Bonobos: A bonobo is a type of chimpanzee with a penchant for smiling. Bonobos are an endangered species currently living in the wild in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As bonobos are the closest relative to humans still in existence, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that these primates are the only non-humans that engage in tongue kissing and oral sex. But bonobos also engage in pretty much every type of partner combination possible when it comes to sexual intercourse: male-to-male, female-to-female, father-to-daughter and so on. Bonobos have sex very frequently between all members of their society.

Barnacles: Barnacles are those round-shaped, shell-like creatures one often observes affixed to rocky surfaces in and around the ocean. Related to both crabs and spiders, these crustaceans are typically hermaphroditic, containing both male and female parts within each individual barnacle. But not only do they have both sets of sex organs— which can release up to 10,000 larvae for fertilization by other barnacles—but they also have penises that can be up to eight times their body length. Having the longest penises for any creature of their small size, barnacles use these essential “sperm tubes” to reach as many other barnacles and their larvae as possible.

Pandas: These endangered black and white patterned bears are known worldwide for their poor genetics and reproductive difficulties. With a population of barely 1,500 in the wild and in captivity combined, pandas, in an almost human-like way, will mate only with co-eds that have personalities which mesh with their own. Even so, they would rather spend their day noshing on bamboo and lazing around than reproducing—a characteristic that only contributes to their endangered and shrinking population. To combat this, researchers have designed panda “sexercises,” which ABC News describes as “specialized exercises to strengthen the males’ hind legs and increase their stamina” and “panda porn” for the males to watch while in captivity to stimulate arousal. Interestingly, the combination of these methods has increased the percentage of pandas able to have sex on their own from 25 percent to 60 percent.

Orcas: Orcas, or killer whales (think “Free Willy”), mostly reproduce in a typical fashion, with males seeking multiple partners and females seeking one primary mate. But male orcas are known to have extremely large penises—relative to their size (and to the penises of the planet). The record length of an orca penis—and thus any penis—was measured at 8 feet!

Spiders: In some species of spiders, including the Australian redback, females dominate social and reproductive interactions, as they can be up to 50 times larger in size than their male counterparts. In the redback species, many males get eaten during mating, which the male sometimes actively assists by placing his abdomen over the female’s mouth to fertilize more eggs. Once the male’s sperm is obtained by the female spider, with or without sexual cannibalism, the female can store said sperm and use it for a period of up to two years to lay eggs.

In my time as a female member of this planet, I have heard two separate definitions for “chode.” The first is a synonym for a “prick” or any other word with a negative connotation and of similar meaning. The second definition, which I always believed to be the more accurate one, refers to a penis that is wider than it is long. That would be, for example, a penis that is 6 inches long and 7 inches in circumference. Perhaps the shape of a particularly stout cucumber may incite your imagination, or even, in a more extreme example, so may half of one of those crème-filled Hostess logs. Urban Dictionary, along with the general Washington University population, agrees with this description of a chode.

So, now that we know what a chode really is, are they real? Can someone really have a penis of such a corpulent figure? And if so, does this make for any sexual advantages? One would think that these are pretty straightforward questions, but investigation says otherwise. Of 10 sexually active Wash. U. senior females questioned about the existence of chodes, all 10 remarked that they had never seen them. While one said, “Is that even possible?” another inquired if such organs were functional during sexual intercourse. On the other hand, of the six Wash. U. males questioned, all remarked that they were certain of the existence of chodes. Two in particular noted their time spent in locker rooms before and after football practice as evidence for chodes. One Wash. U. graduate offered a story of an extreme chode sighting: “I met a guy in the locker room of a friend’s club whose nut sack was the size of an orange, and his penis was mostly inside him.” He continued, “It was like a flap of foreskin!”

Between males and females, it seems the mystery of the chode has not been completely unearthed. But I did finally meet one female this past week who had had a sexual encounter with what she described as a chode. The anonymous junior described the specimen at hand as “possibly 5 inches long and as wide as [she had] ever seen a penis.” Although this does not confirm its true existence as a chode, she said it was difficult to maneuver sexually, as it was wider than the entrance to her vagina. Sex was possible in the end, she said, “after enough foreplay.”

