Kegels do a body good

With Debbie Simon

We usually keep things pretty light here at the Olde Un Blog, but we’re going to take a more serious tone for a minute as we talk about why Kegels are important for more than just improving your sex life.

A common problem

Weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to all kinds of problems, especially for women. Forty percent of the 27,342 women enrolled in a Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study had some degree of uterine prolapse. What is uterine prolapse? According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a condition in which the uterus slips down into or protrudes out of the vagina due to weakened and/or stretched pelvic floor muscles. It can happen to women of any age, but often affects post-menopausal women who’ve had one or more vaginal deliveries. Complications include ulcers and prolapse of other pelvic organs, including your bladder. Symptoms include a sensation of heaviness or pulling in your pelvis, tissue protruding from your vagina, low back pain and urinary problems and incontinence.

Weakened pelvic floor muscles can be an issue for men as well; the muscles can weaken as men age and lead to incontinence — especially if the man has had prostate surgery.

What to do about it

The most common way to combat this issues is performing Kegel exercises. Here are a few tips:

·         Find the right muscles: An easy way to do this is to stop urination in midstream — the muscles you use for this are your pelvic floor muscles. You can also place a clean finger inside your vagina and tighten your vaginal muscles around your finger.

It can be a bit harder for men. One way is to insert a finger into the rectum and try to squeeze it without tightening the muscles of the abdomen, buttocks or thighs. Another option is to tense the muscles that you use to keep from passing gas.

·         Practice makes perfect: Tighten your pelvic floor muscles, holding the contraction for 5 seconds, then relaxing for 5 seconds. Do this four or five times in a row, slowly working up to 10 second intervals. Aim for three sets of 10 repetitions a day. Be careful not to flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs or buttocks and avoid holding your breath.

·         Don’t make a habit of doing it while you’re actually peeing: Doing Kegels while urinating can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder, which increases the risk of a urinary tract infection.

·         Stay consistent: Do your exercises at the same time each day — while you’re brushing your teeth, watching TV, lying in bed before you go to sleep — and you’re far less likely to forget to do them.

·         Don’t overdo it: Exercising these muscles too much can be just as bad as not doing them at all because you’ll wear them out — stick to the three sets a day.

A multipurpose toy

If Kegels sound too complicated, or you’re not sure if you’re working the right muscles, there are also pelvic toners that provide muscle stimulation that can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Here at the Olde Un, we carry the Jopen Intensity for women. The Intensity is the first sex toy designed to be a Kegel exerciser and stimulator. It inflates to your desired size and includes five incremental speeds that strengthen the muscles. But it isn’t all work and no play — the Intensity also features a G-spot stimulating mound and a clitoral stimulator.

And the added benefit of all those Kegels? Tighter pelvic floor muscles means better sex! So get out there and get exercising, friends!

Eat your way to better sex

With Debbie Simon

It’s fairly well known that oysters are an aphrodisiac, but our slimy little friends are not the only way you can use dinner to turn up the heat. Science has shown that there are a number of foods that can enhance sexual function and experience, either directly or indirectly.

Chocolate: As if we needed another excuse to indulge in this sweet treat. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical compound that can produce feelings of euphoria and happiness by releasing dopamine, the neurotransmitter in the brain that surges during orgasms.

Avocados: Rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat, avocados are good for your heart and your arteries, which means they help keep blood flowing in all the right places. And men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Bring on the guacamole.

Watermelon: This summertime staple is high in potentially libido-boosting nutrients. A 2008 study by Texas A&M suggests the lycopene, citrulline and beta-carotene all found in watermelon helps relax blood vessels and provide a natural boost to your sex drive.

Almonds: Almonds are packed with minerals like selenium, vitamin E and zinc – which helps enhance libido and sexual desire. So the next time you’re blending up a smoothie, be sure to pour in a little extra almond milk, or better yet, make a handful of almonds your new go-to snack. Your partner will appreciate it.

Arugula: It may look like just an innocent, simple leafy green, but arugula has been touted as an arousal aid since the first century. Research has shown the trace minerals and antioxidants in this salad regular are essential for sexual health because they help block absorption of environmental contaminants thought to negatively impact libido. Just one more reason salad is always a good option.

Salmon: Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to regulate blood flow to the reproductive organs.

Ginseng: Particularly, Korean red panax ginseng, increases testosterone production, which in turn ups your sex drive. Studies have shown ginseng to be especially effective in treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Strawberries: Like avocados, strawberries help with good circulation. They’re also loaded with vitamin C, which can increase sperm count. Dip them in chocolate – another proven aphrodisiac, and you’ve got yourself a sex superfood.

