10 sex tips for your first time with a woman

1. Nerves

"OMFG, how will I know what to do?" The world is full of information on what straight couples do in bed. In the papers, in the movies... everywhere. Girl-on-girl sex? Not so much. Even though having had male sexual partners may help inform a fair bit of what you do, it still might feel strange to be giving what you have previously received. The good news is that although tips and tricks are handy, sex is still largely intuitive whatever genders it's between. You might find you surprise yourself...

2. Communication

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Your virgin voyage to the Sapphic Isles needn't come without a personalised map – or, you know, a super-hot Sat Nav with the voice of Marilyn Monroe, if you're lucky. You don't have to arrange a pre-coital business meeting with pointing sticks and blow-up dolls, but once you've brushed up on some girl-on-girl sex tips, simply talking dirty prior to the act is a great way to establish what you both do and don't want to try with each other. During the act? Never be afraid to say you've changed your mind about something – and always listen carefully to what she says too. Trusting your instincts, and each other, is a crucial part of enjoyable sex.

3. Masturbation

Girls have the same bits, yay – so what better way to practice? If you're a regular masturbator, great. If not, perhaps now is the time to learn more about it... Here's a handy guide to give you some pointers. Don't freak out if it doesn't work for you – solo sex isn't for everyone.

Another good way to learn more about vaginas is by putting a mirror between your legs and having a good look. Women's outer vaginas vary in appearance (so don't be shocked if hers doesn't look much like yours at all) but delve a little deeper and you'll find the important bits are generally in a similar area.

4. Boobs

I will never forget the first time I had a pair of boobs that weren't my own to play with. My mind went totally blank and I sort of flapped my hands excitedly at them. It wasn't my best sexual performance.

Some women don't like having their breasts touched at all. If that's you or your partner, that's cool. But if breast play is on the agenda then, as a general guide, start gentle – some women's boobs are more sensitive than others. Cup them delicately, trace them lightly with your fingers, kiss them softly... Try not to grab. If all is going well, then try licking her nipples, using circular movements interspersed with sucking (not too hard).

5. Fingering

Get those nail clippers out NOW. See those "lesbians" in porn films? I'm pretty sure 90% of their million-decibel screams and moans are because their co-star has snagged a crimson talon somewhere the sun don't shine.

Clitoral stimulation is how most women achieve orgasm, but each woman is different: some women enjoy very fast friction directly to the clitoris, for instance, while others enjoy slow rubbing on the outer lips. Don't be put off if you have to go through a bit of trial and error with a new partner.

Checked she's OK with penetration? Ready to go in? Start with one finger and build up – shoving four in at once, unless specifically asked to, can be considered bad form. You also need to make sure you keep an eye on what your other digits are doing – thumbs digging into thighs spoil the mood. Build speed up slowly.

G-spot stimulation sends some women wild, others are indifferent, and still others actively dislike the sensation of having it touched. "OK," I hear you cry, "but where the hell is it?" If you put your own finger inside you and hook it up as if you were beckoning someone, you will feel a spongy bit. It's easier for some women than it is for others to find it, so persevere. Wiggle your finger(s) on it and see what happens...

6. Giving oral

This seems to be the bit that scares first-time lady-lovers the most. It's also the hardest aspect of girl-on-girl sex to give clear, one-size-fits-all advice on – sorry ladies! Again, starting slowly is a good plan. Gently part her outer labia and lick up from the entrance to the clitoris (this has the added benefit of giving you chance to find the clit if you are having trouble – some girls wear 'em buried deep!). Lick up and down the labia themselves. Focus on the clit and licking round it, using your wonderful friend Ms Circular Motion. Vary the pressure. Inserting a finger at the same time adds an extra frisson for some. Trial and error, trial and error.

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7. Humping

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Check out point 10 to discover that there are myriad ways of doing this (hurrah!). For a simple starter, try it with one of you lying down and the other straddling her, placing one another's thigh in one another's crotch. You might feel a bit clumsy at first but you'll soon you should find you fit together and get into the rhythm of it.

