Thistlesticks' Sexual Digest

Ask O Megan and The CSPH: Why Do Some Orgasms Feel Different?

Toy Review: Iroha Mini by Tenga

One speed, battery-powered, compact size, waterproof, ABS and elastomer, $20-30

You can see a trailer of sorts for this toy here - please note its Weeble-like ability to stay upright: http://youtu.be/BfO0QB9fkMM

Planned Parenthood answers questions about biological sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

This is somewhat indirectly related to sexual health and pleasure, but it's still pertinent: Early 2 Bed gives the low-down on the different Stand-to-Pee devices (STPs) that they offer. Useful for all female-bodied folks, whether trans- or cisgender.

Here's a good troubleshooting guide if you've been struggling with sensitivities but can't figure out if it's your lube or your condoms.

I've found that The Pleasure Chest has reliable information on the type of lube that's included with a condom, in addition to width, length, thickness, and material info (just check the "Specs" tab on the product page). The Condom Depot, however, does NOT have reliable information about lube type.

Good Vibes also has these handy condom comparison charts, which organize condoms by price point, material, and size; there's even a chart comparing different vegan condoms.

Vixen Creations' limited edition Leoweenie is on sale at Babeland; you can get it and other Halloween-themed toys for 15% off right now. For Epiphora's review of this toy, see here. Happy Halloween!

Here's the delightful Lucy Knisley talking about her very positive experience with the implant on Oh Joy Sex Toy.

And here's a post on the Smith College Peer Sexuality Educators' Tumblr about a not-so-positive experience with the implant. That post includes a link to a YouTube video of an implant removal, which I have not yet watched.

One of my favorite sex nerds, Emily Nagoski, offers both a practical ("What To Do") and philosophical ("Why This Matters") approach to female masturbation.

Ducky Doolittle provides a combination of pussy positivity and care-and-cleaning tips. Especially love her tip that Sliquid's pH-balanced soap Splash is a great bubble bath... I'm currently trying to find an excuse to buy myself a bottle in the White Tea Pear scent.

Rechargeable batteries are more economical and less wasteful than disposables; consider picking some up if your favorite vibrator is battery-powered (get enough to have an extra set ready to go whenever the current batteries-in-use run out of charge). For the best rechargeable batteries, The Wirecutter recommends the Sanyo Eneloop 1500s.

Clue is a lovely fertility-tracking app that I recently found through Bedsider. I've used period-tracking apps ever since I got my smartphone, but this is my favorite one so far. It's beautifully designed and chockablock full of useful features, including mood tracking, cervical fluid monitoring, PMS and period alerts, and the ability to record other data like a high sex drive or ovulation pain.

Smitten Kitten is an amazing progressive sex shop in Minneapolis, and I loved this recent blog post of theirs. It clearly articulates some very complex concepts, like the different reasons people watch porn, the importance of identifying those motivations, and being transparent about them with your partner.

The accompanying 201 Tuesday post is also good, discussing what "ethical porn" means among other things.