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Bondage Tape For Beginners

July 11, 2012 by Velvet Box

Sexy, shiny bondage tape sticks only to itself, not to hair or skin, making it easy to put on and quick and painless to remove. No need to tie knots – just overlap ends and press firmly to fasten. Tape stays where it’s put and holds strong until you unwrap it. This PVC tape can be reused over and over again!

Product Details:

Length: 65ft/19.8m
Width: 2in/5cm
Available in Black, Red, and Pink
Reusable and non-sticky!

Safety and Use:

Keep a set of safety scissors, such as our Curb Tipped Safety Scissors handy for quick release in case of an emergency.
Never leave a bound person on unattended or in the same position for extended periods of time.
Not designed for use in suspension or other weight-bearing bondage.
Leave room to slide a finger between tape and skin and check bound body parts to make sure they are not cold or numb.
Never cover the mouth or nose, or wrap bondage tape around the neck.

Sliquid Sea

June 27, 2012 by Velvet Box

Sliquid Sea feels like moisture straight from the aloe vera plant! This is a winner!

Sliquid Sea is a water based and water soluble personal lubricant, blended with hand selected natural seaweed extracts. Each extract provides an added boost for your health: Carrageenan, while also being one of natures most effective natural lubricants, has also been shown to reduce the transmission of HPV (Human Pappilomavirus). Wakame is a seaweed that contains B vitamins, and reduces inflammation and improves elasticity in your skin. Nori is an algae that prevents oxidation of the skin and is a very effective natural moisturizer. Together, these natural extracts of the sea blend with our Naturals H2O lubricant, to provide a slippery, sensual lubricant with the natural healing properties of the sea.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Plant Cellulose (from Cotton, Cyamopsis (Guar Conditioners, Carrageenan, Wakame, Nori, Potassium Sorbate

Water Based and Water Soluble
100% Vegan friendly
Long lasting and easy to clean up
Glycerin free and paraben free
Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
Blended with hand selected seaweed extracts
Non-staining, unflavored, and unscented
Uniquely blended to enhance your body’s own natural lubrication

Does Intercourse Hurt? A Guide To Women’s Sexual Pain

May 20, 2012 by Velvet Box

Sexual pain is common, but can usually be cured.

Published on May 15, 2012 by Michael Castleman, M.A. in All About Sex

Many women suffer sexual pain, chronic genital pain independent of lovemaking, and/or pain duringsex. The landmark “Sex In America” survey estimates that sexual pain afflicts 20 percent of American women—15 percent before menopausal, 33 percent after.

Until recently, many doctors dismissed women’s genital pain (dyspareunia or vulvodynia) as “neurotic,” which left them doubly wounded—in pain and put down. Some men don’t believe women’s complaints of sexual pain. A few even believe that sex should hurt women. Wrong.

Pain is a mind-body experience with physical and emotional components. Stress, anxiety, and depression aggravate pain. It’s important to identify both the physical and psychological components because each responds to different treatments. If one component resists treatment, it may help to treat the other.

Sex should never hurt

Attention, men: Except for consensual BDSM, sex should never hurt. Some men feel so eager to plunge into intercourse that they dismiss women’s complaints of pain. Big mistake. If sex hurts her, she can’t become aroused, which means lousy sex for both of you.

Most sexual pain can be cured

In a two-year study, two-thirds of women with sexual pain reported significant improvement. The many causes include:

Lack of lubrication

Poorly lubricated intercourse is a major cause of women’s pain. Many perfectly normal women don’t produce much vaginal lubrication. After 40, as women become menopausal, lubrication problems become increasingly prevalent. Cunnilingus can supplement women’s natural vaginal lubrication. But any woman who feels dry and irritated should use a commercial lubricant—lots of it.

Nonsensual lovemaking

Before they can enjoy intercourse comfortably, most women need considerable warm-up time, 30 to 45 minutes. If men push in before women feel receptive, the women experience pain. Pain-free lovemaking is based on leisurely, playful, whole-body massage. Men should slow down, then slow down some more. Intercourse can wait. Give women all the time they need to become relaxed, aroused, and receptive. Sex therapists recommend at least 30 minutes of kissing, cuddling, mutual whole-body massage, and oral sex before attempting intercourse.

Inserting too quickly or deeply

Even if women are well lubricated and feel highly aroused, they may experience pain if men push in too forcefully. Don’t imitate porn. The vagina is not a hollow space. It’s tightly folded muscle tissue that relaxes as women warm up to sex, and yields most comfortably when the penis enters slowly.

Deep insertion may also cause pain, especially during rear-entry (doggie style). To enjoy this position without pain, the man should remain still and allow the woman to back onto the penis at her own pace. This way, women can lalert men to the depth they can comfortably accommodate. And in the woman-on-top position, again, the man should remain still so the woman can sit down on him, controlling the speed and depth of insertion for her comfort.

