Week of December 18-24, 2017
Nearly everyone into astrology has heard of the dreaded Saturn return. Typically, Saturn brings up images of hardship and strife, where the Universe seems hell bent on taking away all of our toys and our favorite blanket. While Saturn gets a bad rap, he's really not all that bad, he's just deeply misunderstood.
Saturn is the planet of restriction, boundaries, duty, and responsibility. When we're not doing our work, Saturn gets upset because Saturn is where we focus our will and practice self-discipline. This is where we have to face our fears of not being good enough, and go alone up the mountain with only faith in our destiny to guide us. Saturn provides the container for us to grow strong in.
The thing is, you can't just talk the talk with Saturn, you have to walk it too. On December 19th, Saturn leaves Sagittarius, where he helped us get serious about our life philosophy and grand vision. Now, Saturn enters Capricorn where he will take the visionary blueprint we created in Sagittarius and start to steadily build it in practical, tangible ways.
Even better is that Saturn loves Capricorn, one of his traditional home signs. Capricorn the Sea Goat can climb the highest of mountains or plunge into the deepest of seas. So long as there's a dream to guide them, Capricorn will do everything in their power to see it become a reality. Somewhere in your life, Saturn in Capricorn is ready to get to work on building a dream of yours. However, in order to get you up to snuff, he will give you some challenges to test you.
Consider it cosmic exercise and Saturn in Capricorn is your hardcore personal trainer ready to whip you into shape. No cutting corners!
Aries
(March 21-April 19)
If you're really the boss you say you are, Aries, be prepared. Saturn is going to start swinging at you to see if you deserve the accolades you think you do. Expect more pressure on your career ambitions and reputation. Now is not the time to rest on your laurels or act on impulse. If you stay ready, you never have to get ready. Show that you have the focus and drive to work for what you want.
Taurus
(April 20-May 21)
When's the last time you had your worldview challenged, Taurus? Perhaps it's time to test out some of your life philosophies in practical ways. Saturn may create a crisis of faith just for you to to explore other ways of viewing the world around you. Don't be afraid to toss out old mantras you repeat to yourself that don't fit anymore. Should the urge to go back to school arise, follow it. It's a big, big world out there; go explore it.
Gemini
(May 21-June 21)
The Twins may like to keep it light and casual, but Saturn wants to address all the fears Gemini may have around being intimate with others. It's tricky receiving from others if we keep them at arm's length. Expect a workout around tackling uncomfortable topics like sharing resources, sex, debt, and death. Don't worry, Gemini, this will only make you a better communicator, it all works out.
Cancer
(June 21-July 22)
Saturn is here to help you clean up your relationships with others, Cancer. You may find loosey goosey partnerships ending as new more serious partners come into your life.They'll help you face your fears around commitment and being responsible for your actions in relationships. You say you want a relationship, but can you maintain it?
Don't hide in your shell, Little Crab.
Leo
(July 23-August 22)
The day-to-day responsibilities may not be glamorous but they're necessary. If you've been dropping the ball on paying bills, organizing, and tending to your diet and health, Saturn will be getting you all the way together, Leo. You may hate it at first, but you'll appreciate it later.
Virgo
(August 23-September 22)
Believe it or not Virgo, Saturn wants you to have more fun and enjoy yourself more. Those hobbies and talents that have been collecting dust may become more demanding over the next few years. Unleash your inner creative spirit, go out and play, and try not to think so much about it. Remember perfectionism is just procrastination dressed up.
Libra
(September 23-October 22)
Time to take a look at your home life, Libra. What needs to be improved and changed? What's hiding out in your childhood memories that needs to be released so you can have a sense of deep nurturing at home. Could be a great time to seek out talk therapy, clean out your closets, and put up a new coat of paint at home.
Scorpio
(October 23-November 21)
As tempting as it would be to keep your head down and stay silent, you'll need to work on learning to communicate with confidence. Refine and deepen your ideas, socialize, and learn something that will allow you to articulate with authority. Saturn wants you to "Say It With Yo Chest!"
Sagittarius
(November 22-December 21)
Saturn will be playing with your money, Ms./Mr.Centaur. Part of being an adult is not only making sure your finances are in order, but also your values and self-worth. Saturn will help you to realize that security and stability aren't impossible to achieve. You deserve and can create both with a plan and a little effort.
