As ladies, we hold this fantastic, beautiful, delicate, jaw dropping thing between our legs that is amazing.  Loved by all!  Why is it our little boxes are just so darned sensitive?  This entry may not be for all but as you know Lip Service is all about education.  I am here to talk about the dreaded yeast infection!  "Baking bread" as it was recently described to me by a male friend.  Seriously ladies, it can get ridiculous.  Really it is up to each individual's body but talking to my girls...here's what we came up with from experience:

Sugar (alcohol, bread, pasta, candy, juice, soda)

By now you should know starches turn into sugar which turn into fat however we're here only to talk about the sugar.  A high sugar diet wreaks havoc on our love boxes.

If your doctor prescribes you an antibiotic it's going to kill all the good stuff our flowers need to maintain a healthy self cleansing system.  You may want to ask your doctor to prescribe you Diflucan (a one day pill..no cream...no mess....no fuss) or any type of yeast infection cream.  A better alternative is to go to your local health food market and buy a probiotic like acidophilus.  

Clothes (tight clothes, nylons, swim suits, non-cotton crotch panties)

Like wine, our "stuff" needs to breathe! Tight jeans and leggings are cute but change out of them when you get a chance.  It is swim suit season for sure (and always hot tub / Jacuzzi weather).  It is extremely important to get out of those wet suits as soon as possible.  It is a breeding ground because yeast loves to brew in warm moist settings.  This is also a chance to do a costume change. Why not change into another swim suit you have?  You'll be the fashionista of the party. If you work out and need to rush back to work or somewhere else, make sure you have an extra pair of undies to slip in to after your work out.  Especially if you don't have time to shower after your work out.  

Sex (condoms, lube, new partner)

Sex is wonderful but can often cause our love boxes to be like 'hey, what's invading my space?'.  A good lube can keep us from getting irritated from all that friction.  If your vag is really sensitive, the more lubrication, the better...even if you're 'ready.'  The thing that many men and women don't know is all that flavored lube shouldn't go inside of us below the belt.  Many lubes contain sugar and or glycerin which promotes yeast infections.  There are some great ones available which are "natural" meaning they don't contain the bad stuff.  Many flavored lubes are geared towards oral sex but again, the sugar content.  There are some lubes that are also sugar free.  If you have a new partner and you are not using condoms (you REALLY should be using condoms) our "stuff" needs to get used to this visitor that will be hanging around and introducing you to his "stuff."  

Please read this earlier entry because it says everything pretty clearly.  If you don't have time to read it now, just make sure you start your session with clean hands.  This goes for putting fingers in mouth, touching your partner's face, lips and anything below the belt.

Many soaps contain glycerin and perfumes to moisturize your skin and make you smell oh so perrrty.  Those of us with ultra delicate flowers get irritated due to these ingredients.  There's nothing wrong with using these bars, bubble baths, etc all over your body...if you can handle it.  Check out some of the gentle soaps from the health food store.  Most are gentle enough for a baby.

Probiotics (acidophilus, bifidus)

These can be found in any health food store.  The best ones are the live cells found in the refrigerated section.  Buying one that do not need to refrigerated is good to drag along to work or wherever you don't have a fridge.  The higher the number of live cells, the better.  The ones in my fridge have 10 billion live cells per capsule.  They are good to always have on hand. If you are on antibiotics, pop some of these pills to counteract the antibiotic's affect on your lotus flower.

This tea is made by Traditional Medicinals.  Can be found at health food stores and some local grocery stores like Ralph's but they are over priced.  This tea should be used in combination with the below suggestion.  Drink this tea three to five times a day during an infection.

These homeopathic tablets are great to relieve current symptoms and prevent future occurrences when taken on a daily basis (like acidophilus).  During symptoms take one tablet, three times a day.  When there are no symptoms take one tablet daily as prevention.  They come in a yellow box and can be found at any drug store and super stores like Target / Wal Mart.  They are cheaper at the super stores.  The package says this can also be in conjunction with ointments, suppositories, creams, etc.  

