Heterosexuality is often considered the “default” but that banner belongs to sexual fluidity

— There’s a difference between sexual orientation, sexual identity, and sexual behavior. By Kelley Nele “Something that the LGBT community always says is that your sexuality and identity can change at any time, but when it’s the other way around from gay to straight they get angry and say that it can’t.” The former quote …

How To Deal With ‘Vanilla Shaming’

—Because No One Should Be Made To Feel Bad About Enjoying Non-Kinky Sex By Sara Youngblood Gregory Cultural narratives around sex and sexual preferences have long been weaponized to make people feel embarrassed or ashamed of what they like. Indeed, the history of sex-negativity in this country is so rich—propped up by egregiously lacking sex …

Sex in the lab

— Unravelling the secrets of sex and sexuality the scientific way Leading neuroscientist Simon LeVay’s fascinating new book says sexual orientation could be determined by genes, why lizards get by without sex, and how oxytocin and vasopressin could be key to falling in love By Jane Borges Science might not have all the answers, but …

The Best Relationship Advice We’ve Gotten So Far This Year

— Strategies to resolve silly fights, hurt feelings and other issues. By Catherine Pearson and Jancee Dunn Experts increasingly know that human connection is integral to well-being, every bit as essential as getting enough sleep or moving your body. But relationships, particularly romantic partnerships, can be tricky. And we seldom receive the straightforward, evidence-based guidance …

Can ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Relationships Work?

By Gabrielle Kassel The phrase “don’t ask, don’t tell” may bring to mind the discriminatory policy from the ’90s that kept LGBTQ+ folks in the U.S. military from sharing information about their sexuality or non-cis gender. But the phrase has another meaning in polyamorous circles: a non-monogamous relationship structure that allows some kinds of physical, …

What Is A ‘Financial Dominatrix’?

By Desirée O There’s no doubt that every relationship has its unique dynamic, which is part of what makes them all so special. However, some share the same fundamentals, attractions, and particular preferences. For instance, there are various kinds of female-led relationships, including ones that can end up being quite financially lucrative. That’s especially true if …

A new morning-after pill to stop STDs could also make the problem worse

By Fenit Nirappil Public health officials are deploying a powerful new weapon in the war against rising sexually transmitted infections: a common antibiotic that works as a morning-after pill. It is the latest advancement as the sexual health field shifts to preventive medicine — not just condoms, abstinence and tests — as the best hope …

Here’s How Sex Toys Can Improve Your Sexual Wellness Beyond Providing Pleasure

By Aliyah Moore Sex toys haven’t always been connected to a multi-billion dollar market; for a long time, consumers widely purchased back massagers with an off-label use as a vibrator or simply didn’t interact with the products at all. But thanks to changing perceptions and awareness about pleasure’s role in sexual health, which is integral …

7 Ways To Spice Up Your Sex Life in a Monogamous Relationship

— Because, Yes, Familiarity Can Breed Boredom By Lia Avellino, LCSW For years, studies have shown that Americans are having less sex, whether they’re teens or in midlife. While researchers posit several different reasons for that—the lasting social effects of a pandemic that encouraged isolation, and more reliance on our devices over human connection, to …

How to boost your libido if you’re taking antidepressants

— Trust us, it’s not gone forever BY Holly Berckelman If you take antidepressants and have found your libido’s dropped off a cliff, fear not, there are GP-approved steps you can take to bring it back. There’s a lot of stigma around antidepressants Due to the formerly hush-hush nature of mental illness and misconceptions spread …

How Can I Set and Actually Maintain a Boundary?

— We all know the theory. But the importance of setting boundaries is real. By Hannah Shewan Stevens Boundaries protect our well-being and foster functional and healthy relationships, but to be effective, the foundation has to be applied correctly. Those who were raised without the education of psychologists on TikTok may be used to people …