Age of consent, underage sex and media panics – what you need to know

By Dr Petra | Published: 19 July, 2010
Over the past couple of years we’ve seen a particular preoccupation with Western media about underage sex. This has included the media frenzy over 13 year old ‘teenage dad’ Alfie Patten through to frequent media features on teenage pregnancy, abortions and parenthood, to more recent documentaries like Channel 4’s ‘Underage and Having Sex’ or ITV This Morning’s debate on the age of consent which I participated in
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Posted in Parents, Sex education, Teenager(s) | Comments closed

A blog by any other name

By Dr Petra | Published: 16 July, 2010
name badge Recently I’ve been asked to talk about why I blog through activities like the ‘Bloggers Behind the Blogs’ series on psychology/neurology blogs or at Science Blogging Talkfest 2010. Talking about why I blog or being introduced at any event as a blogger involves mentioning the name of my blog. ‘Dr Petra’. Or ‘Dr Petra’s Blog’. Which I find a bit… Read more
Posted in Uncategorised | Comments closed

Trading Standards closes AMI – but where does this leave their customers?

By Dr Petra | Published: 12 July, 2010
A few weeks ago I asked you to challenge the Advanced Medical Institute. An organisation who specialised in selling medication for men's psychosexual problems (erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation) who caused concern over their advertising method and sales techniques which bullied and humiliated vulnerable men. Following complaints from men, an investigation by Trading Standards in Westminster has led to AMI ceasing trading. The company still practices… Read more
Posted in Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation | Comments closed

What do we want from sex and relationships education?

By Dr Petra | Published: 28 June, 2010
Last week I was asked to speak at Channel 4's Education Annual Conference, which was live blogged by Joanne Jacobs here and can be followed on Twitter via hashtags #c4ed and #c4edconf. The event included highlighting different educational interventions (fascinating), debating technology in education (talked about perhaps too much), discussing free schools (not debated enough) and showcasing forthcoming educational programmes/games (like this
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Posted in Sex education | Comments closed

NICE Consultation now open: PHSE Education Focusing on Sex and Relationships and Alcohol

By Dr Petra | Published: 22 June, 2010
The NHS National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has just opened a consultation inviting feedback on Personal, social, health and economic education. They are focusing on sex and relationships and alcohol education and inviting consultation on the draft guidance. The consultation is open from 17 June to 15 July 2010 and you can access all the relevant documentation here. If you are working in the area of PHSE… Read more
Posted in Sex education | Comments closed

FDA advisory panel rejects Flibanserin

By Dr Petra | Published: 21 June, 2010
Last Friday drug company Boehringer Ingelheim presented evidence to the FDA's advisory panel on their drug Flibanserin. This product, designed to tackle Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women had already been given plenty of media coverage focusing on 'Pink Viagra', and raised concern from scientists, healthcare staff, therapists and activists. You can see a summary of the case up until the hearing here. Meanwhile… Read more
Posted in Activism and Open Access, Commercialisation, Female Sexual Dysfunction, Flibanserin | Comments closed

FDA Committee hearing on Flibanserin tomorrow (18 June) – how you can keep up with the meeting

By Dr Petra | Published: 17 June, 2010
Tomorrow sees the FDA Committee Hearing on Flibanserin, the drug created by Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) to address 'hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women'. In advance of the meeting you can see the hearing's list of materials here, BI's submission of their research on Flibanserin to the FDA here, and my summary of the story/science of this case to date here. For the past few… Read more
Posted in Activism and Open Access, Medicalisation, Research, Sexual dysfunction | Comments closed

Your chance to help this Men’s Health Week – challenge the Advanced Medical Institute

By Dr Petra | Published: 16 June, 2010
AMI advert billboard June 14 to 20th is Men's Health week, with numerous practitioners, charities and healthcare organisations hosting events and conciousness raising activities. One area that probably won't be falling under any of the public campaigns for Men's Health Week - but ought to be a priority for us to tackle - is taking on the organisation known as the Advanced Medical Institute. You may remember… Read more
Posted in Activism and Open Access, Drug/alcohol, Erectile Dysfunction, Ethics, Premature Ejaculation | Comments closed

Is low sexual desire in women a disease? No it’s not. But drug company are seeking FDA approval for a drug to ‘cure’ women nonetheless

By Dr Petra | Published: 1 June, 2010
On June 18th pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim will be seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their drug Flibanserin (which may be traded under the names of Ectris and/or Girosa). This is an antidepressant style drug which Boehringer Ingelheim claim is a treatment for low/lack of sexual desire in women (aka Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder or HSDD). It must be taken every day and for… Read more
Posted in Activism and Open Access, Female Sexual Dysfunction, Flibanserin, Intrinsa, Medicalisation | Comments closed

Live Masturbate-a-thon this Sunday in SF!

By Dr Petra | Published: 27 May, 2010
3 masturbate-a-thon posters 2010s Live Masturbate-a-thon is taking place this Sunday, May 30th in San Francisco. From the event organisers... The Center for Sex & Culture, originator of the live Masturbate-a-Thon, will hold its 10th annual fundraising and consciousness-raising event showcasing solo sexuality on May 30, 2010 at its 1519 Mission Street suites. They thank Tube8 for its kind sponsorship of this year's benefit. Hosting the event… Read more
Posted in Activism and Open Access, Masturbation | Comments closed