Issue 3

Issue 3

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Hey Clarity Seeker! 

It is ok to be confused about the third sex or third gender and I am so glad you asked. You know when you don’t understand something, it is easy to question it and be frightened about it. In reference to your question whether it is a disease, I would like to say that being identified as belonging to the third sex or third gender is, in fact, not a disease.
 
In the biological sense, a person belonging to the third sex is a person who is physically neither male nor female. In terms of gender, they do not necessarily identify with the heterosexual norms of society. A person belonging to the third sex physically is basically someone who does not have clearly defined or developed male or female sexual organs. It could also be that they have both male and female organs. They are generally referred to as hermaphrodites and it can occur in animals as well. (Remember that humans, too, are animals after all.) In humans, it is described as a biological malformation. With regards to the sexual identity of a person, it just means that an individual may identify sexually to being lesbian (where a woman is sexually attracted to women), gay (where a man is sexually attracted to men), bisexual (where a man or woman is attracted to both men and women), and transgendered (where a man or woman identifies as having a different sex). Sexuality can also be viewed in terms of a spectrum where you would fall on one end of the scale if you were homosexual and on the other end if you were heterosexual. If we were to measure sexuality and sexual preference along this horizontal scale, then each one of us would probably have a slightly different orientation.

Dear XYZ,

It is common for friends to compare the size of their penis. But are you talking about the size of your penis when it is sleeping or erect? Because, the size of your penis when it is not stimulated does not really say how big it will get when excited. It is also totally natural for you to want a bigger penis. Trimming off your pubic hair and taking a hot shower before sex are some of the ways in which your penis can be increased. You could surgically enhance yourself as well, but I think you should consult a doctor before doing that or taking pills for enhancement. Unfortunately, to some, size does matter but I also think it is what you can do with your penis that is more important and your skills at pleasuring a woman that do not involve your penis count a lot as well. Most penises have a slight bend to them. The causes for a crooked penis are usually genetics, accidents, and Peyronie’s disease (I don’t want to freak you out here but you should know that this is caused by build-up of plaque on the penis and is treatable and does not require surgery). If it really worries you, XYZ, I would suggest that you visit a doctor and make sure everything is alright down there. About being prepared for real sex in the future, XYZ, I think this is more of a psychological than a physical preparedness. If you feel confident in whom you are, your sexuality and your feelings about your partner, I think you are as prepared as you can be. It is also great that you are thinking of these things already. 

Hey 15 Year Old!

To answer your question - is it ok to use your hand to fulfill your desire - OF COURSE! It is perfect!  Masturbation is a healthy outlet to exploring your sexuality and fulfilling your urges. You may want to, however, try and reflect on why you have asked this question and figure out where it is coming from in the first place. On the one hand you have a biological need – to fulfill yourself sexually. On the other, you have a more moral need – to do what is the right thing. All of us try to maintain a balance between fulfilling our biological and moral needs. I think you are as aware as I am that if you ask this question to a lot of people, there will be many that will say, no, it is not good. Because when it comes to matters related to sex, our society still wants to say no most of the times, to deem it as being bad. And masturbation is no exception. But sometimes, you also need people to tell you that it is good. Remember that ultimately you are the one that decides for yourself. The next time you fulfill your desire by using your hands, think about how good it makes you feel, how much pleasure do you get out of it, is it really harming anyone, if not, should you feel bad about it? You will probably find answers within yourself and learn to enjoy what you do in a guilt free manner.

Dear 22,

The best way to find out if you are pregnant is by taking a pregnancy test which is readily available in most pharmacies or drug stores. You could be pregnant if you have missed your period, are having unusual or abnormal periods, if you need to pee frequently, you are having food cravings or have an altered sense of taste. You may also feel nauseous and want to vomit (morning sickness) and your breasts may start growing. I would suggest that you get a pregnancy test done as soon as possible especially if you have had unprotected sex in the last few weeks.

Hey 19 Year Old Girl!

It is awesome that you and your boyfriend are seriously thinking about your transition into a sexually active couple. Good on you! It looks like you really care about your relationship and want to make sure it does not fail. You know what, your fear is totally natural and I think the fact that you have thought about it and are aware that everything in love will not go smoothly is a really great thing. You should both talk to each other about what you would want your ideal first time to be like and then try and make it happen for each other. I also think that you guys should spend a lot of time on foreplay. It will loosen you up and also allow you to find out what you like and what you don’t. Get naked and comfortable with each other a couple of times before you do the real deed. Sometimes guys don’t really understand why women need to be held and caressed and cuddled after sex. So you might want to tell him you like that. You have to just talk about your expectations of each other and try and not be too harsh on each other if things don't go well the first time around. Other than that, good luck!

Dear Secret Keeper,

The stiffness on your testis probably has something to do with the fact that you are getting sexually excited and since it does not hurt, it is probably nothing to be alarmed about. Nevertheless, it would be a good idea to get it checked by a doctor so that you can get rid of your fears and doubts.

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