Masturbation healthy hobby
Is it Ok to masturbate during pregnancy? Most doctors agree that masturbating during pregnancy is safe and that it can even provide health benefits, such as lowering stress and promoting blood flow. For some pregnant women, morning sickness, nausea and fatigue remove any interest in sexual activity, including masturbation. Others notice an increase in their sex drive- libido- due to increases in progesterone and oestrogen levels.
According to Janet Brito, medical expert of Healthcare Media, women often wonder whether masturbating while pregnant is safe or if there are any risks. The good news is that, in most cases, it is totally safe. In most low-risk pregnancies, masturbation is a perfectly safe way to relieve stress and manage an elevated libido. That said, women should always defer to the advice of their doctors. It is safe to use sex toys, such as vibrators or dildos, as long as they are clean.
Brito designated that before using any toy in or around the genitals, wash it with soap water to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina. This applies to the hands as well. She noted that a pregnant should keep the fingernails trimmed short to prevent scratches. ‘’Masturbation will not harm the baby, and the baby will not understand what is happening. In fact, some doctors believe that babies may be soothed or comforted by the rhythmic uterine contractions that happen during an orgasm’’ she alleged
Masturbation, she stressed, can be good for the body including during pregnancy. Some women even report stronger or more intense organs while pregnant. Some of the benefits of masturbation during pregnancy include lowering stress levels, improving sleep, easing pregnancy-related discomfort and pain, as well as increasing the release of endorphins. In addition, she indicated that masturbation is the safest form of sexual activity. There is no risk of sexually transmitted infections unless a person is sharing a sex toy with someone else.
Are there side effects? Later on in pregnancy, a woman may notice increased Braxton-Hicks contractions following an orgasm. These contractions, though sometimes uncomfortable, are nothing to worry about. Some women also have cramps, similar to period cramping, after an orgasm. These cramps are normal and may feel like Braxton-Hicks contractions. Brito whispered that there are no risks associated with masturbation for a woman having low-risk pregnancy who has no complications or other medical issues.
When preterm labour is a risk, however, vaginal penetration- or even having an orgasm- can trigger labour. In these cases, the doctor may recommend avoiding intercourse or orgasms to lower the chances of premature delivery. Masturbation can cause small tears in the internal or external genitalia, especially if a woman has long nails. Breaks in the skin can introduce bacteria into the body and cause infection, which can be more serious when pregnant.
To reduce this risk, keep the nails short and make sure that the hands and any sex toys are clean. Placing cotton balls in the fingertips of a latex or nitrile glove and wearing it while masturbating can provide extra protection. It is important to recognize the risk of contracting STIs from sharing sex toys. Covering a sex toy in a condom will minimize any risk of infection. Make sure to change the condom between each use of the toy, Brito highlighted. When to avoid masturbating during pregnancy? When women experience certain complications, doctors may recommend avoiding orgasms and sexual activity- including masturbation- during pregnancy.
The restriction may be temporary or apply to the entire pregnancy. Conditions and complications that may make sexual activity risky, according to Brito include placenta previa, in which the placenta covers the cervix, a weakened cervix, premature rupture of membranes, a history of premature labour, vaginal bleeding, and uterine infections ad well as intrauterine growth restrictions. She noted that it is extremely important to ask a doctor about specific risks. They may advise that a woman avoid having orgasms altogether or only refrain from vaginal penetration, for example.
Having an orgasm causes the muscles in the uterus to contract. In some situations, Brito underlined that this can trigger early labour, premature delivery, or other serious complications. If a doctor advises against vaginal penetration, masturbation or mutual masturbation with a partner can be a good alternative. If an orgasm is off-limits, avoid masturbation and all other sexual activity.
Couples yearning to connect may consider engaging in sensafe focus exercises. The aim of these exercises is to build intimacy and increase physical awareness through mindful touching and enhanced communication. If the water has broken or if there is any vaginal bleeding, Brito said a pregnant woman should refrain from masturbation and other sexual activity and consult a doctor.
Meanwhile, according to TENGA Co, a sexual health and wellness company providing innovative and diverse sexual products focused on design, quality, function and pleasure, announced in their 2018 Global Self-Pleasure report that men across the globe- 41% in America- feel pressured to act ‘’manly’’ base do out-dated assumptions about masculinity. Stereotypes of ‘’manliness’’ pervade into sexuality and relationships. These stereotypes about what men value create misconceptions about sexuality and masturbation. Americans underestimate how many men and women masturbate by about 9-10 per cent. Ninety- two per cent of American men masturbate but Americans only think 83% of men do; and, 76% of American women masturbate.
Eighty per cent of men who have used sex toys say they are useful for improving their masturbation experience but only 53% of Americans think sexy toys are useful for men. Most American men- 75% are open to trying new sexual experiences and 53% are open to using a sex toy. On a global level, the survey found that 78 per cent of adults in the world masturbate yet respondents across each country underestimated the number of people who take part in self-pleasure by an average of 11 per cent.
Due to these misconceptions of masculinity, men often end up behaving in ways intended to impress or fit in with what men perceive as the gender norm. ‘’It’s important we realize being empathetic and open to the needs of yourself and those around you isn’t weak or taboo, but rather a necessity to break down social stigma and allow everyone to be their authentic selves’’ says Dr Chris Donaghue, licensed sex therapist.
