Sexual Health
Health & Sex.
What is meant by a "healthy" sexual relationship?
Answer:
A healthy sexual relationship is different for every couple because every individual has differing sexual needs. While the activities involved in each sexual relationship can vary widely, in general, "healthy" sex should encompass the following:
Both partners should feel equally pleased with the activities. Neither partner should feel forced into doing something they don’t want to do. The right to say “no” to sex at any time, for any reason. Mutual respect before and after sex. Neither party suffers a loss of self-esteem. Trust exists as well as openness about sexual history and current activities.
Is there anything you can do to change or increase your sex drive?
Answer:
Experts say the answer lies not so much in what your sex drive is, but whether or not it has reached its potential. While everyone’s level of desire is individual, it can also differ with each partner, and vary within a relationship, increasing or decreasing over time.
Age can also alter sex drive, in men and women, and is usually linked to a decline in sex hormones. Moreover, there are a number of emotional and physical conditions, as well as medications, including some antidepressants, that can put a damper on desire.
If a physical problem causes sex drive to plummet -- such as erection difficulties in men, or painful intercourse in women -- and treatment is received, desire usually increases. If emotions are getting in the way, talking to a counselor or sex therapist can help. And sometimes, sex drive will recharge on it’s own, as circumstances in your life change -- such as the introduction of a new sex partner.
Are you ever “too old” to make love?
Answer:
Providing that both you and your partner are in good physical health, experts say both men and women can continue to have sex to any age. That said, the aging process itself, along with many health conditions, can make having sex increasingly difficult in later years.
However, even if intercourse is not possible, remember that physical intimacy can take many forms, and that sometimes getting older really does mean getting wiser about the many ways in which partners can bring each other pleasure.
Can too much masturbation hurt your sex life?
Answer:
As long as masturbation doesn't comprise the whole of your sex life, and does not take precedence over intimate relationships with a partner, then no, it's not generally believed to be harmful. That said, it's important to look at what your masturbation activities include. Is it just a mind fantasy, or are you using pornography, Internet videos or photos, or even online or telephone sex to increase your pleasure -- and does this upset your partner? Also important to consider: How much of your time do masturbation activities occupy and does it keep you from other things in your life, including having sex with a partner? If so, it can be problematic in many respects.
What is sex therapy, and what happens in a sex therapy session?
Answer:
Sex therapy is a form of relationship counseling that focuses specifically on intimacy and sexual problems. A sex therapist can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, a family or marriage counselor, or sometimes even a clergyman, as long as they are specifically trained in this area. As with all forms of therapy, there are specific programs designed to help couples and individuals work through their sex-related issues. The role of a sex therapist is not to change someone's sex drive or orientation, but to help them maximize their potential for satisfaction and happiness. Generally, sex therapy is talk therapy. However, in a very small number of cases, surrogacy may be involved. But note, this is not common and should never be forced upon a patient, who should also not be encouraged to believe that surrogacy is their only treatment option.
What is the definition of “sex addiction” -- and what does it entail?
Answer:
Sex addiction is described as an overwhelming need for sex, the pursuit of which frequently takes precedence over all other things in life, including work and relationships. Sex addicts frequently engage in risky behaviors, including not only unprotected sex, but also seeking stimulation in dangerous situations. Behavior is usually self-justified, so most sex addicts don’t view their actions as problematic, though they frequently feel a sense of shame or guilt after indulging their addiction.
Behaviors associated with sex addiction include: compulsive masturbation; multiple extramarital affairs; anonymous sex partners or strings of one night stands; consistent use of pornography; consistent need for phone or computer sex; continuous use of prostitutes; sexual exhibitionism (such as “flashing”); voyeurism (watching others have sex); stalking a sex partner.
Is having cyber sex considered unhealthy -- and does it constitute “cheating” on a spouse, even if you never meet your cybersex or phone sex partner?
Answer:
If you find yourself online trolling through sex sites, you’re not alone. Studies show that “sex” is the most frequently searched word online, and some 15% of the 57 million Americans who log on each day are visiting pornographic sites. For most it’s a harmless recreation.
However, a recent study published in the journal Professional Psychology found that those who spend 11 hours or more a week on Internet sex sites show clear signs of psychological distress, frequently admitting their online sex pursuits interfere with other aspects of their life. These folks also run the risk of dependence with an ever-increasing need for more time devoted to cyber sex.
As to the cheating aspect, in the eyes of at least some experts, having any type of sexual activity outside your relationship is wrong. Others take a more liberal view, believing that as long as your partner is not bothered by your cyber affairs, no harm is done. However, all experts agree that when cyber sex replaces or interferes with intimate human relationships, then it represents a problem much bigger than “cheating.” Also be aware that frequently cybersex escalates to “real” sex when one of the partners may push for a meeting.
Is it necessary to take “safe sex” precautions when you are having sex with just one partner -- or with someone you know well?
Why do you seek sex?
Physical reasons: Pleasure, stress relief, exercise, sexual curiosity, or attraction to a person.
Goal-based reasons: To make a baby, improve social status (for example, to become popular), or seek revenge.
Emotional reasons: Love, commitment, and gratitude.
Insecurity reasons: To boost self-esteem, keep a partner from seeking sex elsewhere, or because of a feeling of duty or pressure (for example, a partner insists on having sex).
The Difference Between the Sexes
Generally speaking, men seek sex because they like how it feels. Women, although they very well may also derive pleasure from the act, are generally more interested in the relationship enhancement aspects of sex. Researchers describe these differences as body-centered versus person-centered sex.
Body-centered sex is when you have sex because you like the way it makes your body feel. You are not really caring about the emotions of your partner.
Person-centered sex is when you have sex to connect with the other person. You care about the emotions involved and the relationship.
20 Reasons People Have Sex
Stressed out? Have sex. Stress reduction is one of the leading reasons __________, shows other most frequently cited reasons for having sex include:
Boosting mood and relieving depression
Duty
Enhancement of power
Enhancement of self-concept
Experiencing the power of one’s partner
Feeling loved by your partner
Fostering jealousy
Making babies (procreation)
Need for affection
Nurturance
Partner novelty
Pressure from partner
Pleasure
Reduce sex drive
Revenge
Sexual curiosity
Showing love to your partner
Spiritual transcendence