7 Things Many People Don't Know About Plan B

Sixty-two percent of college kids believe that you have to be 18 to purchase the emergency contraceptive Plan B — and they are 100 percent wrong. The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and Teva Women's Health, the makers of Plan B One-Step, partnered to survey 3,600 college students between the ages of 18 and 25 to see just how much they knew about the first FDA-approved over-the-counter emergency contraceptive, and it was surprising to discover just how much many people don't know — but should.

The pill is an effective method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or failed birth control, and it's essential that everyone's well aware of its benefits in order to be fully educated about their options if they ever need to consider Plan B One-Step. Here are the facts you should know.

Do you need to be 18 years old to buy it?
No! In the survey of college students 18-25, 62 percent of males and 52 percent of females believed that you had to be 18 years old to purchase Plan B, but it's important to know that there is no age restriction on purchasing it over the counter.

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What is the window of time for taking Plan B after sex?
More than half of both the men and women surveyed answered incorrectly when asked what the window of time for taking the pill was! Plan B should taken within 72 hours, or three days after, unprotected sex or failed birth control. It's important to note that the sooner Plan B One-Step is taken, the more effectively it works!

Do you need an ID to purchase Plan B?
No! You can purchase Plan B over the counter without an ID and without a prescription. Most local retail stores and pharmacies sell Plan B over the counter — the Plan B site can help you locate the store nearest you.

Does it protect you against STIs?
Plan B is meant to be used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy — it does NOT protect you against STIs.

Does it work if you're already pregnant?
The pill will not work if you are already pregnant. Plan B One-Step works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. According to Plan B, it's also possible that it works "by preventing fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or by preventing attachment (implantation) to the uterus (womb)." This means that if you are already pregnant, the pill would be ineffective — Plan B is not an "abortion pill."

Can you use emergency contraceptive as regular birth control?
Plan B is a backup birth control method, but can't be used as a replacement for regular birth control pills because the drugs work differently and Plan B is not an effective form of regular birth control. After taking Plan B, one should resume their regular form of birth control immediately.

How effective is Plan B One-Step?
According to Plan B, when taken correctly, the pill can significantly decrease the chances of pregnancy, noting that about "seven out of every eight women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant" as result of the emergency contraceptive.

Antidepressants Depleted My Sex Drive — Here Are 5 Ways I Fixed It

According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 1 in 9 Americans are currently taking antidepressant medication, and this number is said to be steadily rising. While there is absolutely no shame in taking prescribed medication to alleviate depression, for many (myself included), the side effects can make other areas of life, well, sad.

One of those side effects? Sexual dysfunction. Not only is sex a key way to build intimacy in our relationships, it's pretty great for improving our moods by releasing a slew of feel-good hormones. And not to mention, it's also really freakin' fun. But if you're struggling to get in the mood or climax because of your medications, don't worry. You're not alone, and there are a few things you can do to boost your sex drive and life back up.

1. Take CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp, hops, and marijuana that's nonpsychoactive, meaning it won't get you high. While I still take two antidepressant medications daily, I never leave home without my CBD staples: select vape pens, topical rubs, and Pro tincture oils from Receptra. CBD takes the edge off of anxiety, gently guides me to sleep, and even relieved some my post-op pain after a recent surgery all without the psychoactive properties of weed itself.

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In addition to transforming my mood, CBD has also benefited my sex life, too. Three spritzes of Karezza's In the Moment plant-based mind and body elevation oral spray 15 to 20 minutes before being intimate kicks my drive up a few notches. The spray's unique blend of CBD from organic, full-spectrum hemp oil plus a multitude of traditional arousal-enhancing herbs, adaptogens, and essential oils is formulated to promote relaxation and fires up my senses. It helps me turn my mind off and truly enjoy myself, taking intimate experiences to the next level.

2. Get Sweaty

If your libido is a bit low, try hitting the gym, yoga mat, or sign up for a kickboxing class. It's well-known that exercise helps to significantly reduce stress and improve your mood by producing feel-good endorphins and lowering cortisol levels, both of which are necessary for a healthy sex drive. But there are even more benefits to your sweat session. A study by the University of Texas demonstrated that "exercise enhances physiological sexual arousal in women." Looking and feeling your best boosts your self-confidence, and when you feel good, you're much more open to being intimate and exploring your sexuality.

3. Communicate With Your Partner

Open communication is one of the best things you can do to increase satisfaction and pleasure during sex, so speak up! Sex doesn't have to be taboo anymore. Try talking to your partner about what you like, what typically gets you to climax, and how they can help get you there. It takes two to tango, so you both should feel equally satisfied during your intimate times together. Feeling comfortable and supported is necessary to letting go under the sheets.

4. Experiment and Explore

Want to take your intimate time to the next level? Have more fun, because, yes, sex should be fun! Stuck in the same rhythm and routine? Switch it up and try something new! Whether it's perusing a sex shop together for new toys, donning lingerie, or even moving it outside the bedroom (kitchen table, anyone?), changing up the norm adds an element of excitement and can help relieve pressure on the act itself — which leads to more pleasure for you both.

5. Talk to Your Doctor

If you're finding that your sex drive is still in a dip or you're still experiencing more lows than highs, it's time to chat with a health professional. Schedule an appointment with your doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist ASAP. It's important to be honest with your doctor about what's going on with your lifestyle so they can offer solutions catered to your needs. Feeling comfortable with your mental health team is key to recovery, health, and happiness.

