When sex is painful: ‘A lot of women think it’s their fault’ Emily Power-Smith, sexologist and sex therapist, says women often feel guilty because they might not be able to have the kind of sexual relationship their partner expects. The first time Claire* had sex she believed the pain she felt was normal. At school […]
Status
Success Stories
Hi Emily, I wanted to write in to share my experience as I think it could help others. I’m a mother of two and have a husband I adore. After the second birth I felt pain during intercourse. I tried to ignore it as having a baby and a three-year old pushed sex down […]
Sex Toys
Why use things like toys to enhance your love/sex life. Isn’t flesh on flesh more meaningful? Enhance is right. It’s totally subjective. If you love skin on skin and so does your partner and you don’t feel the need for toys, don’t have them. But if you’d like more variety in your sexual […]
Coming Out
I’m from a small town and it’s normal there to slag people off as “gay” or “fags”. I’ve gone along with everyone else and it’s always been a laugh. I left home two years ago to go to college and I’ve started hooking up with guys recently and I really like it. I’m not […]
Porn Use
I’m 19 and I watch a lot of porn. I started with straight, vanilla stuff and kept going. Now I get more turned on by gay porn than by straight or girl on girl porn. Does this mean I’m gay? Arousal – and ultimately orgasm – becomes synonymous with whatever you’re watching. If you […]
Painful Sex
I’m 23 and have had sex five times since I was 20. It has hurt every time and leaves me feeling like I’m burning inside. I’ve met a guy I like and we’ve been on a few dates. I know he’s going to expect sex soon and I can’t face the disappointment again. Makes […]
Lubrication
You talk about good lubrication a lot but what’s the difference between all the different kinds and how do I choose? Great question. Your lube is a personal choice and there isn’t one lube that everyone will love. Here’s a brief outline of the types of lubes available and what you can expect. […]
Female Orgasms
I’m married for 10 years, I have two lovely children. Main problem with lovemaking is that I come very quickly (within 2 or 3 mins) and I am the woman! I have googled this problem and haven’t found out why this is happening. Very frustrating, but my other half is very patient and understanding. I […]
Female Oral Pleasure
My boyfriend wants to go down on me but I’m way too embarrassed and worried about the smell and taste. How could anyone really like that? It’s very common for women to worry about the look/taste/smell of their vulvas and vaginas. I wonder why you’re embarrassed. Women’s vulvas vary as much as their […]
Body Image
I’m way too shy to let anyone see my body naked. I look like a starving child, even though I’m 19. People tell me I look great, but they can’t see how thin I am under the layers. I eat lots but just can’t put on weight so I’m stuck like this. If […]