Sexual Desire in Women

Sexual desire in females is both more complex and more fragile than it is in males—less tied to biology, more linked to psychology. It is generally more variable; related to how they feel about themselves, what is going on in their lives, to say nothing of a partner's lovemaking style.

But experts agree that, in general, sexual desire is lower among females than among males, so a drop in female desire for any reason may be more problematic in relationships.

Premature Ejaculation: Learn Control

By Ari Tuckman PsyD, MBA on May 15, 2017 in Sex Matters

Lots of men worry about climaxing too quickly, but those who do can learn to slow things down--and to give their partner a great time without one.

Wondering How to Keep the Spark Alive?

By Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on May 14, 2017 in Myths of Desire

Want to keep the spark alive in your sexual relationship? These three things are key.

Erectile Disorder: Not the End of the World

By Ari Tuckman PsyD, MBA on May 04, 2017 in Sex Matters

Erections sometimes go missing, but it doesn’t need to be a big deal.

Boosting Low Sexual Desire

By Ari Tuckman PsyD, MBA on April 27, 2017 in Sex Matters

Reduced sexual desire is both common and reversible.

Difficult Sexual Negotiations

By Ari Tuckman PsyD, MBA on April 20, 2017 in Sex Matters

Big sexual differences can derail your entire relationship, but they don’t have to.

Negotiate Sexual Differences, Part 2: How Often We Do It

By Ari Tuckman PsyD, MBA on April 14, 2017 in Sex Matters

Do you and partner disagree on how often to have sex? Here's how to find common ground.

The Real Sex Lives of Men Over 65

By Michael Castleman M.A. on March 31, 2017 in All About Sex

By 65, most erections are history, but with semi-firm or even completely flaccid penises, older men can still enjoy great, orgasmic sex.

Date Night: Not a Luxury, A Necessity

By Dianne Grande Ph.D. on March 30, 2017 in In It Together

Do you find yourself making excuses not to plan a date night? It's time to reconsider!

What Happens When a Man Loses Sexual Desire

By Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on March 26, 2017 in Myths of Desire

Many men don't want to admit if they experience low sexual desire. So what do we really know about men's experiences?

Inviting Eros Into the Home

By Andrea F. Polard Psy.D. on February 28, 2017 in A Unified Theory of Happiness

Sex is a gift from heaven, but we don't seem to open it much in long-term relationships. Here are 7 obstacles to sex and how to invite Eros back into the bedroom (or wherever...).

5 Issues That May Contribute To Low Sexual Desire

By Sarah Hunter Murray Ph.D. on February 21, 2017 in Myths of Desire

Are you experiencing low or decreased sexual desire? Before assuming something is "wrong" with you, consider these five things.

Have Politics Ruined 'Fifty Shades'?

By Stephen Snyder M.D. on February 20, 2017 in SexualityToday

Christian Grey’s dominant tendencies worked as erotica during the Obama years. But many women may soon find egalitarianism and restraint looking better and better.

Evidence Mounts That Yoga Improves Sex

By Michael Castleman M.A. on February 15, 2017 in All About Sex

Adding to a growing research literature, a recent Korean study shows that yoga improves sex for women.

PIKSEL/iStockphoto - used with permission

Does She Want Emotional Connection Before She Wants Sex?

By Laurie J Watson LMFT, LPC on February 12, 2017 in Married and Still Doing It

A man complained that his wife didn’t want to have sex unless she felt emotionally connected to him. He had no idea what she was talking about.

Loving Pizza

By William L. Mace Ph.D. on January 10, 2017 in Campus Confidential: Coping with College

Freedom, tradition, and erectile dysfunction

How Anger Can Damage Desire

By Isadora Alman MFT, CST on January 10, 2017 in Sex & Sociability

What do you do when you're angry? What does your partner do? And how does it affect your sex life?

Making Sure the Empty Nest Doesn't Turn Into an Empty Heart

By Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D. on January 07, 2017 in Social Lights

13 ways to rejuvenate your marriage

The Surprising Key to a Better Sex Life (and Relationship)

By Ken Page L.C.S.W. on December 26, 2016 in Finding Love

There is a research-based key to better sex and relationships. But it flies in the face of almost everything we've been taught.

Does Preventing Male Baldness Cause Depression?

By Judith J. Wurtman Ph.D. on October 06, 2016 in The Antidepressant Diet

It reads like a Performance Enhancing Drug exclusion....

Childhood Sexual Abuse: Sexual Recovery Is Possible

By Michael Castleman M.A. on September 15, 2016 in All About Sex

Myth: childhood sexual abuse is so traumatic that it ruins women for life. Truth: recovery is possible, and survivors can create deep, satisfying sexual relationships.

Why Popular Dating Advice Is Keeping You Single

By Ken Page L.C.S.W. on September 10, 2016 in Finding Love

Popular dating advice consistently leads single people away from the very love they are seeking. Research explains why this is and what to do about it.

Peter O’Connor, Asexuality Pride London, CC BY-SA 2.0

Asexuality Is a Sexual Orientation, Not a Sexual Dysfunction

By Bella DePaulo Ph.D. on September 05, 2016 in Living Single

A growing body of research suggests that asexuality is a sexual orientation and not a psychiatric condition or a disorder of sexual desire.

Are You Getting Enough Affection From Your Partner?

By Sean M. Horan Ph.D. on July 29, 2016 in Adventures in Dating

Affection is a basic human need, so what happens when you don't get enough of it in relationships? New research explores this question.

Alessandro Stefoni, used with permission

Sex—A Freak of Nature

By Susi Ferrarello Ph.D. on July 11, 2016 in Lying on the Philosopher's Couch

Sex. What's the origin of this term? What did philosophers have to say about it? Are we scared of it?

How Sex Changes During Pregnancy, Nursing, and Parenthood

By Michael Castleman M.A. on July 01, 2016 in All About Sex

Pregnancy, nursing, and parenthood have sexual impacts few expectant parents appreciate.

A Couple Quits Therapy; What Is “Normal” Desire?

By Marty Klein PhD on June 29, 2016 in Sexual Intelligence

When is a lack of desire a problem to fix, and when is it a reasonable response?

iStock - used with permission - Jacques van Dinteren

6 Myths About Pleasing a Woman in Bed

By Laurie J Watson LMFT, LPC on June 18, 2016 in Married and Still Doing It

It’s difficult to please a woman if she doesn't reveal her pleasure secrets. Myths about what she turns her on and what turns her off create untold anxiety. Here's the truth:

The Latest on Sexual Satisfaction After Prostate Cancer

By Michael Castleman M.A. on June 01, 2016 in All About Sex

Erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment is common, but not inevitable.

iStock - Georgljevic, used with permission

12 Strategies to Sexually Survive Breast Cancer

By Laurie J Watson LMFT, LPC on May 15, 2016 in Married and Still Doing It

Beating cancer means being and feeling alive and having hope. Beating breast cancer means that and feeling like a fully-alive female and sexual being.