Instead of prescribing to this singular idea of sex, Mourikis suggests adopting a new definition: sex, she stresses, should be “any physical, mental, emotional or spiritual experience that is pleasurable and erotic.” Don't judge your partner for what they like. It can be scary for both of you to divulge that kind of information, so listen to them without interrupting. If your partner likes something that you are not comfortable with, let them know that you are not interested in it without making them feel weird or bad about their desires. [14] X Research source

a b Clarke, Victoria. (2010). Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Psychology. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521700184. OCLC 1031490912.Romance. Do you and your partner have the same definition of romance? Is it missing? How can you reignite it? How can romance set the stage for sexual intimacy? Special Populations - 2010 STD Treatment Guidelines". CDC. Archived from the original on 2015-07-21 . Retrieved 2015-06-23. Try looking at yourself in the mirror and make it a point to find a new positive about yourself each day. [6] X Research source Cling wrap is often posed as an alternative to dental dams, but not widely recommended. Cling wrap is used in the same way as dental dams, and much more cost effective. No studies currently exist on the permeability of cling wrap to STI causing pathogens, but it is known to be waterproof. [23] Mental health [ edit ] It sounds simple. Obvious, even. But there is a socially taught method to sex that many people feel they need to follow. This method doesn’t work for all people, so it’s worth pointing out that the only sex you “should” have, is the kind you like.

Communicate openly with your partner . Communication with your partner will improve your sexual satisfaction and help with your intimacy. [8] X Research source Davis, D., Shaver, P. R., Widaman, K. F., Vernon, M. L., Follette, W. C., & Beitz, K. (2006). “I can't get no satisfaction”: Insecure attachment, inhibited sexual communication, and sexual dissatisfaction. Personal Relationships,13(4), 465-483 [9] X Research source Byers, E. S., & Demmons, S. (1999). Sexual satisfaction and sexual self‐disclosure within dating relationships. Journal of Sex Research, 36(2), 180-189 [10] X Research source Haavio-Mannila, E., & Kontula, O. (1997). Correlates of increased sexual satisfaction. Archives of sexual behavior, 26(4), 399-419 It can be hard to establish and maintain open communication with your partner, especially if you aren't comfortable with sex and what you want. Think about what you can say and still feel comfortable and safe. There are various ways for WSW to protect against the contraction of STIs during sex, though these methods are not well studied. Dental dams, condoms on sex toys, gloves, and cling wraps are all used as protection during various forms of sex. Most WSW do not use protection during sex, due to misconceptions that a lower risk of STI transmission means that barriers are not needed. [20] Engaging in oral sex without the use of a dental dam or condom is considered a high risk sexual behavior. [17] Mijas, Magdalena; Grabski, Bartosz; Blukacz, Mateusz; Davies, Dominic (2021-06-01). "Sexual Health Studies in Gay and Lesbian People: A Critical Review of the Literature". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 18 (6): 1012–1023. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.02.013. ISSN 1743-6095. PMID 33947648. S2CID 233742279.

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

a b Badenes-Ribera, Laura; Bonilla-Campos, Amparo; Frias-Navarro, Dolores; Pons-Salvador, Gemma; Monterde-i-Bort, Hector (2015-05-27). "Intimate Partner Violence in Self-Identified Lesbians". Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. 17 (3): 284–297. doi: 10.1177/1524838015584363. ISSN 1524-8380. PMID 26018210. S2CID 206737985. Women who have sex with women ( WSW) are women who engage in sexual activities with other women, whether they identify themselves as lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual, or dispense with sexual identification altogether. [1] The term WSW is often used in medical literature to describe such women as a group for clinical study, without needing to consider sexual self-identity. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report: Cases of HIV Infection and AIDS in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2006. Centers for Disease Control. Retrieved on January 9, 2009. A population-based study completed by the National Alcohol Research Center found that women who identify as lesbian or bisexual are less likely to abstain from alcohol. Lesbians and bisexual women have a higher likelihood of reporting problems with alcohol, as well as not being satisfied with treatment for substance use programs. [34] Many lesbian communities are centered in bars, and drinking is an activity that correlates to community participation for lesbians and bisexual women. [35] Intimate partner violence [ edit ]

It can be difficult to draw robust and wide reaching conclusions about WSW, since many studies fail to specifically include this group. [38] [39] Little scholarly research is done on WSW relative to other sexual minority groups. [25] Research on sexual health is generally about pregnancy and heterosexual sex, with the needs of WSW largely ignored. [18] Studies on intimate partner violence often fail to report the sex of the perpetrator or the sexual orientation of the victim, making it difficult to study the prevalence in WSW communities. [37] See also [ edit ]Haavio-Mannila, E., & Kontula, O. (1997). Correlates of increased sexual satisfaction. Archives of sexual behavior, 26(4), 399-419 Admit your discomfort. If you feel anxious, say so. Opening up about your concerns might help you start the conversation. Tell your partner if you feel shy about discussing what you want, and ask for reassurance that your partner is open to the conversation. Wondering how to be better in bed? While there is no one definition of what “ good sex” looks like, there are a number of tips that may improve the enjoyment of your sex life. Through solo sex, you can explore what feels good in your body, [and] thank your body for all it does for you, [by] being your own pleasure advocate,” Mourikis explains.