Category Archives: Protective Barriers

Communication, Dating, Personal Health & Hygiene, Protective Barriers, STDs/STIs

Flavorful Fluid: Addressing health concerns regarding oral sex

Dear Sexpert,

Things are getting kind of hot and heavy with this guy I’m seeing. We’ve only made out so far, but I have recently been thinking about trying oral sex. I’m worried about the taste of my bodily fluids. I’ve heard pineapple juice might help oral sex be more enjoyable for the giver: Is this true?

— Flavorful Fluid

Dear Flavorful Fluid,

Thank you for reaching out with your question! It’s completely normal to have questions and occasional insecurities about our bodies when it comes to sexual experiences, especially new ones. Regarding any type of sexual activity, including oral sex, it’s important to reflect on your personal wants and needs and to have open and respectful communication with your partner(s).

Oral sex encompasses a range of activities: cunnilingus, the oral stimulation of the vulva; fellatio, the oral stimulation of a penis; or anilingus, colloquially called “rimming”, oral stimulation of the anus. It’s common for the person giving oral sex to encounter various tastes and sensations as every body has its own unique flavor profile, and it can change depending on many variables — including diet, hydration, supplements or medications, hygiene, or infection. As for your question about pineapple juice, there’s a belief that consuming pineapple juice may make penile and vaginal secretions taste “better” — less bitter —, though it’s important to understand that many factors contribute to these tastes. Penile secretions are slightly alkaline, with a pH ranging between 7.1 and 8, which can lead to a slightly bitter taste. On the other hand, vaginal secretions are slightly acidic, with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5, resulting in a tangy taste. Your diet plays a significant role in the flavor of any bodily fluid, whether it be saliva, sweat, urine, seminal, or vaginal fluid.  For example, foods such as garlic, onions, dairy, red meat, smoking, and alcohol can contribute to a more “bitter” taste. In the case of penile secretions, sugary liquids or foods, such as pineapple juice, can alter the fructose and glucose content, making them less alkaline and potentially less “bitter.” The taste of vaginal secretions is also strongly affected by the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the presence of blood may give a “metallic” taste, while during ovulation, the release of cervical mucus can result in a “muskier” taste. In addition to diet, being on medications, such as antibiotics, or having an infection affect your pH levels, and impact your natural smell and taste. 

Let’s also address this message that bodies and bodily secretions should taste or smell like something other than what they are. This strategy, used to sell products that promise to mask your natural scent or unique flavor, contributes to feelings of shame or insecurity about our naturally-existing bodies. Practicing general hygiene, like taking regular showers, wiping after using the bathroom, and wearing proper-fitting, breathable, clean underwear should ensure that your unique taste is natural. If your partner(s) makes comments about not liking your taste or uses it as an excuse to not give oral sex, a conversation might be in order. Together, with open communication, you can hopefully come up with creative and mutually-pleasing solutions.

It is also important to note that engaging in oral sex comes with risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI), like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, etc. To reduce risk, use a dental dam — a sheet of latex or polyurethane placed over the anus or vulva — to prevent skin-to-skin contact during cunnilingus or anilingus, or an external condom during fellatio. Condoms, dental dams, and water-based lube can come in different flavors, which can make things more exciting —chocolate mint, anyone? — and cover the taste of latex while simultaneously reducing risks. Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you can spread an STI without knowing it, so the best option is for you to use barrier methods, and/or get screened for STIs with your partner(s) and s hare your results with one another. You can do self-directed STI testing through UHS, since you are asymptomatic, or you can make an appointment with Sexual Health and Wellness at UHS through your MyUHS online portal.

Ultimately, personal preferences and sexual experiences can vary widely. Open and honest communication with your partner, respect for each other’s boundaries, and consent in all activities are most important. If your partner notices a change and brings it up in a considerate manner, it’s an opportunity to have a conversation about your well-being. However, if you find yourself in a situation where your partner constantly makes disparaging comments or uses this as an excuse to avoid certain activities, it’s important to prioritize your own self-respect and comfort. Partners should approach these topics with empathy and respect for each other. 

Warm regards,
The Sexpert

Information obtained from Healthline, National Library of Medicine, Men’s Health, University Health Services, and Mayo Clinic.

