What Is “Natural” for Human Sexual Relationships?

— A biological and anthropological researcher explains how humans’ diverse ways of mating might have evolved. By Rui Diogo Marrying more than one person constitutes a crime across most of the Americas and Europe. But in countries including Mali, Gambia, and Nigeria, more than a quarter of the population lives in polygamous households. Survey the …

Top 10 drugs that may contribute to sexual dysfunction

By Naveed Saleh, MD, MS Key Takeaways A variety of prescription medications, along with the conditions they treat, may contribute to sexual dysfunction. Some of these drugs are known to interfere with sexual health, such as antidepressants and beta blockers; lesser known culprits include thiazide diuretics or opioids. Clinicians can help by being aware of …

33 ways to have better, stronger orgasms

— Everything to know about the 11(!) types of orgasm. By Gabrielle Kassel, Korin Miller and Addison Aloian Look, everyone wants to have a mind-blowing orgasm every time they have sex. But unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. Only about half of women consistently climax during partnered play, and nine percent have never orgasmed during …

Can Microdosing Help Heal Sexual Trauma?

— Sexual trauma poses unique challenges to clinical treatment. Psychedelic medicine can address healing from sexual trauma through a more holistic lens. By Kiki Dy A sexual assault at fifteen changed the contours of Australia-based artist Lydia’s* life. She blamed herself in a haze of adolescent confusion and hid the assault from her loved ones, …

How to Close the ‘Orgasm Gap’ for Heterosexual Couples

— Researchers once faced death threats for asking women what gives them pleasure. Now they’re helping individuals and couples figure it out themselves. By Meghan McDonough [CLIP: Woman speaks on OMGYES: “This is, like, you know, my vagina, going up and down and kind of brushing up against it, kind of like a paintbrush.”] [CLIP: …

Is It Safe to Have Sex If You Have Heart Disease?

by Maggie O’Neill Key Takeaways Most people with heart disease can safely engage in sexual activity. But sex can exacerbate some specific heart conditions, and anyone with heart disease should be mindful of warning signs like shortness of breath or chest pain during sex. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider about the benefits …

Psilocybin, LSD And Other Psychedelics Improve Sexual Satisfaction For Months After Use, New Study Finds

By Ben Adlin Psychedelic substances, including psilocybin mushrooms, LSD and others, may improve sexual function—even months after a psychedelic experience, according to a new study. The findings, published on Wednesday in Nature Scientific Reports, are based largely on a survey of 261 participants both before and after taking psychedelics. Researchers from Imperial College London’s Centre …

Let’s Talk About Sex

— The Science, the Script, the Human Right Why do we do ’it,’ fundamentally—have sex? Sex researchers, locally and abroad, are trying to drive home that it’s about a basic human right: pleasure. By Amy Nelson and Erik Tormoen Elbow-to-elbow, Minnesotans are filling up a large side room in Fulton Brewery on a Tuesday night …

When my partner was in the hospital, I missed his ex.

— Polyamory has only made my family stronger. By Alex Alberto Alex Alberto (they/them) is a queer and polyamorous storyteller who lives in Upstate New York. The following is an adapted excerpt from their memoir “Entwined: Essays on Polyamory and Creating Home,” which is available for preorder (out February 19). “Entwined” tells the story of …

“Am I Gay?”

— Here Are 4 Things to Consider When Questioning Your Sexuality Sex and relationships experts share questions to ask yourself as you figure things out. By Ian Kumamoto If you’re reading this article, chances are that at some point in your life you’ve asked yourself the million dollar question: Am I gay? You might have …