Worrying new figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre have revealed rising rates of young people being diagnosed as HIV positive in Ireland.
An expert described how sixteen people were diagnosed last week with the illness, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is at an "alarming" rate.
The age group of 20-year-olds until the age of 29 are the age group at high risk of getting an infection.
Concern’s team leader for health and HIV Breda Gahan said:
“I’m thinking of those 16 people who got that big blow of news last week and how it will affect them in terms of travelling, future job prospects, stigma and treatment.
“I would say unfortunately the stigma has increased both in Ireland and globally. On top of that, who are you going to tell? Are you going to tell your partner or your ex partners or family? No one wants to carry the burden alone," Breda continued.
Since 2011, there has been a 35% increase in new #HIV diagnoses in #Ireland. We need to prioritise and accelerate the response to this growing HIV crisis and we are calling for political support and commitments to drive the response nationally. #5Askshttps://t.co/TxZRgFZnojpic.twitter.com/iujh5vp0Hk
“I don’t want to frighten people or say if you have sex you’re going to get HIV that’s not the case. But people don’t realise a lot of the cases of HIV are home grown.”
Even though there is access to free treatment for AIDS in Ireland, Gahan feels that the Government need to do more to raise awareness about the disease.
“HIV prevention is failing, it just hasn’t been invested in despite the increasing number of infections. The Government should get those who have the skills to travel to primary schools to work with those who are age appropriate."
Gahan added;
“Education is the social vaccine. Girls and boys need to understand how to protect themselves from life-threatening infections. There is a serious lack of accurate information, there’s a lot of myths and misconceptions.
“We also need to make services more adolescent and user friendly. No one wants to go to an STI clinic.”
Recent figures from the HPSC report show that 239 cases of HIV have been reported so far this year. 4,193 people have contracted chlamydia, 1,341 have gonorrhoea, and 793 have herpes.
In comparison to last year, Ireland has seen an increase of almost 1,200 infections.
Breda Gahan explained the reason for the apparent lack of concern among youth:
“There’s an increase in STIs among young people because of complacency and people aren’t dying so there’s less fear. Young people don’t really care if they get an STI because it’s treatable.”
The expert says that we need to start educating children in primary school aged 10 to 12;
“As a nurse, I would go as far to say that it’s too late to educate kids at secondary school level. Hormones are hopping at that age.
“It’s alarming and concerning to see the increase of numbers. No sex can be totally safe – there’s always some risk, for example a condom breaking. But there needs to be education about safer sex.”
Pornhub claims that there are countless insane search terms on their website, but the latest popularity data of certain fetishes have taken us by surprise.
If we open up an incognito window and log on to your favourite (ethical, we hope) porn site, you'd expect to see videos of threesomes, BDSM, girl-on-girl etc but what you may not expect to see is a footjob.
According to the site, foot fetish porn is hugely popular, with 'footjob' being the 140th most popular search term on Pornhub. It's no small…feat, they say.
Some other popular foot-themed searches feature foot worship, foot fetish, lesbian feet, milk feet, foot slave, tickling feet, giantess feet, foot domination and feet licking. Jesus H. Christ.
Pornhub mentions that those searching for foot fetish porn were likely to search for femdom, ballbusting, facesitting, cuckold, bondage and gangbang porn in the same viewing session.
It comes as no surprise to anyone that young men are 55 percent more likely to watch footjob porn than women. Visitors aged 18 to 24 are the biggest fans, and then 25 to 34-year-olds.
Interestingly, footjob popularity decreases with age. Visitors over 65-years-old were the least likely to watch the genre. High heels and stockings are the most popular foot job porn.
However, a 2018 Pornhub report noted that sneaker porn was becoming more watched by the year. Men were also 55 percent more likely to search for sneaker porn.
Pornhub Gay page users were 1124 percent more likely to search for sneaker porn, which is most popular with 35 to 44-year-olds.
Some consistent search terms were; sneaker worship, sneaker sex and sneaker fetish, as well as known trainer brands (Converse is the most searched).
Nike was most popular with those on Pornhub's gay pages.
Foot fetishes generally seem pretty common, with a 2007 study from online fetish discussion groups finding that “feet and objects associated with feet were the most common target of preferences.”
