Condom SOS
We’ve all been there, deep in the throes of passion, only to discover to your shock that you’ve run out of condoms. Normally this necessitates a walk to the 24-hour shop in the cold, but not if you’re lucky enough to be in Stockholm, Malmo or Gothenberg, Sweden. Call 696969 and a white van will rush to you and deliver a 10 pack of condoms. The condom ambulance, sponsored by the Swedish Organization for Sex Education, aims to increase condom awareness and prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Any chance the Eastern Health Board might follow suit?

Blissed out, all over Ireland
“Moan, moan, moan…why are women always moaning?” So asks the bright blue buses travelling the streets of our fair capital. The ad is for a brand-new range of vibrators called Emotional Bliss that were launched in Dublin recently. The vibes are the brain-child of Julia Cole, one of the UK’s leading sexologists and relationship counsellors, who wanted to create a vibrator that women “can feel comfortable with, one that works in harmony with their body.” The vibes can be bought from the EB website, www.emotionalbliss.com. The website itself is worth checking out. You can post questions to Julia, share your sexual thoughts and experiences with others, and download erotic short stories in Word, Streaming Audio or MP3 format.

Stimulation for Eyes and Ears
Movies
If you like your erotica with an art-house feel, then waste no time and rent Sex And Lucia. Written and directed by Julio Medem (Lovers of the Artic Circle), the movie tells the story of Lucia, a waitress in Madrid and her relationship with Lorenzo, a writer. The story moves between past and present, fact and fiction, and the movie is erotic, poetic and visually stunning. Medem manages to capture eroticism, tenderness and passion in the (many) sex scenes. Although be warned, soft porn it ain’t, and you’ll have to pay attention if you want to be make sense of the movie. If your local video store doesn’t have it, Sex And Lucia is available to rent online from www.dvdrentals.ie and at Xtra-vision.

Sexton’s Miscellany
Legendary Aphrodisiacs
Needing a little oomph in the sex department? I’m fond of oysters myself, but I know they’re not everybody’s favourite. Luckily there’s a variety of food that should stimulate more than just your digestion.

Artichoke – This vegetable was often prescribed by doctors to patients who wanted to increase their sexual performance.

Asparagus – The French are said to have dined on three courses of asparagus on the night before getting married. Asparagus is packed with potassium, phosphorus, calcium and vitamin E, important ingredients for increased hormone production.

Basil – According to Haitian lore, Basil is the gift of Erzulie, their goddess of love. This herb was used to keep partners from straying.

Black Beans – Legend has it that black beans increase fertility. St. Jerome, father of the Latin Church, warned nuns against eating them lest they break their vow of celibacy.

Chocolate – The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to recognise the potency of chocolate. Chocolate releases endorphins that make you feel satisfied and happy, similar to the way you feel when in love. This is why chocolates, like red roses, are a Valentine’s Day staple.

Honey – In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates prescribed honey for sexual vigour. Traditionally, Indian bridegrooms drank honey on their wedding day in preparation for the wedding night.

Rosemary – The scent of rosemary is said to play on our sense memories. Medieval women would add sprigs of the herb to their bath water to allure men.

Baba Ghanouge – A heavenly Middle Eastern dip that is made with grilled aubergine, olive oil, garlic and spices, this is also known as Sultan’s Delight because of its aphrodisiac qualities. With a whole harem to satisfy, those boys surely needed it!

This ISSUE’s Top Sex Tip
G is for…Geography. Locating the G-spot.

Ah the elusive G-stop, the magical little button that brings women from 0 to 100mph in record time, if you can find it. Actually, it’s pretty easy. Here’s how!

Wet your fingers with saliva or a water-based lubricant and place two inside the vagina. Use your index finger to touch the front wall of the vagina. Curl your finger to make the “come here” motion. The G-spot feels different to the rest of the area around it. It’s about the size of a kidney bean with a wrinkled texture, whereas the rest of the vaginal wall will feel taut.

Stimulate the g-stop, beginning with a small tapping motion. Try placing some pressure on the area too. Some women find G-spot stimulation painful, so if this is the first time you’ve played with your partner’s G-spot, it’s important to talk to her and let her reactions to varying amounts of pressure guide you.

Once you’re both comfortable, use your tongue and lips on her clitoris and vaginal lips. Combining oral sex with G-stop stimulation is a highly explosive combination for most women.