Hazel has an unusual case of uterus didelphys: put simply, she has two vaginas. What does this mean for her love life?

Hazel discusses how previous partners have reacted to her unique genitalia; the quest she went on to discover more about her situation, its causes and effects; and explains how being “double barrelled” may affect her if she decides to start a family in the future. She also outlines why she thinks it’s vital that everyone should “get to know their down-belows” – whatever and however many bits and pieces they possess.

Share your story: if you have a question about what you’ve heard, or want to share a tale about your own encounters, email us in confidence at closeencounters@theguardian.com.

A Rethink Audio / Guardian production. Close Encounters’ end theme, Bells, by Secret Circuit, is available now on Emotional Response.

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Hazel's Close Encounters: two vaginas and lots of questions

Writer and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer joins Alix Fox to discuss your responses to the first four in our Close Encounters series of sex podcasts show. We recommend you listen to the four episodes before listening to this podcast.

Alix and Miranda discuss the personal stories you’ve felt inspired to tell after hearing interviews with Kirsty, Ant, Simon and Hazel. We learn how one woman “refurbished” her own vagina when early menopause caused her to suffer issues with extreme tightness; male listeners speak out for the first time about the modest size of their penises; and we get the lowdown on why visiting the theatre spells curtains for one respondent’s sex drive.

Share your story: if there’s something you want to ask about what you’ve heard, or anything you’d like to add, email us in confidence at closeencounters@theguardian.com

Out of Time by Miranda Sawyer is out now.

Close Encounters

Matters Arising with Miranda Sawyer

In this week’s episode, Alix Fox meets Omar, a man keen to share his experiences as a gay man who left Pakistan early in life. Whilst his parents have a relatively liberal attitude to his sexuality compared to many Muslim families, there are still ways in which they have influenced his attitudes to relationships, and even choice of partner.

In this frank and funny discussion, Omar also discusses how holidays release his wild side, and what might have been if he had stayed in his country of birth.

Share your story: if you have a question about what you’ve heard, or want to share a tale about your own encounters, email us in confidence at closeencounters@theguardian.com.

A Rethink Audio / Guardian production. Close Encounters’ end theme, Bells, by Secret Circuit, is available now on Emotional Response.

Omar's Close Encounters: be brave, but don’t be stupid

WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT
Michelle and Reuben live together, sleep together and date other people together. In this interview with Alix Fox, they discuss the rules they’ve established to negotiate this unconventional set-up. We all strive to make our relationships work – does polyamory make it easier?

Share your story: if you have a question about what you’ve heard, or want to share a tale about your own encounters, email us in confidence at closeencounters@theguardian.com.

A Rethink Audio / Guardian production. Close Encounters’ theme, Bells, by Secret Circuit, is available now on Emotional Response.

Reuben & Michelle's Close Encounters: polyamory, unicorns & Google Calendar

WARNING: EXPLICIT CONTENT
Jords has always known he was asexual, but his partners have struggled to understand. Can you compromise over your sexuality for the sake of companionship?

Share your story: if you have a question about what you’ve heard, or want to share a tale about your own encounters, email us in confidence at closeencounters@theguardian.com.

A Rethink Audio / Guardian production. Close Encounters’ theme, Bells, by Secret Circuit, is available now on Emotional Response.

In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14.

Jords' Close Encounters: sex when you're asexual

Alix Fox takes us on a journey into the intimate parts of our lives.

Close Encounters from the Guardian

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