How to Ensure Relationships Survive Self-Isolation
Whether that is a couple who are both working from home, a whole family with children who need to be entertained or housemates who are finding communal living difficult, it is not yet known how long these measures may last. While it is not yet known, divorce lawyers have already forecast spike in splits later this year due to self-isolation. So how can you ensure tensions do not arise and if they do, are quickly dispelled?
Chemsex Comedown: The Rise In People Seeking Therapy For 'Sober Sex’
Aoife Drury says; chemsex is a “perfect storm”, offering an escape for people finding it hard to deal with their sexual identity, with stigma or with homophobia, internalised or otherwise – but then leaving them with no framework or coping mechanism without the drugs. Some people may have been rejected, either by their family or friends when they came out; perhaps they were from a religious background.
How to navigate a your fetish in a consenting and safe manner.
Overcoming Libido differences
More often than not our libidos are mismatched with our partner. Differences in sexual desire within couples are very common, in this short article I discuss ways to tackle this issue that can result in so much resentment and anxiety. A great starting point is removing the pressure of physical intimacy and focusing on building emotional connection can be a great starting point. This can alleviate the growing frustration between partners.
Navigating Low Libido at Christmas.
Stress can affect us in a variety of different ways including appetite, lack of sleep and of course our libido! When it comes to sex, stress makes your sex life suffer. Developing tools and techniques that can be used to ease the burden will not only help alleviate stress but also improve your libido. In this article I look at ways to avoid stress taking over your desire during the holiday season.
Sex culture and confidence
“If what you’re doing makes you feel good, and you’re consenting, then remove all judgement. But if your thoughts or actions come from a place of pain or unhappiness, then critical analysis of your sexual experiences is healthy. This encourages acceptance, open conversation, and diversity.”
What does it even mean to be “normal”?
Who gets to decide?
The problem originates with the word itself. It’s problematic across all human behaviour. We know that of the more than 7 billion people on the planet no two are the same so quite how the term ‘normal’ can apply is beyond me.
The feminization of desire
Our culturally conditioned understanding of desire is often a projection of male fantasy—a penetrative rush towards climax. But where does this leave female desire?
Vaginismus; One size does not fit all
I wrote a piece for The Vaginismus Network on how Vaginismus is different for everyone.
The Vaginismus Network is a fantastic community for those battling with the condition to come together and connect. It provides a education, insight and guidance so that you don't need to feel alone.
Couples in conflict; what’s your style?
Couples enter into small and large arguments all the time. However, if you find the conflicts you have with your partner never seem to be resolved, the first step is for you to start paying more attention to your own conflict style.
Sexual assault immense level of trauma. Victims endure the immediate physical and mental trauma of the actual event as well as many ongoing psychological challenges. As if these challenges aren't enough, a strong and significant stigma of being raped persists. Victims must deal with added shame, arising from the stigma-laden reactions.
‘Porn’s impact on relationship is dependent on the relationship it’s used in. When a couple have a healthy and happy sex life porn can be a great tool in providing experimentation, connection and variation. However, couples who have issues with trust, self-esteem, trauma or sexual issues, porn should best be avoided.’
Sexual performances in young men
A study has revealed that 36% of young men between the ages of 16 and 24 have experienced sexual performance problems in the last year. The figures are higher for men between 25 and 34, with nearly 40% of those surveyed admitting to having issues in bedroom.
There was a time where women were ignored by clinicians or would take for granted that they could not orgasm. Most of this was due to the fact that women, unlike men, do not need to climax in order to conceive. This piece isn’t about multiple orgasms, it’s about the women who struggle to have any. I want to let you know that you are not alone and that there is support. Women are entitled to not only enjoy sex but to climax also.
Alcohol dependency and sexual functioning
As most of us know, psychoactive substances are believed to be aphrodisiacs, but in reality they have damaging effects on all aspects of sexual function. The interrelationship of alcohol use and sexual activity is well established, but in reality it was not until the 1970's that alcoholism was universally recognised as a cause or contributor to sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, inhibited sexual desire and anorgasmia.
Impact of ageing on male sexuality
There is a normal change in men when they age and often this is not something that is readily discussed. Information and messages about sex and ageing are that it is not a priority as we get older. If this is the perceived; it makes it difficult for men (and women) to know what to expect and what is acceptable for them sexually as they age.
