Ask the Sexperts

Do you have a question for the Sexperts? Submit your questions to Mmceducator@ppmontana.org

Q: Why does a man’s penis bend or curve to one side?

 A curve or bend in the penis is common in many men and is not a problem unless there is pain associated with it or if it interferes with sexual function. In such a case you should see your doctor.

The penis is made up of three chambers and a membrane which covers them. The upper two chambers are called the corpus cavernosa and the third which lies below them is the corpus spongiosum. The elastic membrane which surrounds these chambers is known as the tunica albuginea. When an erection occurs blood flows into the chambers of your penis and produces an erection. For many reasons these spaces may not expand evenly which will cause a curvature in the penis.

There can also be scar buildup on the elastic membrane of the penis which prevents proper stretching of the penis and this will result in a curvature toward the scar tissue.

A curvature of the penis may be temporary and self correct on its own, it may become more pronounced until it stops, or it may simply remain at a constant curvature for life. But ultimately it is important to remember that the penis is made up of spongy and elastic material that is designed not to be completely rigid like a bone. Having a curve in your penis should not be considered unnatural or a problem unless there is pain associated with it or if it interferes with sexual functioning.

Q: Is pubic hair necessary?

The simple answer is no. There is no consensus on what the purpose of pubic hair is and no hard evidence that it is necessary. Some people believe that it should be left alone in all its bushy glory, while others are keen to lay waste to pubic hair and have a barren desert instead.

 Some reasons why we might have pubic hair include: keeping our genitals warm; acting like cilia in the nose to prevent dirt and particles from entering the vagina; to prevent too much friction from skin on skin action during sex; and of course perhaps simply because it looks good and is attractive.

None of these theories have anything close to a consensus that makes pubic hair necessary today. If it is there for warmth then there should be more of it and it should cover a larger area including the penis and testicles. Besides, today we wear clothes to keep us warm. Acting as cilia doesn’t seem right either since men don’t have any to protect their urethra. Too much friction from skin on skin action is a problem for some, but others feel that is an enhancement. And while many think that having pubic hair is attractive, there are also some who find it a turnoff.

There are lots of reasons why many people want to get rid of their pubic hair. Some for religious reasons (Islam), some because they think it is more hygienic when there is no hair down there (incidentally this is the rationale for Islam as well), others because they look better in a bikini, or simply because they think it is more sexually appealing.

Whatever the reason, it is up to you. You can be comfortable picking a style for your nether regions that suits you. Maybe you want to go with a fro, a perm, or as bald as an egg. There are many businesses that will help you discard with your unwanted pubic hair if that is your choice. A word of caution here, shaving can cause ingrown hairs and folliculitis, waxing can irritate this sensitive area, and some people get rashes. Any way that you decide to go is okay as long as your body lets you know it is comfortable with it.

Gardasil is not the only vaccine that is used for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Gardasil was the first vaccine used to prevent the contraction of some forms of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause genital warts and lead to the development of several different types of cancers, including cervical cancer. The CDC approved the Cervarix vaccine last year. Cervarix protects against two of the strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer, while Gardasil does that and also protects against strains that cause genital warts.

There are not many vaccines for STIs. The only other ones are for Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A and B can be spread through sexual contact, although Hep A is primarily food borne and Hep B can also be spread through blood contact. The vaccine for Hep A is a two dose vaccine taken in a six month period while the vaccine for Hep B is a three dose vaccine that can be taken over the course of one year.

There is some excitement about one potential vaccine that is not on the market yet because of the huge impact that it could make in so many lives. There is significant research being done on an HIV vaccine. It has shown promise and if it ever becomes approved then it might revolutionize our thinking about vaccines for STIs and we may begin to see a lot more of them.

A female condom (FC) is essentially a condom that is made for female use. It is often described as a pouch that is inserted into the vagina. It is used during intercourse to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

The female condom looks like a male condom that has been rolled out, except it has two flexible rings, one at each end of the cylindrical pouch. The ring on the closed end of the female condom is used to insert the female condom into the vagina and hold it in place, while the other ring stays outside of the vaginal opening during intercourse.

The female condom can be used during vaginal or anal intercourse. There are several types of female condoms available including ones made from polyurethane, nitrile or from latex. Latex condoms should never be used with oil based lubricants as they could cause the latex to break.

The female condom has been promoted as a way for women to take control of the protection of their sexual health. Recently it has also been promoted as a way for men to increase the pleasure of sex because it allows for more “raw, unrestricted sex.” I am not sure if all women who want to use the female condom will want to promote its virtues for “raw, unrestricted sex” but at least you have the option. Use it for your protection, use it for your pleasure, or both.