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The Myths of Sex

Examining human sexuality

Sex
How Do You Keep Passion Alive?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on April 15, 2025

Sexual satisfaction typically declines in long-term relationships, but it doesn't have to. Here are four science-backed tips for re-igniting the spark and keeping it going.

Sexual satisfaction typically declines in long-term relationships, but it doesn't have to. Here are four science-backed tips for re-igniting the spark and keeping it going.

Pornography
What Counts as Porn? It Depends Who You Ask

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on March 24, 2025

Research finds that different people count drastically different things as pornography, which may explain why the effects of porn are not consistent across studies.

Research finds that different people count drastically different things as pornography, which may explain why the effects of porn are not consistent across studies.

Orgasm
How Many Men Have Ever Faked an Orgasm?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on February 24, 2025

Research suggests that a surprisingly large number of men have faked an orgasm before. So what are their main reasons for faking it? And what leads them to stop faking orgasm?

Research suggests that a surprisingly large number of men have faked an orgasm before. So what are their main reasons for faking it? And what leads them to stop faking orgasm?

Fantasies
Some People Say They Don't Have Sexual Fantasies

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on January 23, 2025

A small percentage of adults claim to have never had a sexual fantasy before. Some of them may have aphantasia, or an inability to conjure mental imagery, sexual or otherwise.

A small percentage of adults claim to have never had a sexual fantasy before. Some of them may have aphantasia, or an inability to conjure mental imagery, sexual or otherwise.

Pornography
Does More Porn Use Equal More Sex Problems?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on December 17, 2024

Reporting negative impacts of porn use is relatively uncommon. Paradoxically, those who use the least porn are the most likely to report negative effects.

Reporting negative impacts of porn use is relatively uncommon. Paradoxically, those who use the least porn are the most likely to report negative effects.

Sex
Why Do We Blame Men for Their Own Sexual Difficulties?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on November 22, 2024

All too often, sex therapists attribute men's sexual problems to masturbating in the "wrong" way. Blaming people for their own problems isn't helpful. Here's a better approach.

All too often, sex therapists attribute men's sexual problems to masturbating in the "wrong" way. Blaming people for their own problems isn't helpful. Here's a better approach.

BDSM
Why Gen Z Is the Kinkiest Generation Yet

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on September 4, 2024

Young adults today are fantasizing about and engaging in kink at higher rates than older generations. Shifting sexual norms have opened the door to exploring previous taboos.

Young adults today are fantasizing about and engaging in kink at higher rates than older generations. Shifting sexual norms have opened the door to exploring previous taboos.

Fantasies
How Our Sexual Fantasies Change Throughout Our Lives

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on March 25, 2024

Sexual fantasies are related to several personality traits that rise and fall over the course of our lives. As our personalities evolve, our fantasies seem to co-evolve with them.

Sexual fantasies are related to several personality traits that rise and fall over the course of our lives. As our personalities evolve, our fantasies seem to co-evolve with them.

Marriage
Why an Expensive Ring May Predict a Short Marriage

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on February 22, 2024

Extravagant wedding spending is often viewed as a sign of love and commitment. However, research finds that those who spend the most have the shortest marriages.

Extravagant wedding spending is often viewed as a sign of love and commitment. However, research finds that those who spend the most have the shortest marriages.

Sex
Why What Happens After Sex Is So Important

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on January 26, 2024

Research finds that engaging in post-sex affection, such as cuddling and intimate talk, predicts greater sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Research finds that engaging in post-sex affection, such as cuddling and intimate talk, predicts greater sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Sex
How Sexual Satisfaction Rises and Falls in a Relationship

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on October 23, 2023

What happens to sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships? There's typically an early increase followed by a steady decrease, but there's a way to stave off the decline.

What happens to sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships? There's typically an early increase followed by a steady decrease, but there's a way to stave off the decline.

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March 2025
Are You Too Nice?

Being overly polite might seem kind, but it often leads to problems anyway, in relationships, with friends, and at work.

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