8. Accessories?

Statistically, you are far less likely to catch anything from another woman than you are from a man. However, it is still possible. Lesbian sex can transfer bacterial vaginosis, herpes, HPV and, more rarely, trichomoniasis and hepatitis. For safer oral sex, little squares of latex called dental dams can be placed over your genitals. Handy hint: a slit open condom works just as well. For responsible fingering, grab yourself some latex gloves.

Other kit? Well that's for discussion between the two of you. Personally I'd advise keeping this for later – things will be nervewracking enough as it is if you've never slept with a woman before! As ever, remember that some women don't like being penetrated – never assume anything. Use toys with condoms and/or wash them between uses to prevent spreading anything.

9. Orgasms?

As you are no doubt aware, women generally take longer than men to orgasm and some find it hard to manage at all. So don't despair if you've already come and she's still nowhere near the finishing line, or vice versa. I can never emphasise enough that an orgasm is not the be all and end all of a satisfying sexual experience – and of course the less you stress, the more likely it is you'll manage it in the future.

10. Next steps...

Got the hang of all that and want to try something more adventurous? Our sister site in the US brings you 28 smokin' lesbian sex positions to add to your repertoire.

How to have sex for the first time

How to have sex for the first time

If it's your first time having sex, you probably have loads of questions on your mind, but you may not feel comfortable talking about them. And that’s totally normal. To put your mind at ease, we’ve compiled a list of some of the really important stuff you should know before,during, and after doing the deed.

This can help if:

• You’ve just started thinking more about sex
• You’re curious about sex
• You feel ready to have sex for the first time

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Get the deets before getting in the sheets

So, you’ve decided that you’re ready to have sex for the first time. Good for you! If you’re going to have a healthy relationship with sex, it’s important that you’re responsible about it and you’ve got all the important info that you need to practice safe sex:

• It hardly seems fair, but you can contract a sexually transmitted infection even if it’s your first time having sex. Make sure you use condoms or dams to protect yourself. Check out our contraception fact sheet for more info on having safe sex.
• If you're a guy and girl having vaginal sex, you can also get pregnant your first time (or get someone pregnant). So again, make sure you understand contraception and choose the right one for you before you have sex. 

What to expect? 

Pain? If you’ve heard about the pain that comes with losing your V-plates, the idea of getting freaky might totally freak you out. But don’t believe everything you hear - some people find their first time having sex to be really comfy, fun, and enjoyable. For others, it does feel uncomfortable, and it can hurt. 

What to do: If you do experience pain during sex, you might not have enough lubrication, you may need to try a different sexual position, or ask your partner to slow down. It could also be from a lack of desire or arousal, or feeling nervous about having sex. If it hurts a hell of a lot, stop. It shouldn’t be super painful, so talk to your partner about ways you can make sex more comfortable. If it's really concerning you, have a chat to your GP.

What the hymen? For women, there can be bleeding the first time they have vaginal sex if their hymen ruptures. It’s normal to bleed and it’s equally normal not to bleed.

What to do:  If you do bleed, it shouldn’t last long, but if it continues, visit your GP.

Fireworks? Let’s blame Hollywood and porn for making us believe that sex is always going to blow your mind. Our sexpectations are sky-high and as a result, we might find that we’re sometimes disappointed with reality. 

What to do: Like most things, it takes practice. If one or both of you aren’t experiencing the magic, don’t stress too much. It takes time to work out what you and your partner likes and it’s pretty common to not have an orgasm during sex, especially the first few times. Keep the lines of communication open and let each other know what you’re into and what you’re not so into.

Awkward? Having sex for the first time, like anything you do for the first time, is kind of like trial and error. There are limbs everywhere and strange sounds you’ve never heard before.

