The most familiar stage of a female’s menstrual cycle is the period. A period is characterized by bleeding from the vagina that lasts approximately three to seven days. Menstrual products provide feminine hygiene by collecting or absorbing blood. There are countless different methods and products that provide this hygienic benefit. The most commonly used menstrual…
Author: The Sexperts
The Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant, available in over 100 countries, is a highly effective form of hormonal birth control that many people find to be a convenient method of preventing pregnancy. The implant is inserted into the arm and can be kept for up to five years.1 Using a synthetic version of the hormone progestin rather…
Statutory Rape in America
What is Statutory Rape? Statutory rape is defined as sexual contact with a minor. Typically, statutory rape refers to a legal adult engaging in sexual activity someone under the age of consent. Statutory rape differs from other types of rape and child molestation because there is no requirement of force. Statutory rape can involve underage…
Hormonal Contraceptive Methods
Hormones are chemical messengers found in the body. In the reproductive systems of people with vulvas, they regulate everything from libido to the menstrual cycle. In addition, synthetic hormones can be administered to people with vulvas who have natural hormonal imbalances, though they are primarily used as a form of contraception, or birth control.1 Hormones…
Amethyst (Formerly Lybrel)
Amethyst and Lybrel are brands of birth control pills designed to prevent ovulation and pregnancy. They are the first continuous-cycle birth control pills ever manufactured. This type of birth control pill is taken everyday without any break periods for an entire year. This seemingly minor change comes with the added effect of suppressing menstruation for…
The Contraceptive Patch
What Is the Contraceptive Patch? The contraceptive patch (also known as birth control patch) is a waterproof, thin, beige, plastic patch that is applied to the skin to prevent pregnancy.1 The patch can be worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body.2 A new patch is placed on the skin once a week for…
A Guide to the Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing®)
The vaginal ring, most commonly known as the NuvaRing®, is a soft, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month for three weeks to prevent pregnancy. How Does the Vaginal Ring Work? The vaginal ring is a form of birth control that steadily releases both estrogen and progestin hormones, similar to the…
Male Sexual Assault
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article, we only use the term “survivor” for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and we believe each individual should be able to choose the language…
Polyamory
Polyamory (“poly” meaning many, and “amory” meaning “love” or “lovers”) is the practice of being open to multiple sexual or emotional relationships at once. There is a common misconception that polyamory is mainly about promiscuity.1 However, many polyamorous people engage in long-term relationships with multiple partners in which they are emotionally invested.2 Polyamory not cheating,…