Sex Tips

What is a condom? And why are they so popular for ensuring safe sex?

Well, firstly, barrier methods of contraception (which is what a condom is) are the only type of contraception that protects you and your partner from STI's as well as unwanted pregnancy.

When used correctly, they offer an astonishing 98% success rate, but in order to be properly protected, you need to know what you're doing.

In this weeks video, Jess and Sammi give you the lowdown on latex (and non-latex) love-gloves, condom-friendly lubes and everything else you need to know before putting one on.

Come back next week for part 2, when we show you exactly how to put a condom on (properly!)

A question we get asked a LOT at Lovehoney is "how can I make my penis bigger?"

Now, we like to remind people that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better, and it's often better to learn some tips and tricks to use what nature gave you.

There's a lot of truth to the old saying "it's not the size, but what you do with it that counts".

But for those penis-owning people out there who want to boost the size of their boner, there are several ways of doing so, for both short and long term gains.

If you hunt around the internet (or have a peep in your junk emails, for that matter!) you'll trip over dozens of ways to increase the size of your penis.

However not all of these methods are particularly safe or reliable (bee stings anyone?!) and some can even lead to shrinkage later in life, so it's really important you do your research and choose a safe way to magnify your meat flute.

In this weeks video guide, Jess and Annabelle tell you 4 sure-fire ways to do exactly that!

Polyamory – the desire, practice or acceptance of maintaining more than one intimate relationship concurrently with the full knowledge and consent of everyone involved – is coming more and more into mainstream consciousness. Sex blogger, sex educator and adult product reviewer Amy Norton weighs in on how to talk to your partner about an open relationship.

So you think you might want to be polyamorous, but you're already in an existing relationship?

The hard truth is that the transition from monogamy to non-monogamy is often difficult and requires a lot of work from everyone involved.

The good news is that, with communication, commitment, compassion and a hefty dose of patience, it's entirely doable! If you're reading this, I assume it's because you want to know how to broach this potentially fraught subject with your partner.

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

And while double-ended sex toys probably didn't play a role in Sir Isaac's extensive research, they are a prime example of classical mechanics in action (bet all this physics talk is getting you hot and bothered, isn't it?)

What many people don't realise is that toys with double penetration features aren't just for couples – they're perfect for solo play too.

Think about it. We've been blessed with multiple erogenous zones, so why not light them all up at the same time?

So whether you're riding solo or bringing in a pocket-sized guest star to your couple's play, here are five top-of-the-range sex toys that can double your fun.

Passport? Check.

Sunscreen? Check.

Vibrator? Check.

If, like me, you convince yourself you can pack a whole holiday’s worth of essentials into one carry-on bag (rolling your clothes is the answer, people), then you’ve probably experienced the 'hairdryer or sex toy' dilemma.

As far as I’m concerned, my Mantric wand has just as much right to a corner of my suitcase as my hair straighteners and 7 pairs of shoes.

And though I know the humidity will turn my hair into a fuzzy mess as soon as I get off the plane, and I'll shuffle around in the same pair of flipflops all week, at least I'll have great orgasms.

If you can’t bear to leave your trusty plaything behind, then here are a few tips for taking your toys on holiday.

One of the most exhilarating things you can do alone, masturbation is great for the body and mind.

But did you know that you can make your solo leisure time even better with just a few accessories?

We've compiled our favourite ways to jazz up a hand job in the video above.

Use all of our tips at the same time to make 'getting to know yourself' at least 500% better*.

Your partner's asked you to peg them.

You've said yes.

You already know the basics: warm up, use lube, talk to your partner etc...

But what about what you don't know?

We picked the brains of several couples who regularly peg to find out what you can expect from your first pegging experience.

This is what they told us...

(Yesterday's blog: '7 Things You Should Know Before Being Pegged')

1. You Know Nothin' (Dong Beau)

As with most sex play, your first time is unlikely to be your best, and the same goes for pegging.

If this is your first time pegging, you're probably not ready for how talkative pegging needs to be, or how you'll need to practice "driving" your new temporary appendage.

Additionally, if you have pegged someone before, but this is your first time with a new partner, don't assume you know how it'll go.

Most peggers say that pegging with a new partner is like pegging for the first time again, so be ready to re-learn most of that you thought you knew.

So, you're thinking about trying pegging for the first time.

You already know the basics: warm up, use lube, talk to your partner etc...

But what about what you don't know?

We asked several couples who peg on the reg(ular) to tell us what to expect from your first pegging experience.

This is what they told us...

(Tomorrow's blog: '7 Things You Should Know Before Pegging Someone')

1. Expect the Unexpected

If you're about to try pegging for the first time, chances are you've already imagined what you think it will be like.

Now, we hate to burst your bubble, but it's unlikely that your first pegging experience will live up to the fantasy.

Much like first-time sex, pegging requires practice to make it great (and that's just getting the pole in the hole!)

Don't be disappointed though. Once you have the physical side of pegging down, you can focus on other elements, like domination and role play, to fully realise your fantasy.