Safe sex

How can I get my semen to taste better?

This one has a bit of urban legend to it. The main components of semen are citric acid (think lemons), proteins and their building blocks, sugars, fats, a few minerals and sperm. Many studies have tried to identify foods that change the taste of semen, but none are 100% conclusive. However, some folks say that eating foods that are naturally high in fructose (like mangoes and pineapple) will make semen taste sweeter, while foods high in sulfur (like brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli) make semen taste bitter. Other things that may negatively impact the taste include a diet that is high in meats and fish, alcohol, smoking and caffeine. Again, none of this is backed by science but plenty of folks have a lot to say about it. Keep in mind that whatever the effect of food on the taste and smell of semen, the changes will be brief. Foods and liquids are processed relatively quickly, so eating a bunch of asparagus now really won’t have much of an impact in a couple of days.

Want to know a cool way to make things taste better AND stay protected? Flavored condoms.

Can two virgins having oral or vaginal sex spread STIs if they aren’t using protection?

The straightforward answer is ‘no,’ but keep in mind a couple of things. First, definitions of “virginity” can vary. If you and your partner consider yourselves virgins but one of you has had oral sex with someone else, there is a possibility for transmission of STIs. Which brings me to my second point that, yes, oral sex can transmit STIs. Any and all of them – gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HPV, etc. So count previous oral sex partners as a possible risk factor. Third, know what we test for with routine STI testing. In general, when someone goes in for an STI test, they are tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia and, at least the first time, HIV and syphilis. Notice that this does not include herpes or HPV (these are only usually tested with symptoms). So just because a partner says they tested “clean” doesn’t mean that they don’t have herpes or HPV. Just some things to discuss with your partner before taking the next intimacy step in your relationship.

Why does my vagina burn after my boyfriend ejaculates inside of me?

I can’t say for certain, but it’s possible to be allergic to components of your partner’s semen. While uncommon, it should be considered when someone experiences allergic-type reactions after sex. 

What are these reactions?

• An anaphylaxis-type reaction very soon after intercourse. This includes a range of symptoms like puffy eyes, stuffy nose, itchy body rash, lip swelling, wheezing, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. 

• Local skin reaction to semen (case reports are only documented in the vagina, though anal reactions are likely possible; no oral cases have been reported). This includes vaginal itchiness, burning, redness, pain or swelling after sex. A local reaction is usually immediate though it can develop hours later. 

• A combination of anaphylaxis and local symptoms. 

Worried you might have an allergy to semen? One thing to do is try using a condom and see if symptoms improve. Condoms have been shown to protect against semen exposure and allergic reactions. However, if you do have anaphylactic symptoms, it’s best to talk with a doctor about emergency medication—just in case the condom breaks or semen leaks out.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes. Absolutely. Here are the facts:

1. The vaccine is safe. Nearly two decades of administration have failed to scientifically show any actual short- or long-term health impacts from the vaccine. The only minor effects of the vaccine are slight fever, redness or tenderness where you got the shot and the possibility of fainting within the first 15-minutes after receiving the vaccine. These effects are seen for all vaccines given during adolescence.

2. Vaccination does NOT increase sexual activity in teenagers. Studies have proven this. Scientific studies. And did you know HPV isn’t the only sexually-transmitted infection we vaccinate against? Ever heard of Hepatitis B? We give a vaccine for that to babies. (And yeah, HepB is spread by sexual activity.)

3. The benefits are real. We are already seeing trends in reduced incidence of cervical cancer, with more studies on the impact on head and neck cancer in the works.

4. Hate shots? We now know that if you receive the first dose of the vaccine sooner (before 15 years old) you only need TWO shots instead of three to protect against HPV.