Dr Yvonne Fulbright

Astroglide's Dr Fulbright

Origiinally from Iceland, international sexologist, sex educator, author, relationship expert, advice columnist, and television and radio personality, Doctor Yvonne Fulbright gave her first formal lecture on sex in the sixth grade, when she presented her classmates with a talk on the female reproductive system and sexual intercourse! This consciousness-raising, Scandinavian sex expert has been fueled by her passion for healthy, open discourse about sexuality ever since. Armed with a Ph.D. in International Community Health Studies from New York University, Dr. Fulbright is the author of nine healthy sexuality and relationship books, including her most recent, Sultry Sex Talk to Seduce Any Lover: Lust-Inducing Lingo and Titillating Tactics for Maximising Your Pleasure and The Better Sex Guide to Extraordinary Lovemaking. She has appeared on the Tyra Banks Show and NBC’s Today Show, held the resident “sexpert” column at Foxnews.com and Women’s Health, and has contributed to a variety of mainstream media outlets worldwide. From hosting television specials to teaching at schools like the University of Pennsylvania and American University, she has been an active part of comprehensive sex education efforts for the last 15 years. We are pleased to have Yvonne as our Sexual Health and Relationship Ambassador.

Click Here to ASK Yvonne a question Hear her interviewed on Womens Radio on why you need a lubricant

I had a hysterectomy and since then have lost sensitivity, arousal and orgasms. Do you have any suggestions on how to get those feelings back?

It’s natural for the body to respond differently post-surgery, with about 20% of women who have undergone a hysterectomy experiencing a loss of sexual response. Those who had typically experienced more internal orgasms (i.e. uterine and/or cervical contractions) versus externally stimulated ones can find it especially hard to reclaim physical sensations. Any woman who has undergone the procedure can also find herself longing to have the same feelings about sex, in general, that she once had.

In eliciting more of a physical response during sexual activity, apply a hot water bottle to your vulva about 5-10 minutes before sex play. This will stimulate greater blood flow to the genital area for increased responsiveness. Explore other ways to once again become more physically sensitive to touch by consulting various health professionals about different forms of therapy that could at least partially restore your sexual response. Look into acupuncture, topical creams/vaginal moisturisers, a vacuum clitoral device, and/or medications, like testosterone or estrogen. Talk to your doctor about a non-systemic estrogen that can administered as an estrogen ring or as a small pill and inserted into the vagina for increased blood flow to the area.

Continue using lubricant, as this can be helpful in further enhancing any of the strategies above. If you’ve found that your feelings about sexual intimacy have changed, and you want to get back to your old sexual self, seek out a support group or talk to a therapist about any emotional issues that could be further shutting down your sexual response. While going through a hysterectomy is an extremely difficult situation, more than anything, try to see this as an opportunity to further explore and redefine your sexuality, keeping in mind that your brain is your most important sex organ.

What sexual position is best for women when it comes to her having an orgasm? Why?

The position depends on the kind of orgasm a woman is after. Rear entry, for example, is popular for tempting a vaginal orgasm since it effectively stimulates her G spot area. Woman-on-top, on the other hand, is known to be one of the best in providing clitoral stimulation (especially since she's in control) for clitoral orgasm. This is important to note since so many women do not reach climax during penetrative sex if it involves no more than thrusting.

With about 70% of women needing clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm, penetration alone doesn’t cut it. She and her lover need to warm up that hot spot first, perhaps engaging oral action (which many women will climax from first, only to have another one later). Keeping her hub of pleasure fired up with finger action or a vibrator during thrusting can also be critical in helping her to orgasm. Some women, too, have other erogenous zones on their body that could help them to reach the “Big O” when stimulated during thrusting, e.g., her nipples. The best way to find out what positions and types of stimulation are best is to simply ask the woman, since preferences vary widely.

Is there anything out there to help women want to have sex?

For centuries, humans have been concocting and using a variety of foods, beverages, scents, homeopathic remedies, herbal formulas, drugs, vitamins, and gadgets that are thought to boost one's libido and improve sex. Ranging from bull testicles to ginseng to caffeine, people have tried practically anything in trying to get more turned on. Collectively known as aphrodisiacs, a number of these sex potions are said to increase sexual desire and arousal, enhance performance, and up our attraction to others. Yet most of the supposed miraculous effects of aphrodisiacs are based on folklore, myths, and medieval medical theory - not scientific fact.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there is no non-medicinal approach that has been completely proven to work as an aphrodisiac. A handful of studies have indicated that a few have a positive impact on some phases of a male's sexual response cycle. In studying women, Chicago's Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation has found that the scent of baby powder is particularly effective, with cucumber, licorice, lavender, and pumpkin pie all increasing vaginal blood flow.