In fact, almost half (47 percent) of fetishists in the study were into feet. Famous faces like Tyga, Ricky Martin, and Quentin Tarantino are known to be open about their penchant for feet,
"A lot of people wonder if they are weird or perverted for having a foot fetish, but I can tell you it's actually quite common," Goddess Aviva, a lifestyle and professional dominatrix, told Refinery29. "It's also a lot of fun."
Well, ladies and gentlemen, we've got some wonderful news for those who adore mingling in other countries with singletons. Surrounded by wine.
According to CNN Business, the dating app Bumble is planning to open a cafe in Soho, a trendy New York City neighbourhood. The cafe will then transform into a wine bar when the sun sets.
Think Cinderella but probably without the prince. The app clearly wants to allow its users to mingle in real life, as opposed to on a screen.
The venue will be called Bumble Bew, and the space may serve as a meeting ground for dating app users who are looking for love, a new friend or a business colleague.
Bumble was first launched in 2014, and has since expanded to Bumble BFF for finding pals and Bumble Bizz for networking to the max. It garnered fame for allowing women to make the first move.
Their NYC spot will be Bumble Brew's first permanent location, after pop-ups happened in London, Los Angeles and Toronto.
We gave women the power to make the first move. Now, those first moves will empower women all over the world When women choose a cause to support on Bumble, we’ll make a donation for every first message sent. Learn more about this new feature in our bio. @CBSThisMorningpic.twitter.com/KsHtHXQQEz
He's pretty busy, after also founding Badoo, which is a parent company to Lumen (users over 50) and Chappy for gay men.
The female-friendly app has also launched in the most dangerous country in the world to be a woman (India) and has seen over a million registrants there.
Bumble claims to have enough profits to focus on brand extensions, like Bumble Fund, which backs early-stage startups led by women-of-colour. Werk.
Would you head to the Bumble cafe during the day or wine bar at night for some company? We would…
We love a good, Irish-owned and female led company. Especially one that encourages empowerment when it comes to your sexuality.
Sex Siopa is one of the best retailers around for catering for all genders and body types, and sells brilliant silicone sex toys and organic lubricants.
The multi-award winning, health and design focused online sex shop stocks only bodysafe toys and uses discreet packaging.
The founder, Shawna Scott, began the company when she struggled to find the kind of shopping experience she personally wanted for her pleasure, and as a result Sex Siopa treats every customer with respect and compassion.
Unsurprisingly, this glorious shop is stocking one of the best hands-free remote controlled vibrators in town…and you have GOT to try it.
The Svakom Elva egg vibrator is whisper quiet, waterproof and has five different vibration settings for every level of intensity your heart (and your g-spot) desires.
The USB rechargeable egg is ideal if you enjoy internal g-spot stimulation or if you want to give control of your pleasure over to your partner.
The Svakom Elva is made out of silky, matte silicone and feels incredible both internally and externally while making minimal noise. The miniature size also means that it's perfect for travelling in a discreet manner.
The remote comes with batteries and gives you 2.5 hours of play with only an hour-and-a-half of charging, so the technology is fairly epic. Seeing as it's waterproof, why not try it in the shower?
The toy is super easy to clean, and we advise you to use a good water-based lubricant like Sliquid Sassy or Yes WB.
You literally won't find a better couples sex toy, or solo pleasure tool. 10/10 would recommend to a horny friend, get yours on the Sex Siopa website for just €80.
Women's Aidhave launched a new guide on safety orders for young women who are experiencing abuse in their relationships, due to new laws being introduced.
The legislation brought in at the beginning of this year allows women who are going through dating abuse to apply for Safety and Protection orders.
Women's Aid are instigating the guide on Valentine's Day as part of the #TooIntoYou campaign to emphasise the darker side of love.
60% of abuse starts before the age of 25. Today, on Valentine's Day, we launch our #TooIntoYou campaign for young women including a NEW GUIDE to Safety Orders – now available to people experiencing abuse in dating relationships. Check out the free guide https://t.co/5MKQmB8T9apic.twitter.com/YSmlMoOGZH
RTÉ's Can't Stop Dancing presenter Bláthnaid Treacy is also urging young women and men to "know the signs of dating abuse", especially because 60 percent of abuse in relationships begins before the age of 25.
Women's Aid are a national organisation which provides vital information and support to women experiencing dating abuse and domestic violence. Their #TooIntoYou campaign aims to spread much-needed awareness on the topic.
#TooIntoYou uses social media and poster advertising to strive for the spread of information from February 14 until March 8 (International Women's Day).
