Tantric sex is a slow, meditative form of intimacy that can improve relationships

— Here’s how to practice it By Sarah Fielding Tantric sex is a slowed-down version of sex designed to enhance intimacy. Prepare for tantric sex by learning its history, creating a safe space, and practicing mindfulness. To practice on tantric sex, focus on your breath, gaze into each other’s eyes, and slow down. Have you …

Real Couples Discuss How Non-Monogamy Benefits Their Relationship

It can be done. By Kendall Keith Monogamous relationships are challenging enough in their own right, but not everyone finds them to be compatible with who they are intrinsically. There’s often a moral stigma centered around ethical non-monogamy (ENM) or consensual non-monogamy (CNM), and with that comes a disconnect and generalized misconception of what it …

How the pandemic has changed our sex lives

The pandemic has taken a major toll on our sex lives. Why are our intimate relationships flagging – and could the damage be long lasting? By Jessica Klein Before the pandemic, many couples lived like “two ships passing in the night”, says Houston, Texas-based sex therapist Emily Jamea. Previously overscheduled with out-of-home commitments, some partners …

How sex surrogates are helping injured Israeli soldiers

In many countries surrogate sex therapy – in which a person is hired to act as a patient’s sexual partner – is controversial, and not widely practised. In Israel, however, it is available at government expense for soldiers who have been badly injured and need sexual rehabilitation. By Yolande Knell and Phil Marzouk The Tel …

What Are Sperm Telling Us?

Scientists are concerned by falling sperm counts and declining egg quality. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be the problem. By Nicholas Kristof Something alarming is happening between our legs. Sperm counts have been dropping; infant boys are developing more genital abnormalities; more girls are experiencing early puberty; and adult women appear to be suffering declining egg quality …

How mindful sex helped me through the pandemic this year

When Emma Firth had a sexual awakening, she was surprised to find an inner calm By Kate Moyle For me, a rather happy respite in this s**t show of a year was, unexpectedly, meeting someone and connecting with them sexually. When the pandemic hit in March, establishing a routine was the most prescribed self-care tonic …

LGBTQI+ populations face unique challenges during pandemic

Global conversations about the impact of the pandemic on gender equality have left out sexual and gender minorities. COVID-19 is a threat multiplier. By Yvonne Su, Yuriko Cowper-Smith, Tyler Valiquette As global leaders begin to recognize the inequalities that are being exposed as a result of COVID-19, it is important to consider who is included …