With an aphrodisiac being basically anything you find alluring, consider what around you can be a turn on. This may be the suggestive shape of a piece of fruit or raw seafood, like oysters. It may be the way your body reacts to goodies like chocolate, coffee, or spicy chilies. Or it may be what something, like peach juice dribbling down your chin, symbolises.

Basically, believing something will work becomes in and of itself a self-fulfilling prophecy – if you think that something is sexually arousing, then it is! This speaks to the fact that your biggest sex organ is your brain. It's ultimately the power of your mind that gets you turned on.

So when to comes to getting yourself mentally aroused, consider some of the following strategies:

Giving yourself permission to take a break from everything going on in your life to get intimate.
Drawing a bubble bath or doing anything that relaxes you, as this helps to make you more receptive to sexual stimuli.
Asking your lover to woo you more, especially with words, e.g., planting erotic ideas to be realised later or telling each other sexy stories.
Remind yourself – and asking that you be reminded – that you are desired. This can be conveyed with sexy self-touch or affectionate gestures, like a slow and sensual kiss on your neck.

I just started being sexually active this year. I only had sex a handful of times but every time we have sex and he goes fast or really hard, it hurts my pelvis...I’m really confused and scared. What do you think it is?

Sorry to hear that you find yourself in distress. It’s a good thing that you’re listening to your body and seeking out advice since the pain you’re experiencing is your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. Your best starting point in getting to the bottom of this situation is to visit your healthcare provider to rule out any medical reasons, like sexually transmitted infections, for why you might be hurting. Be sure to also talk to your doctor about dyspareunia, a condition where sex is painful for physical, psychological, or relationship reasons.

If there are no medical concerns. . . When intimate with your partner, you’ll want to guide him as far as the pace of the action, especially since many women need, on average, 20 minutes of foreplay in order to become fully aroused. If a gal isn’t given adequate time to maximise her sexual response, her vaginal canal doesn’t elongate the way it’s supposed to before penetration. The end result is a penis, toy or finger knocking up against her cervix, which often causes pain. The discomfort during sex may also be due to insufficient natural vaginal lubrication, since her body is still getting warmed up. So, consider using a lubricant to assist matters.

More than anything, communicate with your partner about what feels good and what doesn’t. He may not be aware that “pounding away” isn’t every woman’s forte, especially if he’s being influenced by what he sees in porn (which often features women getting off on the ‘wham, bam, thank you ma’am’ thrusting style). Ask your guy to take things slowly and to give ample time for foreplay. Stop all action when you’re in pain or if he isn’t honoring your wishes. If you want to resume having sex, switch to a position where you’re in control of the thrusting, like woman on top. Assume the cowgirl position, it further gives you the opportunity to show him the pace you’re into and what feels good.

Can Women enjoy more sexual pleasure by using Astroglide products?

What does Astroglide provide you:

Increase her comfort, pleasure, and sensitivity
Equip her and her lover with a silky smooth touch in touching her body
Enhance arousal
Make sex easier
Assist with long-lasting lovemaking
Offer new and exciting ‘sexperiences’
Make sex more fun

…I guess you could say that, yes!, women DO enjoy more sexual pleasure with one of our lubricants, especially when combined with our new Astroglide VIBE.

The doctor recommended Astroglide. There seems to be about eight different products, and I am not sure which one to start with.

Great question! When first-time Astroglide users contact us, we recommend starting with the original Astroglide liquid. This personal lubricant and vaginal moisturiser feels like your own natural body fluids, helping to make the action smoother, more intense, and even more incredible.

If you’re concerned about any potential allergies you may have when it comes to lubricants, in general, then you may want to test drive our Astroglide X Silicone formula first (an experience made even more exciting in that it comes with our new AstroglideVibe!). This silicone formula is hypoallergenic and non-irritating as well as fragrance-, hormone-, and flavor-free.

