#47: Making intimacy enjoyable again when you're battling fertility issues
#47: Making intimacy enjoyable again when you're battling fertility issuesFemale Health & Fertility magazine quarterly column
[Image description: Text ‘Making intimacy enjoyable again when you’re battling fertility issues’ on a lilac background] Female Health & Fertility is a quarterly digital magazine and online hub created to support women and non-binary people who are affected by gynecological and reproductive issues. Its magazine content focuses on all stages of the reproductive cycle, from young adults to post-menopausal folks and its features are written by gynecologists, clinicians, therapists, nutritionists, researchers, and also readers who are sharing their lived experiences. I write a column called ‘Pleasure Principles with Almaz’, which appears in the digital magazine each issue. I also publish it in full here for ‘She Dares To Say’ readers. [Image description: promo banner for Female Health & Fertility magazine showing front cover imagery and text ‘A healthy vagina is a happy vagina Seeking support for your reproductive and intimate health? SIGN UP NOW’] Making intimacy enjoyable again when you're battling fertility issuesFor many people the journey toward conception can, unfortunately, often turn intimacy and sexual connection into something that’s become daunting, overshadowed by the weight of expectations. The narrative surrounding trying to conceive often revolves around ovulation cycles, fertility charts, and clinical procedures, reducing the act of intimacy to a tick-box exercise. And if you’ve been through previous fertility disappointments, things might feel quite emotionally loaded or tough. However, it’s possible to navigate through this and reframe sex as something fun and intimate, rather than a loaded chore. Communication becomes a cornerstone in this process to approach intimacy with a focus on pleasure, rather than solely as a means to an end. Opening up about fears, anxieties, and expectations can help create a supportive environment that fosters emotional intimacy. Exploring alternative methods of physical connection, such as sensual massages, shared baths, or simply spending quality time together, helps in reinforcing the emotional bond that may have become strained by the pressures of trying to conceive. Mindful breathing exercises and meditation can help partners reconnect with their bodies, creating a more positive and grounded environment that goes beyond the ‘clinical’ aspects of the pursuit of parenthood. Introducing novelty and creativity into the bedroom can also help break the monotony that can often accompany the journey to conceive. Date nights, romantic getaways, or trying new experiences together can rekindle passion, creating a more positive and enjoyable environment for partners. Practical tips for keeping sex pleasurable while trying to conceiveCommunicate openly: Talk to your partner about your desires, concerns, and any changes in your sex life. Open communication can help alleviate stress and maintain intimacy. Focus on pleasure: While the primary goal may be conception, don’t lose sight of the pleasure aspect of sex. Enjoy each other’s bodies and the intimacy that comes with it. Experiment with timing: While ovulation tracking is important, it can also make sex feel more like a chore. Try to incorporate spontaneous and intimate moments outside of the fertile window to keep things exciting. Explore new activities: Trying new sexual positions, incorporating sensual massages, or experimenting with different forms of foreplay can keep things fresh and exciting. Take care of yourselves: Prioritise self-care to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Engage in activities that help you relax and feel good about yourselves, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Stay connected emotionally: Maintain emotional intimacy by spending quality time together, expressing appreciation for each other, and engaging in activities that strengthen your bond outside of the bedroom. Seek support if needed: If trying to conceive becomes overwhelming or stressful, consider seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or support group. They can provide guidance, perspective, and coping strategies to help you navigate this journey. [Image description: promo banner for Almaz’s Developing Sexual Expression and understanding intimacy workshops] And if you’d like to book me for an in-person event like a hen party or baby shower, or as a fun interlude at a sex ed/sensuality event, do get in touch via email. All workshop participants will receive a printable PDF companion workbook with tips and exercises to try out at home. Read this previous ‘She Dares To Say’ mailout where I describe the raucous fun we had at a hen party where I ran the Improving Intimacy workshop for a group of women: [Image description: Text ‘PRODUCED BY’] Recent mailouts: Interview with ‘W’ who’s from my sexual past. ‘W’ and I only shared a couple of experiences, but they were so connected and intense that we both speak of them in superlatives. We were initially introduced to each other in passing at a sex event in early 2020, and linked up for the first time just as Covid-19 started showing up in London: You're currently a free subscriber to She Dares To Say. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. |
Older messages
#46: Considering My Crushes – No. 02
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Sirius Black and Kingsley Shacklebolt from Harry Potter; Harvey, Romeo and Asher D from So Solid Crew ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
#45: What The Notches Said – No. 02
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Interview with 'W', who's from my səxual past ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
#44: Public service announcement
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Hi to new subscribers and apologies for lack of Feb mailouts ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Podcast app setup
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Open this on your phone and click the button below: Add to podcast app
Podcast app setup
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Open this on your phone and click the button below: Add to podcast app
You Might Also Like
March Of The Minivans
Monday, July 8, 2024
Something that surprised me about China's private auto fleet ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
How Long Can Construction Employment Defy Gravity?
Monday, July 8, 2024
Yesterday's employment data showed a surprisingly resilient construction sector ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
"Imago Dei" by Nora Hikari
Monday, July 8, 2024
We cannot help but be students Facebook Twitter Instagram Support Poem-a-Day July 8, 2024 Imago Dei Nora Hikari We cannot help but be students of our fathers' disciplines, mine an avid disciple of
Is that a Donald Glover dupe?
Monday, July 8, 2024
But first: cool Amazon products popping up on our social feeds — Check out what we Skimm'd for you today July 8, 2024 Subscribe Read in browser But first: cool Amazon products popping up on our
Kylie Jenner's Unexpected Pedicure Color Is A Vacation Essential
Monday, July 8, 2024
Pearly perfection. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 7.7.2024 Kylie Jenner leans against yacht railing, wine glass in hand while on 'sisters only' vacation in Mallorca (Celebrity) Kylie
Ukraine Goes for Gold: What It's Like to Train During War
Sunday, July 7, 2024
As the war in Ukraine rages on, the effects are omnipresent in the country. Even in the capital city of Kyiv, considered one of the “safe spots,” rockets zoom past buildings and drones are visible
Get Bigger Muscles in Six Weeks!
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Transform your muscles in six weeks Men's Health shop logo Build Lean Muscle All Over! View in Browser Man doing bent over row with dumbbell Build Bigger Muscles in Just Six Weeks! Build Bigger
In ‘Fancy Dance,’ Lily Gladstone Plays a Butch Lesbian We Haven’t Seen Before
Sunday, July 7, 2024
On butch mothers and flawed heroes ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
4 Home Renovations That Are Worth the Money (and 5 That Aren't)
Sunday, July 7, 2024
This App Is the Best Way to Lurk on Reddit. Renovating your house can feel more like emptying your wallet. But some renovations are worth extra money—and some aren't. Not displaying correctly? View
The Weekly Wrap #169
Sunday, July 7, 2024
07.07.2024 ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