New laws brought in at the start of 2019 under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 allow women to apply for important Safety and Protection laws.
Today are calling attention to the darker side of relationships at this time that the #TooIntoYou campaign will have a high impact. We are asking – what part of love is abuse? If you are concerned about your relationship take our quiz and read the signs https://t.co/kLjf4jMVjXpic.twitter.com/Kwjo9WRBU7
However, the organisation believes that many young women are still in the dark about the change and how to get the necessary protection, which is why Women's Aid ae bringing in the 'Guide to Safety Orders in Dating Relationships' online today.
Spotting the 10 key danger signs of dating abuse and providing information to combat online stalking and digital abuse is of imperative importance for women in Ireland today.
Margaret Martin, Director of Women’s Aid says:
"1 in 5 women in Ireland experience abuse in relationships and in a national survey on domestic abuse in Ireland, almost 60 percent of those who had experienced severe abuse in intimate relationships first experienced it when they were under the age of 25."
A ten year domestic homicide review was due to be published in February 2017.
NWCI tonight expressed serious concerns about the length of time which was elapsed since the review was announced. We urgently need the findings of this review to be published https://t.co/bs49KdNzkk
"A stark reminder of this risk is that 1 in every 2 women, aged between 18-25, killed in Ireland since 1996 were murdered by their boyfriends or exes," Martin concluded.
The campaign is being launched on Valentine's Day to highlight the hidden reality of many young women's relationships, despite the fact that today is traditionally associated with love and romance.
Martin's goal for today, is to ask the hard questions; "We are clearly asking – what part of love is abuse?" She spoke directly to victims and survivors; “You are not alone in feeling something isn't right with your relationship."
Visit the #TooIntoYou website here for more information, or call the Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline at 1800 341 900.
Ah, Galentine's Day. Our saviour from the horrors of Valentine's Day, AKA the only day of the year where showing love and men being romantic is socially acceptable.
Whether companies are using female friendships as a marketing tool or not is a WHOLE other discussion.
For now, we're just gonna bring Leslie Knope vibes for 2019's Galentine's Day, which falls the day before Valentine's Day, and celebrates the power of galpals.
Of course, you don't need to be single to celebrate the special day that is Galentine's; You can snatch all them sexy roses from your boo and high five your ladypals at the same time.
1. Channelling the OG Renaissance Romantics:
Happy #GalentinesDay everyone! Don't forget the real meaning of the holiday, which is not only about uplifting your best girlfriends but coming together as women to drown men and have great hair pic.twitter.com/A7g06btUtw
New research suggests that social media is becoming a "common problem" in Irish marriages, according to The Independent.
Over 3,000 clients took part in a survey in Maynooth over two years which discovered that both men and women find social media and technology "behaviour" causes difficulties in marriages and relationships.
Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service maintains that constant access to technology and phones has taken away the "cooling off" period following an argument.
Social media and finances cause difficulty in marriages – Accord https://t.co/oNviu2tc06 Both men and women agree that technology and social media cause difficulty in their relationships and marriages. #ACCORD
The Accord has commented that it will alter it's service to accommodate the issue following couples' feedback.
Bishop Denis Nulty, president of Accord and Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, said: "Social media is a huge issue. Pope Francis spoke about this at Croke Park and we need to be digitally conscious."
He elaborated on why the results are vital for the organisation; "We're dictated by gadgets so being clued-in is important."
On the removal of the "cooling-off" period he said: "When you send a text, a tweet or a Whatsapp message, there's no way of pulling it back, and it causes huge heartache for everyone involved."
"As we shape our marriage preparation courses in the future, we'll be taking this into consideration," Bishop Nulty mused.
"We have a low divorce rate in Ireland, and I would like to keep it low. I have no doubt people in Ireland still take marriage very seriously."
16,048 individuals attended the Accord's marriage preparation courses across the nation in 2018, which was down almost 800 from 2017
Accord counsellors separately provided 24,180 counselling sessions to individuals and couples during 2018 throughout the whole island of Ireland, which was less than that of 2017.
The bishop attributes some of the drop in figures to couples attending different private counselling services.
Other "problem areas" included unresolved arguments, inappropriate behaviour during arguments and dissatisfaction with their sexual relationship.
75 per cent of clients who saw data reviewed claim that their relationship improved following counselling.
Valentine's Day can put a LOT of pressure on our shoulders (or those of our boyfriends/husbands) when it comes to gifts.