Capricorn
(December 22-January 19)
It's time to really look in the mirror. Are you satisfied with what you see? Are you being hypercritical or are there some aspects of yourself that can use some polishing? If there's a version of yourself that you'd like to attain, Saturn will help you create it.
Aquarius
(January 20-February 18)
Saturn will be taking you on a journey to face deep underlying fears you may have about sitting with your own mind. Big existential questions may start to crop up for you. It's perfectly normal to wonder if there's something bigger than yourself. This would be a great time to pick up a meditation or spiritual practice to assist you when examining your self doubt & unconscious fears before they undo you.
Pisces
(February 19-March 20)
Let's look at your friendships. Do you feel supported by the people you socialize with? Do you even share the same vision anymore? You may find your social circle tightening up as Saturn clarifies what you hope for and who you'd like to share your dreams for future with. It may seem like hitting goals will be next to impossible, but slow and steady wins this race. If you wish for it, you shall have it with time and effort.
Janelle Belgrave L.Ac is a New York City based acupuncturist, astrologer, and clairvoyant intuitive. You can catch her on Twitter chatting about a mixture of Astrology, healing, politics, and her unhealthy love of Game of Thrones.
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It can be for a few different reasons. His penis size might take some adjusting to. His sperm/semen may throw your pH balance off. You might end up with a yeast infection or UTI (urinary tract infection) on a semi-consistent basis. Uh-huh, now do you see how you can enjoy coitus and still experience — let’s call them “technical difficulties” as far as your vagina goes at the same time?
If this has been your plight and you’ve been scouring the internet in order to get some much-needed (literal) relief, here are 12 things that may be able to get you, your partner, and your vagina on the same page, as far as experiencing consistently pleasurable copulation is concerned.
1. Bring in Some Lubrication
GiphyLet’s begin with something that can kill two birds with one stone — umm, so to speak. Whether your issue is that your man’s size is a lot to handle or either the friction of the sex or the inability to get as wet as you would like is resulting in you ending up with a UTI, invest in some lubrication. The wetter you are, the better sex will feel, and the less irritated your vagina will be.
The real hack is to get the kind that is as close to the pH level of your vagina (which should be somewhere around 4.5) as possible. Word on the street is that silicone-based ones can help you out in this department. By the way, saliva can also throw your pH balance off, which is why some people use things like dental damns. Just something to keep in mind as far as oral activity goes.
2. Use Condoms
GiphyIf it’s been a minute since you’ve had sex (check out “What Actually Happens To Your Vagina During Seasons Of Abstinence?”) or you’re about to change (or add) sex partners, there are many reasons why you should use a condom — one of them being that bacteria or sperm/semen definitely has the potential to throw your vagina’s pH level off as well which can lead to a yeast infection.
Not to mention the fact that men can get yeast infections and sometimes they are asymptomatic. This means that if you don’t want to be passing one of those bad boys back and forth to each other, a rubber can serve as a barrier for that.
3. Consume More Probiotics. Eat Less Sugar.
GiphySpeaking of bacteria, another thing that you can do to decrease the chances of bad bacteria overtaking the good kind that’s in your va-jay-jay, be intentional about taking a probiotic and consuming foods that are filled with probiotics. Also, try to eat less sugar. Probiotic-enriched foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, fish sauce, and fermented veggies will give you more good bacteria. The reason why sugar is an enemy of your vagina is because that is what feeds bad bacteria and yeast.
4. Have Your Partner Give You a Perineal Massage (with a Twist)
GiphyAs a doula, I know quite a bit about perineal massages. Basically, it’s all about having your partner put some oil or lubricant on one or two of their fingers before using them to gently massage your perineum (the skin that is in between your vaginal opening and your anus) in order to decrease your chances of tearing while giving birth. Well, if you want to prepare yourself for sex after going without for a long period of time or before engaging with a larger partner, this type of massage could help you out, too.
The reason why I didn’t just call this good old-fashioned fingering is because if a part of what you want to partake in is anal sex, it can be wise to not just stretch your vagina but that piece of skin as well. Just make sure that if you plan on using a condom, you go with a water or silicone-based lubricant only. Oils will dissolve the potency of latex.