Although few conclusions have been formed in the Wash. U. community about chodes, it is clear that they exist in some capacity, whether females recognize the presence of a chode or not during a sexual encounter. It is also clear that extreme chodes may need extra help entering the ever-flexing vaginal entrance if they are wider than the vaginal opening at penetration. While we may end up throwing around the word “chode” with the Loch Ness Monster or Yeti, the brief sightings of this mysterious member could actually prove it to be real and not a fable.

Beyond novelty, however, is the age-old question—what makes a “good” or “nice” vagina compared to an undesirable one when there is so much variation? Is it similar to what makes a “good” penis, and how so? I’ll start by defining a “good” penis. In my eyes, this penis is one that projects no distinct odors, is not too small but not so big as to stretch the vagina/mouth or puncture the cervix, and has the ability to maintain a stiff erection. Straightness, or lack thereof, is an issue I feel cannot be generalized, because most “curvy” penises, such as our previously mentioned classically arched banana, still maintain some level of straightness when erect and only carry a subtle bend (unless one is suffering from extreme circumstances such as Peyronies disease). But I can imagine that an overly curved penis would be difficult to insert into any orifice; therefore, some level of straightness can be added to our “good” penis criteria. Beyond that, to each his own with penile idiosyncrasies. One with an overly enlarged head might be fun; even that subtle curve could be an interesting experience.

But are vaginas considered in the same way? Let’s consider some opinions of experienced heterosexual males at Washington University with a mean age of 21. As a whole, nine of 10 males in my unscientific sample reported the same three properties of a “good” vagina: tight lips and vaginal canal, responsive and pervasive wetness, and a scent that reflects cleanliness. Specifically, one referred to the importance of tight lips as “no beef curtains,” while another elaborated “one that contours itself around the penis.” Referring to wetness, one Wash. U. graduate offered, “The wetter, the better,” while others simply reported that a “moist” climate was preferable. On the subject of scent, one Wash. U. senior suggested, “I think that a good vagina smells like it’s being taken care of. While saying ‘odorless’ would be putting it way too strongly, I think it ought not smell neglected.”

Outside of these popular criteria, other vaginal attributes were pinpointed. One Wash. U. junior noted that “Kegel usage” was a preferable characteristic—referring to the rhythmic contracting and relaxing of Kegel (pubococcygeus) muscles that are present in both men and women. Control of these muscles is known to help with urinary incontinence, as well as to contribute to stronger orgasms. Another senior mentioned, in contradiction to the importance of labial tightness reported above, that vaginas with a slight looseness on the outside could be pleasurable as well. He explained that a loosened outer lip “can create a nice drag effect on the surrounding sensitive skin,” adding an element of extra stimulation to the head of the penis during intercourse.

Loose lips or tight lips aside, “good” vagina criteria seem to match up with that of the penis in the area of smell. But as a mostly internal organ, the vagina’s characteristics seem to contain more subtleties. All this, and we haven’t even begun to speak about the clitoris! Or the consistency of wetness! What about the way people work their Kegel muscles? Perhaps I have not fully addressed the penis, either. Anyway, there is no “right” or “wrong” penis or vagina. But like any part of one’s body, each has its own characteristics that one can be proud of and become comfortable with sexually. Have a big clit? A “curvy” penis? Own it!

(Photos from MCT)

1. The Blanket Thief: We’re all familiar with this one. You wake up in the middle of the night freezing (!), only to find that your significant other has snatched up not one, but both of your blankets (the fleece and the quilt, really?), and has wrapped them furiously around his or her limbs. Taking them back not only will take all of your post-coital arm strength, but also has the potential to wake the bandit!

2. The Pillow Talker: After finally settling down on your respective sides of the bed, all is still, quiet—even peaceful. That is, until the Pillow Talker injects his or her “Are you still awake?” Then the restless small talk commences. While this offender can be more endearing than psychologically vexing, in the end, his or her nocturnal chatter will only chip away at your needed eight hours.

3. The Mouth Breather: Ooh, hot breath on the nape of your neck! Something slightly sexy turns into prickly droplet huffing so easily. Once your partner’s in REM cycle, there’s no stopping his or her desert wind impersonation.

4. The Sheet Ruffler: Maybe not everyone uses a top sheet, but for those who like that between-the-blanket coverlet, its papery noises are no stranger. But there are partners who take these noises to the extreme, shifting and tossing about with two sets of toes clanging amid your Egyptian cotton. Getting comfortable just got annoying.