What to do:  Tell that tumbleweed it’s not welcome. Go into it ready to have a laugh, and those awkward instances won’t seem like such a big deal. It might be that you’re nervous, in which case you should take some deep breaths to help you relax and ease into it. If the awkwardness is overwhelming, you might want to stop and chat to your partner so that you feel more comfortable about everything.

The aftermath

After having sex for the first time, you might be feeling a bunch of different things. It’s not uncommon to feel:

• Worried or guilty
• Confused
• Extra affectionate
• Excited

Sex is a personal way to feel close to someone, so it’s understandable if you experience intense feelings post sex. If you’re worried about the feelings you’re having, talk it through with your partner or someone you can trust, like a good friend, family member or a counsellor.

What can I do now?

• Make sure you’ve got all the facts on contraception.
• Ask yourself the questions to make sure you’re ready for sex.
• If you’re sexually active, it’s important that you’re looking after your sexual health.

World Health Organization’s Ranking of the World’s Health Systems

World Health Organization’s Ranking of the World’s Health Systems







Some people fancy all health care debates to be a case of Canadian Health Care vs. American. Not so. According to the World Health Organization’s ranking of the world’s health systems, neither Canada nor the USA ranks in the top 25.

Improving the Canadian Healthcare System does not mean we must emulate the American system, but it may mean that perhaps we can learn from countries that rank better than both Canada and the USA at keeping their citizens healthy.

World Health Organization Ranking; The World’s Health Systems

1 France 2 Italy 3 San Marino 4 Andorra 5 Malta 6 Singapore 7 Spain 8 Oman 9 Austria 10 Japan 11 Norway 12 Portugal 13 Monaco 14 Greece 15 Iceland 16 Luxembourg 17 Netherlands 18 United Kingdom 19 Ireland 20 Switzerland 21 Belgium 22 Colombia 23 Sweden 24 Cyprus 25 Germany 26 Saudi Arabia 27 United Arab Emirates 28 Israel 29 Morocco 30 Canada 31 Finland 32 Australia 33 Chile 34 Denmark 35 Dominica 36 Costa Rica 37 USA 38 Slovenia 39 Cuba 40 Brunei 41 New Zealand 42 Bahrain 43 Croatia 44 Qatar 45 Kuwait 46 Barbados 47 Thailand 48 Czech Republic 49 Malaysia 50 Poland 51 Dominican Republic 52 Tunisia 53 Jamaica 54 Venezuela 55 Albania 56 Seychelles 57 Paraguay 58 South Korea 59 Senegal 60 Philippines 61 Mexico 62 Slovakia 63 Egypt 64 Kazakhstan

65 Uruguay 66 Hungary 67 Trinidad and Tobago 68 Saint Lucia 69 Belize 70 Turkey 71 Nicaragua 72 Belarus 73 Lithuania 74 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 75 Argentina 76 Sri Lanka 77 Estonia 78 Guatemala 79 Ukraine 80 Solomon Islands 81 Algeria 82 Palau 83 Jordan 84 Mauritius 85 Grenada 86 Antigua and Barbuda 87 Libya 88 Bangladesh 89 Macedonia 90 Bosnia-Herzegovina 91 Lebanon 92 Indonesia 93 Iran 94 Bahamas 95 Panama 96 Fiji 97 Benin 98 Nauru 99 Romania 100 Saint Kitts and Nevis 101 Moldova 102 Bulgaria 103 Iraq 104 Armenia 105 Latvia 106 Yugoslavia 107 Cook Islands 108 Syria 109 Azerbaijan 110 Suriname 111 Ecuador 112 India 113 Cape Verde 114 Georgia 115 El Salvador 116 Tonga 117 Uzbekistan 118 Comoros 119 Samoa 120 Yemen 121 Niue 122 Pakistan 123 Micronesia 124 Bhutan 125 Brazil 126 Bolivia 127 Vanuatu