Whether it's the classic present of roses, chocolates or more elaborate ideas like a hotel getaway; you're going to need some good offers because the holiday brings some expenses alongside it.
We've created a list of our top Valentine's Day gifts you can find at the moment, get them before they're gone.
1. Jo Malone London Valentine's Day Floral Box
What better treat to give than the iconic Jo Malone glamorous glass bottle, containing a scent inspired by "seven of the world's finest roses", with a hint of lemon and crushed violet leaves.
Positively dreamy, a little bit like everlasting love. The special floral box is available exclusively from February 7 until Valentine's Day, and we advise pre-ordering because these will absolutely fly out the door.
Some of us need something stronger for Valentine's Day, and Absolut really is the perfect choice. They've created the Drop of Love bottle; an ink message fed from signs of hatred around the world and turned into a message of love. Pretty inspiring.
The action has been used by the company to show the ability to recycle hatred and create something better from it; for example some UNREAL vodka with natural ingredients and no added sugar.
The Swedish vodka brand love coming up with campaigns with artists, designers and aid organisations, and this Valentine's Day bottle is the best one yet.
Jo Malone have partnered up their most loved scents to curate the Jo Malone London Power Couples; layer the fragrant duos to create an irresistible pairing on your skin.
Trust us when we say…they smell AMAZING. The New Romantics feature peony and blush suede and wild bluebell for a softly sensual scent, The Sweethearts combine the English pear and freesia with nectarine blossom and honey for a golden pair.
Seaside Soulmates bring together zesty citrus nots with lime basil and mandarin and wood sage and sea salt for a dynamic duo. Lastly, Star-Crossed Lovers pair jasmine sambac and marigold with wood sage and sea salt for a heavenly experience.
We can't gush enough about these, what a beautiful Valentine's treat these would be.
5. Limited Edition Red Caps & Keepsake Heart-Shaped Box from Jo Malone London
Limited edition red caps are only €5 each along with a free heart-shaped box when you make a purchase between February 1 and February 14, and you can even add a free embossed message, date or initials to the box as an added extra.
It's the first time that the veteran brand are offering a romantic take on Jo Malone London’s signature cream and black packaging; you can acquire the gorgeous heart-shaped box when you buy two or more products in select boutiques in Ireland.
We're heading straight to the shop, we can't let this offer go.
For Valentine's Day, it's only too important to smell and feel your best. We've found the ideal scent for the eve: ROSE. French powerhouse brand L'Occitane have gifted us with a set, that we all both need and deserve.
The gorgeous and elegant fragrance set includes: Rose Eau de Toilette, Rose Shower Gel, Rose Body Lotion and Rose Hand Cream.
L'Occitane 'Romantic Rose' collection is priced at €69 from the L'Occitane website.
7. Bia Beauty facial oil
We are LUSTING after Bia Beauty at the moment; the emerging Irish brand use Mother Nature to deliver 100 percent natural, highly effective, ethically sourced and excellently-packaged products.
Owner Tracey Ryan is a herbal scientist based in Cork, so she has an abundance of fresh ingredients on her doorstep to use, which helped her to create their facial oil.
The nutritious skin product contains rose hip seed oil which is full of anti-oxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Wear it at night to repair and soothe the skin or during the day to boost hydration and plump the skin.
Give it as a gift this Valentine's Day for a woman who desires reduced scarring and increased cell rejuvenation. Gorgeous, Irish and cruelty free: Award-winning Bia Beauty products are definitely made with love.
8. Solid Fragrance Combining Palette by Jo Malone London
A sleek, travel-ready palette is absolutely genius from Jo Malone; it effortlessly encases two solid perfumes for on-the-go scents.
Customers can fill their palette with their choice of two Jo Malone London scents from a selection of ten of the brand’s most-loved, to curate their own pair.
Choose from; Lime Basil & Mandarin, Basil & Neroli, Pomegranate Noir, English Pear & Freesia, Blackberry & Bay, Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Peony & Blush Suede, Mimosa & Cardamom, Wood Sage & Sea Salt and Oud & Bergamot.
The Palette and Refills are available now at Brown Thomas Dublin, get your hands on a pair ASAP before they sell out for Valentine's Day. The cologne's are basically unisex, so they can be bought for man or woman.