5. The Pooling Drooler: Just bought a brand-new memory foam pillow? Keep that thing away from the elusive Pooling Drooler. This bed-buddy may seem cuddly at first, but after a deep night’s sleep, his or her mouth residue will inch forth from its original home. In the most dramatic of Pooling Drooler situations, his or her self-made puddle will not only mar your novel pillow, but will also spread onto you—causing hair matting and general discomfort.

6. The Nail Knifer: Think you don’t need to trim your toenails because it’s winter? Well, grow at your own risk. Sharp toenails + partners in a dorm bed = a serious sleeping safety hazard. Nail knifing perpetrators accidentally slice their partner’s limbs while snoozing—with bloodshed not out of the question.

7. The All-Consumer: Perhaps this bedtime troublemaker should be called the pancake, for when you are deep in slumber and least expecting it, he or she will ooze across the bed like batter, taking up every last inch of your claimed bed space. Again, this can only be remedied by an optimistic push or stir of the perpetrator in his or her pancake-ocity. Groaning or protest from the pancake may ensue.

8. The Pillow Launcher: Distinct from the Pillow Talker, the Pillow Launcher is known for wildly or mildly swiping pillows from their rightful place on bed and letting them fall to the floor as he or she dreams idly. Sometimes Pillow Launchers will cause said objects to become lodged behind bed frames or mattresses. For the sensitive head, this cannot end well.

9. The Clock Snoozer: OK, we all do this. Alone. But when you’ve got two people with two different schedules and two different clocks, you’ve got potential for the offenses of the Clock Snoozer. Not only will this partner snooze his or her own alarm, rapt in the throes of sweet morning cuddles, but he will snooze yours, TOO! The cold air compared to the warm bodies is just too much for the Clock Snoozer. And now you’ve missed your mandatory discussion section.

10. The Crumb Carrier: This offender’s transgression, unfortunately, affects your sheets after they’ve left the scene, after you’ve finished tossing about in the remnants of crackers. He or she thinks a midnight snack is in order—and that’s just fine. But his or her snack remains on their shirt! And now it’s in your bed! All the scratching and reorganizing comes not from phantom bed bugs, but from the sloppy accident he or she dragged in from the kitchen. Use of a dust buster may be in order.

So…

1. Always keep the entirety of the shaft of the penis and the head covered with something, mouth or hand. As I find that not everyone is capable of deepthroating manuevers, especially when it comes to a man who is well endowed, I often find it helpful to think of blowjobs as handjob-blowjob combos; keep your left hand on the shaft in rhythm with your mouth over the head and whatever shaft you are able to keep in your mouth.

2. Mix it up, but not too much: Try and balance trying to create a unique experience for your partner (swirling of your tongue over the head, movement of your tongue down the shaft in succession, for example) with consistent rhythm that can maintain and build an orgasm.

3. This is pretty basic, but, start slow, move to intermediate pace, and finally move your tongue and mouth quickly in sync with your partner’s breathing patterns, sounds, and body language. Keeping your focus in tune not only with your technique but how your partner is responding is crucial!

4. Don’t neglect the balls! I don’t mean any “teabagging” or anything necessarily but maybe some gentle cupping. It depends on the guy, of course, and how much he trusts you. Handle when confident and handle with care.

5. CAVEATS: Keep nails short to avoid any scratching that could be caused by your multitasking activity! On that note, it’s important to remind that the penis is a gentle organ that needs TLC, not violent manipulation. A blowjob does not mean literally sucking on a penis–you don’t want to turn it into a hickey stick! Rhythmic caressing by tongue, mouth, and hand is the best way to ensure a pleasant experience.

(John Fitzhugh | Biloxi Sun Herald | MCT Campus)

As most of you are probably aware, the famed festival of booze, beads and boobs (otherwise known as “Mardi Gras”) is upon us. Although Mardi Gras refers specifically to Fat Tuesday (occurring on Feb. 16 this year), to most revelers and college students, the main attraction is the weekend parade beforehand. This year, the parade will commence on Saturday in St. Louis’ historic Soulard neighborhood. This parade, although smaller in scope than the New Orleans parade, is known throughout the country as the second largest celebration for the holiday, drawing tens of thousands of carousing individuals—weather permitting. With said booze, beads and boobs, however, there is a historic sexual component to this parade. So much so that several organizations have started movements to promote safe sex at this cultural event.

