Kinsey Confidential

Q: Some professors are constantly making sexual jokes (often at the expense of women) for a good laugh in class. I do not feel it is funny. Being in a minority with other women in certain classes, I do not feel like we can speak up though other women in class do not laugh at those jokes, either. Are there no other good jokes? Only those to put down female students? What can I do?\nA: You are absolutely correct that you deserve to receive an education that is both comfortable and appropriate. A critical task of adult development is to learn to communicate about sexual matters in ways that are age and developmentally appropriate and that don't harm others. \nCreating an uncomfortable classroom environment (by way of inappropriate sexual jokes) is certainly not acceptable -- or responsible -- behavior. Fortunately, most colleges and universities have clear policies about sexual harassment and the classroom environment that are available on school Web sites and/or in the school handbooks. \nIf you have concerns about inappropriate sexual comments or jokes that are made in class -- and you feel unable to speak directly with your professor -- consider making an appointment to speak with someone on campus who deals with sexual harassment inquiries, ethical issues, counseling or women's affairs. These individuals can often serve as an intermediary between you and the professor or department. You can also request that your identity be handled in a confidential manner. I hope that this is helpful.\nQ: Does having sex while you're on your period make you bleed more?\nA: Menstruation occurs when a woman's body breaks down and releases parts of the endometrial lining (e.g. lining of the uterus) that has built up during previous weeks. This includes blood and tissue. Since that is what is being released, sexual activity won't "create" any new tissue to be released and it therefore won't make a woman bleed more during those few days of her period. That said, various factors related to sexual activity that a woman experiences by herself or with a partner may cause more blood or tissue to be released all at once, or might give her the perception her period is heavier than usual (even if it really isn't).\nFor example, sexual activity that is arousing or orgasmic and therefore involves contractions of a woman's uterus may cause more menstrual blood or tissue release at once. Sexual activity that includes penile thrusting close to the cervix (opening to the uterus) might cause more menstrual blood or tissue to release at that time. Some women can feel this pressure on their cervix and find it pleasurable, and others feel that it is painful. \nIn addition, the fluids that are involved in sex (e.g. natural or store-bought lubrication, the lubricant from a condom, semen if no condom was used, etc.) can be tinged with blood as it flows out of a woman's body. That might make it look as though a woman is having a heavier period, even though she isn't really bleeding any more than usual.\nThe bottom line is that the total amount of blood/tissue over several days isn't changing, but some women might find the timing or appearance of one's bleeding makes it seem as though that's the case.