while attending to the demands of a newborn. Others are afraid of the pain of trying to have sex again. These concerns are normal, she says, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about having them.

Whether or not you’re contemplating having a baby any time soon, there’s no reason to walk around with bad information that will only freak you out. Alyssa Dweck, MD, co-author of V is for Vagina, dispels the biggest myths surrounding sex and pregnancy.

Myth #1: Your Libido Will Tank
It’s totally normal for pregnant women to feel a dip in their sex drive, says Dweck, especially in the side-effect-heavy first trimester. But that’s not true for everyone. “The good news is that plenty of other women have a soaring libido when they’re pregnant,” she says. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause some women to feel a pleasant spike in sexual desire. And don’t be surprised if your newly arrived curves make you feel irresistibly hot. Plenty of couples manage to maintain an active sex life for all nine months, says Dweck. Just don’t get caught up in what’s “normal.” “There is no normal,” she says. “A lot of it has to do with what your sexual activities were before pregnancy.”

Myth #2: Sex Can Hurt the Baby
If you remember that scene from Knocked Up, you probably know that sex during pregnancy can’t damage a fetus. But this myth still stubbornly lives on. “A lot of times the male partners are more frightened to have sex than the women,” says Dweck. In most cases, sex is 100% safe for mom and baby. There are some exceptions, which your OBgyn will warn you about. Among other issues, if you have an incompetent (or weakened) cervix, unexplained bleeding, or suffer from a condition called placenta previa, your OBgyn will advise you not to have sex while pregnant. If you have concerns, just ask your doc, but chances are she’ll give you the green light.

That said, not all positions are fair game. You may have to switch up your routine, as some of your old standbys may not be as comfortable for you. At 15-20 weeks, you’ll want to avoid lying flat on your back (the weight of your uterus can compress your vena cava, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure) –which means traditional missionary is out, says Dweck. Doggy-style and side-by-side are popular alternatives.

Myth #3: You Should Be Having Sex By 6 Weeks Postpartum
If you’re going at it at the 6-week mark, congratulations! Just know that you’re in the minority. Six weeks is the bare minimum for how long you should wait to heal fully after giving birth. Many women will need more time than that. Basically, after you give birth, your delicate bits are raw, exposed, and vulnerable to infection. Plus, your cervix needs time to close up again, says Dweck, and it typically takes about six weeks for that to happen. If you had an episiotomy, it needs to heal completely. (In fact, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute study indicates that only 10% of first-time moms will give birth with an intact perineum.) Having sex too early increases your chances of pain and infection. Dweck recommends external play instead: cuddling, kissing, and general adorableness with your partner. Just make sure to hold off on any activity in or near your vagina until you’re fully healed.

Myth #4: The First Time You Do It Will Hurt
“Most women are really afraid of pain with sex after pregnancy,” says Dweck. But if you allow enough time for your body to heal completely, sex won’t be a problem. Keep in mind that new moms become ready for sex at very different rates, as the study shows. When you decide that you’re ready, it doesn’t hurt to be extra-careful. Your estrogen levels dip while you’re nursing, which can cause vaginal dryness, so Dweck recommends using plenty of lube when you decide to take the plunge. Communicate with your partner about your fears, take it slow, and go easy on yourself. And don’t forget to use contraception, says Dweck — you’ll need it even when you’re nursing.

photo: tommaso lizzul/Shutterstock

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Great News About IUDs

Should I Worry About Henna Tattoos?

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