The survey revealed that men are already moving in this direction with many benefits to being a man who ‘’feels more’’ including a better relationship with their partner; the emotional connection with partners is 20% better on average. More self- and body- confidence; 63% of men who ‘’feel more’’ have high levels of self-confidence versus 54% of other men; that means they are 8% more likely to think they have a beautiful body. Overall higher levels of happiness; 45 per cent of men who ‘’feel more’’ strongly agree that they are happy with their lives versus 29 per cent of other men. A better sex life is also a benefit, as the quality and frequency of their sex, masturbation and orgasms are 20% better, on average than other men. They are also 18% more sexually satisfied with their partners. Men who ‘’feel more’’ are 11% more likely to masturbate more than once per month, and are open to using sex toys by 23%, according to the survey.
WeekendLife
Radio titans gloss RB2
In a thrilling turn of events, former YFM on-air presenter Petula Khulman, now known as Petula El’Kindiy, is set to co-host the morning show with the station’s current star, Thabo Bolokwe, fondly referred to as T.H.A.B.O. Petula’s radio journey began at Yarona FM and spanned over a year and a half, during which she honed her skills and developed a loyal fan base.
Petula, a Media Studies graduate from Rhodes University, holds a wealth of experience in the industry. Her career took her across borders, from Yarona FM to Gabz FM, and even to a community radio station, Bay FM. She later returned to YFM, where she hosted a show called The Plaground.
Her latest venture, “The Morning Essentials,” kicked off on July 1, 2020. The show, which airs from 3am to 5am on weekdays and 6am to 10am on Saturdays, quickly gained popularity among listeners. Petula attributes her success to her passion for media, music, and dance, as well as her appreciation for her colleagues at YFM.
However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2023, her work permit was denied by South African authorities, leading to a temporary pause in her radio career. Despite the setback, Petula remains undeterred and is ready to bring her bubbly personality and captivating voice back to the airwaves of RB2.
Adding to the excitement, Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira is also making a comeback. The popular media personality and businesswoman, who was last heard on RB2 in October 2022, will be back on air from Monday. Missgeekays, who owns a restaurant called Kana Kgang, has been keeping herself busy with various ventures, including a stint as a freelance presenter.
Her return to RB2 is eagerly anticipated, and her fans are thrilled to hear that she will be back in her familiar mid-morning slot. The exact details of her show are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure – with the new lineup, RB2 is poised to make a big splash in the radio landscape.
“With the new lineup, RB2 will be the biggest thing ever. We expect fireworks and amusement from the morning through mid-morning and the afternoons. All the faces that are returning to the airwaves will contribute to the radio station’s growth and a snowballing of listenership,” a source close to the station revealed.
So, get ready for a thrilling ride as RB2 unveils its new look and lineup this coming Monday. With Petula El’Kindiy and Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira leading the charge, there’s no doubt that RB2 is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!
WeekendLife
Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success
In the modern era of swift communication, where digital platforms have become the cornerstone of professional interactions, mastering the nuances of a Zoom interview is a vital skill for job applicants. The pivot towards remote work has rendered platforms like Zoom indispensable for establishing connections with prospective employers. So, imagine if we told you that a humble fruit could be the secret ingredient to enhancing your self-assurance and excelling in that virtual interview? Indeed, the fruit in question is the strawberry!
“A whopping 59.1% of the workforce prefers remote work over a conventional office setting,” asserts Forbes, a staggering fact that underscores the global trend of working from home. In the UK, Zoom witnessed a dramatic surge in its daily active users (DAU), peaking at approximately 1.7 million around the end of November 2020. This significant upswing in DAU coincided with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, as more individuals began participating in virtual meetings for both work and social engagements with their families and friends.
But how does a strawberry fit into this narrative? What might seem like a punchline to a whimsical joke could revolutionize your approach to virtual job interviews. CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter shares this ingenious trick that could make a world of difference.
According to CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter, consuming a strawberry before your Zoom call could have a profound impact on your performance. The National Institute of Health has discovered that strawberries contain folate, a compound that aids in calming nerves and reducing anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for maintaining a positive mood and mental well-being. Moreover, strawberries are teeming with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance brain and emotional health, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to alleviate stress and anxiety before significant virtual meetings.
So, how can you incorporate this simple yet potent trick into your pre-Zoom routine? It’s as straightforward as savoring a few fresh strawberries 10-20 minutes before your call. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen ones or even a refreshing strawberry smoothie can serve as excellent alternatives. For the best results, consume the strawberries on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption of folate and maximize their mood-enhancing benefits.
Beyond just soothing your nerves before a critical interview, strawberries offer a myriad of health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. By integrating strawberries into your pre-Zoom ritual, you can not only boost your confidence but also support your body’s health in the process.
In a competitive job market where first impressions matter, adopting this unconventional yet effective strategy could be the game-changer you need to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Therefore, the next time you have a Zoom interview scheduled, reach for some strawberries and experience the positive difference they can make in enhancing your confidence and performance.
In a world where virtual connections have become the new norm, utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like the strawberry trick can set you apart and help you navigate the challenges of virtual job interviews with ease. By capitalizing on the natural benefits of this humble fruit, you can elevate your Zoom confidence to unprecedented heights and pave the way for success in your job search. So, why not seize the day? Grab some strawberries, take a bite, and witness your Zoom interview game soar to new heights!
WeekendLife
Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.
Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.
In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.
“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,†she said.
Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.
“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,†she stresses.
Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.
She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.â€
Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.
As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.
“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.â€
In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.