128 Guyana 129 Peru 130 Russia 131 Honduras 132 Burkina Faso 133 Sao Tome and Principe 134 Sudan 135 Ghana 136 Tuvalu 137 Ivory Coast 138 Haiti 139 Gabon 140 Kenya 141 Marshall Islands 142 Kiribati 143 Burundi 144 China 145 Mongolia 146 Gambia 147 Maldives 148 Papua New Guinea 149 Uganda 150 Nepal 151 Kyrgystan 152 Togo 153 Turkmenistan 154 Tajikistan 155 Zimbabwe 156 Tanzania 157 Djibouti 158 Eritrea 159 Madagascar 160 Vietnam 161 Guinea 162 Mauritania 163 Mali 164 Cameroon 165 Laos 166 Congo 167 North Korea 168 Namibia 169 Botswana 170 Niger 171 Equatorial Guinea 172 Rwanda 173 Afghanistan 174 Cambodia 175 South Africa 176 Guinea-Bissau 177 Swaziland 178 Chad 179 Somalia 180 Ethiopia 181 Angola 182 Zambia 183 Lesotho 184 Mozambique 185 Malawi 186 Liberia 187 Nigeria 188 Democratic Republic of the Congo 189 Central African Republic 190 Myanmar

Source: World Health Organization

Sex and Healthy Relationships

          Sex and Healthy Relationships
In a healthy relationship, both partners are able to express their feelings and respect each other’s boundaries about sex. You shouldn’t have to have sex to keep your partner. You may feel comfortable kissing or holding hands but not want to go any further. That’s ok.Deciding whether you want to have sex or when you should is a decision you should make when it feels right for YOU. In a healthy relationship, your partner respects your decisions, even when they don’t like them.

If you are thinking about when to have sex, keep in mind:

• You should feel comfortable with your decision.
• Talk with your partner about safe sex practices, like getting tested for STIs and considering birth control options.
• Be honest with yourself and your partner. If you’re not ready, that’s ok and your partner should respect it.
• If something scares you or makes you feel uncomfortable, you can say no at any time.
• You have the right to talk openly and honestly about your fears, worries and feelings.
• If your partner tries to threaten or pressure you into having sex, it can be a sign of an unhealthy relationship. You deserve better.
• No matter how long you’ve been with someone or how many times you’ve done something, you have the right to say no at anytime for any reason.
• If someone won’t take no for an answer and repeatedly pressures you verbally, emotionally or physically it can be a sign of abuse.
• You have control over your body, and no one else has the right to tell you what to do with it.

Why is It So Complicated?

Having sex can raise the intensity of emotions that people feel for each other — whether you’re in a serious or casual relationship. At times, this elevation is a good and enjoyable thing, but sometimes it makes a hard situation worse. It’s important that you feel ready and confident in your decisions about having sex.

Even if you are in a healthy relationship and would like to have sex with your partner, some beliefs or expectations might make this decision more complicated. You and the people in your life might have different ideas about when or what type of sexual activity is alright and what is not.

Here are a few ways this might happen:

• Your family does not allow you to date, let alone have sex and there is a risk they would find out.
• In your culture or religion, it is expected that you wait until marriage. You might agree, disagree or be questioning this belief.
• You feel that your friends or peers will not agree with your decision and you care about their opinions.

You might feel like you’re choosing between what you want and what others want, yet you might also share some of the same beliefs. Just remember that you are capable of making your own decisions and creating your own set of values.

Learn to Communicate

Only you know what’s on your mind, so unless you express yourself, the other person is only left guessing. Communication is always key to a healthy relationship, and the physical part of it is no different. It can be uncomfortable being completely open when it comes to talking about sex, even with a girlfriend or boyfriend. Still, it is important to push past that and let them know what you like, what you don’t like or if you don’t want to go any further. Encourage your partner to be open as well because it takes practice and patience.

Learning to listen is equally, and possibly even more, essential to strong communication. When you show the other person that what they say matters to you, they will be more likely to trust you and listen to you in return. Sex and intimacy are strongly affected by how both people feel, so it really pays off to create a positive atmosphere.

