Tag Archive for 'HIV'

As you should know by now, one of my random interests in research into human sexuality and relationships.  It’s fascinating.  So I periodically bring you news of the latest, often preliminary findings, announced by researchers…

1. Can’t help but seriously date more than one guy at a time?  Consistently  bored with your main squeeze? Blame it on sex hormone oestradiol.

The researchers found that a woman’s oestradiol level was positively associated with self-perceived physical attractiveness. Women with a higher oestradiol level also reported a greater likelihood of flirting, kissing and having a serious affair (but not a one-night stand) with a new partner.

Oestradiol levels were negatively associated with a woman’s satisfaction with her primary partner.

2. A microbicidal gel for women in an international trial possibly protected 30% of users from contracting HIV by blocking the virus from attaching to white blood cells.  Further testing is necessary to confirm.

Researchers hope gels and other microbicide creams could help protect women whose partners refuse to wear condoms.

I want to know why women are willing to date men who don’t care enough for their partners’ health to wear a condom.

3. Despite young African-American women being one of the fastest growing demographics contracting sexually transmitted diseases, only 1 in 4 African-American teens are receiving the HPV vaccine, which severely limits likelihood of cervical cancer.  Roughly 1 in 4 American women between 14-59 years of age are infected with HPV.

4. Kissing lowers cortisol levels in men and women, making it a great stress reliever. But unexplainably, kissing also increases the oxytocin (AKA the love hormone) level in men, while simultaneous decreasing it in women.  Researchers plan to investigate if the kissing venue plays a role in the oxytocin changes in women.

And just for fun: balloon animal sex.