Basil: This popular spice has anti-inflammatory properties that help with blood flow. Even better, it has been known to promote sexual desire in men just by smelling it, increasing blood flow and heart rate.

Sex is good for you

With Debbie Simon

“Sex is natural – sex is good. Not everybody does it. But everybody should.”

George Michael was on to something back in 1987. Sex isn’t just fun and games, it’s also good for you, providing benefits ranging from stress release to boosting your immune system. We’ve rounded up some of the top reasons sex is just as effective as the proverbial apple at keeping your doctor away:

Fewer colds: According to researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, people who are sexually active tend to have higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin, which helps combat diseases and keep the body safe from colds and flu.

 Lower blood pressure: A number of studies have documented a link between sexual intercourse (not masturbation) and lower systolic blood pressure. Of course, sex can’t take the place of blood-pressure lowering drugs to control high blood pressure, but it can be a fun way to help said drugs do their job.

Lower risk for heart attack: Having regular sex isn’t a guarantee against a heart attack, but sexual activity does help keep your hormones in check, which can lower your chances of developing conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis. A study of 1,000 men published in 2010 showed that men who had sex at least twice a week were 45-percent less likely to develop life-threatening heart conditions than men who had sex once a month or less.

Fountain of youth?: Another study, this one by the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, showed that individuals who have regular sex — four times a week on average — were perceived to be seven to 12 years younger than their actual age. All that nooky promotes the release of hormones like estrogen, we has been shown to promote soft skin and shiny hair. 

Pain relief: Why pop an ibuprofen when you can hit the sheets instead? The endorphins released during sex are similar in structure to opiates and have the same feel-good affect by occupying morphine receptors in the brain.

Improved bladder control: Incontine nce is something that will affect approximately 30 percent of women at some point in their lives. Sex, like the much-vaunted Kegels exercises, is a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. When you orgasm, those muscles contract, strengthening them and leading to better bladder control.

Lower risk of prostate cancer: Research has shown that men who ejaculate frequently (at least 21 times a month) are less likely to get prostate cancer. Most sources caution that other factors may have contributed to those results, but they also agree getting off more often can only help.

Looking Gorgeous! with Debbie Simon

One of my favorite gifts during the holiday season is lingerie. Whether giving or getting, lingerie is a great way to say, I love you, You’re beautiful, I want you…and so much more.

At Olde Un, we have lingerie for everyone, whatever your size or sexual preference. And although lingerie can be one of the most beautiful clothing items we can put on our bodies, it sometimes can be intimidating and uncomfortable. So here are our best tips for rocking that lingerie as only you can!

1.    CONFIDENCE
Number One for a very important reason! Being confident in your own skin is the sexiest thing in the world. There very likely may be some fear when it comes to getting naked, but be encouraged. You aren’t the only one. Go ahead,  put yourself out there, and fake it ‘til you make it! Your partner loves you for you. So let that perfection vibe go, put away those Photoshopped magazines (forever, please) and bring out your beautiful self.

You both will enjoy the experience more when you let that confidence shine!

2.    Select lingerie YOU love
Making a lingerie selection should be fun. Don’t feel the need to pick the most racy teddy on the rack, any particular style, or even a particular color. When you browse through our store, you’ll find lingerie in bright colors as well as black, skin-tight revealing items and flowing baby doll styles that work to accentuate the positive (you get the idea). Remember, you’re wearing the lingerie, don’t let the lingerie wear you.

Get something you absolutely LOVE!

3.    Comfort is FUN
I admit, I’ve purchased lingerie because it looked good on the model that was printed on the tag. I get it home and it’s tight enough to cut the circulation off to the entire bottom half of my body! Yes, lingerie is a completely different feeling than wearing your old “comfortable” t-shirt and shorts, but make sure you get home with something that you can actually walk around in.

There isn’t anything sexy about a bound up, strangled partner (unless you’re into that sort of thing).  ;)

4.    Your ASSETS
There is lingerie that makes a booty shine. Lingerie that really shows off the girls. Lingerie that will make your legs look ten feet long. Pick out lingerie that shows off your best assets. And minimizes the parts that you may be less confident about.

Proud of your luscious curves? Baby doll gowns show off your bust and flatter just about any shape. Think you’ve got an amazing booty? Give your lover a peek of what’s to come with a form-fitting chemise. Considering a jaw-dropping striptease? A black garter slip, revealed after peeling away your everyday layers, can do no wrong. Take this as your lingerie rule of thumb: If you feel amazing, you’ll look amazing, and vice versa!