While one source refers to a “green wave” of sexually transmitted infections moving through New Orleans and surrounding colleges after the festival (specifically Tulane University), others simply acknowledge the increase in sexual behavior and hookups following rampant genital flashing and excessive alcohol intake. As it is a festival celebrating revelry and merriment before the conservative Lent period leading up to Easter, the inversion of socially appropriate norms during Mardi Gras makes logical sense.

The Kinsey Institute stands as one of the only sources affirming that the “playful deviance” hovering around Mardi Gras is empirically significant. In the institute’s study published in 2006 in the Journal of Sex Research, it found that 50 percent of male respondents at the 2004 New Orleans Mardi Gras “expected” to have vaginal or oral sex with a new, perhaps unknown partner. Further, 20 percent of these men expected to have a novel anal sex experience, whereas women failed to predict any new vaginal, oral or anal experiences during their revelries. But these men overestimated their possible sexual encounters, while women underestimated. Together, both males and females participated in sexual activity at equal rates at Mardi Gras, with both heterosexual and homosexual partners. Though this cannot be quantified with a percentage, it became clear from the study that Mardi Gras revelers increased their sexual behavior during the festival and were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors—whether they were prepared for the erotic components of the occasion or not.

Although this study was conducted on a specific population confined to the streets of New Orleans, it has broader implications for worldwide Mardi Gras festivals, whether in St. Louis or all the way in Australia. For example, Family Planning New South Wales, in conjunction with the AIDS Council of New South Wales (Australia’s largest LGBT health and HIV/AIDS organization), has been running a “Prepare for Pleasure” campaign since 2009. The campaign seeks to encourage “hassle-free” pleasurable behaviors during Mardi Gras, distributing 40,000 condoms at various LGBT venues on Sydney’s streets. The festival in Sydney is known throughout the world as the “gay” Mardi Gras.

The history of STIs at St. Louis’ Mardi Gras remains more elusive. St. Louis is one of the nation’s 10 cities most commonly affected by gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis, however, and the significance of Mardi Gras cannot be discounted. Although no statistics are available indicating the number of people who have contracted STIs from encounters at Mardi Gras in St. Louis, hookups are reported to be generally in full swing, along with risky sexual behaviors that come from intoxication and the eroticism surrounding the event. Perhaps in the future, condoms will be distributed throughout Soulard, as in Australia. But for this year, as always, be prepared for the sexually charged climate raging around Ninth Street and the rest of downtown.

Tiger Woods supposedly receives treatment for his “sexual addiction” at Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Mississippi (according to the Huffington Post); similarly, Californication’s David Duchovny successfully completed his own sexual addiction treatment in October of 2008. With so many similar stories popping up in Hollywood, the upcoming DSM-V is purported to include “hypersexual disorder” to address Woods’ and Duchovny’s psychological ailments, as well as the claims of many others.

“Hypersexual disorder,” a term already accepted by the psychology community, attempts to define sexual addiction outside previous definitions, which relied on sexual predation, nymphomania, sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. Hypersexual disorder, in tune with the definition that comes from the sexual addiction therapist from “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew,” Jill Vermeire, will instead look at elevated sexual desire of enough significance to contribute to personal problems, daily distress and even health issues. Like Victor Mancini in “Choke,” someone experiencing clinically valid hypersexuality finds him or herself unable to stop seeking out sexual gratification, even—and often—when social, personal, economic and physical risks are at stake.

But the consequences remain vague, keeping hypersexuality out of the category of various other clinical addictions (alcohol, drugs, kleptomania, gambling, etc). While many, like Dr. Drew, treat those affected by hypersexuality in a similar fashion to those addicted to drugs (banning masturbation, taking away phones that could engage a patient in illicit sexual conversations, etc.), the DSM-V will continue the academic tradition of separating hypersexuality from substance dependencies. Although hypersexuality does not involve known physical withdrawal symptoms mirroring those of substance dependencies, Vermeire and others point out its “emotional” withdrawal effects. While hypersexuality can be compared to our societal convictions defining “addiction,” it remains on its own as a disorder accompanied by its own struggles and recovery plans.

