Lala’s Blog
Lala’s Bedtime Tales Blog is a helpful resource for individuals that enjoy erotica & spicy romance stories. The blog is for those searching for healthy relationship advice and sex tips from sexual wellness experts and resources about sexual health education and women’s wellness information from medical professionals and mental health specialists.
Living in Chronic Pain: Endometriosis Awareness
When you're thinking about periods and cramps, I'm sure the endometrium, which is the scientific name for the lining of your uterus, might not be what you first think of as the cause of any menstrual symptoms. Endometrium sounds very clinical and formal, but it's the innermost lining of the uterus and plays an integral role in maintaining the uterus's health. However, there can sometimes be endometrial tissue found outside the uterus. However, the body naturally doesn't like endometrial tissue anywhere outside the uterus. Endometriosis is when endometrial tissue is located outside the uterus, like ovaries or bladder. Endometriosis is a life-long reproductive health condition that can cause pelvic pain, pain during sex, heavy periods, and so many more issues that can make your daily life unbearable. Due to stigma and shame around discussing menstruation, pelvic pain, or anything related to the uterus, oftentimes, endometriosis is under-diagnosed, overlooked, and dismissed as a mythical "health concern." If you're eager to learn all things about the endometrium and endometriosis, this blog post is for you!
The Most Common STI, No One Discusses: HPV Awareness
If you’ve ever heard the words, “You have HPV,” there is no need to fear or panic. Having HPV is not shameful, nor should it cause humiliation. Most people will have Human Papilloma Virus or HPV at some point, yet hardly any of us understand what that means. HPV is the most common type of Sexually Transmitted Virus in the United States. It lives on the skin and is transmitted genitally through skin-to-skin contact, not body fluids, so condom use does not necessarily prevent viral transmission. Many people are asymptomatic and not aware that they have HPV. Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. It can be dormant in the body, and most people clear the virus within one year. Having HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to individuals receiving a cervical cancer diagnosis. However, not all HPV infections will lead to cancer. Educating ourselves about this virus that causes common warts, genital warts, and genital cancers helps to make a new diagnosis of HPV not so scary. The stigma around HPV can be embarrassing, but knowing that this virus is widely prevalent should help dispel shame and stigma. Unlike many STDs, HPV cannot be treated or fully prevented and is not always detectable. There is no one to blame for an HPV diagnosis. It is a common virus and can be passed on despite safer sex practices. By increasing our understanding of HPV, especially about how common it is and that most infections clear on their own, we can decrease the stigma people have felt about having HPV.
Black Women's Sexual Pleasure, How Does It Measure
Black women in today’s society rarely receive formal sexual education, and fewer, if any, learn about sexual pleasure in these settings. As a former Human Sexuality instructor, the pleasure was often missing from sexuality education materials and sex-positive information related to the sexual experiences of Black women. It was vital for me to change the narrative of how Black women’s sex lives have been portrayed in sexology.
What Black Women Need to Know About Bacterial Vaginosis
Every woman has a natural vaginal odor, but, at times, the "honeypot" can get a little musty. The truth is the vagina contains billions of different bacteria whose makeup changes daily. But if you find that your odor is a little off or more potent than normal, bacterial vaginosis (BV) may be to blame. Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal condition experienced more frequently by black women. But, before reaching for that over-the-counter odor relief product, here is what you really need to know about BV and some strategies to help reduce the risk of infection.
The Small YET Mighty Cervix: Cervical Health 101
When you’re thinking about human anatomy and body parts, sometimes, learning about a cervix might not be on your list, even if you have a cervix! And cervical health? It sounds so medical and formal. Many people, even those with a cervix, are not aware of its importance in daily life, reproductive health, and overall wellness. The truth is, discussing reproductive anatomy is still highly stigmatized in many settings. I’m here to change that by educating you on everything you need to know about the cervix!
Five Easy Eating Tips for Great Sex
Christine DeLozier, Author of Diet for Great Sex: Food for Male and Female Sexual Health, provides five easy eating tips to improve your Diet for great sex. Diet plays a significant role in not only your physical and mental health but your sexual health, as well. So, check out this blog post to learn how to eat better for great sex!