5. Invest in a Vaginal Dilator
GiphyI’m actually kind of surprised that vaginal dilators don’t come up more in sex-related articles. If you’ve never heard of them before, they are tube-like devices that are made out of plastic or medical-grade silicone that can help to stretch out your vagina, make it more flexible, and reduce discomfort during intercourse (especially if yours is related to having some sort of issues with your pelvic floor).
In fact, if you’re in the latter stages of perimenopause or you’re post-menopausal and sex has not been as pleasurable for you because of symptoms that are directly associated with that, a vaginal dilator might be able to offer up some relief.
For the record, you can typically purchase them at local drugstores (and online); however, you might want to run this decision by your doctor first, just so they can discuss any potential challenges/issues that you should know about (since they have your medical history).
6. Take Some Ibuprofen Before Sex
GiphyThis tip right here is a bit of a double-edged sword because whiletaking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen an hour or so before having sex can help to reduce pain and inflammation to your vagina (if that has been an issue in the past),some studies say that men who take these same meds can potentially increase their chances of experiencing some level of erectile dysfunction.
That said, since the article today is focusing on our body parts, yes, this is somewhat of an effective hack, especially if you also soak in a warm bath prior to getting some.
7. Urinate Right After Sex
GiphyIf you’ve always wondered if you really should make it a point and practice to pee after having sex, the short answer is yes. Although nothing is going to blow up if you don’t, the reason why it’s a good idea is it can help to flush bacteria out of your urethra which can, in turn, lower your chances of experiencing a UTI.
8. Extend the Foreplay
GiphyI don’t think one woman on this planet is shocked thatmost ladies would prefer more foreplay before sex. As far as how long that should be, some studies state thatsomewhere around 20 minutes is good. That said, all of us are different, and, keeping in line with being wetter making sex better theme, if you need more time with “the appetizer” before the “main course” —tell your partner that. When it comes to less friction, more comfort, and ultimately more satisfying sex, longer foreplay might just be all that you need.
9. Stay on Top
GiphyYou probably already know this; still, I’m adding it in for safe measure. If you want to be able to better control the speed, motion, and depth of your partner when it comes to intercourse, opt for being on top. It will feel more comfortable to you, and I don’t know any man who doesn’t like to get a full view of what his partner has to offer when she’s on top of him. It’s a win for everyone involved.
10. Sign Up for Some Pelvic Floor Therapy
GiphyIf no matter what you do, you seem to experience some level of discomfort during sex, you might want to look into getting some pelvic floor therapy. It is a literal form of physical therapy that can help to strengthen the muscles in your pelvic region. If you’re interested in learning more about this, you can search for pelvic floor therapists who are in your area here.
11. Have Some Diflucan on Tap (Just in Case)
GiphyAlthough a lot of these tips are all about taking preventative measures, what should you do if you already have a yeast infection that’s tied to sex (and you know that for sure)? If you don’t want to go through the (sometimes) drama of scheduling a doctor’s appointment, there are sites now that will prescribe antifungal meds like Diflucan online.
Wisp is one that I definitely know does, along with medication for bacterial vaginosis (BV), UTIs, and genital herpes, too. Just fill out a form, and a doctor will follow up online. If they feel that you are a good candidate, they will send a prescription to a pharmacy in your area (of your choosing), and you can go pick up and pay there — sometimes all within the same day.
12. Get Tested for a Potential Sperm/Semen Allergy
GiphyAlthough actually being allergic to sperm/semen is not hella common (reportedly around 40,000 women in this country are), it is a real thing. So, if after having unprotected sex, you experience incessant burning and/or itching, hives, lip and/or tongue swelling, nausea, or diarrhea, it’s important that you see your physician. Although this kind of allergy is not particularly “dangerous,” it can be super uncomfortable.
Plus, it can make it harder for you to conceive a child (if that is something that you and your partner are trying to do). As far as treatment goes, to a certain extent, it varies. However, a prescription-strength antihistamine may be what your healthcare provider recommends for you.
____
Gee, I certainly hope that these tips help. Because while having sex with someone who you dig is wonderful, it is so much better when your vagina “gets along” with him too. Feel me? Exactly.
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Featured image by Rachel Frank/Getty Images