From Protection To Pleasure: Your Sexual Health Questions Answered

I have had multiple partners for intercourse in the past six months without protection. So far I have had no problem. Is it okay to continue like this or am I inviting trouble? I am a 42-yearold man. — MP, Charkop

Sex with multiple partners could be exciting and pleasurable. However, you cannot stake your life for temporary satisfaction and invite a series of sexually transmitted infections (STI) or diseases (STD). In unprotected sex, one is exposed to the risk of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, and hepatitis. HIV is the most common STI which can lead to cancer. Even if you may not suffer, you could be a carrier, and transfer it to another partner leading to a chain. The most important thing is to get yourself tested under a doctor (skin specialist/ urologist/ sexologist).

I am a single woman aged 62. I have been masturbating all these years. Now I don’t enjoy it and have stopped. Is it normal? —LS, Thane

It is pretty normal if you don’t feel like masturbating now. There is no thumb rule for frequency of self-pleasure. The desire can vary from a daily basis, to once a week, to once a month, or once in six months. Many women just don’t masturbate assuming it to be wrong or bad. However, sex desires do not remain the same; the graph goes up and down and it is considered absolutely normal. It can be due to some physiological hormonal changes in the body, illness, family issues, stress, affecting the sex centre of the brain, because of which the desire goes low. You may get back to your pattern after a period of time. Masturbating is a healthy practice for a person who is single.

I am twice divorced and in my early fifties. I have had no sex the past ten years. Now a man has entered my life but he doesn’t want marriage and only physical intimacy. I don’t feel like it. Please advise. — RB, Prabhadevi

Seems like you want companionship and he wants sexual intimacy. You need to prioritise your needs and have clarity of what you want. He is very clear of not getting into marriage but having only a sexual life with you. He seems honest by not making any false promises. So, sit across a table and have crystal clear conversation of what you want out of your relationship. He will respect your decision without affecting the relationship if sex is not the only motto. And if you ever wish to be in bed with him, do take necessary protection.

Dr Hetal Gosalia Samadhan Health Studio. Queries may be sent to fpj.sexmatters@gmail.com