Buy: Jo Malone London
Price: Palette: €27
Perfume/Cologne: €16
Perfume/Cologne Intense: €18
9. The Clean Beauty Edit haircare essentials gift-set
Time to go clean and green in 2019; the Clean Beauty Edit are bringing cult, clean beauty brands to Ireland through their gorgeous online boutique.
Olio E Osso, Ilia Beauty, Evolve Organic Beauty, Warpaint, Lily Lolo, Ere Perez and Sun Potion are the brands which Clean Beauty Edit are importing to Ireland,
All products are natural, cruelty-free, toxin-free and sustainably produced and packaged, and their haircare gift-set is GORGEOUS for Valentine's Day. The set includes luxury travel sizes of their Superfood Shine Shampoo, Superfood Shine Conditioner, and Nourishing Hair Elixir.
Their luscious shampoo is formulated with natural cleansers from sugar and coconut which gently cleanse scalp and hair without stripping natural oils. The Baobab proteins boost the shine and organic pomegranate extract rehydrates and protect the hair; what a stunning, thoughtful gift.
10. CraicPack Valentine's Day box for Irish Expats
CraicPack bring some chocolate Irish goodness to everyone at home and abroad. This year they're making a new Valentine's Day box with up to 50 sweets that Irish people living far away miss the most; such nostalgia.
Items included in the adorable box are 10 different types of Dairy Milk, 15 other Cadbury items, Butlers and Love Hearts. Oh, and they even add a box of tea to every pack, because what else would you pair with a chocolate bar? Nothing, that's what.
To help the local community, CraicPack donate up to €5 from every box sold to Focus Ireland to aid the on-going homeless crisis in Ireland. Hon the lads.
Buy: CraicPack
Price: CraicPack (13 sweets + tea): €45 Mighty CraicPack (25 sweets + tea and crisps): €66 The Craic is 90 (50 sweets + tea, crisps, Butlers and Oatfields): €99
11. ÉminenceChocolate Mousse Hydration Masque, Apricot Body Oil and Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel.
Éminence organic skincare is a luxury spa brand that you NEED to hear about, especially for the romance of Valentine's Day. They plant a tree for every product sold; over 10 MILLION to date, and use wind and solar energy for production.
Their peanut inner packing is even made from cornstarch, so it can be composted and is water dissolvable; they really do care about the environment, and their skincare range reflects that.
Not only are they ethical, their newest Valentine's Day products are the perfect present to treat a loved one with.
The Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque fights the visible signs of ageing. Containing a healthy dose of antioxidant-rich cocoa, which is great for your skin, it's macadamia, almond and jojoba oils also provide deep hydration.
The luxurious Apricot Body Oil is blended with an assortment of essential oils, such as grape seed and jojoba, to create a luscious massage oil that leaves skin feeling irresistibly soft.
Last but not least, the Éminence Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel is an at-home peel that can easily be done before a romantic meal.
Valentine's Day always brings an onslaught of great hotel offers, but how can you choose the best one for the most practical price? The Westbury has been voted Ireland's number one hotel by Condé Nast Traveler Readers, and for a good reason.
Enjoy some lavish indulgence in the heart of Dublin by retreating to The Westbury's romance experience. This includes an overnight stay for couples with a romantic rose petal turndown, bottle of chilled champagne, strawberries and delicious chocolates, and a delicious full Irish breakfast in bed in the morning.
‘Romance at the Heart of the Dublin’ with The Westbury is available to book from €450 per room; a great offer considering the prestigious location. Treat yourselves to a trip, you deserve it.
13. Aldi's Valentine's Day alcohol offers: G-in Love
Aldi are offering us something MAJORLY special this Valentine's Day, whether you're waking up to champagne in bed, or heading on a dinner date with gin in mind.
They're giving us the exclusive Boyle’s Alchemy Colour Changing Gin, infused with petals of the Asian butterfly flower, which shifts colour from blue to pale pink with the addition of tonic. Yep, actual. real-life COLOUR-CHANGING GIN.
It’s all to do with the movements in pH, but we can guarantee that this is some magical science.
Buy: Aldi
Price: Boyle’s Alchemy Colour Changing Gin: €24.99
That's not all they've got up their sleeve; Aldi's DV8 Pink Gin Cream Liqueur is BY FAR the perfect gift. Made by the Irish producers of multi-award-winning Brennan’s Old House Gin, this gorgeous liquor will make anyone's day special.
Aldi have some unique sale offers especially for the most loving day of the year; Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut NV, the best-selling and award-winning wine from Philizot and Fils is reduced to only €19.99.
