After giving birth, women will often feel exhausted, and their body will need some time to recover before they can get intimate with their husband again. Women (and new daddies too) should take plenty of time to relax and take a break. Just because you haven't jumped right back into your old sex routines doesn't mean that you are doing anything wrong.

Once the infant has grown a little and you're ready to leave him or her with a babysitter, you may want to plan sex into your dates. For instance, if you're heading out for a dinner with your lover, consider paying a visit to an hourly hotel afterward.

If you are unable to plan a night away, then try to work out something at home. Though infants may require constant care, once the little one gets older he or she will be heading off for playdates or to pre-school. Make use of these hours without your pride and joy, even if it means you have to head to the house on your lunch break to meet up with your partner.

Of course, you probably will want to wait a little before you bring another little bundle of joy into the world, which is why it's important for new parents to practice safe sex. Using a condom will make sure that you can focus on the act of lovemaking, and not any unintended consequences.

If you are feeling that all of the care the baby needs is making your sex life a little ho-hum, then it may be time to spice things up. There are a number of ways to do this, including purchasing warming lubricant or a vibrating adult toy such as the LifeStyles® a:muse™ Personal Pleasure Massager. This will not only help you relax and take a load off (so to speak), but will also keep things new and exciting during those precious moments alone.

Researchers from Korea University injected the penises of 50 volunteers with the substance, using a "back and forth technique." After 18 months, the men had sustained an average increase in circumference of about 4 centimeters. Not only that, but they also reported a high level of satisfaction. On average the men and their partners rated their level of happiness with the procedure at 3.3 on a scale from 0 to 4. However, the news source does note that the needles used in this procedure were rather large, which may deter some guys seeking out those extra centimeters.

Having a good fit is essential when it comes to wearing condoms, so guys may want to try out a variety of sizes, styles and brands to find out what feels best. Knowing how to use a condom is also of utmost importance, and if guys are uncertain they should speak with a sexual educator or counselor.

When it comes to the shape and style of a condom, there are a number of choices. According to Avert.org, it comes down to personal preference, so men should keep an open mind when surveying their options.

One way that couples often overcome sexual frustration brought about by distance is to have phone sex when you can't be together. This can be fun, especially with the advent of webcams. While it's certainly no substitute for the real thing, using sex toys and personal lubricant together can make it seem more like you are in the same room. Just make sure you set aside time beforehand, as you'll both need to have a half hour or so to chat.

Of course, there are some times you simply need to be with the other person in the flesh. This will take a commitment from both of you. If it's not too far, it may be best to find a hotel that is about halfway between your two locations. When you have the time, drive to meet each other. It may seem a little odd to go all that distance for sex, but you'll be happy once the lights are turned down low.

If the occasional meet up isn't enough, or if the distance is too great, you may want to consider entering into an open relationship. These types of relationship are not for everyone, but for some, they can provide much needed relief without compromising the integrity of your primary relationship. Just be sure to have an open and honest conversation about the option, and agree on a firm set of rules that will allow you both to feel comfortable.

Keep in mind, if you are going to start hooking up with more than one person, you'll need to use protection to keep yourself and your long-term lover safe. Being sure to purchase condoms before you meet up with a new person is essential to prevent STDs.

While it may be a little extra work, it is possible to be in a long distance relationship that lasts. Regular communication is essential to keep your bond strong. It can be difficult to bring up anxieties with your lover, but delaying an uncomfortable discussion will only lead to trouble down the line. 

Because sexual addiction is a relatively new topic of discussion, definitions thereof are hazy. According to Independent Online, some people who have many sexual partners but are not addicted to sex may claim to suffer from sexual addiction as a way to justify their penchant for random hookups. However, the condition can be very serious and interfere with one's personal life and relationships.

"It might also be seen as a titillating subject. Yet there's nothing titillating about a man who continuously has unprotected sex with prostitutes who may have sexually transmitted diseases, and then goes home and has sex with his wife," JC Durbin, CEO of an addiction treatment center, told the news source. "There's nothing titillating about the compulsive masturbator, who masturbates up to 15 times a day, and whose life is spiralling out of control because of his compulsive behavior."

When sleeping with someone unfamiliar, it's always wise to wear condoms because there is no way to be sure of a partner's sexual history. However, Durbin's opinion may prompt some married couples to wear protection as well, particularly if philandering has been an issue in the relationship.

Durbin went on to explain to the news source that pornography can be a major factor in sexual addiction. Thanks to technological innovations like the internet and smartphones, people are exposed to sexually graphic images at younger and younger ages. According to Durbin, this exposure could prompt some individuals to develop unsafe sexual habits later on down the line.