Communication, Dating, Protective Barriers, Relationships, Sex Positivity

Uncertain Underclassmen: Approaching hook-up culture on campus

Dear Sexpert,

Throughout my first few weeks on campus, it seems like everyone is focused on hooking up during nights out. I’ve never done anything like that before, but I feel kind of pressured to start. Hooking up wasn’t really big among my friends back home and my health class only discussed abstinence. Plus, my parents usually just avoided any sex-related conversations altogether. I don’t want my new friends to think that I’m weird or anything for staying on the sidelines though. Should I just go for it already? 

— Uncertain Underclassman

Dear Uncertain Underclassman,

Your worries are completely valid — and more common than you might think. Adjusting to the new social environment on campus, even for upperclassmen/returning students, can be overwhelming. Before jumping to any conclusions about what others are doing, you might want to ask what your friends really mean by “hooking up.” The term can mean anything from making out to engaging in vaginal or anal sex. Try not to let social pressures — even from your new friends — cloud your judgment on intimate matters. Of course, separating yourself from the perceived norms on campus is no easy task. Still, regardless of what your friends or peers are doing, the decision to start exploring physical intimacy — i.e., any form of sensuous contact — ultimately resides with you.

It’s important to understand that what you may see or hear about sex on campus is likely not an accurate representation of what’s “normal.” Those who are not engaging in sexual activity tend to be less vocal about that choice than their sexually active peers are. Our data suggest that the percentage of students not engaging in oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse is higher than those who do. Only 27.4% of current freshmen arriving on campus have ever had sex, according to The Daily Princetonian’s 2026 frosh survey. Based on the ACHA-NCHA III Spring 2023 survey of undergraduate students in the United States, 39 percent have never engaged in oral sex, 44 percent have never engaged% in vaginal, and 84 percent have never engaged% in anal. Therefore, whether or not you choose to participate in sexual activity, your behavior will certainly not be outside of the norm. 

Oftentimes, you’ll hear that you should wait to engage in physical intimacy until “the time is right.” Unfortunately, that timing can be very difficult to discern and is influenced by many factors. Luckily, you’ve already gotten off to a great start by simply taking the time to think about whether “the time is right” for you. Reflecting on what you’re comfortable with and setting personal boundaries while level-headed can help prevent getting swept up in the moment — especially when under the influence or caught up in the excitement of a night out. It’s easier to make a decision about engaging in physical intimacy when you can rationally weigh the options, rather than going on an impulse or giving in to social pressure. 

The start of college is a great time to iron out your values as an individual — and that goes for your sexual life too. When deciding whether or not you’d like to engage in physical intimacy, try to separate how you actually feel from all of the external forces in your life. Consider yourself in relation to your familial upbringing, cultural norms, and spiritual values — all of which can play an important role in your decision. If relevant, the chaplains at the Office of Religious Life can serve as  helpful resources for navigating your sex life from a religious perspective. For more support in exploring sexual identity, you can also connect with staff or peer educators at the Gender + Sexuality Resource Center. At the end of the day, whatever decision you make about choosing to engage in sexual activity is not binding in any way; it’s simply a way to take stock of your boundaries and expectations as you start this new chapter.

Once you sort out where you stand among these diverse influences, the next step is communication. You should always be upfront with potential romantic or sexual partners about your boundaries and goals for intimacy, and respect theirs. A helpful tool is the “How I Like It” Inventory. You can fill it out to explore for yourself, and/or have your partner fill it out; comparing results can help you to find what you want to do together. Making your expectations well known and communicating with your partner about your level of experience in sex, ahead of time, can prevent misunderstandings and feeling pressured down the line. Moreover, make sure to continue having these discussions throughout your interactions because boundaries and desires can easily fluctuate. 

Finally, if you do decide to begin exploring physical intimacy, make sure you do so safely. Use an appropriate barrier method such as a condom (external or internal), dental dam, or finger cot to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If engaging in penile-vaginal sex, use a reliable contraception method to prevent any unwanted pregnancies. Condoms, birth control, STI testing, and sexual health appointments are all available through Sexual Health and Wellness at University Health Services. Ultimately, your first semester at college can be an exciting time of self and sexual discovery,  so make sure you stay safe and healthy while exploring your boundaries.

Best of luck! 

— The Sexpert

Information for this article is provided by the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment III, Daily Princetonian, and University Health Services.