As you become more comfortable using Astroglide Brand Personal Lubricants, be sure to experiment with the different varieties, like the Gel we offer, and for novelty and intense sensations, try Astroglide Warming . Whether making a date with yourself or a lover, have a ball testing which formula feels best to you, whether that be in the shower, on the couch or between the sheets, enjoy!

Unfortunately, one of the biggest sex mistakes that guys make is forgetting to bring – or use – a good, water based lube like Astroglide. A lot of guys think that if he just gets her turned on enough that she’ll get wet – and of course, the wetter she gets, the more he turned her on, right? Not exactly. A woman could be very turned on and not have very much vaginal lubrication at all, or vice versa. If she’s not slick enough, penetration is going to be extremely uncomfortable or even painful for her, and she definitely won’t enjoy it or have any chance at reaching orgasm. Avoid this rookie error and insist on using Astroglide.

I am a 42 yr old women with 5 older girls with the last one that is 15yrs and 5 grand babies, was married for 10 yrs, but now I am looking at women. Is that natural?

While researchers are still trying to confirm with a great deal of confidence what causes a person's sexual orientation, one thing more and more are reporting is the fact that one's sexuality can be quite fluid throughout the life cycle. While we're often taught that our sexual orientation is black or white, meaning you're either straight or gay, for plenty of people, their sexual orientation could best be described as in a "gray" zone, with who you're into being explained by where you're at on a continuum of "turn on's".

Works, like Lisa Diamond's book "Sexual Fluidity", share stories of women who, at various points in their lives, find themselves turned onto other women or desiring a relationship with a woman or a particular woman. This could be for any number of reasons, including whether curiosity, finding herself turned off to men, or enjoying a special connection with a specific woman. So what you're experiencing is quite normal for some women. It's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. It's hopefully something you can allow yourself to enjoy more than anything.

What do you say to women who are afraid to even explore self-pleasure?

Before you say or do anything, it's important to realise – and respect – that you can't make somebody do something that they don’t want to do. If a gal – or guy for that matter – isn't into something sexually speaking, then she's not, and hopefully she's made the best decision for herself in opting out.

You can, however, suggest self-pleasuring as a means of sexual exploration, whether partnered or solo. In doing so, your idea is going to sound much more appealing if you point out the health benefits of masturbation, such as the fact that it's a great form of stress relief. There are the sexual benefits as well, like that it increases sexual awareness and can enhance your sex life with more intense orgasms.

You can also give the person a book on solo sex, like Betty Dodson's "Sex for One", which takes on a lot of the myths and taboos around solo pleasuring. If you're intimately involved with the woman, you may also want to let her know your personal feelings about masturbation, including how it sexually excites you, if that's the case. No matter what, make sure that you're not being critical or demeaning in your efforts. Self-pleasuring isn't for everyone, and that's okay. People may, however, simply need to be enlightened about how this is a perfectly normal, natural means of sexual pleasuring and satisfaction. Information may just invite exploration.

Thank you for your question and good luck!

Any Tips for Getting Frisky Without Disturbing Holiday Houseguests?

Hosting Family during the Holidays Can Be Stressful on a Relationship – Couples Can Follow our Expert Tips to Ease the Tension through Discreet Sexual Encounters

The holidays are a festive time of gift giving and reflection where family members often gather to celebrate. It can also mean multiple houseguests. While it’s important to bring family together, a group of people sharing your home can mean limited time for friskiness for you and your partner. However, the experts at Astroglide have advice on finding the time for making your own private holiday cheer.

Here are some tips for those individuals who want to enjoy the festive mood without waking up Aunt Edna and Uncle Joe sleeping down the hall:

Take some long showers! Bathroom time is usually private, even among families. Use this opportunity to have some slippery fun. If your nosy family is suspicious, you can always point to your environmentalism by saving water through showering at the same time.

Set your alarm early to get in a quickie. With luck you can enjoy a blissful post-escapades power nap before the rest of the family is awake and busy wrecking your house.

Run some "very important" errands so you can be alone. Tell them you are doing last-minute shopping so they won’t intrude. If you can find some seclusion and you have a good-sized car, then give the backseat a try to relive your younger days!

Get "tired." Prepare a big meal for the whole group, and say you simply need 30 minutes of nap time while the family roasts. Your partner can find an excuse to check in on you…

If you are the houseguest, then pull a Houdini and simply disappear for a quick romp. Do some recon beforehand to scope out the best spots, whether it’s the basement, a cozy closet, or even up in the attic!