Giotti Spumante Rosé, Sparkling Rosé Blosson, Beaujolais Rosé 2018, Fairtrade Moscato Rosé 2018 have each had their prices cut so that love can blossom with a bit of alcohol to help. Even if it's self-love…
CND are changing the GAME when it comes to nails. For Valentine's Day, why not treat yourself or your significant other to some gorgeous new shades from the iconic brand.
Their new range has stunning pinks, dark berry, ravishing reds and blush tones; show off your romantic side.
Mambo Beat, Rose Bud, Hot Pop Pink, Tinted Love, Wildfire and Dark Lava are ideal for a hot date, or pretty much anything the night has in store. There's a colour for every kind of date.
All of these romantic shades are available in both CND SHELLAC and CND VINYLUX, for longer-lasting looks.
So, I'm sure we can all agree that sleeping with a housemate is (for the most part) a bad idea.
It's messy, it's awkward, and it's more hassle than it's worth.
But, that's not stopping us.
A new study conducted by Web Blinds, whichlooked at the reasons why housemates split up,found that over 20 per cent of people admitted to having a sexual encounter with a house mate.
They surveyed almost 3000 UK adults who had previously lived in shared accommodation and found that one in five had gotten frisky with a living partner at one stage or another.
What's more, over half of those admitted that either themselves or their house mate had been in a relationship with someone else when the encounter took place.
According to Marie Claire, less than 25 per cent of these 'housemate-with-benefits' relationships led to an actual romance, and were actually noted as the second most popular reason a house share didn't work out.
Unrequited love was another big one with one in ten participants admitting they had fallen for a house mate who didn't feel the same way.
Check out top ten reason why housemates split below.
1. My ex-housemate(s) were unhygienic /messy
2. I had a sexual encounter with an ex-housemate that made living together awkward
3. I argued/fell out with my ex-housemate(s)
4. My ex-housemate(s) were bad with money and didn’t keep up to date with rent/bills
5. My ex-housemate(s) were too loud/noisy
6. I didn’t like my ex-housemate(s) friends/partner
7. I began to develop unreciprocated romantic feelings for a housemate
8. My ex-housemate(s) invaded my privacy too often
9. My ex-housemate(s) stole from me
10.My ex-housemate(s) got a pet I couldn’t live with
Yep, Dealz have created the gift of… nothing… especially for us this year. How thoughtful.
If you intend on breaking up with your boyfriend/girlfriend/friend/co-worker/enemy/pet/frenemy/neighbour, this would do the trick. It's the perfect way of telling someone, "Hey, you really do mean absolutely nothing to me."
Who said romance is dead? Dealz have just revived the motherf*cker for us all to enjoy.
Some of may play that old game where we say we actually want nothing so that we look polite, selfless, even regal. But we all know it's BULLSH*T. WE WANT PRESENTS.
Whether it's one ring, or even seven like Ariana Grande, we're expecting something worthy of our time.
So while we may chuckle at Dealz' gift, if anyone ever got us this, there'd be hell to pay. Seriously.
“We’ve let our hair out, gone back to work and made our voices heard, so why are we still putting up with uncomfortable and painful sex?”
Now THAT, Durex, is a great question. One that we're SO glad advertisers are starting to ask, seeing as women make up the huge majority of consumers. It's hella dumb not to cater for our needs, if you ask us.
The renowned condom brand also have a range of lubricants, which they are marketing with a pretty great ad, if we do say so ourselves.
The ad uses examples of women fighting for our rights, using our voices to protest, to work, to rebel against societal norms, but yet many of us don't speak out against painful or uncomfortable sex.
Dryness down there is such a common aspect of our daily lives, and the ad points out that our body lubricates itself differently depending on our hormones and the time of the month.
It's perfectly normal that a lot of us would need a little help sometimes with the 'ol lube. Especially during sex, when most heterosexual men don't seem to realise that we need water for the slide to be fun, so to speak.
btw, using lube is great.
it is NOT TRUE that if you need lube you are not aroused enough, lazy, or dysfunctional (actual examples)
An advert which shows a protester, female body hair and a working mum is refreshing, so we're even more chuffed that they brought painful sex into the equation.
Millions of women face this issue in their lives, and it can be incredibly frustrating. We all deserve to enjoy sex and have as many (multiple) orgasms as physically possible, and lube is a tool in our armoury to help us achieve that.