Contraception, Protective Barriers

Tear Preventer: What are my Lube Options?

Dear Sexpert,

 Can I use micellar water or v-wash as anal lubricant (since it should be water-based)? What can I use apart from expensive lubes?

Sincerely,

Tear Preventer

Dear Tear Preventer,

Thank you for reaching out to the Sexpert with your question!  Since the anus does not lubricate naturally, many people find that adding a lubricant makes anal penetration a more pleasant experience.  Additionally, using an effective lubricant lowers risk of condom breakage (from friction) and helps protect sensitive tissue.  As you note, making sure a lubricant is water-based (as opposed to oil-based) when using with latex condoms or other latex-based protective barriers is ideal to preventing the latex from breaking down. With such a wide variety of lubricants on the market, and a wealth of information about lubricants on the internet, it can be difficult to choose the option that will be best for you.

First, I’d like to start by talking about micellar water and v-wash for our readers who are not familiar with these products.  V Wash Plus Expert Intimate Hygiene is marketed as a vaginal wash to ease vaginal discomforts (e.g., itching, pain) or infections.  V Wash is a water-based wash that includes the ingredients: lactic acid, tea tree oil, and sea buckhorn oil.  Alternatively, micellar water is a combination of purified water, hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin, and low concentrations of extremely mild surfactants (substances which tend to reduce surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved).  The molecules of surfactants group together to form microscopic spheres called micelles, which act like magnets for dirt and oil.  Recently, micellar water has become popular in the United States amongst models, celebrities, and makeup artists as a makeup remover, cleanser, and toner.

I would advise against using v-wash or micellar water as anal lubricants.  First off, these products contain chemicals, such as glycerin, that can cause infections if not cleaned off properly and could damage the lining of the rectum.  Further, in general, lubricants and other care product designed for the vagina*, such as V Wash, are acidic to cater to the slightly acidic pH of the vagina. Since the rectal pH is more neutral, surrounding tissues could be damaged upon exposure to these products.

Now, let’s talk about good lubricants to use depending on sexual act.  If you will be using a latex condom or silicone sex toy, use water-based lube to prevent condom breakage or damage to the toy.  Look for non-flavored (flavored varieties often have sugar and other added ingredients) varieties of water-based lube to minimize sensitive tissue irritation.  Note: it might require some reapplication as water based lube dries more quickly. Some people who have penetrative anal sex may prefer silicone-based lube because it is typically slicker and stays wetter longer, thus reducing friction upon sensitive tissues.  Although safe for use with condoms, silicone-based lube is not safe for use with sex toys unless there is a condom on the toy.  Finally, oil-based lube is not safe for use with latex condoms.  Because of the sensitivity of anal tissues and incompatibility of lubricants with condoms and sex toys, I would also advise against using household products such as petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or olive oil as anal lubricants.  To ensure pleasure and safety for all parties involved in anal stimulation or penetration, it is best to use an unscented product that is suitable to your preferred activity.

To learn more about safer anal sex practices or to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you can make an appointment with a University Health Services’ clinician at McCosh Health Center online at MyUHS.

*For more information about care products and cleansers designed for the vagina, see Sexpert article https://thesexpert.princeton.edu/2018/04/are-feminine-hygiene-washes-safe-to-use/

References:

  1. https://www.allure.com/gallery/micellar-water-facial-cleanser
  2. Identification of Personal Lubricants That Can Cause Rectal Epithelial Cell Damage and Enhance HIV Type 1 Replication in Vitro. AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES, Volume 27, Number 9, 2011
  3. https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/olive-oil-anal-sex-lubricant

 

 

 

 

 

Protective Barriers, Sex Positivity, STDs/STIs

What is PrEP?: The Preventative HIV Drug

Dear Sexpert,

I’ve heard that more people are starting to use PrEP. What is it and should I start taking it?

-UnPrEPared

Hi UnPrEPared!

Thank you for your question! With acronyms flying here and there, it’s often hard to detangle what each one is and whether it is something to pay attention to. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a first in class pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a sexually transmitted infection, in high-risk populations. (See, so many acronyms!) This simply means that the FDA approved a drug that can be taken on a daily basis to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Only those that are higher risk for contracting HIV are encouraged to consult their doctor on whether PrEP is a good option for them.

