People Have Been Having Less Sex

— Whether They’re Teenagers or 40-Somethings Among the young, social media, gaming and “rough sex” may contribute to this trend By Emily Willingham Human sexual activity affects cognitive function, health, happiness and overall quality of life—and, yes, there is also the matter of reproduction. The huge range of benefits is one reason researchers have become …

5 Ways the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Our Sex Lives and Relationships

By Kasandra Brabaw There’s been a lot of speculation about how the COVID-19 pandemic would change our sex lives. At first, when people thought they were facing just a couple of weeks at home, there were predictions of a new baby boom. The assumption was that lots of people would spend their newfound free time …

Partnered sex of all kinds declines in United States, IU study finds

Sexual frequency is declining in the United States, according to a study by Indiana University researchers. “Our study adds to a growing body of research that has reported on declines in sex,” said Tsung-chieh “Jane” Fu, a research associate at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington who co-led the study. “The declines in partnered sexual …

How the vagina changes over time and what to do if sex becomes less enjoyable

By Carla Delgado The average vagina is about 9.6 centimeters (3.8 inches) deep but can stretch to twice that amount. Childbirth and menopause can change the depth of a vagina, which may change how sex feels. If your vagina feels loose, try Kegel exercises or other exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. The average vagina …

6 confidence-boosting sex positions for when you’re feeling shy about your body or sexpertise

By Ashley Laderer If you’re lacking confidence in bed, try starting with a simple position like missionary. Reverse cowgirl and doggy style can be great for people who are self-conscious of their belly area. For a little more adventure without going too wild, try the leapfrog or the lotus position.  If you feel self-conscious during …

Consent Is About More Than Sex

Respecting personal boundaries is important in all interactions. The pandemic has made that clearer than ever. By Kristine Guillaume For many people over the past year and a half, every social event—hugging a relative, eating with a friend—has become a complex and sometimes-awkward dance. They’ve determined their safety needs and wants, then verbalized them to …

Yes, You Can Contract an STD Without Having Penetrative Sex

by Gabrielle Kassel Anilingus. Cunnilingus. Mutual masturbation. Many nonpenetrative sex acts are *veryyy* much worth exploring from a pleasure perspective. But many sex-havers engage in these sex acts under the assumption that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can only be transmitted through penetration. This myth results in many explorers thinking they’re being Safe™, when in fact …

Let’s Talk about Sex Education and Human Rights

“Human rights-based sex education is a key component in preventing gender-based violence and transforming patriarchal, hetero-normative gender relations.” by Dr Meghan Campbell Sex education is increasingly become a focal point in the so-called culture wars. Missing from political debates on the curriculum of sex education is its role in fulfilling the human rights. Comprehensive, human …

Why has same-sex sexual behaviour persisted during evolution?

By Brendan Zietsch Same-sex sexual behaviour may seem to present a Darwinian paradox. It provides no obvious reproductive or survival benefit, and yet same-sex sexual behaviour is fairly common — around 2-10% of individuals in diverse human societies — and is clearly influenced by genes. These observations raise the question: why have genes associated with …

A contract covering sex and housework could save your relationship

— Here’s how to make one By Julia Naftulin Author Mandy Len Catron says making a contract for her relationship has kept it healthy. Catron told NPR she and her partner revisit the contract every six months so they’re on the same page. The contract includes a date night quota, a clause about alone time, …