Sexperts answer questions during ‘Sexploration at IU’

Ever had a question you know even Cosmopolitan wouldn’t answer about ... you know ... sex?

Members from the IU and Bloomington communities gathered for a Q-and-A session with sexual health experts Monday night at the Whittenberger Auditorium in the Indiana Memorial Union. The program, “Kinsey Confidential,” is one of the features in
“Sexploration at IU,” a week-long series of events related to sexual health and education.

Members of the audience were given the opportunity to present their questions to two experts: Brian Dodge, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, and host of the  “Kinsey Confidential” podcast, Dr. Debby Herbenick. Both are assistant research scientists for the Department of Health Sciences.

Herbenick emphasized the importance of sexual awareness in college students.

“Sex is of interest; most people will have sex eventually in their lives,” Herbenick said. “It becomes more enjoyable if they know more about their bodies.”

Herbenick and Dodge addressed questions ranging from female ejaculation and sexual orientations to the scientific research that has been done on the concept of love. Both stressed the importance of sexual research. They agreed research has previously been limited due to prior funding restraints, and there are many possibilities for those interested in the field.

The IU Health Center’s department of health and wellness and Union Board worked together to coordinate the week of events.

IU junior and Union Board Outreach Director Jessica Englert, who helped plan the event, found the session enjoyable and fascinating.

“Union Board hopes to continue the Sexploration program,” Englert said. “We are proud to help sponsor something that brings resources to the students and community.”

Kinsey Confidential initially began as a web-based Q-and-A service to students in 1998. In 2001 it became a feature in the Indiana Daily Student and an iTunes podcast where people from all over the world can submit their questions to be answered.

The idea for the Q-and-A session during Sexploration at IU came from student focus groups conducted more than a year ago. IU Health Center Office and Outreach Coordinator Katie Wilkinson helped spearhead the program. She said there was a strong response from students for the University to promote sexual awareness events.

“We help people help themselves,” Wilkinson said.