But under the label of hypersexuality, it seems sexual addiction does in fact exist. Whether or not Tiger Woods paints a relevant picture of sexual addiction, however, remains unclear. A line must separate being exceptionally desirous of sexual contact, and even seeking it, from being unable to control desirous thoughts, feelings and actions in a sexual capacity in a way that shapes and even transforms one’s life. Diagnoses of either sexual addiction or hypersexuality will continue to remain controversial, but as the problem grows, perhaps its empirical backing and our understanding of its nature and trajectory will be more clearly shaped.

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA), formed in 1997, is one working organization pushing to adapt to this expanding affliction. Helping hypersexually afflicted individuals to achieve and remain “sexually sobriety,” the program, inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous and its 12 steps, has doubled in the last six years, according to the Detroit Free Press. SA’s 15 locations and booming membership show how sexual addiction and hypersexuality are significant emerging problems.

“The Meeting Place” A/S/Ls (age/sex/location), however, turned quickly to self-professed teen males asking for “pix” and, soon, the age-old question, “Wanna cyber?” I had an older sister, a countless number of Cosmopolitan magazines stacked in my attic and, most importantly, my curiosity. If DarkHorse493 started undressing me with his italicized red Courier New font, who was I not to snap back with a bold line I learned from my older sister?

Ignoring all of the dangers of chatting with strangers on the Internet (because this is not a commentary about the value of “To Catch a Predator”), this cyber sex I—as well as many others—engaged in through AOL’s chat mechanism is now finding itself outdated. The days of cybersex through just instant messenger have passed. Why is this, you ask? Video chat is now the latest technology altering the sense of anonymity usually offered in chat rooms. And now, a website called Chat Roulette has recently made it possible to engage in random webcam chats with the click of a button.

Instead of just being able to video chat with personal contacts, Chat Roulette allows a user, “stranger,” to connect with other “strangers” across the world via video and microphone, with an additional box for typing messages. With the push of the F9 key, each stranger can move swiftly or slowly between other strangers. Don’t want to chat with the random guy in a dimly lit room or the shirtless Brazilian who can’t speak English? Simply press F9, and you’ll be on to the next person.

Although Chat Roulette can be used for interesting and sometimes unusual chats not involving sexual behavior, the generic random guy in the dark is a common occurrence. After surveying multiple strangers on how often they came across a male engaged in masturbatory play in their first hour of Chat Roulette, the strangers I asked replied, “How am I supposed to count that?” “Like a hundred!” or, “At least one every two minutes.” Even more, strangers conveyed that besides accidentally coming across men stroking their genitals, they encountered women flashing their breasts, brief scenes of anal play and sometimes even live sex. Chat Roulette attracts countless exhibitionists—those realizing the possibilities of bridging the gap between anonymous cyber sex, phone sex and the visual powers of the webcam.

It is this “new” medium—that is, a randomized way of connecting to people’s faces, bodies, voices and thoughts—which will take cybersex to the next level. You can even download Roulette add-ons that place computer-generated “hats” (a cat head, a knight hemlet, etc.) over your face to keep some form of anonymity while keeping other parts exposed. Cat heads and masturbation may not be your cup of tea, but it is impossible to deny that the realm of Internet sex has greatly evolved.

Most people know the G-spot as that elusive place inside a woman’s vagina that, when pressured correctly, results in orgasm. In fact, when touched in the right way, the G-spot can also produce female ejaculation, originating from the G-spot directly stimulating the female prostate. The G-spot is known as the point of contact during sexual intercourse that produces an orgasm when the penis rubs against it in various positions. Because the clitoris is an exterior part of the vagina, not located on the vaginal wall, many women claim the G-spot creates their explosive orgasms during intercourse. On the flip side, many women claim they cannot find their G-spot, do not have one, or are not comfortable enough with their internal vaginal muscles to obtain an orgasm from sexual intercourse. The point is, the G-spot is important! It lies in the crux of understanding the female orgasm.

But as I said before, the G-spot remains elusive. Just as every clitoris responds differently to stimulation, and even contains differing pockets of hotspots more or less vulnerable to stimulation and thus orgasm, every vaginal wall responds in an equally different way. This idea spawned the study by Tim Spector, Lynn Cherkas and Andrea Burri of King’s College London. Despite millions of females attesting to its existence, Ernst Gräfenberg’s descriptions, and even the ultrasounds taken by Italian scientists finding thicker areas of vaginal wall tissue “among women reporting orgasms,” Spector, Cherkas and Burri chose to investigate the existence of the G-spot by proving its genetic basis through twin self reports. In this study, the British colleagues concluded that “there is no physiological or physical basis for the G-spot.”

