Is This Normal…

Since I’ve done blogs on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday over the years, I thought I would change things up. This past week as I was scrolling through the news, I came across this really interesting article (yup, although I vowed not to torment myself after the election, that vow quickly dissipated). Apparently, I am not the only person who wonders about certain sensitive things related to body parts and sexuality. The very first question caught my attention because I could sooooo relate. So to help all of you push out a big sigh of relief…here are the top questions brought forward in this article to help us with the facts that support we are normal, even with these embarrassing situations.

For those of us who were not savvy enough to purchase work out clothing that hides that sweat patch in our crotch, yes it is normal to look like you’ve just peed yourself because a sweaty gym vagina is caused by a higher density of sweat glands than anywhere else on the body except the armpits. It’s also an area insulated by thick fat, so once double-coated in fabric, it’s almost inevitable that you’re going to sweat profusely during intense exercise. To help with this, make sure you either shave or have short pubic hair, wear dark colored lycra shorts like bike shorts, and shower ASAP after your work out.Needing to urgently pee certainly increases as one gets older, but in reality it can happen to anyone. Studies in the UK have determined that overactive bladder impacts 1 in 6 women. Women with an overactive bladder have muscles that contract involuntarily, making a person ‘urgently’ need the toilet. It can also lead to leaking. This issue can start in childhood or develop at any time. Apparently, there is no ‘normal’ number of times to pee during the day, but OAB is diagnosed when a person ‘goes more often than they think they should’. We don’t fully understand what causes it, but theories suggest that changes to the muscles might be the culprit. My wife and I often tease one another whenever one of us rushes to the toilet to avoid peeing our pants.Often, no matter how much I’ve had to eat, I’ve found room for a bite or two of dessert. I am pleased to announce this is normal! It’s entirely normal to feel like you have room for something sweet after a meal, even if you feel full. This phenomenon is often referred to jokingly as having a ‘second stomach’ for dessert, but it’s linked to how our brains and bodies process food. Several reasons for this include: after eating a savory or heavily flavored meal, your body may signal fullness for those particular flavors or textures, but the desire for a contrasting taste (like something sweet) remains, as your brain seeks variety and balance in flavors; routine can play a role – if you’re used to having a sweet treat after meals, it can become a learned behavior (your brain starts expecting dessert); addiction versus craving – cravings for sweet foods are normal, they are not typically the same as addiction. Sugar stimulates the brain’s reward system, making it pleasurable, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re addicted. It’s more likely a combination of enjoying the taste and a habitual response.A low cervix can be perfectly normal. The position and sensitivity of the cervix can vary significantly among women. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for some to feel their cervix lower, especially during certain times of the month. Hormonal shifts cause the cervix to move slightly higher or lower and become softer or firmer. For many women, the cervix sits lower and may even feel more prominent close to their menstrual period, and in that position, it can be easier to feel and become more sensitive during intimate activities.Some women wonder if they’ve ever had an orgasm because it doesn’t match what’s written about in our lovely romance novels. Well…the truth is that orgasms can feel different for everyone – there’s no ‘one way’ that they should feel. For many, it’s less about fireworks and more about a deep, satisfying release or even just a shift in sensation. Okay…the older I get, the more acceptable it is to discuss bathroom habits, so this next one may not be comfortable for everyone…When talking about defecation…anything from three times a day to three times a week is considered ‘normal’, and poo should be soft, bulky and easy to pass.

So…when you’re reading different books and you ask why is this experience so different from my own…remember that there’s a lot more normal out there than what’s represented in books, especially when talking about intimacy and intimate response! Sometimes, I like to push the boundaries and remind us that not everyone is the same. Hopefully some of my characters breach the concept of normality. If you want to check out my work, you know the drill, just click the links below. Also…reminder that hot off the press is a brand new audible book option for Book 2 in the Trophy Wives Club series, Pleasure Workers.

Pleasure Workers – Audible