Assuming cleanliness equals healthiness
“A common sex mistake people make is mistaking good hygiene for good health,” says Noni Ayana, a sexologist and founder of E.R.I.S. Consulting LLC. But just because your partner may appear clean and attractive on the outside, doesn’t mean they’re free of STDS. Plenty of STDs don’t show outward symptoms. A healthy sex life should include ongoing dialogue between sexual partners discussing a plan on how to keep each other safe and healthy.
Hitting this one super-painful spot on women
The fourchette is the thin area of skin across the bottom of the vaginal opening and is, by far, the most common place women experience pain during intercourse, says Nicole Prause, PhD, a sex expert at Liberos LLC. “Couples seem to overwhelmingly focus on penetration and pounding, and sexual positions often are not mindful of creating extra friction across this sensitive area, causing it to burn, swell and even rip,” she says. The remedy? Lots and lots of foreplay, checking in regularly during sex and stopping anything that’s causing pain.
Stopping sex if the man loses oomph
“I have no idea why the myth persists that an erect penis must stay erect to show interest. Sex that is focused on pleasure is likely to explore many different types of pleasure, including relaxing pleasure, like a massage and comforting touch, like hugs,” Prause says. “An erection alone does not mean that it is ‘penetration time’ and is not the only indicator of what a guy might want. Just as with women: ask.”
