The Myths of Sex

Examining human sexuality

Justin J. Lehmiller Ph.D.

How Do You Know if Your Sex Drive Is “Too High”?

What seems high to one person might seem low to another when it comes to sexual desire, which makes defining a concept like "hypersexuality" difficult, if not impossible.

How Many Calories Does Sex Actually Burn?

Sex is a form of exercise, but just how much exercise does it count for? A review of 18 studies offers fresh insight into the physical demands of sexual activity.

The Sexual Appeal of Dark Personalities

There’s an interesting paradox in the literature on attraction. While people say they’re attracted to nice partners, they simultaneously report attraction to "dark" personalities.

Why Couples Can Struggle with Who's Supposed to Initiate Sex

Many people want to initiate sex more often, or they want their partners to initiate more often. Here are four ways to make sexual initiation easier.

How to Manage When Partners Have Different Desires for Sex

Discrepant sexual desire is one of the most common reasons couples enter sex therapy. While distressing, research finds that much can be done to bridge the gap in healthy ways.

How People Really Feel About Their First Sexual Experiences

While most young adults seem to look back on the timing of their sexual debut favorably, a substantial minority appear to have some regrets and wish it happened sooner or later.

4 Major Predictors of Cheating in a Relationship

Infidelity is predictable to some degree; however, new research finds that it usually says more about the quality of the relationships than the characteristics of the person.

Sex with a Sleeping Person: The Psychology of Somnophilia

Different people may be aroused by the idea of sex with a sleeping person for different reasons. However, it is not necessarily indicative of a proclivity toward sexual offending.

4 Secrets of Successful Relationships

Using "common sense" beliefs to navigate relationships can backfire. Here are some science-backed tips for building a healthier love life.

3 Keys to Successful Friends-with-Benefits Relationships

New research explores how partners keep it uncomplicated.

The Sexual Secrets Men and Women Hide from Their Partners

How many people are keeping sex secrets? New research sheds light on men's and women's sexual secrets–and what happens when they are revealed.

6 Things That Draw People to Consensual Nonmonogamy

People’s reasons for pursuing consensually nonmonogamous relationships are many and varied. Contrary to popular belief, wanting an open relationship is usually about more than sex.

Sexual Regret Doesn't Change Future Sexual Behavior

Sexual regret is mostly a gauge of how we feel about our previous sexual decisions, not an indicator of how we're going to approach sex differently in the future.

The Complex Link Between Depression and Sex

Depression has been linked to both increased and decreased sexual behavior, because different people cope with the condition in very different ways.

How Many Couples Have Actually Had "Rough Sex"?

Rough sex may be a popular fantasy, but how many enjoy it in real life?

Spending Time Naked With Strangers Can Improve Body Image

New research finds that communal nudity appears to make people less anxious about how others see them and enhances appreciation for one's own body.

The 3 Main Reasons Why People Have Sex With Their Exes

Why the experience may be very different for men and women.

How Many People Have Actually Been Part of a Threesome?

A new study sheds light on how common threesomes are and whether experiences differ across age, gender, and sexual orientation.

Women’s Experiences with Multiple Orgasms Are Highly Diverse

Multiple orgasms in women are not the result of one specific "recipe." There is a lot of variability in how women come to have more than one orgasm.

Do You Fall in Love Fast, Easily, and Often?

Emophilia is the tendency to fall in love quickly and often. New research finds that people with this trait tend to be more attracted to partners with toxic personalities.

Talk Dirty To Me: The Psychology of Dirty Talk

Women fantasize about dirty talk more than men. New research helps us to understand why that is—and why dirty talk is arousing to so many people.

How the Pandemic Is Affecting Our Sexual Fantasies

Have you noticed any changes in your sexual fantasies since the pandemic began? New research finds that most people have.

How We See Ourselves in Our Fantasies, and What It Means

How do you see yourself in your sexual fantasies? New research finds that most people change themselves in some way. These changes reveal something about us, and our culture.

1 in 5 People Reached Out to an Ex During Lockdown

A new Kinsey Institute study examining the impact of lockdowns and quarantines on our intimate lives finds that many people are reconnecting with former partners.

4 Tips for Improving Your Sex and Love Life During Lockdown

New Kinsey Institute research offers insight into how couples can get the spark back in their relationship—and keeping it going through the pandemic and beyond.

Why the Lockdown Is Turning Some People On, but Others Off

The same factors that increase sexual desire in some people can drive it way down in others.

How the Pandemic Is Changing Pornography

COVID-19 is affecting the amount of porn that’s being produced, the type of porn that’s coming out, what people are searching for on tube sites, and how much porn they're watching.

Why Are "Rape Fantasies" So Common?

Fantasies about being 'forced' to have sex are surprisingly common, and they may have roots in our personality, attachment style, and sexual history.

The Keys to a Pleasure-Filled Sex Life

We aren’t experiencing as much sexual pleasure as we used to. How can we fix that? Sex therapist and neuroscientist Nan Wise shares her research insights.

When and How to Talk to Kids About Sex

At what age should parents have "the talk" with their kids? And what do parents need to know to successfully navigate this discussion? Here's a brief guide to get you started.

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