PrEP (brand name Truvada ®), developed by Gilead Sciences, Inc., is a combination of two drugs, tenofovir and emtricitabine. These two drugs combine to provide the body the necessary fighting capabilities to attack the HIV virus once it enters the body and prevents the virus from multiplying and causing damage. Effectiveness of the medication is based on consistent and proper, daily use. For those who take PrEP every day, it is 92% effective at preventing sexually transmitted HIV infection and 70% effective at preventing HIV infection among people who inject drugs.

PrEP is only recommended for use among people at higher risk for HIV infection. This includes populations that engage in anal sex, engage with multiple sexual partners, engage with sex without a condom, or people that inject drugs and share needles. It is also recommended for people who are HIV-negative but in an on-going sexual relationship with an HIV-positive partner. Since PrEP is a preventative drug for people with on-going risk of HIV infection, it is not recommended for those who have had a single incidence of potential, high-risk exposure; a medication, called PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is appropriate on that occasion.

Because it requires taking daily medication and regularly visiting a healthcare provider, PrEP is not right for everyone. Taking PrEP requires you to obtain regular lab tests and clinical visits every three months. Appointments for lab tests and clinical assessments for those required three month follow ups can be obtained at McCosh Health Center. Many private insurance companies and the University’s Student Health Plan (SHP) cover the cost of PrEP as long as the patient is considered “high risk” of contracting HIV. To figure out how much PrEP would cost, contact your personal health insurance provider, as different plans will vary in how much they require you to pay out of pocket. Gilead also may also provide helps with the cost of Truvada® through their medical assistance program.

Keep in mind that PrEP only protects against the transmission of HIV. To prevent the spread of other STI’s such as gonorrhea, syphilis, human papilloma virus (HPV), etc., PrEP should be used in tandem with condoms. If you believe that you are at a higher risk for getting HIV and can commit to taking PrEP daily, consult with a clinician at McCosh or your primary care provider to consider if you are a good candidate for PrEP. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html.

Best,

The Sexpert

Information regarding PrEP provided by the Centers for Disease https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html Control and Prevention (CDC) and McCosh Health Center.

Communication, Protective Barriers, Relationships, STDs/STIs

Expanding My Horizons: How do I tell my partner I’m ready for oral sex?

Two heads facing away from each other with question marks followed by two heads facing each other with heartsDear Sexpert,

My relationship with my partner has become pretty serious and we’re ready to be more intimate with each other. While I’m interested in experimenting with oral sex, I’m still not ready to do more than that. How do I explain this to my partner without offending them?

—Expanding My Horizons

Continue reading Expanding My Horizons: How do I tell my partner I’m ready for oral sex? →

Protective Barriers

Worried: Should I start having sex when I get to college?

Dear Sexpert,

I met a lot of friends in my Zee Group and OA and stuff, and was excited to go out with them during frosh week. It was a lot of fun, but most of them would take people home and then talk about all their hookups and stuff. I’m still a virgin, but I have been thinking about sex. I just don’t know if I’m ready, but I feel like it’s part of college. I need some advice, but I feel awkward talking about it with my RCA.

–Worried

Continue reading Worried: Should I start having sex when I get to college? →

Communication, Protective Barriers, Relationships, STDs/STIs

Confused Club Member: This my first time having casual sex–what should I do?

Dear Sexpert,

I just joined an eating club, and I’m already excited about all the new friends I’m making! I’ve also started hooking up with someone I recently met in the club. Our relationship is pretty casual, and for the most part, physical. In fact, when we’re eating dinner in a group or hanging around the club during the day, I feel like I’m barely acknowledged. We are both enjoying the physical side of our relationship, but I also feel confused about having casual sex. What should I do?

–Confused Club Member

  Continue reading Confused Club Member: This my first time having casual sex–what should I do? →

Communication, Protective Barriers, Relationships, STDs/STIs

Silent Sam: How do I tell my partner that I have an STI?

Dear Sexpert,

I just started hooking up with this girl I have been interested in for a while, which is great! The bad news is that I just got some results from an STI test I got just before this all happened and it looks like I might have a minor STI. I need to tell her because we didn’t use protection the last time we got together, but I don’t know how! I like this girl, and I don’t want to screw things up right off the bat with this. What do I do?

–Silent Sam

Continue reading Silent Sam: How do I tell my partner that I have an STI? →