No matter what cream or pill you take, it still takes a few days for your symptoms to be gone completely.  Whether it be a one day pill / cream, five day or seven day cream...it's not a fast fix.  You might as well spend the few extra dollars for the one day cream  because it still is seeping out the next day or two later.  No matter how you slice it....we are out of commission a few days.

Here's to having the perfectly balanced love box!

XOXO!!

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared April national awareness month.  In 2008, there were more than 1.5 million total cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea reported to the CDC - making them the two most commonly reported infectious diseases in the United States. This page has the most common STD's and provides information.  You can also enter your zip code to find the nearest STD testing location.  

For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood has promoted a commonsense approach to women's health and well-being, based on respect for each individual's right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex and family planning.  Now men, you are also welcomed to visit Planned Parenthood.  Planned Parenthood offers great resources and their fees are based on a sliding scale based on your income and donations.  There are over 840 PP health centers; find a local one, make an appointment, and schedule your tests.  Did you know they offer HIV test results in only 15 minutes? Not like the old days where you had to wait one to two weeks.  What's even better is it's done with a simple pin prick to the finger.  If you've never been to Planned Parenthood, the wait can take quite some time so bring a book or plop down in front of their TV showing educational clips.  A huge tip for you when you make an appointment: get the first or second appointment after they open or return from lunch.

Kisses,

Madison B

Sex education.  Is it immoral?  I don't believe so.  So many people have so many questions and I hope people find my information helpful. The Site, The Blog, etc are  purely educational and purely informative.  Some conservatives may think I'm immoral because I talk about sex and want to educate people.  Crazy huh?.  I've learned so much while doing research and I'm willing to share my knowledge.  I did a Google search of conservative + sex and I found this: The Top Ten Conservative Sex Scandals.  I decided to post this as a reminder of how these conservative figure heads were very judgmental but yet up to shenanigans.  Enjoy the link! Most of their videos are entertaining and funny.  Some serious, but still informative.

Stress can have a big role in the decrease of libido and there are many factors that are contributers.  Most people are stressed out financially these days.  Work also plays a huge part. This short article gives 4 basic lifestyle changes to help relieve your work day stress: eat breakfast; take a lunch break;  drink more water; and exercise more.  I know sometimes it's very easy to work through lunch to meet the deadlines, pick up the slack due to layoffs, etc.  Getting out for fresh air, reading a book, going to your car to decompress, a walk around the block...anything, can help your YOU time throughout the work day.  Smoke breaks are not in this category by the way.  The article also gives other stress reducing tips.

I stumbled across this great article from TLC regarding ten things to help your sex life.  I like this article because they give brief information about each item.  Personally I don't eat oysters but it was nice to read WHY they are an aphrodisiac.  I'll mention the ten items but I encourage you to follow this link to the TLC article.  Let me just say most of my favorite things are on there so I'm happy.

    10. Dark Chocolate (not a Snickers)

Enjoy the article!

XOXO!

PS: Artie...you are loved!! "huuuuge" fan.

    

I recently met this gal who found out her husband watches porn.  I personally recommend watching porn together so you can see what he likes...possibly incorporate some new fantasies, dirty talk and / or role playing to your repertoire.  We ended up talking and her issues go a little deeper than just 'oh, my man watches porn.'  Then I got thinking about a gal I know; when she found her husband's porn collection, she hit him so hard...she broke her ulna.  Granted they didn't have that get to know you period because they got married fairly shortly after meeting...like a couple weeks (not judging).  I've been wanting to blog about husbands and porn for awhile now.  I was shocked at how many women have issues with this.  After reading their questions, I felt for them.  Most of these women seem to be willing to do anything for their men!  I'm talking dressing up, watching porn together anytime, sex anytime they wanted, anal sex, etc.  My Ex-Thing used to watch porn and get off 3 - 5 times a day.  I personally thought it was hot but we also talked and agreed that he's probably addicted to masturbating and / or porn.  It never bothered me how much he watched because it didn't affect us but I can see how this could hurt a lover.  While researching, I read some men were sneaking to the bathroom in the middle of the night with the laptop to watch porn. Many of the men promised never to do it again, but of course they got caught doing it again.  This is a touchy subject because I'm all about watching porn with your man.  I can also see the downside where it is majorly effecting the lover.  I believe honesty and communication are SO important for any relationship to grow.  Men, if you're going to watch porn and your wife / girlfriend doesn't like it...please be discreet.  Clear your cookies, empty your caches, and clear your history on your computer.  Ladies, please know that men watch porn and it doesn't mean they don't love you or want you.  Men and women, keep in mind that if you ask questions / go investigating, be prepared for the answer.  It may not be what you want to hear. This site offers informational resource links and surveys about breaking porn addiction.  If anything effects your work, life or relationships it is addiction. So to answer the question: Watching porn. Is it really so bad??  It all depends on you and your situation.  Women can be addicted to porn as well

