Am I Normal? Your Top Sex Questions Answered!
Chatting about orgasms, lagging libidos, or STDs can be intimidating. So we stepped in and did the asking. Our experts insights may reassure you, surprise you, and even inspire you to turn up the heat on your sessions in the sack.
1. I'm 30, and I've never had sex.
You're definitely in a small minority: According to the National Survey of Family Growth, only one in 53 women ages 30 to 34 is still a virgin. "But there's nothing wrong with waiting, especially if you're abstaining for religious reasons or until you find the right person," says Tammy Nelson, author of Getting the Sex You Want. If you would like to be sexually active and aren't, however, that's a different story. "As women get older, many begin to panic and feel out of step with their peers if they haven't done the deed yet," says Nelson. "If you feel anxious about your situation, consider seeing a therapist to find out what might be holding you back. It could be fear of intimacy, low self-esteem, or an issue from your childhood." Working through these roadblocks can help you gain more confidence, along with the pleasure and emotional connection that comes from sex.
2. I'm not as interested in sex as my boyfriend is.
"It's normal for one person in a relationship to want sex more than the other at times," says Nelson. And women's desire is more emotionally driven than men's, she adds, "so stress from work or personal issues can take a toll." That's one reason why 9 percent of women ages 18 to 44 confess to having a low libido at any given time, say researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital. But if your sex drive has gone missing for months, the cause might be physical. "Many medications, such as antidepressants, birth control pills, and antihistamines, can have sexual side effects," says Nelson. You may want to switch to another type of drug. If you're not on an Rx, check your hormone levels, which can be altered by diabetes, hypertension, and other problems; using an estrogen or testosterone cream may help. Once your doctor has identified or ruled out causes, work on raising your drive naturally. Exercising and eating right can help by improving body image and upping your energy-and so can simply going for it. "Sex boosts hormones that promote desire," says Nelson. "It's the best aphrodisiac out there."
3. I've never had an orgasm.
Ten percent of women are in your shoes, according to Rachel Needle, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Marital and Sexual Health of South Florida. "Letting yourself go can be scary," says Needle. "And the more you stress out about it, the harder it is to focus on climaxing." But it's really worth the effort: Not only do they feel good, research suggests that orgasms can reduce stress, alleviate pain and symptoms of PMS, and may even help you live longer. There's no universal map to "getting there" because everyone is different; learning about your body is key. "Masturbating is the best way to do this," says Levine. "Once you've orgasmed on your own, you'll be better able to guide your partner." Often intercourse alone isn't enough stimulation, adds Nelson, so experiment by using your hands and trying various positions. Don't fret about how long it takes-anywhere from seven to 30 minutes is normal. Just lie back and enjoy.
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