Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, sociologist and sexologist, writes her sex advice and gender commentary blog. The sex blog includes relationship advice, free sex education videos, sex tips, sex-positive mindfulness, and podcast interviews.
Shocked by public breastfeeding?A breastfeeding woman should cover up in public! No, no, she should be free to feed her baby... Dr. Jenn weighs in on public breastfeeding and shares her personal opinions.
~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sociologist, Sexologist, Sexuality Speaker
Are you getting tired of all the crap that politicians are doing around women's reproductive rights? This is about the bullshit that is the Kansas House Bill 2598 and wrongful birth bills. When is this craziness going to stop?!
~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus - San Diego, CA -- Sociologist, Sexuality Speaker, & Sex Therapist
DImage from: http://kahilas.blogspot.com/2011/06/whats-causing-your-pelvic-pain.htmlear Dr. Jenn,
Is it normal to have pain when I have sex with my boyfriend? It’s not all the time, but about half the time I have to stop him once he’s inside because it hurts too much. What should we do?
Thank you!
- Sex is a Pain
—–
Dear Sex is a Pain,
I’m so sorry to hear you’re experiencing pain! But very happy that you brought it up, since you are not alone. A 2010 Indiana University study found that one third of women reported genital pain during their last sexual encounter. First, a few clarifying questions: Where is the pain located? Is it inside or outside your vagina? What does the pain feel like, for example, is it burning or sore? Has this happened with past partners? Can you pinpoint any differences between the times you have pain and the times you do not?
If the pain is deep inside and only occasional, it might be connected to changes in your menstrual cycle, which can shift your cervix and uterus. I suggest that you alter sexual positions when there’s pain, to find one that doesn’t allow for deep penetration. On the other hand, if the pain is right around the entrance to your vagina, there are likely other factors coming into play, such as lubrication and time. Since the pain is not always present, I’m guessing that the difference could be that you haven’t had enough time to get all juicy and lubricated. All bodies are different, and some people need more foreplay prior to intercourse to allow their genitals to engorge with blood and for the body to kick in with natural vaginal lubrication. More finger and tongue action around the vulva and vaginal opening should better prepare you for penetration. Also, adding a personal lubricant can help reduce unwanted friction (I recommend brands like Sliquid, Hathor Aphrodisia, or Pink). If you believe you have a physical problem that is not addressed here or is more serious (e.g., vulvodynia), we are lucky in San Diego to have the Sexual Medicine Clinic at Alvarado Hospital, so you can visit them to determine the source of your pain.
It’s very important that you openly discuss this with your boyfriend and that BOTH of you are doing what you can to stop the pain. Sometimes women grin and bear it, but in the long run this creates a negative feedback loop around sex. Sex should be fun and pleasurable for both partners and I hope this helps you achieve that. I wish you happy and healthy sex!
Passionately,
Dr. Jenn
*This article was originally posted to the Sex & Love Blog Series at Pacific San Diego Magazine.
~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sex Coach, Marriage Counselor, Sexologist, College Sexual Health Speaker
Amidst celebratory champagne toasts, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Diana Hoppe, San Diego gynecologist and expert on women's sex drive. What struggles do some women face and what can they do about it? Are there "normal" changes women go through?
SEXUAL FUN FACT
Question: When it comes to crocodiles, whether a baby ends up male or female, depends on what factor?
SPECIAL DEN SEX-TION
Sex Position of the Day -- What is "The Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" Position? (reason to sing!)
~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sex Therapist, Marriage Counselor, Sexologist, College Sexual Health Speaker
Doulas are valuable support partners for pregnant women, through advocacy, education, and emotional support. Dr. Jenn interviews San Diego doula, Rosie Peterson, about her compassionate work. http://www.sandiegobirthnetwork.com
SEXUAL FUN FACT
True or False: In India, a citizen's passport has three options for gender: male, female, and a third gender?
SPECIAL DEN SEX-TION
In a Sentence - What's a Gay Guy Have to Say? 
~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sex Therapist, Marriage Counselor, Sexologist, College Sexual Health Speaker
Does the media help or harm awareness around women's sexual health? Both! Dr. Jenn interviews feminist filmmaker, Echo Zen, about media depictions of women's sexual health. Bonus: Fun movie clips! (www.youtube.com/user/echozenuk)
SEXUAL FUN FACT
What is the LEAST popular day of the year for viewing pornography?
DEN RECOMMEND
Hathor Aphrodisia's Lubricant Lickeurs (Coconut Orange - yum!)
~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sex Therapist, Marriage Counselor, Sexologist, College Sexual Health Speaker
Dr. Jenn is a sociologist and relationship & sexuality speaker who challenges our cultural beliefs around sex, sexual consent, gender roles, and health intimacy, with a mindfulness and compassionate approach. Her site includes a sex blog, free sex education videos, sexuality speaking information, and mindfulness resources.