The STIs That Condoms Can't Completely Protect You From, According to an Ob-Gyn

We all know that when it comes to safe sex, using a condom is key. However, condoms don't necessarily eliminate all risks of contracting an STI, as much as we'd like to think otherwise. Of course, you're likely to be OK as long as there isn't an active flare-up of an STD present, as condoms will reduce the risk of transmission of all STIs. Still, it's worth noting that some STIs can be passed from skin-on-skin contact or in places where a condom cannot cover an outbreak, explained Dr. Yvonne Bohn, a Los Angeles-based ob-gyn, to POPSUGAR. Here are a few situations where you can spread an STI, so it's important to be extra vigilant before getting down to business.

First off, STDs that are found in the ejaculate or in secretions can be reduced with condoms. "These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and herpes simplex, cervical human papilloma virus (HPV)," Dr. Bohn said. Yet, those that are passed from skin-on-skin contact can be trickier. "Diseases that can be transmitted through contact skin to skin include herpes simplex, condyloma from human papilloma virus, and molluscum contagiosum," she said.

How Does It Spread?

"Condoms do not protect from skin-to-skin contact type of diseases because the condom doesn't cover all of the genital area. Also many people do not put a condom on until ready for penetration so there is rubbing and skin to skin that occurs prior to condom placement," she explained.

For instance, herpes simplex can be contracted by skin on skin from shedding of the virus. "It causes painful ulcers and blisters," she said. If you have an open flare-up and the condom cannot cover the exposed area, you can pass herpes to your partner, even if you're using a condom.

Similarly, HPV is transmitted from skin-to-skin contact. "[HPV] forms condyloma (or genital warts)," she said. Plus, just to be clear, you should know your partner's sexual history. "A partner with herpes can still give you herpes if there are no lesions," she cautioned. Also, sometimes people mistake sores for something else or don't notice any symptoms in the first place.

Lastly, molluscum contagiosum, which is a pox virus that forms small bumps with a whitehead, can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. "People can get it from wet towels, and wet pool decks as well," she said. You can then pass this on to your partner, even if you're wearing a condom, if the bumps are exposed.

The best way to protect yourself from contracting an STI (in addition to using condoms, of course) is to always have a discussion before getting active with a new partner!

7 Steps to Mastering the Art of Lucid Dreaming

In this article I am going to show you how to master the art of lucid dreaming. You can do all the things you have ever wanted and more. The only limit is your imagination.

What Are the Benefits?

A lucid dream is simply a dream that you control; even though you are in a state of sleep, you are consciously self-aware. In this state you are able to control your reality to create your own perfect virtual world and thus do absolutely anything you wish.

The best part is that everyone has the ability to do it. Although some people are just naturally gifted or have “beginners’ luck”, most people have to learn to harness the skill and develop it. However, once mastered, you can use it as often as you like to do all sorts of wonderful fun things as well as fulfil your wildest sexual fantasies.

On top of all that, it can be used to solve difficult personal problems by tapping directly into your subconscious mind; you can even use it to take control of your nightmares. You can also enact challenging future situations such as exams or job interviews.

How Do I Learn to Do It?

Luckily, learning this skill isn't too difficult. All you need is a little patience, discipline, and persistence combined with a few simple techniques.

Eventually you will be able to enjoy lucid dreams on a regular basis.

If you are serious about learning this amazing skill, then there are plenty of books and great websites that you can research. Here are a few basic tips to get you started.

#1 Keep a Dream Diary

Start by keeping a dream diary.

It’s important that you complete this first thing in the morning when you wake otherwise you will forget your dreams. That's just how dreams are. So, every morning before you do anything else, jot your dreams down.

This is a great way for you to start really thinking about them, identify any patterns, and consider what subtle (or not so subtle) message they may be trying to tell you.

#2 Tell Yourself You Will Have a Lucid Dream

Before you go to sleep, tell yourself that you will have a lucid dream. If you happen to wake up in the middle of the night, remind yourself to have a lucid dream when you fall back asleep.

You will have one eventually.

#3 Perform Reality Checks

Every day, randomly do a few “reality checks” just to make sure you are really awake. This can be at any time of the day when you are doing a normal activity, i.e. looking at your smart phone, walking through a doorway, or even driving a car to work. This is a great tip that will get you in the habit of spontaneous reality checks.

When you are actually in a dream you will also “just do them,” and when this happens, you will realize that you are actually having a dream. This then triggers a lucid dream.

#4 Use Your Imagination

Whenever you have a quiet moment, take some time to concentrate and vividly imagine what you will do when you actually have your first lucid dream.

Lots of people like flying, which is great, but it takes a bit of practice to get it right. Perhaps for your first time, you can try imagining something a bit less ambitious.

#5 Remember to Look at Your Hands

When you think that you may be in a lucid dream state, look at your hands.

I mean, really look at them closely and turn them both ways. I don't know why this helps, but it seems to help me center myself and stabilize the experience.

In addition to this, whenever you wish to change the dream setting, think about what or where you want to be and then spin around in a 360 degree circle. When you complete your rotation, you should find yourself at your chosen “destination.”

#6 Avoid Alcohol

Avoid alcohol or stimulants before you go to sleep. This is common sense really, but underlines the fact that to have lucid dreams, you need to have as clear and focused a mind as possible.

#7 Be Patient

Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Don't worry if you don't have a lucid dream on your first few tries. Just give it time and let it happen. It took me a couple of weeks and the more you have, the better you get at making them happen.

So, these are my simple beginner tips to having your first lucid dream. I hope that you get a chance to practice them soon, perhaps learn a bit more about the incredible history of this skill, and practice some more advanced techniques and applications.