Dear Yvonne,
My guy wants to have anal sex. Is it safe?
- Tatiana

Dear Tatiana,
Unprotected anal sex is a high-risk sexual behavior, especially when it comes to HIV transmission. Using a latex condom lowers your risk for acquiring HIV or other sexually transmitted infections during anal intercourse. Furthermore, the experience can be enhanced and made even safer with a water-based lubricant which is specifically for anal intercourse. For an easier and safer anal sex experience, make sure that the condom-covered penis is well lubricated. Then, just try to relax during penetration, as your partner takes care not to tear the delicate lining of your rectum.  

Dr. Yvonne Kristin Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Hi Dr. Yvonne,
My friends and I were wondering if a person’s penis can get reattached? Are penis transplantations possible too?  -Sean

Dear Sean,
Penis reattachment can be done, though a male is likely to experience reduced success during sexual performance. Among the problems one may experience are numbness or only being partially erect during arousal. Some men may be bothered that their penis will be shorter. Infection is a probable consequence as well.

Penis transplantations have certainly been explored by surgeons. There are a number of problems with this type of procedure, however. First, the erectile tissue can react to trauma. It can grow tough, non-elastic, fibrous tissue, resulting in impotence. Second, a person’s immune system may also attack the area, given this individual now has another’s tissue in his body. And finally, the individual would have to take immunosuppressive drugs to protect the new penis, which would in turn leave him defenseless against cancer.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Is male circumcision bad for a man’s sex life?
Jason

Dear Jason,
The foreskin is the highly sensitive, thin layer of skin that surrounds the tip of an uncircumcised penis. During sexual arousal and sex, it retracts, acting as a “sleeve” and lubricant, keeping the head of the penis moist much like the eyelid does for the eyeball. During sex the foreskin glides back and forth, minimizing friction, which some may see as a benefit for not circumcising.

Penises with and without a foreskin are both very erogenous. Yet a major reason the foreskin is such a hot spot is because it’s packed with nerve endings, making it very delicate and an area that should be handled with care. The benefit to having a foreskin is that it contains a richer variety and greater concentration of specialized nerve receptors than any other part of the penis. Some men who are circumcised feel that they have been robbed of their full erotic potential in not having a foreskin.

Lately, research indicates that being circumcised is beneficial to a man’s sexual health. Removal of the foreskin can slightly lower his risk of contracting some sexually transmitted infections, e.g., HPV and HIV. With the foreskin removed, a man has less mucosal skin (or surface area) as far as virus exposure, decreasing the chance of transmission. The circumcised penis, however, often requires additional lubricant for pleasure and some research indicates that it may make for decreased sensation during sex.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

Hi Yvonne,
In your article on penis size, you did not mention what your thoughts are on enlargement pills. Do they work?
Jer

Dear Jer,
No, penis enlargement pills do not work. In fact, in consuming such, you’re using them at your own risk. I would not recommend them. There are very few ways for a man to enhance the size of his penis, whether he wants greater length or girth. What a man can do is trim his pubic hair to give the illusion that he has a bigger penis. He could lose weight or go for liposuction that’s going to get rid of any lower gut fat. He can also exercise, quit smoking, and maintain a low-fat diet because all of those will help as far as the blood that gets sent to the genitals during arousal. Lastly, he can also go for some sort of cosmetic surgery, though that option is very risky and cannot guarantee results.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”