Many women also still simply find themselves in a great deal of physical pain in the months postpartum after going through what is, by all accounts, a significant trauma for the body. If you are breastfeeding, that can pose its own roadblocks for the libido. “When you are breastfeeding, hormones like oxytocin [often referred to as the ‘love hormone’] and prolactin increase,” says Arenson. “Oxytocin flows during the bonding and breastfeeding process, and this can replace some of the urge to connect intimately through sex.” The accompanying lower levels of estrogen and testosterone can, adds Karyn Eilber, M.D., a urologist focused on female pelvic medicine, negatively impact the libido as well.

Glissant’s Limited Edition Valentine’s Day boxes

Glissant is French for “sliding” or “slippery,” which speaks for itself.

The company was co-founded by Renee Garacochea and a urologist, Dr. Karyn Eilber, who describes their product as “a modern-day lubricant for the empowered woman.”

Joan Holloway

Ginseng, maca, allium, and horny goat leaf are rumored to be aphrodisiacs. At the same time, CBD, CBG, and evening primrose oil may heighten sensation by increasing blood flow to private parts.

A smidge of peppermint creates a cooling sensation, like High on Love’s O gel, but with a hint of spicy cinnamon for balance. Provocative and playful with sleek, sexy, black packaging, this luxuriant product line is the Chanel of CBD lubes.

Ingredients l-arginine increases vaginal blood flow for heightened arousal; hyaluronic acid boosts hydration; and lactic acid helps maintain normal vaginal pH – which theoretically means fewer post-intercourse infections, while aloe soothes irritation. 

Glissant’s highly covetable, hand-made limited edition (only 25 were made!) Valentine’s Day boxes are a perfect present for the luxurious babe in your life. Boite d’amour contains a range of cannabinoids with:

• Edible Sea Salt & Caramel CBD & CBG spray lube.

• CBD & CBG bath salts.

• A gorgeous, sparkly necklace vibrator in a spectacular, re-usable hand-crafted natural wood box with an acrylic top.

In contrast, the Any Which Way You Can box set contains both lubricants, full-size bath salts, and the specialty vibrator in a regular packaging.  

Joan Holloway

Channel MadMen’s voluptuous secretary turned partner Joan Holloway’s eye-catching pen necklace by wearing the elegantly crafted necklace that moonlights as a gemstone vibrator.

Hiding in plain sight, this luxury personal pleasure stimulator signals to those who know what sex-positivity is all about.

A beautiful gemstone sits atop a luxuriously crafted, lightweight, gold plated, surgical stainless-steel, rechargeable necklace.

Glissant Intimate Huile D’amour (oil of love) lubricant spray is infused with 100 mg of CBD and CBG for the entourage effect and botanicals

known by faeries to promote seduction.

The Cervical Orgasm Is a (Very Good) Thing—Here’s How To Have One

By Zahra Barnes

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Just when you think you have discovered every type of orgasm there is to have (especially during quarantine), there's more, including the potentially super intense cervical orgasm. If you either haven't heard of, or don't think you've experienced a cervical orgasm, you’re certainly not alone. “Cervical orgasms are lesser-known than clitoral or G-spot orgasms because they’re not as common—or not as commonly recognized,” says Jessica O’Reilly, Ph.D., resident sexologist for ASTROGLIDE and host of the @SexWithDrJess podcast.

But first of all, what even is a cervical orgasm? Let's recap the purpose of the cervix in the first place. "The cervix is the end of the uterus that only opens slightly for menstrual bleeding and opens much more for vaginal birth," explains Karyn Eilber, MD, board-certified urologist and co- founder of GLISSANT. So to get all the way to the cervix, it's going to involve some deeper penetration (from a partner, or from a toy!) than you might be used to.

"A cervical orgasm results from deep pressure or rubbing against the cervix that stimulates surrounding nerves," says Dr. Eilber. If you do hit those surrounding nerves, there are quite a lot of them, notes Dr. Eilber, so you could be in for a stronger orgasm. "These nerves are distributed throughout the entire pelvis, which is why cervical orgasms are described as intense and full-body."

First, try to get familiar with your cervix on your own.

There's a chance you may be able to reach all the way back to your cervix with your fingers, depending on its height and the length of your fingers, says Dr. O'Reilly. (But, Dr. Eilber points out, the vagina gets longer during arousal, so this may not really be possible).

Don't skip out on lube when you're experimenting with deep penetration.

During sex with a partner, lube can help make sure you're both aroused enough and comfortable. "Lubricants with CBD, such as GLISSANT’s Huile D’Amour, may help increase arousal by naturally increasing blood flow to the genital area," Dr. Eilber says

Health

How to Find the Best Lube to Suit Your Needs, According To Experts!

by Tess Garcia

"Water-based lubes aren't as 'slippery' as oil-based lubes, but they are generally compatible with condoms and toys, whereas most oil-based lubes are not," explains Karyn Eilber, MD, a Beverly Hills-based urologist and founder of lubricant company Glissant. "Water-based lubricants will also dry faster than their oil counterparts."

If you plan to use an oil-based lube, Dr. Eilber says it's important to consider a product's carrier oil, or the oil used to dilute its other ingredients and keep skin safe. "Coconut, almond, and grapeseed oil are all great carrier oils because they are naturally anti-inflammatory and coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal," she says.