How is one supposed to make this claim when using self reports instead of hard science? To Spector, Cherkas and Burri, the 56 percent of those reportedly having a G-spot had “no detectable genetic influence.” Those females believed to have a G-spot, therefore, only felt this way subjectively, according to environmental factors and random error. Can we deny the existence of the G-spot just because self reports did not prove a genetic explantion?

Yes, the study is interesting, but the amount of publicity surrounding the study that claims the G-spot is a myth seems unproductive. Until there can be studies based on physical exams proving hormonal or muscular response through specific stimulation of various vaginal walls, the G-spot cannot be labeled as myth or truth. The simple subjective 56 percent of females claiming their G-spot’s existence can remain a testament to be further evaluated by scientists.

Personally, I believe there is a G-spot. But it is important to define it as a spot and not as an area. Like the clitoris, it is a delicate bundle of nerves that requires precise care and stimulation to move to an orgasm. Let’s hope we get more than ultrasounds and twin questionnaires to enlighten us further about the mystery of the G-spot.

But let’s get back to the basics. In male circumcision, a physician surgically removes the foreskin of the penis, usually within the first few weeks of birth because doing this practice later is more likely to lead to complications. Male circumcision is a common religious practice across all monotheistic religions—especially Islam.

In Judaism, most follow the Covenant of Circumcision, or the Brit Milah (or “Bris” in “South Park”—don’t we just love this show and what it teaches us about sex?), taken from the Genesis and Leviticus books of the Old Testament in the Bible. The father must have the son circumcised eight days after birth; or, if the father is not present, the son is obligated to be circumcised as soon as he reaches adulthood.

In Islam, male circumcision is considered a rite—as part of the fitrah or natural part of human creation. Many parts of the Quran reference circumcision, relating it to Abraham just as Judaism does. Circumcision in Islamic families is also usually performed directly after birth—around the seventh day of infancy. Although circumcision is most commonly associated with Judaism, the World Health Organization measured that 68 percent of circumcised males worldwide are in fact Muslim.

In Christianity, the origins of circumcision are much more diverse. While it is not a required ritual across denominations, several sects practice it routinely. For instance, the Nomiya church in Kenya requires male circumcision for membership, in reference to Jesus’ circumcision in the New Testament. On the other hand, some churches believe modern circumcision practices are a form of torture and mutilation, mainly understood from a passage in the New Testament’s Colossians. The Catholic Church and its various popes have endorsed circumcision, but only if it prevents disease that cannot be prevented in any other way. In short, Christianity remains neutral about the practice.

But what about female circumcision? The World Health Organization calls it Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and that seems to say everything. The practice is extremely controversial in today’s world, as millions of females, especially in Africa, have been unwillingly subjected to it. In male circumcision, there are some known health benefits, such as helping to prevent HIV and other STDs (it cuts down transmission by about 50 percent for HIV), preventing infant urinary tract infections, and severely reducing the risk of developing penile cancers. FGM, on the other hand, has absolutely no known health benefits in any of its four major types: the partial or total removal of the clitoris (clitorectomy), the removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, the narrowing of the vaginal opening through use of manipulated labial flesh, or any other type of vaginal manipulation.

There is little evidence that FGM has any religious backing—in the Quran, the Bible or otherwise. It is mostly a procedure conducted by midwives or other birthing doctors as a cultural tradition, believed to have originated from ancient Egypt. Although I cannot cover all of the difficulties and the cultural and political issues surrounding this practice, I can say that it is sometimes motivated by the cultural idea that a woman’s libido is taboo and needs to be controlled—even if that means dangerous surgery. FGM can cause everything from hemorrhage to infertility.

As for sex, obviously FGM not only can make vaginal intercourse impossible or severely painful, but it can also readily cause recurrent urinary tract and bladder infections, as well as remove all physical pleasure from the act. Male circumcision, on the other hand, has no known sexual drawbacks—it actually has been proven to improve sexual pleasure for women in some studies and, again, reduce the risk of contracting STDs. Although some say that removing the foreskin can reduce sensation during sex, there are no accurate studies correlating the surgical process and sexual pleasure. On the whole, it seems male circumcision has its benefits and drawbacks, whereas FGM remains dangerous and only intrudes on a female’s natural reproductive organs.