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• Sexpert Details • Our Philosophy • Sexpert Tips • FAQs • Ask a Question • Resources • About the Sexpert |
Sexpert Details
Got questions about sexuality, sexual health, safer sex, intimacy, or anything else related to sex? Visit "Sexpert" Alyssa La Fosse, MPH, CHES for free answers and safer sex supplies! Tuesdays* from 12-1pm in Kimmel Center (60 Washington Square South), 2nd floor, at the top of the Grand Staircase. You can also contact the Sexpert at sexpert@nyu.edu.
*See below for exact dates.
Fall 2009
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Our Philosophy
The Health Promotion Office supports the belief that every single person is entitled to feel pleasure and enjoy one's own body, regardless of gender or whether one is in a relationship or not. We employ a "body positive" model, which means that people are encouraged to be familiar and comfortable with their bodies. This is important not just for self-pleasure but also for health reasons, so that people have a strong awareness of their bodies, are better able to notice anything unusual, and can take measures to stay healthy. The "body positive" philosophy applies to all people - whether or not one is sexually active.
This philosophy also includes an emphasis on safety for those who choose to be sexually active. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation out there about sexual health and safer sex, which can lead to a number of unintended consequences such as sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. By answering questions about sex and distributing safer sex supplies, the Sexpert does not encourage people to be sexually active, but rather offers accurate information and promotes safety so that people can be proactive about their health.
Sexpert Tips
- Become familiar with your body. Get to know what's normal for you.
- Discover what gives you pleasure and enjoy yourself - masturbation is healthy and safe.
- Embrace your sexuality and respect the sexualities of others.
- Communication and honesty with your partner are keys to having a positive sexual experience.
- Get tested for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) if you're sexually active - it's possible to have an STI and not know it.
- Use a condom - it's the best way to help prevent an STI.
FAQs
Following is a sample of some frequently asked questions. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid or weird question! Each and every question is a valid concern. If you don't know what a dental dam is, what Kegel exercises are, or how to have an orgasm, don't worry, you're not the only one. If you have a question and are too embarrassed to ask someone, ask the Sexpert!
- What does it mean to be abstinent?
There is no universal definition of abstinence - it can mean different things to different people. Examples of various definitions include having oral sex but not vaginal or anal sex; having oral and anal sex but not vaginal sex; or having no sexual contact at all. If you choose to be abstinent, it does not mean that you must abstain from sexual intimacy. Intimacy can encompass feelings and emotions, not just physical acts. Think about what abstinence means to you, and decide what your boundaries are. This will help you to be in touch with your sexuality and to do what you feel ready and safe to do. Even if you have had sex in the past, you can decide to abstain if that is what you want to do now. - What are Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pubococcygeal (PC) muscle, which is located at the base of the genital area in all people. To perform the exercise, imagine you are urinating, and squeeze your muscles as if you were cutting off the flow of urine. Doing these exercises regularly will help tone your PC muscle, which can help to make your orgasms stronger and improve ejaculatory control. - Can pre-cum get someone pregnant?
Yes. Pre-cum, or pre-ejaculatory fluid, is a secretion released from an erect penis during sexual arousal. It is possible for pre-cum to contain a small quantity of sperm, which could enter the vagina and fertilize an egg. Putting on a condom as soon as the penis is erect can prevent this from happening. - Is it true that some women can never have an orgasm?
Fortunately, this is a great big myth! All women are physically capable of experiencing an orgasm. There is no set formula for how to achieve an orgasm - people are aroused by different things. The only way to find out what works for you is to try different forms of stimulation, such as masturbation, using sex toys, or changing sex positions. Focus on the pleasure you are feeling at the moment and enjoy yourself! - Is there an HPV vaccine available for men?
The HPV vaccine Gardasil® is highly effective in preventing the types of HPV that most commonly cause genital warts and cervical cancer. It is currently only licensed to be used for girls and women ages 9-26 years. However, studies are being conducted to determine if the vaccine is also safe for men, and if it can help to prevent genital warts and certain penile and anal cancers. In the meantime, using condoms is the best way to prevent transmission of HPV.
Ask a Question
If you have a question, you can email it to the Sexpert at sexpert@nyu.edu. You can also email her to schedule an appointment to meet in person. All communication is confidential. Don't be afraid to ask your question - the Sexpert has heard it all!
Resources
- Women's Health Services
- Men's Health Services
- HIV Testing
- Free safer sex supplies
- Sexual Health Advocates (SHA) Peer Education Program
About the Sexpert
NYU's very own Sexpert, Alyssa La Fosse, MPH, CHES, received her Masters in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley, and has extensive experience working with college-age youth on sexual health issues. She laments the inadequate, fear-based, and ineffective approach to sex education commonly found in schools, and she strives to give students comprehensive and accurate information in a nonjudgmental manner so that they can make informed choices about their sexual health.