The Myths of Sex

Examining human sexuality

Orgasm
When Orgasms Don’t Feel Good

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on June 1, 2026

Orgasms are not a universally positive experience. Research finds that many people report having had orgasms that are weak, lack feelings of pleasure, or are even painful.

Orgasms are not a universally positive experience. Research finds that many people report having had orgasms that are weak, lack feelings of pleasure, or are even painful.

Masturbation
Is Masturbation Replacing Sex in Relationships?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on January 26, 2026

In romantic relationships, masturbation may complement or compensate for partnered sex. New data suggests that it often fills a gap in unmet desire for men and women alike.

In romantic relationships, masturbation may complement or compensate for partnered sex. New data suggests that it often fills a gap in unmet desire for men and women alike.

Menopause
Self-Pleasure Is Self-Care for Menopausal Women

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

New Kinsey Institute research finds that self-pleasure is an effective tool for managing various symptoms of menopause, including sleep disturbances and mood changes.

New Kinsey Institute research finds that self-pleasure is an effective tool for managing various symptoms of menopause, including sleep disturbances and mood changes.

Relationships
Are You Parenting Your Partner?

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D. on September 9, 2025

When people take on parental roles early in life, they often slip into parental roles in their romantic relationships, which can erode intimacy and desire.

When people take on parental roles early in life, they often slip into parental roles in their romantic relationships, which can erode intimacy and desire.

Relationships
Does Playing Hard-to-Get Actually Work?

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

While playing hard-to-get can have positive effects in certain situations, research finds that it's far from universally effective and has the potential to backfire.

While playing hard-to-get can have positive effects in certain situations, research finds that it's far from universally effective and has the potential to backfire.

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.

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