Those who fear they may be suffering from sexual addiction should seek treatment to help with the issue. PsychCentral.com reports that individuals should keep in mind that the desire for regular sex, provided it is not a destructive compulsion, is natural and healthy.

"It's time to sound the alarm," the report reads. "During the past three years, the wily gonococcus has become less susceptible to our last line of antimicrobial defense, threatening our ability to cure gonorrhea and prevent severe sequelae."

According to the report, gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported communicable disease among Americans. The illness is more likely to affect marginalized races, ethnic groups and sexual orientations. More than 600,000 cases of gonorrhea are reported every year in America.

U.S. News and World Report states that the STD has been developing resistance to antibiotic treatment for a long time, and until recently, doctors felt equipped to supply patients with stronger medications to take on the illness. However, it appears such is no longer the case.

"As far as gonorrhea goes, I'm not aware of any new drugs in the pipeline," Nikki Mayes, a spokesperson for the CDC, wrote in an email to the World Report. "This is just one more example of a bigger problem – bacteria are developing resistance faster than we're inventing new medicines to fight them."

Symptoms of gonorrhea are often different for men and women. Infected men may suffer from epididymitis, which causes pain in the ducts attached to the testicles. For women, gonorrhea is the most common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Gonorrhea can affect any person who is sexually active. The illness is spread through genital, oral or anal contact, and can be passed when no ejaculate is present. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause permanent health problems in both men and women, according to the CDC. Using latex condoms during every sexual encounter can help reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Those who suspect they may have been infected with gonorrhea should visit a health clinic as soon as possible. Sexually active patients should be tested for all sexually transmitted infections, even if they are only experiencing symptoms that indicate one illness.

Researchers interviewed 170 people between the ages of 63 and 75 to reach their conclusion. They found evidence that those who were sexually satisfied were more likely to have a sharper, "younger" mind.

"The results clearly show that staying active in later life – and this includes having sex – helps keep you cognitively active," Dr. Peter Kropp, one of the lead researchers, told the news source.

Kropp explained to the media outlet that many people in their 20s assume their sex life will come to an end by the time they reach 50. However, as they grow older, this sexual expiration date is continually pushed back. By the time a man reaches 50, he is more likely to think that he will stop having sex when he's in his 80s.

Older adults who have lost their ability to make love can still benefit from intimacy, the researchers pointed out. Dr. Knopp explained that for such couples, holding hands or giving a loving glance can be just as important.

While this research suggests sex can help keep older people in shape, if seniors don't wear protection when they're in the sack then the potential health hazards may outweigh the benefits. Some older people may assume that, since they can't get pregnant, they no longer have to wear condoms. This myth has led to staggeringly high STD rates in senior communities.

A separate study recently published in Student BMJ found more than 80 percent of people between the ages of 60 and 90 are sexually active, and the number of STDs among this group has doubled in the past 10 years.

According to ABC, the researchers believe that part of the issue stems from the availability of drugs like Viagra, which may help older men overcome their erectile dysfunction and allow them to have sex more often.

"People are making midlife changes and going back into dating and maybe never have used condoms when they started out many years ago," Eli Coleman, director of the Program in Human Sexuality and the University of Minnesota Medical School, told the news source. "They also think of their grandmother's old fashioned condoms and know nothing about the availability of them now or how to use them."

In Florida, STDs among older people is such a large issue that the Florida Department of Health is asking young adults to have "the talk," usually reserved for teenagers, with their own elderly parents, reports the Miami Herald. Relaying vital sexual health information could help keep grandma or grandpa STD-free.

"It's gonna be embarrassing," Marlene LaLota, HIV prevention director for the state, told the Herald. "Anything that gets the ball rolling. Remember the roles were reversed once upon a time – where it was the mother having the conversation with the daughter 30 or 40 years ago."

The newspaper reports that the almost a fifth of all new HIV cases in the Sunshine State occurred in people over 50, with most of them living in the southern part of the state. If this trend continues, it could mean that in 2015, most of those who are living with the illness will have already turned 50.

This is a delicate subject, so above all else, tread lightly. It may be best to confide in a close friend about your concerns. Creating a list of pros and cons about your date's traits can be helpful as well. When the list is drawn up, weigh the benefits and drawbacks and see if his or her good qualities are enough to make the less savory attributes worth ignoring.

