Erika W. Smith's Recent Articles - Refinery29

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6 Reasons Why Your Vagina Might Be Itching After Sex

You Know About Dildos — Now, Meet The Drilldo

What Perineal Massage Actually Does — & How To Get Started

What Do Bats Have To Do With Halloween, Anyway?

It’s officially mid-October, and if you haven’t picked up a few Halloween decorations already, you’re probably thinking about it. If you’re the typ

by Erika W. Smith

These Halloween Engagement Stories Are Spooky And Romantic

by Erika W. Smith

Put Your Long Weekend To Good Use With These Sex Marathon Ideas

So, you have a three-day weekend. Why not put those extra 24 hours of free time to good use? And we’re not talking about brunch. We’re talking about se

by Erika W. Smith

Sam Smith, Lil Nas X, Julianne Hough & More Celebs Who Came Out I...

by Erika W. Smith

Sophie Turner Hilariously Trolls Insta Influencers Who Peddle Die...

Sophie Turner has become the latest celebrity to speak out against Instagram influencers selling “detox tea.” In an Instagram story, Turn

by Erika W. Smith

The Full Hunter’s Moon In Aries Means It’s Time To Get Kinky

The full moon will rise in Aries on the evening of Sunday, October 13, and it will appear full from Saturday morning through Tuesday morning. In astrology,

by Erika W. Smith

The Miracle That Is CBD, Might Help Breast Cancer Patients Too

CBD is in our lattes, moisturizers, and chocolates, but what about its use in a hospital setting instead of your local café or beauty store? Although more

by Erika W. Smith

5 Ways Masturbation Can Help Your Mental Health

Masturbation helps you learn what you like sexually, plus, it just feels good. But did you know that masturbation can help your mental health, too? While m

by Erika W. Smith

8 Celebs Who Got Real About Depression, Bipolar Disorder & Eating...

by Erika W. Smith

A New Study Ties Vaping To Lung & Bladder Cancer In Mice

The first study definitively linking vaping to cancer was published yesterday. Researchers at New York University found a link between e-cigarette nicotine

by Erika W. Smith

Jealousy, Control & Isolation: The Warning Signs Of Domestic Viol...

Every minute in the United States, almost 20 people are physically abused by a partner. According to data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Viol

by Erika W. Smith

Venus Is Entering Scorpio, So Embrace Your Inner Sex Bomb

On October 8th, Venus will enter Scorpio. In astrology, the planet Venus rules love and prosperity, while the sign Scorpio is associated with passion, poss

by Erika W. Smith

5 Statistics That’ll Change How You Think About Marital Rape

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it’s important to discuss all types of intimate partner abuse. Marital rape is incredibly comm

by Erika W. Smith

What Do We Mean By Grey Rape?

Back in 2007, a Cosmopolitan article titled “A New Kind Of Date Rape” went viral. The article introduced the concept of “grey rape,” which writer L

by Erika W. Smith

Two Years After #MeToo, Rape Culture Is Alive & Well

Almost exactly two years ago, #MeToo went mainstream. Started by activist and community organizer Tarana Burke in 2006, the movement went viral in 2017 whe

by Erika W. Smith

5 Netflix Movies & TV Shows To Watch During Breast Cancer Awarene...

by Erika W. Smith

Gender-Neutral Sex Toys That Anyone Can Play With

by Erika W. Smith

Jonathan Van Ness Opens Up About The Long-Lasting Effects Of Bull...

Jonathan Van Ness spoke out about being bullied for his gender expression and sexual orientation as a child in a powerful new interview with The Trevor Pro

by Erika W. Smith

If You’re Sexting With A New Person, Watch Out For This

If you’ve recently started flirting with someone new, you might decide to exchange sexy photos. But if you haven’t seen your match’s goods in person

by Erika W. Smith

Diet & Nutrition

Eating Red Meat Might Not Be Bad For You After All

If you’re sick of being told that vegetarianism is the healthiest way to eat, here’s a new study for you. New nutrition recommendations published in th

by Erika W. Smith

How One Camp Is Working To Make Burning Man More Accessible

by Erika W. Smith

Pluto Retrograde Is Ending, So It’s Time To Demand The World

We all know about the havoc wreaked by Mercury retrograde, but what about Pluto? The dwarf planet has been retrograde since April 24. And on October 2, it

by Erika W. Smith

Hickeys Aren’t Just For Teenagers. Here’s How To Give One

by Erika W. Smith

Yes, Girls Can — And Should — Ask Guys Out

It’s 2019, yet when it comes to asking someone out on a date, there’s still a lot of pressure for women who are interested in men to wait to be asked.

by Erika W. Smith

Want To Orgasm Faster? Try This

There are plenty of articles on the internet telling men how to make a woman come in five minutes, 10, or 15. But what if a woman wants to make herself com

by Erika W. Smith

These Remote Control Sex Toys Let Your Partner Control Your Orgasm

by Erika W. Smith

The New Moon Is In Libra, & It’s Time To Get Romantic

Early in the morning on Saturday, September 28, the new moon will rise in Libra, the sign of the Scales. All new moons symbolize new beginnings, and with t

by Erika W. Smith