Relationship issues

If relationships cause women emotional pain, sex may trigger physical pain. For relationship issues, consult a couples counselor or sex therapist (below).

Birth control pills

An expert says today’s birth control pills are “a leading causes of women’s sexual pain.” Andrew Goldstein, M.D., editor of Female Sexual Pain Disorders, says the Pill causes overproduction of sex hormone-binding globulin, which attaches to vulvar tissue, and causes biochemical changes that produce pain. Goldstein says that women with sexual pain should get off the Pill and take supplemental estrogen and androgens to normalize their levels. With this treatment, he says most women with Pill-related pain are cured in six months.

Vulvar skin conditions

Women’s external genital skin is sensitive to irritation from douching, pubic shaving, sunburn, latex allergy from condoms, or contact dermatitis from harsh or perfumed soaps, feminine hygiene products, or underwear made from synthetic fabrics. If the vulva appears red or irritated, consult a physician.

Sexually transmitted infections

Chlamydia, genital warts, and pelvic inflammatory disease may cause pain on intercourse. If pain persists despite increased sensuality and lubrication, see a doctor for screening.

Other vaginal infections

Vaginal yeast or bacterial infection (vaginosis) may cause sexual pain, which may feel worse the day after lovemaking. Women in pain should be tested.

Emotional and sexual trauma

It may take many years for early life trauma to manifest as pain. Sextherapy can help. So can the excellent book, Healing Sex: A Mind-Body Approach to Healing Sexual Trauma by Staci Haines (Cleis Press).

Oxalate irritation

Some foods contain oxalates. Women sensitive to them may develop urethral irritation, which can cause pain. High-oxalates foods include: celery, coffee, chocolate, rhubarb, spinach, and strawberries. The Vulvar Pain Foundation (vulvarpainfoundation.org) publishes a more extensive list. It can take three to six months on a low-oxalate diet to experience improvement. Oxalate irritation may also improve with a calcium citrate supplement (Citracal).

Vaginismus

Vaginismus causes pelvic muscle spasm, which closes the vagina. In mild cases, intercourse causes discomfort. In severe cases, insertion is impossible and attempts cause sharp pain. Ask your doctor to check for vaginismus. It’s best treated by a physician-sex therapist team. Therapy includes Kegel exercises, biofeedback, and insertion of graduated dilator rods that gradually coax the vagina open.

Vulvar Vestibulitis (VV)

This poorly understood condition involves inflammation of the tiny vestibular glands inside the vagina. Testing for VV, involves pressing a Q-tip into this tissue. In women with VV, Q-tip pressure causes sharp pain. Some VV clears up with time and lubrication. Other treatments include: biofeedback, Kegel exercises, a low-oxalate diet, a support group, and surgery to remove the glands (vestibulectomy).

Other conditions

Women’s sexual pain may also be caused by: uterine prolapse, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and gynecological cancers. A work-up should investigate all of them.

For more on genital/sexual pain, contact: the International Pelvic Pain Society or the National Vulvodynia Association, or the Vulvar Pain Foundation. Or consult a sex therapist by visiting the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, or the American Board of Sexology.

Message to men

If women complain of genital/sexual pain, don’t criticize them for sabotaging sex. Instead, slow things down, use lubricant, embrace whole-body caressing, and urge her to consult a physician. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, as a couple, consult a sex therapist. Remember, for great sex, intercourse is not necessary. You can enjoy mutual pleasure using your hands, tongues, and toys. Women appreciate men who take their pain seriously, men who are patient and supportive during its evaluation and treatment.

References:

Bergeron, S et al. “A Randomized Comparison of Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Biofeedback, and Vestibulectomy in the Treatment of Dyspareunia Resulting from Vulvar Vestibulitis,” Pain (2001) 91:297.

Binik, Y.M. et al. “Female Sexual Pain Disorders: Genital Pain or Sexual Dysfunction?” Archives of Sexual Behavior (2002) 31:425.

Dunn, K.M. et al. “Systematic Review of Sexual Problems: Epidemiology and Methodology,” Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy (2002) 28:399.

Graziottin, A. “Clinical Approach to Dyspareunia,” Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy (2001) 27:489-501.

Graziottin, A. et al. “Vulvodynia: The Challenge of Unexplained Genital Pain,” Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy (2001) 27:503-512.

Graziottin, A and L.A. Brotto. “Vulvar Vestibulitis: A Clinical Approach,”Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy (2004) 30:125.

4 Sex Positions Every Man Should Try

May 4, 2012 by Velvet Box

As the classic comedy, Clerks famously quipped, it’s simple for men to reach orgasm. (“Insert somewhere close and preferably moist; thrust; repeat.”)