Break Out of the Box

When people are not sure how to act in a certain situation or not sure what others will think is cool, they tend to try and be who they should be and not who they really are. A guy might be led to believe that he should have sex with a lot of girls and not get emotionally attached to them. On the other hand, a girl might be led to believe that having sex with too many guys is “slutty,” and that girls should “play hard to get.” Stereotypes like these can make it harder for everyone to be honest about what they really want and can also make them feel self-conscious.

A relationship will be stronger and more real when both people can truly be themselves both inside and outside of the bedroom. When we question these “rules,” we respect our partner for who they are instead of who they “should be.”

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is any type of unwanted sexual contact. Forcing or pressuring someone to do something they don’t want or don’t consent to is sexual assault. No one should ever take advantage of you sexually when you are asleep, intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. This can be a very serious and dangerous form of abuse. Learn more about sexual abuse and what to do if you experience it.

Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women

Both men and women experience sexual dysfunction, from her vaginal dryness to his erectile dysfunction, to low libido in either partner. But there are ways to treat sexual problems like these and enjoy sex again.By Diana RodriguezMedically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Sexual dysfunction can take many forms — it’s not limited to erectile dysfunction or lack of interest in sex, often referred to as a low libido. Sexual dysfunction can involve pain during intercourse, an inability to maintain an erection, or difficulty experiencing an orgasm.

Though there are many causes of diminished libido and sexual dysfunction in men and women, there are also many ways to increase libido and rekindle the joy of sex once you identify the problem.Sexual Dysfunction in Women

Sexual dysfunction in women is grouped into different disorders: sexual pain, problems with desire, arousal problems, and orgasm difficulty. Changes in hormone levels, medical conditions, and other factors can contribute to low libido and other forms of sexual dysfunction in women.

Specifically, sexual dysfunction in women may be due to:

• Vaginal dryness. This can lead to low libido and problems with arousal and desire, as sex can be painful when the vagina isn't properly lubricated. Vaginal dryness can result from hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause or while breastfeeding, for example. Psychological issues, like anxiety about sex, can also cause vaginal dryness. And anticipation of painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness may, in turn, decrease a woman’s desire for sex.
• Low libido. Lack of sexual desire can also be caused by lower levels of the hormone estrogen. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety can also lead to low libido, as can certain medications, including some antidepressants.
• Difficulty achieving orgasm.Orgasm disorders, such as delayed orgasms or inability to have one at all, can affect both men and women. Again, some antidepressant medications can also cause these problems.
• Pain during sex. Pain is sometimes from a known cause, such as vaginal dryness or endometriosis. But sometimes the cause of painful sex is elusive. Known as vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulitis, experts don't know what’s behind this mysterious type of chronic, painful intercourse. A burning sensation may accompany pain during sex.

Sexual Dysfunction in MenThe types of sexual dysfunction men may experience include:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED).ED can be caused by medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or by anxiety about having sex. Depression, fatigue, and stress can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
• Ejaculation problems. These include premature ejaculation (ejaculation that occurs too early during intercourse) and the inability to ejaculate at all. Causes include medications, like some antidepressants, anxiety about sex, a history of sexual trauma (such as a partner being unfaithful), and strict religious beliefs.
• Low libido. Psychological issues like stress and depression, as well as anxiety about having sex also can lead to a decreased or no sexual desire. Decreased hormone levels (particularly if testosterone is low), physical illnesses, and medication side effects may also diminish libido in men.

Dealing With Sexual Dysfunction

All couples should be able to enjoy a healthy sex life — an important part of a relationship. If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, bring up your concerns with your doctor. You can often correct your problem by:

• Getting an accurate diagnosis and the proper treatment of any underlying medical condition
• Talking to your partner openly about your sexual relationship
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drug use
• Managing stress, anxiety, and depression
• Getting creative and re-energizing your sexual routine

Good communication can unlock closed doors in the bedroom, so start by talking to your partner about physical and emotional intimacy. And, if you suspect a medical condition, talk to your doctor about what could be going on with your body.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Sexual Health Center.