It's never a good idea to force someone to change against his or her will in order to suit your needs, but it might be wise to see if your new "special friend" is up for a lifestyle alteration. For instance, suppose your date makes you laugh easily, but her personal hygiene could use some work. Having a frank, honest and positive conversation about the benefits of keeping clean could prompt her to change.

Of course, there are some places where you simply must draw the line. For instance, if your dream man refuses to buy condoms and use them every time he has sex, then it may be best to walk away. Using protection is a way to show that you care about your lover's physical well-being – a trait that is an essential part of any healthy relationship.

If you do decide to ask your partner to make a change, it's wise to be prepared to make some switches on your side of things as well. You may think you're an ideal partner, but everyone has their personal set of preferences, including your new lover. If he or she wants to try out something new in bed, like using flavored condoms or partaking in prolonged foreplay sessions, keep an open mind, and remember that relationships are all about give and take.

Pets

Bringing a new dog or cat into the family can be exciting, but when it comes time to get down to business in the bedroom, things can take a turn for the worse. Furry companions often don't have the same respect for privacy as their owners, especially if they love to cuddle. There are few things more uncomfortable than feeling hot breath on your neck, and realizing it's Fido or Felix, not your partner.

This can be difficult to overcome, but setting up boundaries is the name of the game. Always shut the door to your bedroom when you start getting busy. If your dog or cat is scratching to get in, it may be a good idea to give him or her a special treat or put their favorite toy nearby to keep the animal occupied. Eventually they'll learn that they're not welcome, and you'll be able to make love in peace once again.

Roommates

Unfortunately, you can't just lock pesky roommates out when it's time to do the horizontal mambo. If you share a bedroom or living space with a roommate, then you may find that talking about sex openly with him or her is the best route.

See if you can exchange schedules with your roommate so you can plan your personal time when they won't be around. If you find yourself about to indulge in an unexpected quickie and want some privacy, work out a system with your housemate. Put a sock or a rubber band on the outside doorknob to let your roomie know that you need a few minutes.

Technology

Technology may be the easiest distraction to overcome – all it takes is a little self-discipline. It could be difficult to rip yourself away from your cellphone, but putting aside any gadgets in order to focus on your partner is essential.

For the real tech-addicts out there, it may be wise to invest in a different sort of vibrating device that can be incorporated into sex. No, we're not talking about the buzz setting on your phone – we mean an actual vibrating toy, like the LifeStyles® Vibrating Ring.

Ipsos, a global marketing research company, and Reuters conducted the poll. The results encompass a broad segment of the population – researchers surveyed 21,248 people from 23 different countries. Of those polled, 59 percent were in a "solid attachment," defined as a marriage or domestic partnership.

Around two thirds of those in a committed partnership said their partner or spouse gives them their greatest happiness. Furthermore, nearly half of the single survey respondents said finding a significant other would improve their outlook.

"What strikes us when we look at the data is that you have this majority of global citizens who are really looking at home for happiness," said Keren Gottfried, research manager at Ipsos Global Public Affairs.

The survey also revealed some interesting statistics about specific countries. For instance, it seems that lovers in South Africa experience the highest levels of partner-based happiness, as 82 percent of coupled individuals in the country said their partner brought them the most joy. Meanwhile, Brazilians in relationships seemed to be the most likely to be satisfied with their monogamous sex lives.

Around 38 percent of couples who took part in the poll said the best thing about their relationships was the sex. This may put an end to the idea that married couples aren't getting busy. It seems even those who are in long-term relationships enjoy using personal lubricant and making love.

The researchers analyzed data from thousands of individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2009 and 2010. Participants filled out a detailed survey, underwent a physical examination and provided an oral rinse containing cells that were then tested for HPV.

The study hopes to illuminate the recent spike in the number of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S., which increased around 225 percent between 1988 and 2004. Researchers believe that oral HPV is transmitted primarily through oral-to-genital sexual conduct.

"There is a strong association for sexual behavior, and that has important implications for public health officials who teach sexual education," said Dr. Maura L. Gillison, leader of the study.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aside from getting vaccinated, individuals can prevent the spread of HPV by wearing condoms during all sexual activity, including oral sex. However, it is important for them to remember that HPV can still be transmitted via areas of the body that are not covered by a condom. Comprehending such crucial STD facts is essential for sexually active adults.

Typically, HPV has no symptoms, and most people's immune systems can take on the disease and eliminate it quickly. However, in some cases it may lead to warts, cervical cancer or other types of cancer. Health institutes have urged both men and women to get vaccinated for HPV.