Common Challenges of Living with HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has changed in the past three decades. No longer is it considered a terminal condition. With appropriate antiviral medications, it is a livable, long-term health condition. Many HIV-positive people are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. However, emotional challenges continue to impact HIV-positive people’s lives.
HIV/AIDs Awareness: End Inequalities! End AIDs!
When you're thinking about sex, sexually transmitted infections, also known as STIs, are not something you're probably thinking of! And questions about HIV?! Really? In the middle of sexual pleasure and curiosity, the last thing most people want to think about is an STI, let alone HIV, one of the most stigmatized health conditions. Some people might think HIV is a thing of the past, but it is still prevalent in many communities in America and around the world.
Don't Let Sexual Dysfunction Ruin Your Sex Life
Many people experience sex as a fun, pleasurable, and pleasant activity! However, many factors have to work together to make sexual intercourse an easy and enjoyable pursuit. Some people experience painful sex or have medical conditions limiting their ability to engage fully and find pleasure during sexual acts. Other people can go through the motions of sex. The majority of people will experience some form of sexual dysfunction throughout their lifetimes. Women are especially likely to have sexual issues that persist for weeks, months, and even years! The good news is that most types of sexual dysfunction can be managed and may resolve independently or in collaboration with a skilled healthcare provider and supportive intimate partner.
Sex Toy Safety 101: Sexy Fun for Everyone!
When you're thinking about using a sex toy, sex toy safety might not be the first thing on your mind (and that's OK!). If you're looking to explore your sexuality, enhance your dynamic between your partner(s), or just looking for something new. Regardless of what piqued your interest in sex toys, know that there are tons of ways to have lots of fun with sex toys and stay safe!
Hi, I'm Sadia, a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner here to answer your sex toy safety and pleasure concerns. In honor of National Sex Toy Day, I'll provide you with four essential tips on finding a sex toy that works for you and four critical tips on sex toy safety! From finding reputable products worth purchasing to disinfecting toys before and after use to prevent sexual health infections and issues. If you're curious about sex toys, this article is definitely for you!
Sexual Health Through Our Lifespans
We are created as sexual beings! Sex is an integral part of our lives throughout our lifespans. We at Lala’s Bedtime Tales have a sex-positive attitude and believe that talking about sex helps us live our best lives. We know that sex changes and is different for people at different ages and stages of their lives. Therefore, we’re here to provide sexual health education and insight into some of the common sexual experiences of our lives.
Early Detection Saves Lives: Breast Cancer Awareness
Although 88% percent of American women will never have breast cancer, we worry about ourselves and our loved ones, hoping that they never have to come face to face with this disease. This Breast Cancer Awareness month, Lala's Bedtime Tales, encourages us to join the fight against breast cancer by taking a stance against fear through education. This article discusses breast cancer statistics, preventative care, and how to approach a breast cancer diagnosis.
Intimacy in the Midst of COVID-19
Coronavirus has upended our world for the past two years. This global pandemic changed the way we live our lives in every aspect, including sex and intimacy. Since, sex is many people's favorite pastime, social interaction, and stress reliever, people have been itching for ways to combat angst and loneliness in a society where social distancing and self-isolation are the norms and in some cases a necessity for survival. Now, with Covid-19 vaccinations, people are ready to get back on the dating scene and experience intimacy. Therefore, Lala wants to ensure that we are re-connecting and experiencing intimacy in the safest ways possible for ourselves and our communities.
Sexual Health Awareness
When people hear sexual health, typically what comes to their mind is contraception, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or prevention of unplanned pregnancies. But those aspects of sexual health are just the tip of the iceberg. The American Sexual Health Association defines sexual health as the ability to embrace and enjoy sexuality throughout one's lifetime. Sexual health encompasses the understanding of your sexual anatomy, the importance of sexual healthcare, and knowing the benefits of sexual pleasure on your mental health and ability to have a healthy and satisfying relationship.