But for her to reach the big O? Count the ways. According to the latest research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, vaginal and clitoral orgasms are, in fact, separate sensations.

Don’t obsess over the source of her pleasure, though—just try something new. Interest in testing out new positions actually makes a big difference in her pleasure and her arousal, explains Jen Landa, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD and author of The Sex Drive Solution for Women.

Whether your goal is to give her a blended orgasm or target her G-spot, focus on vaginal pleasure or hone in on her clitoris, we’ve rounded up four positions that will help you perform like a pro in between the sheets.

For ultimate access to her clitoris, try: The Pretzel a.k.a. The Camel Ride

How it works: Kneel and straddle her left leg while she’s lying on her left side. From here, she should bend her right leg around the right side of your waist—allowing full access to her vagina. This position is an upgrade from standard missionary because this sets you up for deeper penetration and allows you to slow your roll. “Most women find sex much more pleasurable when it’s not just constant thrusting,” says Landa. So spend some time exploring her body. This setup gives you complete access to her clitoris for manual stimulation. But don’t feel limited to solely hands on fun. Try withdrawing your penis and, while holding the shaft with your left hand, rub the head against her clitoris. Start out soft and slow, then as you increase speed and pressure, reinsert once you’ve brought her to the brink of an orgasm.

For targeting her G-Spot, try: The Standing Dragon a.k.a. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Serpent

How it works: Position her on the edge of the bed, posing on all fours. As you stand behind her, have her arch her back so it lifts her butt upward. With your legs outside of hers, use your thighs to squeeze her knees together, which tightens her vagina around your penis. This position is ideal for G-spot stimulation and also gives you a great view of her curves.

For intensifying vaginal pleasure, you should try: The Flatiron a.k.a. Downward Dog

How it works: Have her lie face down on the bed with her knees slightly bent and hips slightly raised. For comfort, and to increase the angle of her hips, you can suggest placing a pillow under her lower abs. From here, enter her from behind and keep your weight off of her by propping yourself up with your arms. This position creates a snug fit—which intensifies her pleasure by making you feel larger to her. (A killer tip for you: You’ll last longer in this position if you switch to shallower thrusts and deeper breaths.)

For optimal dual pleasure, you should try: The Pole Position a.k.a. Thighmaster

How it works: Lie on your back and bend one of your legs, keeping the other outstretched. Have her straddle the raised leg with a thigh on either side and then lower herself onto your member so that her back is facing you. From here, she should hold your knee and use it for support as she rocks up and down. “This position is great, because it’s a lot like the reverse cowgirl, but with a twist,” says Landa. Raising your knee allows her to rub against your thigh—which produces optimal clitoral stimulation, says Landa.

Frisky Fitness – Benefits of Couple's Fitness

March 17, 2012 by Velvet Box

Working Up A Sweat With Your Man

Working out with your man can do wonders for your relationship. Not only does exercise provide the perfect opportunity to share goals and accomplishments, but the bonding that takes place during a workout can actually get you fired up for other things. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise makes you look better and feel more energized, all while increasing sexual arousal. Simply put, the people who workout more, have more sex; and, the couples who workout together…well, let’s just say the stars align!

If you’re not currently working up a sweat with your man, there’s no need to…well…sweat it. Ease into a new togetherness routine by trying active date nights or signing up for a race that you can train for together. The whole point of couples workouts is to have fun, so find something you both enjoy or that you’ve always wanted to try and start with just one or two couples routines a week. Check out a few of our favorite date night workout ideas.

TURNING DATE NIGHT INTO A WORKOUT

According to a recent survey by WET, the best-selling line of personal lubricants, more than 67 percent of respondents said that workouts noticeably increased their sex drive. So, what better way to heat things up with your date than by working up a sweat on date night? Here are a few suggestions for keeping things flirty and fun:

Choose an activity that is new to both of you. You may feel a little awkward at first, but you’ll both be learning (and laughing) together – a great way to improve your bond. Activities like indoor rock climbing, snowboarding or surfing are all great options. If you’re less of an adventurer, try renting a tandem bike or a set of inline skates for the afternoon. Who knows, you just might pick up a new, shared hobby!
Choose an activity you haven’t done in years. If you haven’t gone ice skating or mini golfing since you were a kid, use date night as the perfect opportunity to revisit your past. You can also look for new twists to an old activity – like heading to an indoor trampoline gym or turning a hike into a geocaching adventure.
Choose an activity that encourages touching. This is especially important for couples who have been together for years. It’s easy to get sucked up in the dullness of day-to-day life and forget to hold hands, hug and kiss. By finding activities that encourage touching, you can help re-ignite your fire. Try couples yoga, salsa dancing or even strength training – every time you need a spot, your man will be right there to help you!

Tell us, what do you like most about working out with your date?