For years, the subject of masturbation has always been a taboo. There has been many myths on the ‘physical harm’ masturbation can have on a person. But it’s only the worry, shame and all the conflicting emotions attached to the act that make people shy away from sexually stimulating themselves.

Strong negative messages play a role

Messages conveyed by others and the general perception on masturbation plays a massive role in the way most people perceive the act. One may not personally feel the same way but it’ll always be at the back of their minds and eventually it’ll eat away at most people who will seek other ways, sometimes physically harmful, to pull away from masturbating.

“People don’t leave because they can’t support their partner anymore, it’s not even because of the disease,” says Sivuyisiwe. “Often enough, they leave because that person becomes unbearable to live with, especially when it comes to self pity.” Seek help from support groups or even a qualified counsellor for your own well-being as well as for your partner and prospective relationship(s).Depending on the type of relationship you have, and if your partner decides to continue the relationship, it is vital that you practice safer sex, by using condoms and ensuring that your spouse is tested every six months.

Lastly, and most importantly, have your partner tested as soon as possible, “it would be the honourable thing to do,’ says Sivuyisiwe who also thinks that “there’s nothing worse than crying on your own.” Support them as you normally would through anything that might have frightened them, and remember that your partner is also taking a big step in their own lives.

Attraction between people has often been described as “chemistry”. This article looks at the role of pheromones in love, relationships, and genetics.

Finding a partner who will provide the best genetic code for your child may be the last thing on your mind right now, but your nose is on that precise mission.

Sex is a very pleasurable and special thing between two people who love each other or who are in some kind of sexual relationship. It is emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy the more you have of it the better and healthier your relationship strengthens.

Even though sex is even described by priests with conservative and religious beliefs as; “a beautiful thing created by god between husband and wife”, it can be dangerous when it becomes an obsession. As with alcohol, drugs, caffeine and other popular addictions; sex is also addictive and it is an addiction that can pose serious threats to your health, life and relationships.

Pregnancy offers no protection for you or your baby from sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, the consequences can be a lot more serious and life-threatening if an expecting mother is infected with gonorrhea.

HIV and Syphilis are transmitted to the fetus by crossing the placenta. While gonorrhea isn’t able to do that, the bacteria can cause significant problems in a pregnancy.

Before and after pregnancy, gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This happens in about 10 to 40% of cases, but PID very rarely occurs during pregnancy.