If all else fails, consider bribery. Offer to pay for the group to go ten pin bowling or see a movie while you two stay home to cook and clean or wrap all of their amazing presents.

When you are looking for the perfect gift for the holidays, don’t overlook your significant other. If your New Year’s resolution will be to spend more intimate time with your loved one, then consider the gift of Astroglide Brand Personal Lubricants to create holiday lovemaking you’ll never forget.

I had a hysterectomy done and now I am very dry, what can you do for that?

Vaginal dryness can be a problem for some women who have undergone a hysterectomy, so know that you’re not alone! In tackling vaginal dryness, the best and most important thing you can do is to talk to your gynecologist about the symptoms that you’re experiencing. In determining the cause (beyond having had a hysterectomy), your doctor may test your hormone levels. If needed, your doctor may prescribe hormone supplements or an estrogen cream, or explore alternative therapies and vaginal moisturisers with you. No matter what, use lubricant when sexually active, as this will diminish pain and discomfort, making things more pleasurable. (Note: you or your partner may need to reapply frequently, especially if you’re using a water-based lubricant.) Take your time when making love, allowing your body to get as turned on as possible.

Talk to your partner about the kinds of mental and physical sexual stimulation you need in maximising excitement. Practice Kegel exercises in strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and reclaim your sex life. To identify the muscle group, pretend like you’re trying to stop the flow of urine. You’ll want to then hold these muscles for 10 counts, striving for 10 repetitions in a single exercise session. Aim to practice Kegels three times per day to increase sensations, thanks to a better grip, during sex. You’ll also, ultimately experience better blood flow to the pelvic region as you exercise these muscles, which will assist with vaginal lubrication.

Finally, take the time to condition your vulva and vaginal walls, as in perform a regular massage, with your hands, a dildo, or vibrator, and lube, to gently stretch and strengthen your skin. You want to press and release the fluid into your skin (versus rub or stroke it). Over time, this will condition your skin, helping to increase blood flow, flexibility and tissue resiliency. Thank you for your question and good luck!

Exercise for Peak Performance

Need extra motivation in sticking to that better body New Year’s resolution? Just consider all of the sexual benefits that come from regular, moderate exercise. In striving for 30 to 60 minutes per day of bike riding, roller blading, yoga, swimming, jogging… you can realise any of these libido boosters that make for better sex:

Improved blood flow

Both guys and gals experience better blood flow to the genitals since exercise enhances your arteries’ ability to dilate. This means more natural lubrication for her and bigger, firmer, more reliable erections for him.

More effective weight control

Sexercise helps you to burn more calories, enabling you to slim down while shaping up. Losing weight can have you feeling sexier and more attractive, acting as an aphrodisiac with the energy you’re putting out there. Warning: You could attract more potential partners! Better yet, you could be even more interested in sex!

Better heart health

Exercise contributes to cholesterol control, changing its mix to fewer low-density lipoproteins (LDL), aka bad cholesterol and more high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the good cholesterol. The result: fewer deposits in your pudendal arteries, which make for better blood flow during sexual arousal.

More testosterone

Regular, moderate exercise can increase libido in both men and women in boosting testosterone, the hormone that fuels your sex drive.

Enhanced sleep

What better way to have the energy for sex than to get some zzzz’s than a good snooze? Exercise is one of the best natural sleep promoters around, helping you to get the shut eye you need for much more stimulating waking hours.

Antidepressant impact

Exercise can be as beneficial as medication when it comes to countering mild to moderate depression. So take on this sex killer in capitalisng on the smile-inducing effects of aerobic exercise.

Stress relief

In releasing endorphins, your body’s mood-elevating compounds, exercise acts as a major stress reliever. With stress a major cause of sexual problems, countering stress can have you more relaxed for sex and more readily bouncing back when stress has you stressed out.

Easier menstrual cycles

Being physically active reduces symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome and menstruation, like cramping. The endorphins released during physical activity also decrease the discomforts of menopause.

Better orgasms

Last, but certainly not least, having stronger pelvic floor muscles, in particular, can have you experiencing more pleasure during climax. With orgasm largely fueled by PC (pubbococcygeus) muscle contractions, a stronger PC makes for a more forceful contraction, making your orgasms more intense.

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