TOP 10: Global Health Insurance Providers

TOP 10: Global Health Insurance
Providers

With healthcare costs going up every year, it is imperative that every citizen have health insurance. Here are the biggest and the most well known health insurance providers from across the world.

10. Humana- It is one of the biggest healthcare insurance providers in USA, with more than 11 million members. Humana enjoys a sterling reputation among customers, and provides health insurance services in all 50 U.S. states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Humana also has international business interests in Western Europe and Asia.

9. Allianz- One of the biggest insurance providers in the world, Allianz is a Germany company. It is well known for its international reach, and for providing international health insurance for employees. The company says that claims are processed within 48 hours, and that 95% of their clients renew with them.

8. AIA Insurance Group- This Hong Kong based pan-Asian group is offers a comprehensive range of health insurance plans ranging from medical, hospitalisation and long term care to critical illness.  Basic critical illness plans in the market provide coverage for 30 common critical illnesses such as cancer, stroke, heart disease and kidney disease, and usually terminate after the first claim is made. The company also has plans that help compensate for lost income.

7. Aetna Foundation- USA’s Aetna Foundation is one of the most prominent healthcare insurance providers in the country. Aetna offers health care, dental, pharmacy, group life, disability, and long-term care insurance and employee benefits, primarily through employer-paid (fully or partly) insurance and benefit programs, and through Medicare. 

6. Blue Cross Blue Shield- The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a federation of 37 separate health insurance organizations and companies in the United States. Combined, they directly or indirectly provide health insurance to over 100 million Americans. In terms of number of people covered, BCBSA is one of biggest health insurance providers in the world, and also act as administrators of Medicare in many states or regions of the US.

5.  Axa- Axa is one of the most well known and biggest health insurance providers working in the UK. The company provides a wide range of private medical insurance plans for individuals, families and businesses.  Axa PPP Healthcare caters to the international market, and was the winner of best international private medical insurance provider in the UK’s 2012 health insurance awards. Axa is also well known in the Gulf region and has a strong presence in Asia.

4. Aviva- A British multinational, Aviva is the sixth-largest insurance company in the world measured by net premium income and has around 43 million customers across 21 countries. Aviva provides health insurance in countries like Ireland and India, and offers a number of unique benefits to its members like nurse on call, treatment of back and neck injuries and screening for various diseases.

3. United Healthcare- United Healthcare is an operating division of UnitedHealth Group, the largest single health carrier in the United States; and covers more than 7 million people. Apart from personal health insurance, United Healthcare also offers programmes for employers, and manages and facilitates UnitedHealthcare healthcare services for state-sponsored public and Medicaid programs and their beneficiaries.

2.Express Scripts-  Express Scripts is an American company which provides integrated pharmacy benefit management service,  benefit-design consultation; drug-utilization review; formulary management; and medical and drug data analysis services to manage drug plans for health plans, self-insured employers and government agencies; including the Department of Defence.

1. Zurich Insurance Group- As of 2013,
Zurich Insurance Group was ranked as the 75th largest company in the world. Zurich Insurance Group is the biggest company working in Switzerland, and is well known for providing insurance for healthcare organizations; apart from personal healthcare for various demographic segments. Their plans vary around the world; and they also offer lifestyle plans, coverage for broken bones and fractures for seniors, holiday travel insurance, safeguard plans and ‘peace of mind’ plans, which safeguards a policyholder's current standard of living in case of redundancy, disability or Accident Death & Disability. Zurich Insurance Group also provides coverage for families; safeguarding them from financial difficulties caused by accidents, as well as Accident Death & Disability, accidental hospital income (senior care) and accidental medical expenses.