A guide to the words we use in our gender coverage

By Anne Branigin Over the last few years, the rights of transgender people — and those within the LGBTQ community more broadly — have increasingly become the subject of legal and political debate. School districts across the country have proposed book bans that strike the work of LGBTQ writers from reading lists. Florida has moved …

Can Xanax Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

By Laura Dorwart Xanax (alprazolam) can cause sexual side effects, including low libido (sex drive) and erectile dysfunction (ED).1 Xanax is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It is also sometimes used to treat insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures.2 Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine …

How your brain changes when you fall in love

And 4 health benefits By Ashley Laderer Falling in love causes a rush of dopamine and norepinephrine, which make you feel giddy and happy. In a long-term relationship, your brain releases oxytocin and vasopressin, which drive pair-bonding. Love can have health benefits like boosting immunity, dulling pain, and helping you live longer. When you first …

Here’s How To Be Submissive In Bed If You’re New To BDSM

“Power play” is your new BFF. By Emma Glassman-Hughes It seems you could hardly crack a whip in the last decade without hitting a mainstream depiction of BDSM. Fifty Shades Of Grey eviscerated book sales and box office records; Rihanna’s ode to “chains and whips” peaked at number two on Billboard’s 2011 charts; Netflix’s Bonding …

Couples therapists share 6 relationship red flags you shouldn’t ignore

By Ashley Laderer Red flags in a relationship include excessive jealousy and frequent lying. You should also be wary of a partner that frequently criticizes you or puts you down. Another major red flag is an unwillingness to compromise — relationships shouldn’t be one-sided. We’re always told to steer clear of people who exhibit red …

7 Signs a Monogamous Relationship Isn’t For You

According to a polyamorous sex therapist. By Rachel Wright Monogamy is all around us. It’s the relationship style we see every day in the media, pop culture, religion, and, generally, in our everyday lives. Unfortunately, compulsory monogamy is also all around us. Compulsory monogamy culture assumes that everyone strives to be married (or partnered) to/with …