No matter what kind of lube you're shopping for, there are a few factors you should keep in mind.

"Common chemicals used [in lube] are parabens, propylene glycol, phthalates, and glycerin, and

these can all potentially cause irritation and possibly infection," says Dr. Eilber. "FDA clearance is

another important consideration...lubricants are considered a medical device and FDA clearance

can help reassure consumers that the lubricant has gone through extensive testing."

BEST SPLURGE:
Glissant CBD & CBG Oil-Based Spray Lubricant $55

This oil-based lube from Dr. Eilber’s company may be pricey, but its one-of-a-kind formula makes it worth every penny. CBD and lesser-known cannabis compound CBG increase blood flow to intimate areas, while grapeseed, almond, and coconut oils give the lubricant an enduring glide. When you run out, simply purchase a $35 refill and place it in the original spray bottle.

There are a lot of CBD lubes out there. Here are the ones worth trying.

By Anna Lovine

With more and more states (finally) legalizing recreational cannabis, CBD — the non-psychoactive cannabinoid — may be taking the backseat to its cooler, psychoactive brethren THC. But while CBD doesn't get you high like THC does, don't discount it quite yet.

For those who experience pelvic pain and want relief during sex — or for people who just want to try something new in bed — look no further than CBD lube. My first foray into products like these came from TOCA's CBD lubes last summer and since then, my world has blossomed into a CBD lube haven.

Glissant has the lowest concentration of CBD on the list, at 100 mg per 30 mL bottle. Unfortunately, its bottle has the same problem as TOCA's in that it's a spray. It's impossible to tell just how much of the product comes out in one spray, especially because it can change depending on how aggressively you press. Its consistency was similar to TOCA's, as well.

Glissant isn't made with parabens or glycerin, but its site claims it is not suitable for people allergic to nuts. The ingredient list is long on this one, so check for sensitivities. (Horny goat weed, for example, is in Glissant's CBD lube.)

In addition to what's on this list, I also tried Foria's Intimacy Natural Lubricant with CBD, but decided not to include it here as I wasn't a fan of its dropper or water-like consistency; both made for a messy experience. It's also 200 mg per 120 mL, which is a lot lower concentration than the others.

CBD, like cannabis overall, still needs to be studied more closely. CBD lube also isn't a cure-all, and while I've found it beneficial for pelvic pain, everyone's body is different. Further, the FDA doesn't currently regulate CBD lube, so a potential customer — you! — have to do your due diligence when choosing a product.

Ultimately, though, these lubes are just to enhance your experience with yourself or your partner. "It's not the lube doing the job," said Parodneck. "It's the people who are together."

How Do Numbing & Desensitizing Lubes Work? Are They Safe?

By Emily Deaton

Many people enjoy anal sex, but exploring the backdoor is often associated with discomfort. Why?

While the vagina is self-lubricating, the same can’t be said for the anus.

For that reason, you’ve probably heard that you should use lube for anal sex if you want to have a good time, and that’s definitely the case.

If you don’t use lube during anal, you may end up feeling like someone stuck a pole up your ass — and there’s nothing pleasurable about that.

According to Dr. Karyn Eilber, M.D., a urologist and the creator of Glissant, a natural lube brand, “men who have premature ejaculation may use [numbing lubes] so that climax can be delayed.”

Can Horny Goat Weed Help Men With Sexual Dysfunction?

By Jake Cappuccino

Horny goat weed: You’ve probably seen it in gas stations and your local drug store. When you were a young man, you probably knew at least one guy who swore by the stuff. If you don’t know what it is, it’s a gas station aphrodisiac and erectile dysfunction supplement that’s been used in Chinese medicine for ages. Like a lot of guys, you might wonder if horny goat weed supplements really can heighten sexual sensation or improve your sexual performance. After all, the name intuitively suggests this drug is out there making goats horny, and now it’s being sold to you, dear human, in every major drug store and pharmacy in the country.

So, what’s the deal with horny goat weed, man?

Horny goat weed is the popular name for the Epimedium plant, which is commonly found in many Asian countries. We asked the experts if this popular sexual supplement for men actually works, and they agreed that horny goat weed supplements likely do have some limited effects on male sexual health.

Keep reading for the honest truth, plus some sexual performance aids that actually work.

What is horny goat weed?

Simply put, horny goat weed refers to any supplement made from the Epimedium plant, which grows mostly in China. It’s typically processed and sold in pill form as a sexual health supplement or aphrodisiac for men.

Dr. Karyn Eilber, a board-certified urologist and the founder of GLISSANT, a line of natural intimacy products, some of which use horny goat weed, filled Spy in on the apocryphal origins of the plant. She said, according to legend, the plant caught on as a sexual remedy in traditional Chinese medicine after a goat herder noticed an increase in sexual activity in her herd after her goats ate the plant. Like most folk tales, it’s hard to pin down the true origins of this alternative medicine. However, we can say with confidence that horny men have been using horny goat weed for a very long time.

Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate the sale of supplements in the United States, there are a lot of horny goat weed supplements for sale that make a lot of big promises. Before you purchase any of these supplements and so-called performance enhancers, remember that any health claims they make have not been evaluated by the FDA.