 

Big Kiss,

Madison B

PS: Artie Lange, you are loved and missed by millions!

This entry is to inform men of a few things. First off, shaving and trimming is very important.  As we all know it adds some inches down there, visually speaking.  But I'm here to say, keep on going...beyond the testicles!  The perineum and anus are a plus.  Even if you're not sure if you'd like any action in down there, the cleanliness is appreciated.  

During arousal your prostate becomes enlarged. It becomes so enlarged that the perineum, aka the taint, becomes swollen and hard to the touch.  The pulse can actually be felt.  Applying pressure, while rubbing up and down on the taint during fellatio gives the prostate some lovin' and feels really good.  So, yes, you can access the prostate without actual anal insertion.  However, rubbing on the prostate internally will increase the male orgasm beyond belief.  Men, enjoying this type of stimulation does not mean you're into men.  If you're worried about a mess, please see my entry "Add "Latex" Gloves To Your Routine."

Happy Playing,

MB

PS: Artie Lange...we love you!!

Fans of  breathing: Tony Horton (P90X), Tantra instructors, Yoga instructors, Meditators, me...to name a few. 

Here's to breathing!

Madison 

PS: Artie Lange, we miss you!

We all know that working out has many benefits.  Here are "Ten Reasons to Work Out That Has Nothing to Do With a Sexy Bod."  He left out "happiness", so it's really eleven. Here's another benefit if you have access to a Costco and a 24 Hour Fitness!!  I hate going to my local 24 Hour Fitness and watching people sign up if they are not getting the best price.  I would really love to share this huge money saving offer.  For the past couple years, Costco has been selling a 2 year, Sport Club membership for $299.  This breaks down to a measly $12.46 a month.  Keep in mind 24 Hour Fitness has monthly deals but NONE as good as this.  They do offer a pre pay for 5 years and the real savings come AFTER that 5 years.  Then the monthly fees are approximately $9.  If you're able to come up with a large chunk of money, that's a good one.  With this economy, coming up with $299 may be tough too.  To put it in perspective as of 01.07.10, their special is $30 a month, pay first and last month's dues, having the initiation fee of only $10.  For two years...that comes out to be $730!!  That's a difference of $431!!  Crazy huh?  Their other special is to pre pay for one year for only $250 which for two years it would come out to be $500.  The difference being $201.  I'm not sure on processing fees on 24 Hour Fitness pre pay.  For Costco...it's zip, zero, zilch.

For those of you who have signed up within thirty days...you can still cancel your membership and purchase this Costco one.  Please note that whatever you pay monthly, it will be your price forever! I pay $16 a month.  I didn't do the Costco one because I don't know how long they will sell them. I didn't want two years to come and go and then run the risk of paying $35 a month or something ridiculous like that.  Last month's special was $35 a month and no processing fee which I think was $99.  

Let's all get fit while saving money!!  There's no reason to pay full price.  Go with a friend who has a Costco membership.  One last Costco savings thing.  Your Guest can also use the Eye Exam place. Which means they can order glasses and contacts with you.  

Don't you LOOOOOOOVE saving money!?!

XOXO,

Sugar Sugs

In Honor of Artie Lange, I will mention him in every blog from here on out. You are loved by MILLIONS!