Irish STDs on the increase
According to a recent report, the incidence in Ireland of sexual transmitted diseases (STDs) has increased by 12% since last year. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC,) 10,695 STD cases were reported in 2004, most of which were ano-genital warts, chlamydia and non-specific urinary tract infection. While the HPSC attributes the rise in infections to unsafe sexual practices, it is also believed that better testing methods and greater public awareness of STDs may have contributed to the 12% jump. Many STDs have no symptoms; so if you have had unsafe sex, please make an appointment to get tested.
Beauty more than skin deep
If you thought beauty was all about regular features and clear skin, think again. Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have shown that women with higher levels of oestrogen have more attractive faces. Oestrogen, the female sex hormone, affects the development of the face and body during puberty and the study found that women with higher levels of the hormone were rated as more attractive by men. However, biology is not necessarily destiny. The researchers found that when the women in the study were wearing make-up, there was no link between oestrogen levels and how attractive they appeared to men. As my grandmother always said “God bless the chemist!”
Get a room
The Irish Independent reports that an amorous, but intoxicated, couple were caught in the nip by worshippers at Kilkenny Cathedral. According to witnesses the pair were almost naked when spotted, but carried on with the show in spite of the audience. Although I am a fan of getting it on out and about, it’s best to choose a spot that’s not quite so public. Perhaps love hotels in the sunny South East could be the answer.
Squeak to me, baby
Scientists at St. Louis University in Washington have discovered that male mice seduce potential mates with ultrasonic serenades. According to the findings, when male mice encounter a female they make ultrasonic squeaks in regular, repeated time signatures, resembling birdsong. Ah, cute!
TOYS-R-US
Anyone considering purchasing a sex toy for the first time may be overwhelmed by the array of products available. Vibrators FAQ is a great help for anyone with questions or worries about using sex toys. The site answers questions on a variety of products for both men and women, telling you what to expect from different toys, and covers issues such as safety and care of your intimate merchandise. See www.vibrators-faq.com
Kinky Celts
The results of the Durex Global Sex Survey were released this November and the figures confirm that the Irish are pretty sexually adventurous. Here are some of the stats:

• 40% of Irish people use pornography
• 28% of us own vibrators and 43% have had sex using a vibrator
• Around one in three (30%) Irish people have tried masks, blindfolds or some form of bondage
• Almost a fifth (17%) of Irish people have had a threesome and 43% of us have tried anal sex
• Irish lovers like to get out and about. 52% of us have had sex in a car, 42% in a toilet, 40% on public transport and a surprising 33% have got it on at work.

Despite our adventurous side, only 40% of us are happy with our sex lives. 40% would like to have sex more frequently. Perhaps that’s not surprising seeing as Irish people have sex around 97 times a year, less than the global average of 103, and less than 105 times a year according to the 2004 Global Sex Survey results. More worryingly, 58% of us have had unsafe sex, 14% have had a sexually transmitted disease, although 71% believe it’s important to encourage young people to practice safe sex.