5.    Get out there and just DO IT!
Don’t talk yourself out of it. Lingerie can really add excitement to your sex life. The right lingerie can bring excitement for years to come. Your partner will never get tired of seeing you strut around in all your confident glory.

So put these tips to use and wrap up a special package for your loved one this holiday season. Santa Daddy will be oh so very excited to open your ‘present’.

What Women Want

By Debbie Simons

Women have a lot of power when it comes to getting sex when they want it. And they know what they like. So how does a man communicate his best attributes? Here are some things women like, so put your best foot forward men….

Honesty – Believe it or not, it’s number one. In survey after survey, trust and honesty consistently come in as number one. Think women want you to lie to them to save their feelings? They don’t. They aren’t asking for it and they deserve better than that.

Trust isn’t just a big deal for women, it affects you both. Past baggage, fear, alcohol and drugs, childhood experiences and more situations can make a man’s (or women’s) vision of honesty skewed. Throw that luggage out and get real, Dudes. Your woman will value and respect you for being honest, just as you will her. Especially when it’s hard.

Confidence – Women want a confident man. Confident in who you are. It may sound cliché but women want a man with a quiet confidence who compares himself to no one. Now don’t get confidence confused with a big ego or arrogance. We’ll see right through that curtain. Confident men don’t require a big ego. They understand their worth and who they are. So be confident. Know your value.

Be Attentive – Gifts? Compliments? Women really want to know that you’re thinking about them. Even if you just tell a woman that you don’t like it that she’s out with another guy, she’ll love it, because it means you were thinking about her. Do women wear sexy outfits on accident? Do they spend two hours on their hair because they love their flat iron? No way. They want to know that you understand how amazing and beautiful they are. Women notice these details and they respond.

Intellect – Do women like a man with a well-hung brain? You bet. Women love a man who is interested in her, and what she finds interesting. Not only that, she is intrigued when a man wants to learn new things and grow his mind. Having an intellectual curiosity is like releasing extra pheromones to a woman. Yummy…

Sense of Humor – Almost goes without saying. Funny guys get all the girls. You know it.

Passion – Passion for them. Passion for your career. Passion for your goals. Passion in your values and beliefs. Grab some passion and grow it. It will not only make you H-O-T to women, it will make you happier and more fulfilled as well.

But what about the physical stuff? We know you men like to look at the perfectly Photoshop’ed model. Do you expect everyone you sleep with to measure up to those impossible standards? Of course not! Neither do women expect you to be as fit as Channing Tatum or as perfectly chiseled as George Clooney. Some women love bald men, some love lots of hair to run their fingers through. Some love big muscles, some not so much. So don’t be caught up in the mirror. We aren’t.

Now get out there and find your Princess!

Rock Hard

With Debbie Simon

You’re right, I don’t mean abs. Men are under a lot of pressure when it comes to sex. They are responsible for the lion’s share of the performance in most sexual encounters and most take it very seriously. There are as many reasons for performance challenges and anxiety as there are sexual positions, but luckily scientists have come a long way in terms of assisting men be all they want to be in bed.

We are a big fan of male enhancements at Olde Un. However, it is very important that you purchase your product at a store that knows their supplements…and especially their ingredients. There are many illicit and illegally-made supplements that can have negative effects on a man’s health. Please make sure you know and can trust the people you make your purchase from.

There are several good natural sexual enhancements for men. Here are a few…

Ginseng - Ginseng has become popular in the last several years. It grows mainly in the Appalachian region and down into the Ozarks. The root is a tonic, meaning that its benefits accrue gradually. It is also considered ‘adaptogenic’, meaning that it may increase resistance to stress, trauma, fatigue and anxiety. It is believed to increase overall vitality and sexual performance, according to research conducted at the University of Naples. Be aware, improper usage can result in high blood pressure, diarrhea, restlessness, and other dangerous side-affects.

Ayurvedic Herbs – Ayurvedic herbs are a class of herbal remedies that have been used in India for thousands of years. A study using rats as subjects suggests that some of these herbs are effective against erectile dysfunction while at the same time increasing sexual desire. Although these natural herbs in their pure form present no particular health concerns for adults, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that some Ayurveda products contain potentially harmful heavy metals.

Oysters – A team of American and Italian researchers reported at the 2005 meeting of the American Chemical Society that oysters are effective against erectile dysfunction and act as potent aphrodisiacs, because they contain rare amino acids that trigger increased levels of sex hormones. They are most effective when consumed raw but do present some health risks. Take in small doses, at least until you understand how oysters affect you.

We love oysters and ginseng makes yummy tea, but none of these are our favorite male enhancement solutions. Olde Un has some of the best male enhancement products on the market. Come on by and we can find the best solution for you.